Anna Maria Island

Birds and Birding

Bird Watching on Anna Maria Island...

Birdwatching, or 'birding' as its commonly referred, is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye, through binoculars or from behind a camera lens. Birding and bird watching mean the same thin, the activity of observing birds in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds you are watching, and understand what they are doing.

Some bird species are more readily detected and identified by ear than by eye, which is why birding involves an auditory component as well as the accompanying visual display.

Dolphin Watching

Watching the Dolphins of Anna Maria Island...

As soon as you feel the warm, sugar-white sands of Anna Maria Island touch the soles of your feet, you will know you have arrived at a vacation destination like no other.

On Anna Maria Island there is no need to plan your day around the best times to avoid crowds and traffic delays. Once your feet hit the beaches and your toes touch the Gulf surf, you just go with the flow.

Many Attractions and Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

Although there is nothing more enjoyable than languishing on a blanket on the beach in the sun, there are many attractions worth taking in. So don't languish too long. Make sure you take time to enjoy the wildlife. Anna Maria Island is a birdwatchers dream, and of course there are the Dolphins.

Missing Link To Human Evolution

Missing Link Between Monkeys, Apes and Humans?

The skeletal remains of a 47-million-year-old lemur-like creature have been unveiled in the US.

The fossil is so well preserved, you can actually make out the outline of its fur and see traces of its last meal.

Being the size of a small cat with four long legs and a long tail, could this find be an indication of what our ancestors looked like?

Missing Link To Human Evolution?

Some have hailed the creature as the "missing link" between today's higher primates - monkeys, apes and humans - and more distant relatives. Could such a discovery help fill in the evolutionary gaps and illuminate the early evolution of primates?

Some independent experts on the subject are sceptical and saying, "not so quick", as they await an opportunity to see the new fossil first hand and make up their minds for themselves.

Here, in a David Attenborough-narrated BBC programme, Uncovering Our Earliest Ancestor, the fossil is revealed in virtual reality... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8057977.stm.

A Native Florida Landscape

Using Native Landscaping to Enhance the Local Environement...

Using native landscaping in historic setting to help demonstrate how to incorporate native plants into a residential environment.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is attempting to set an axample for the residence of Anna Maria Island when it comes to incorporating the use of native plants when landscaping residential lots in the citiy.

According to Historical Society members, There is a lack of awareness and aesthetic appreciation for native plants relative to their water conservation, wildlife food source benefits, habitat creation, and replacement value for lawns that consume water, are treated with chemicals that run into the surrounding water, and create grass clippings that add negative nutrients to these waters.

At the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Complex, property owned by Anna Maria City, there is currently a public works buildings with a maintenance yard and the Historical Society Museum. Also on the site is the recently moved and restored historic Belle Haven Cottage.

Lights Out For Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Help Ensure a Successful Sea Turtle Nesting Season...

Sea turtle nesting season has begun on Florida's beaches, which means beach residents and visitors need to follow a few precautions to ensure a successful season.

Call Patricia Behnke at 850-251-2130 for more information.

FWC photo... Loggerhead hatchlings can become disoriented by beach lighting as they try to head to the ocean.

Shield Lights To Help Save Turtles

Lights along the beach should be managed to prevent disorienting a female that comes ashore at night, according to biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

To do this, lights that are needed for human safety should be shielded so they are not visible from the beach or turned off when not needed.  The instincts of the ancient sea creature tell her to proceed toward the brighter horizon over the ocean. Bright lights on the landward side of the beach can confuse the nesting sea turtle and the hatchlings that emerge from the nest. Lights on the beach can lead them away from the ocean.

"Just one light can kill thousands of turtles over several years," said Dr. Robbin Trindell, a biologist with the FWC. "Many lights burn all night without contributing to human safety."

Oil Rigs Off The Shores Of Florida

Will We One Day See Oil Rigs From The Beaches Of Anna Maria Island?

"An amendment adopted by the Florida House Policy Council would allow for oil and natural gas exploration in Florida state waters 3 to 10 miles off shore."

It appears as though the answer to the question, "Will we one day see oil rigs from the beaches of Anna Maria Island?" is clear... PERHAPS!

It was recently reported in the Bradenton Herald that in an attempt to open new revenue streams for the state’s ailing budget, lawmakers voted 17 to 6 in favor of a bill that supports the oil and gas industry and opens Florida state waters to oil and gas exploration.

The House Policy Councel approved an amendment by Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Orlando, that would lift Florida’s ban on oil drilling in state waters and replace it with a plan to allow the governor and Florida Cabinet to seek bidders for exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico between three and 10 miles offshore.

That could mean drilling platforms between three and ten miles of that Anna Maria Island coastline!

Turtle Watch Adopt A Nest and Adopt A Hatchling Programs

Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest or Hatchling Today, and Give the Gift That Keeps on Giving...

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch "Adopt a Nest & Adopt a Hatchling" programs truly a gift that keeps on giving.

The local Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch "Adopt a Nest" program is very popular.

For a suggested donation of $100, you get a plaque posted at a nest with your choice of wording. Turtle Watch collects the data and contacts you when your nest hatches. You recieve copies of the data sheets and you get your plaque.

The local Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch "Adopt a Hatchling" program is also very popular as a gift.

Each "Adopt a Hatchling" package comes with an 8x10 certificate of adoption with a picture of your bouncing baby sea turtle hatchling. It includes our "Lights out" stickers, a turtle tattoo and other information about sea turtles on Anna Maria Island.

Earth Day Awareness

Inspired Awareness and Appreciation For The Earth's Environment...

Sponsored by the good folks at Anna Maria Island Accommodations. Your one stop vacation rentals and property management authority for all Anna Maria Island, inlcuding Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria City.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is celebrated in the United States on April 22.

Beach Etiquette During Turtle Nesting Season

Help Sea Turtles With A Little Common Sense...

We all love to see the sea turtles, but we really do need to use common sense when we come face to face with one.

Humans are the greatest liability to the survival and well being of all species of sea turtles. So when coming across a female during nesting season, or a new born hatchling... its important that we maintain proper etiquette.

Beach Etiquette & How You Can Help Sea Turtles... by Turtle Watch

• If you find a live hatchling on the shore call AMITW @ 778 5638.

• Minimize beachfront lighting visible from the beach.

• Do not approach an adult turtle coming out of the water to nest. You may startle her and she may return to the water without nesting.

• Do not position yourself in front of a nesting female. This action may cause her to abort her nesting attempt.

• Avoid using flashlights or flash cameras. Lights disrupt or disorient nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.

• Watch for and avoid hatchlings emerging from a nest. They are small and easily stepped on in the dark.

• Do not drive any unauthorized vehicles on the beach at night.

• Fill in holes in the sand on the beach after your day of fun.

Turtle Watch Prepares For Turtle Nesting Season

Turtle Nesting
Season Begins on Anna Maria Island Beaches...

It's being reported that local Anna Maria Island officials and Turtle Watch have been preparing for this year's sea turtle protection effort".

As is the case every year around April, endangered sea turtles in the local area waters are expected to begin nesting on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.

In anticipation of this annual ecological event, officials have been looking to the public for help in protecting the turtles as well as with observing this amazing ancient ritual.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, although sea turtles are in fact among the oldest creatures on earth and are believed to have been nesting on beaches for some 110 million years, the journey taken from the sea to the sand and back to the sea again is a perilous one indeed. So perilous for the turtle hatchlings that their ultimate survival is largely in human hands.

Meet "Lefty", The Sea Turtle Hatchling That Got Left Behind and Survived!

The local sea turtles and their hatchlings are at risk from artificial lighting and scavengers. If you want more information about how you can help save the sea turtles, call Turtle Watch at 778-5638.  Or read, Making it Safer for Sea Turtles During Their Nesting and Hatching Season to learn more.