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Fact Box

Merry Beth Ryan, a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, can be reached at www.merrybethryanphotography.com, by e-mail at mbr1965@comcast.net or by phone (941) 544-5023.

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Make one of your New Years' resolutions a promise to get out and enjoy the great outdoors more with your family this year.

Being able to explore an island as beautiful as Boca Grande is a gift in itself as Boca Grande is certainly a tropical paradise.

This untouched southwest island is rich with history, entertainment and natural beauty. It's also known for its white sandy beaches and world-famous tarpon fishing.

The island also is home to many different wildlife species lucky enough to have the same ZIP code.

The entire Gasparilla Island is a wildlife sanctuary. Islanders cherish the wildlife and want visitors to familarize themselves with it and help preserve the environment at the same time.

Boca Grande will surely whet your appetite for natural wonders. Keep your binoculars trained on the trees on the island watching for woodpeckers, hawks, osprey, eagles, herons, kingfishers, scrub jays, hummingbirds, ibises, and many other birds that call Boca Grande home throughout the year.

There are osprey nests everywhere as you cross over the swing bridge to the island. By the time you have crossed the bridge you likely have seen a dolphin or two as well swimming in the beautiful blue green water on either side of the road. There is just something about seeing "Flipper" that quickly reminds us all that Boca Grande is truly a unique special destination. Seeing the dolphin jump and play in the water is always exciting.

Pelicans - brown as well as the white pelican - are a big attractions to island visitors. This time of the year white pelicans are plentiful.

Don't be surprised if you see a manatee or two as you explore the island. They tend to get into the local canals as well as in the Gulf. The first time you see a manatee up close will be a memory etched in your mind forever. "Sea cows" move very slowly and are a gentle aquatic mammal. They can be seen coming to the surface to breathe then dipping back below the water.

Gopher turtles and sea turtles are common island sights. Gopher turtles are land-dwelling turtles.

The Loggerhead sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs from May 1 through Oct. 31. During turtle season observe and respect their nests. It is against the law to disturb turtle nests in any way.

Iguanas are still spotted regularly on island. There surely is not the number of them that there once was but still they do wander around. The spiny black tailed iguanas do bite so be careful.

If you're on the water keep your eyes open for leaping spotted eagle rays. What a sight to see! Their markings are beautiful and when they are in flight with their wings spread they will get your attention in a hurry. You will be able to see cownose rays as well as stingrays from the water and sometimes from the beach as well.

There are three state parks in the area to view wildlife including Cayo Costa, Gasparilla Island State Recreational area and Don Pedro State Park.

If you're looking to get back in touch with nature and you want to get up close and personal with some of Florida's special wildlife Boca Grande is a place to visit. Have your camera ready because on any given day you just are not sure what rae sight might appear.

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