Wildlife Surges Around Englewood as Spring Arrives

Sea turtles, migratory birds, and alligators are all on the move in Southwest Florida

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:34am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a sea turtle repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in bright neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern, abstract interpretation of coastal wildlife.The vibrant wildlife of Englewood's coastal ecosystem comes alive in a bold, pop art-inspired celebration of the area's natural diversity.Englewood Today

As the weather warms up in Southwest Florida, the Englewood area is seeing a surge of wildlife activity. Sea turtle nesting season has begun, migratory birds like warblers and Swallow-tailed Kites have returned, and alligator sightings are on the rise. Dolphins and manatees are also being spotted more frequently in the local bays and waterways. Residents and visitors are advised to be mindful of the wildlife and follow guidelines to protect nesting areas and avoid disturbing the animals.

Why it matters

The increased wildlife activity in Englewood is a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. However, it also requires residents and visitors to be more vigilant in order to coexist safely with the animals. Protecting nesting areas and giving the wildlife space is crucial to ensuring the continued well-being of these species.

The details

Sea turtle nesting season kicked off on March 1, with Leatherback turtles already turning up on local beaches. Loggerhead turtles are expected to arrive in April. Beachgoers are advised to keep the beaches 'Clean, Dark, and Flat' to give the turtles the best chance at nesting. Migratory birds like warblers are passing through, and resident species like eagles, herons, and woodpeckers are very active. Audubon Florida has marked off areas for beach-nesting birds like Least Terns and Black Skimmers, which should be avoided. Alligator sightings are up as temperatures climb, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends monitoring children and pets near the water's edge. Dolphins have been spotted foraging and playing in Englewood and Lemon Bay, while manatees are leaving their winter hangouts and can be found in the area's bays and canals. The Englewood Shell Club has been holding events, and beachgoers have been finding prehistoric shark teeth along the shore.

  • Sea turtle nesting season kicked off on March 1, 2026.
  • Loggerhead turtles are expected to arrive in Englewood in April 2026.
  • The Englewood Earth Day celebration at Buchan Air Park is scheduled for April 19, 2026.

The players

Audubon Florida

A non-profit organization that works to protect birds and their habitats.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The state agency responsible for managing Florida's fish and wildlife resources.

Englewood Shell Club

A local organization that promotes shelling and educates the public about the area's coastal ecology.

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What’s next

The Englewood Earth Day celebration at Buchan Air Park on April 19, 2026 will feature the Englewood Shell Club and provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the area's coastal ecology and wildlife.

The takeaway

The surge of wildlife activity in Englewood is a testament to the health of the local ecosystem, but it also requires residents and visitors to be mindful and respectful of the animals' needs. By following guidelines to protect nesting areas and giving the wildlife space, the community can ensure the continued well-being of these species.