Coquina Beach - Bradenton

​Coquina Beach is a long stretch of soft white sand ending at the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. It has a really large parking area, most of it shaded by tall Australian pines. There is even a section for RV's. There are picnic tables under the trees also - great for those hot summer days. Restrooms and showers are available as well.

​The day we were there was one of those perfect Florida winter days. It was breezy, and not too hot or too cold. The water was another story. It took a minute or two for our feet to get used to it. We set up our folding chairs by the water and took a little walk to the south end where we watched boats of various kinds going in and out through the breach way. We went back to our chairs and watched the waves for a while – just basking in the beauty of it all – just listening to the calming surf and calls of the shore birds.

​Later, I walked north along the water's edge. I noticed a large flock of birds in the sand. As I got closer, I could see that it was a mixed flock of mostly black skimmers with some terns and gulls. I stepped closer and closer, taking pictures all the time. They were quite unafraid! I got as close as a yard from the nearest bird, a tern. It appeared to only want to sleep. It was an awesome experience.

---

Written by Lucy Noe