Hi All,
This weekend (4/12/08) we went out to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. We arrived at about noon and low tide was about 1:30. Low tide is the perfect time to go bird watching as they typically are more actively looking for food.
Over 4 hours we saw pelicans, spoonbills, woodpeckers, cardinals, herons, cat birds, and one bird we are not sure of (pics 4,5). There were also cute raccoons, lizards, crabs, gators and more.
What we really like about Ding Darling is that you can drive it. It gets really hot even this time of year and the quick cool off in the AC helps. It's about 5 miles and all along the way you can park and get out and explore further. They have several 1/3 to 2 mail tails that you can walk into the mangroves and really get close the wildlife.
My wife and I do Sanibel Island Photography (wedding and portrait) so I thought it appropriate to post to the "Local Patch". On our link we have some other suggestions for a full day on Sanibel, but here I stuck with the bird report.
Keep in mind Ding Darling is closed on Friday to give the birds rest... I hope you enjoyed the post and I would be happy to answer any questions.
This weekend (4/12/08) we went out to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. We arrived at about noon and low tide was about 1:30. Low tide is the perfect time to go bird watching as they typically are more actively looking for food.
Over 4 hours we saw pelicans, spoonbills, woodpeckers, cardinals, herons, cat birds, and one bird we are not sure of (pics 4,5). There were also cute raccoons, lizards, crabs, gators and more.
What we really like about Ding Darling is that you can drive it. It gets really hot even this time of year and the quick cool off in the AC helps. It's about 5 miles and all along the way you can park and get out and explore further. They have several 1/3 to 2 mail tails that you can walk into the mangroves and really get close the wildlife.
My wife and I do Sanibel Island Photography (wedding and portrait) so I thought it appropriate to post to the "Local Patch". On our link we have some other suggestions for a full day on Sanibel, but here I stuck with the bird report.
Keep in mind Ding Darling is closed on Friday to give the birds rest... I hope you enjoyed the post and I would be happy to answer any questions.