J.N. DING DARLING REFUGE
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.
Popular birds that can be viewed often at the refuge are White Pelicans, Wood Storks, Roseatte Spoonbills, Egrets, Ibis, Ospreys, Bald Eagles -- and many others. The refuge is located within an estuary, which creates some of the most nutritionally rich habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals.
White Pelicans arrive to the tidal flats in Ding Darling during a morning low tide. This morning dozens congregated in this area for a spectacular scene.
The magnificent White Pelican in flight. The wingspan of an adult can approach 10-12 feet.
Low tide at Ding Darling as the brilliant colored Roseatte Spoonbill preens its feathers. The flamboyant Roseate Spoonbill is identified by its bright pink feathers, red eye staring out from a partly bald head, and giant spoon-shaped bill. Groups sweep their spoonbills through shallow fresh or salt waters snapping up crustaceans and fish.
This is a Wood Stork in flight. Although this stork doesn't bring babies, it is a good flier, soaring on thermals with neck and legs outstretched. This bald-headed wading bird stands just over 3 feet tall, towering above almost all other wetland birds.
The extensive mangrove forests and productive seagrass beds not only add beauty to the tropical enviornment but also provide the basis of their intricate food web. Mangrove forests and swamps truly defines the Refuge because it is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States
The Great Egret is a dazzling sight at Ding Darling, Slightly smaller than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. Great Egrets were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes in the late nineteenth century, sparking conservation movements and some of the first laws to protect birds. As you can see, the crowning jewel of J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge is the abundance of migratory birds of all kinds.