The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, off the south west coast of Florida, is one of my favorite places to just wander around. I'm very lucky because my wife Peg and I have friends who invite us down to Sanibel Island nearly every year for a week or so. The Refuge was named after a well known nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist by the name of Jay Norwood Darling who grew up during the Depression and saw the impact that the Dust Bowl had on wildlife and migratory birds. He was appointed as Chief of the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey (later known as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) by President Roosevelt in 1934. The Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge was created by President Truman in 1945; and in 1967, the Refuge was renamed the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Along the many trails that take you through saltwater estuaries, mangrove swamps, wooded rises and freshwater streams, you may be lucky enough to see some of the nearly 300 species of birds, more that 50 types of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 30 kinds of mammals. These don't even include the many insects, trees, flowers and grasses that are present. At times the numbers of birds that are present is overwhelming. Ibises, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets are among many that you see
Here, we see a gathering of white pelicans, all of them fishing or swallowing what they have caught. Beautiful birds that appear clumsy when on land, but are majestic when they glide through the air.
Having finished their snack, the white pelicans line up and follow the appointed leader to the next dining spot.
These two egrets are involved in a type of cooperative feeding technique. While the lower bird sits waiting, the upper bird that is flying low over the water is dragging its feet thru the water
One of my favorite places at the Refuge is in the Mangrove swamps area. You never know what you might find there. Hundreds of these little Mangrove Tree crabs can be seen running along the branches of the mangrove trees.
In this picture, a small group of wood storks are stirring the muck and sand for whatever quarry might be a tasteful morsel for their palate.
Here, we see a gathering of white pelicans, all of them fishing or swallowing what they have caught. Beautiful birds that appear clumsy when on land, but are majestic when they glide through the air.
Having finished their snack, the white pelicans line up and follow the appointed leader to the next dining spot.
In this picture, a Great Blue Heron is scrutinizing the nearby waters for any sign of a fish.
A peculiar sight is seeing the Anhinga, or "snakebird" because of its long neck, standing with its wings spread out. The anhinga swims under water and spears fish with its sharp bill. Unlike most other water birds, the anhinga does not secret oils to waterproof its wings; therefore it must take the time to dry out its wings after it has been fishing underwater.
These two egrets are involved in a type of cooperative feeding technique. While the lower bird sits waiting, the upper bird that is flying low over the water is dragging its feet thru the water
trying to scare the fish over towards his partner, sitting on the shore.
One of my favorite places at the Refuge is in the Mangrove swamps area. You never know what you might find there. Hundreds of these little Mangrove Tree crabs can be seen running along the branches of the mangrove trees.
Another Great Blue Heron is caught looking for something to eat.
Of course, when you visit Florida you expect to see alligators. There is a place called Alligator Alley, as you drive out of the Refuge, Here the chances of seeing an alligator is very high. We have seen as many as ten or twelve as we webt through this area.
One year we were walking along the main road that takes us through the estuarine water ways, we reached a small wooded area. Suddenly a family of raccoons came running out towards us. Initially shocked, we backed off, but it became obvious to us that they were looking for a handout. In spite of warnings to not feed the wildlife, these raccoons had obviously convinced previous visitors to disobey the rules. They certainly are cute, but they are wild.
It did not take long for Mamma , or Poppa, to appear and instruct their young'uns to behave.
It was great to discover this family.
Of course, when you visit Florida you expect to see alligators. There is a place called Alligator Alley, as you drive out of the Refuge, Here the chances of seeing an alligator is very high. We have seen as many as ten or twelve as we webt through this area. In other parts of the Refuge you might also be lucky enough to see a saltwater crocodile. By the Refuges account, there has been one that has "more-or-less" settled in the Refuge.
Within the estuary fish are plentiful. It is one of the reason why so many migratory birds spend time here. It is also an attractant for Osprey, and there are many of them here.
Birds and animals are not the only attraction of the Refuge. Many different species of plants are also found here, and they have a beauty all their own.
Near the wooded areas, you often find vines of morning glories, such as the one pictured here.
Within the estuary fish are plentiful. It is one of the reason why so many migratory birds spend time here. It is also an attractant for Osprey, and there are many of them here.
Birds and animals are not the only attraction of the Refuge. Many different species of plants are also found here, and they have a beauty all their own.
Near the wooded areas, you often find vines of morning glories, such as the one pictured here. 
Hi Tony - I enjoyed reading your blog. Just wanted to point out a few identification problems with the birds.The first "Great Blue Heron" is a Little Blue Heron - essentially a blue-gray bird with a maroon neck and head and a bicolored beak. The "Anhinga" is a Double-crested Cormorant. The two white egrets are actually different species, the larger bird on the bank is a Great Egret - heavy yellow bill and dark legs and toes - the smaller flying bird is a Snowy Egret - slender black bill with yellow facial skin and black legs with yellow toes.The second Great Blue Heron is a Tricolored Heron. In Florida identifying white herons is complicated - as well as the 2 egrets mentioned above there are also white Great Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets and white immature Little Blues! All the best, Paul
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