Animals

Tanzania, Africa

African Birds

North American Birds

Mayaka River State Park

Venice Audubon Rookery

'Ding' Darling

Everglades National Park

  


J N 'Ding' DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE


'Ding' Darling is located in Sanibel Island near Fort Myers. It is one of the famous destinations for nature enthusiast from around the globe. We started our drive from the Visitor Centre and on to the wildlife drive of mangrove wilderness. The ideal time to visit this refuge is during the low tide to observe and get great wildlife photography. Being a birdwatcher and photographer is a good combination of activity in this park. I use my binoculars to observe every bird from a distance while waiting for the low tide. As the tide goes down, the birds will come closer and it is easier to photograph.

This time, we hit the low tide and  the "feeding frenzy" of the water birds. We can photograph every bird that is feeding, preening and resting for an hour or two. The birds come in flocks  and land on the sand. Others just fly over. Until the tide rolls back in and the mud flats will be slowly filled with water again. The birds will move and eventually fly to the next feeding mud flats.




Tricolored Heron, formerly known as Louisiana Heron
Tricolored Heron
A Lone Roseate Spoonbill
A Lone Roseate Spoonbill
White Pelicans and Shorebirds
White Pelicans and Shorebirds
White Pelican In Flight
White Pelican In Flight
Flock Of White Pelicans
Flock Of White Pelicans
Spoonbills Feeding
Spoonbills Feeding
Roseates underneathe the mangrove
Roseate Spoonbills