Birding at Ding Darling

The fabulous Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on beautiful Sanibel Island, Florida, is today’s topic. Among the many stunningly beautiful birds I saw on Wednesday, June 29, 2013, were White Pelicans; Brown Pelicans; American White Ibises; Great Egrets,; Reddish Egrets; Tri-color Herons; Little Blue Herons, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, several types of Sea Gulls; Osprey; and the most beautifully pink Roseate Spoonbills!

An enormous feeding frenzy happened during the change of tides outward to sea from the lagoon and Mangrove marshes.  The exposed sandbars and channel bottoms offered tasty shrimp and other aquatic delights for the hungry throng of birds!  It was a cloudy and windy morning when I took these pictures at about 8:00.

I highly recommend that you visit this spectacular protected wildlife-rich place.  There are easy, level hiking trails, and a four mile car drive through the heart of the refuge.  I recommend both.  There are several observation towers and plenty to see.  There is a modest charge for hiking and for you to drive your own car and tour through the refuge (We used our National Parks pass).   Check ahead with the refuge for open hours and more information.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture.  Enjoy!

An Eastern Bluebird Sitting Pretty

I took these pictures of an Eastern Bluebird sitting on the electric line next to my house on October 17, 2012.  We still have a flock of Eastern Bluebirds here in spite of the fact that most of the leaves are now off of the trees.  These insect-eaters have been swooping around the yard catching all manner of small gnats and bugs in the  air and on the grass.  They also keep the flies in check which is important since there is a herd of cattle just across the pond.  These are useful, very beautiful birds and I am glad they are here!  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture.  Enjoy!