Discoveries in Sanibel's Ding Darling Preserve

The poster used to advertise Ding Darling Days pretty much says it all. The color artwork displays many of the flora and fauna to be found in this unique Nature Preserve. But some of the detail is so subtle that a casual glance will miss it. (hints: look for the raccoon tail, the bobcat's paw prints and the tiny sand crab!)

As the saying goes, and is most definitely true in this case, art is imitating life.The Ding Darling Nature Preserve can be visited every day of the year it is open, and each day will offer a new discovery. But these "hidden" creatures are there all the time, you are just not seeing them. Like the raccoon, bobcat and crab in the promotional art, the creatures in Ding Darling are out in the open many times, but the natural camouflage or hurried viewing will keep them from being sighted.

Ding Darling is a very special natural habitat and is the defining attribute to Sanibel Island. Many towns share the same Gulf, some even have good shell collecting, but none of them have Ding Darling!

The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 500 United States Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S Department of Interior refuges managed within the country.Regular wildlife surveys are conducted to monitor populations of migratory birds and their production, and to establish trends for a number of species, primarily birds. The refuge monitors colonial nesting and roosting bird numbers, shorebird populations, mottled duck, pelican and osprey production, and alligator and red-shouldered hawk abundance.

A weekly Wildlife Drive survey is conducted on Fridays, when the Reserve is closed to the public, to monitor the abundance and diversity of bird populations using refuge wetlands. Water levels are monitored continuously.Ding Darling Days are a series of events held in October when the whole family can enjoy the Refuge in a variety of ways.There are bike tours and kayak tours.

There are cruises and lectures and birding caravans. But you don't have to wait until October to discover Ding Darling for yourself. The biggest attraction, the Refuge's residents, are there all year long and challenging you to find them. Bring your binoculars and your quietest behavior and you will be sure to be delighted with what Ding Darling has to offer!