Simply put, Sanibel Island is a birder's paradise. The crown jewel of birding areas is the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, over 7,000 acres of mangrove estuary, tropical hardwood hammocks, beaches and inland freshwater marshes that are home to local and migratory birds. Birds that may be seen within the Ding Darling NWR are herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, ibis, cormorants, osprey and many other species. The best time to see birds in the NWR is at low tide, early morning or late afternoon.

Late afternoon is also a good time to see shorebirds darting in and out of the surf, looking for an easy dinner. The birds that can easily be seen along the water are gulls, royal terns, pelicans, sanderlings and many others.

You should also keep your eyes open for rare birds that may visit for a night or two! These birds might include woodstorks (endangered), bald eagles and snail kites.

Tram tours are available at the Ding Darling Visitor Center and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We can also help you arrange for private guides within the NWR. These guides are quite in-demand during season, so we suggest booking with us well in advance!

For a preview of what you might find, please take a look at some beautiful photographs, courtesy of the Refuge Reporter.