"Ding" Darling Observation Tower, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
Posted by: 
BoomersOTR
N 26° 27.825 W 082° 08.014
17R E 386999 N 2927541
Elevated birdwatching tower in the wildlife refuge.
Waymark Code: WMZF45
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/01/2018
Views: 8
In the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a 4 mile wildlife drive. This drive can be done by motor vehicle for a cost of $5.00 per auto. It can also be bicycled or hiked for a $1.00 per person fee.
There are numerous places along the drive to stop and view wildlife, particularly birds. One spot consists of a birdwatching tower. This tower has two levels. The first level is accessed by a ramp or stairs and has two binoculars mounted for viewing. One for adults and youth and another one for wheelchairs. The second level is accessed by a stairway and has one binocular for viewing.
Birds can be viewed in both the freshwater wetland area and the saltwater tidal area. Best time for birding are in the fall and winter with Jan - April being the best. Year round birds that can be seen from this area are the Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, Black-necked Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Mangrove Cuckoo, Brown Pelican, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron, Wood Stork and Rosette Spoonbill to just name a few. Be sure to keep an eye out for other wildlife including otters, raccoons and alligators.
There is space for setting up tripods and scopes as well as chairs.
Park Name: J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
Entrance Fee: 5.00 (listed in local currency)
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
Numerous other birdwatching platforms, boardwalks, trails, gazebos, covered shelters are available.
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
A clear, original image is required to log a visit to a waymark in this category. The image must contain a bird at the site, a nest, or other evidence that visitors partook in the delight of birdwatching at this site. Please tell us about your experience with an identification of a bird or two that you've seen!