Category Archives: Wildlife

Bird flying across the sanibel island wildlife refuge

Explore Sanibel and Take the Wildlife Refuge Tram Tour

On your next trip to Sanibel Island, you’ll be right near some of the best attractions in the area. But what if you’re looking specifically for family-friendly activities in Sanibel? Are there going to be enough attractions that you and your kids can all enjoy together? Don’t worry! Sanibel Island is full of family-friendly activities, no matter what you’re interested... Read More »


birds in florida on sanibel island

Top 3 Animals You’ll Find at the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, is home to thousands of animals. It has a habitat that can only be found here and nowhere else, as many of the animals are endangered species. If you are planning on visiting, then you may want to know what you can expect to see. Here are the top 3 animals... Read More »


hog fish

10 Animals You Can See in an Artificial Reef on Sanibel Island

The artificial reef is one of the last major bastions of varied, epic, and pristine marine life. The artificial reef is a world treasure and we need to respect it and care for it. While seeing this gem of the Earth, you can find some amazing creatures. Some of them seem pulled right out of a fairy tale, yet here... Read More »


person holding binoculars

Tips for Bird Watching Near Sanibel and Captiva

If you are planning a vacation to the Sanibel and Captiva, chances are you are an avid bird watcher. While many folks will choose to go to the Ding Darling refuge, a reserve abundant with bald eagles, there is so much more one can get out of their ventures in bird watching in areas like Center Tract, Bailey Tract, Sanibel... Read More »


Bald Eagles on Sanibel Island

Bald Eagles on Sanibel Island

The bald eagle is one of the most aggressively-protected species in North America. Their rarity, iconic status, and utter beauty have captivated us for generations. Perhaps the only positive thing you can say about the lack of a strong bald eagle population is how special it is when you do see one. Their rarity makes a sighting even more spectacular.... Read More »


Sea Turtle & Marine Life Mortality – All Time High

You may or may not have heard about the red tide/algal bloom chaos that is going on in Florida, chances are you have since it’s pretty hard to ignore at this point. Below are just a few things that would be useful for the community to know in regard to the bloom and tips on what you can do to... Read More »


Coral Reef Restoration Lecture

Have an interest in helping save coral reefs or would just like to learn more about the threats harming coral reefs? Check out the free program this Friday, April 6th with guest speaker and scientist Dr. Erin Muller. There will be two lectures, 10am and 1pm and will be held at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss out on... Read More »


SCCF MARINE LAB CONSTRUCTION

The $1.6 million dollar SCCF marine laboratory’s construction is well underway. The first week of June should see the first level floor being installed and framing should start around July 4th. The anticipated completion date is December. The new building includes an outdoor experimentation area with tanks and running sea water which will allow staff to conduct on site research. Read More »


BIRDING ENTHUSIASTS FLOCK TO “DING” DARLING

A rare Great White Pelican was spotted at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge the morning of February 1st, 2017. The news quickly spread and hundreds of visitors migrated to the Refuge in hopes of seeing this unique bird which is native to Africa, Europe and Asia. This same species was spotted at “Ding” last February creating quite a stir. “Ding”... Read More »


CROW SPEAKER SERIES BEGINS

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is offering a series of speakers now through April to promote wildlife appreciation. Lectures begin at 4:15pm in the Visitor Education Center. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 13 to 17 and children under 13 are free. Visit www.crow-clinic.org for details on all of the upcoming speakers. Read More »