Tarpon Bay Road
Sanibel

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This place is an absolute paradise for birders. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge isn't just one of the best spots in South Florida to see our avian friends; it's one of the top spots in the nation. Shore birds, waders, hawks, migratory birds, year-round residents can be found in its 6,400 acres. Among the species we saw during our two-visit in October: bald eagles, magnificent frigate birds, reddish egrets and white pelicans. Also spotted, cormorants, anhingas, green herons, willets, black-bellied plovers, ospreys, ibis roseate spoonbills — the list goes on and on.

But the refuge offers a lot more than birds. Snakes gators, racoons, rabbits, butterfiles, wildflowers, dolphins and manatees were evident during our stay. Trees were covered with mangove crabs; horseshoe crabs were found in various spots along the main trail. What makes "Ding" Darling — named after the noted newspaper cartoonist and conservation advocate — so special is its marine habitats — mangrove forests, estuaries, bays and inlets — which nurtures life along every link of the food chain. The place is a natural paradise.

The refuge is the heart and soul of conservation-minded Sanibel Island. Admission to the nature center is free but to take in Wildlife Drive requires a fee of $1 per pedestrian or bicyclist, or $5 per car. The drive is closed every Friday. Also part of "Ding" Darling is the Bailey Tract.