Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida is one of the best places to see shy birds up close. This Yellow-Crowned Night Heron was hunting crabs in the tangle of mangrove roots along Wildlife Drive when we visited at low tide.

The Night Herons are more nocturnal than most herons, but won’t pass up a tasty crab even in broad daylight if they are hungry. They roost in small groups in the Refuge. We’ve seen their nests, and the eggs are the most unbelievable sky blue. The baby herons are noisy and rowdy, always begging their hard-working parents for more food.

Black-Crowned Night Herons also live in the Refuge, and I hope to get a good photo of one while we’re down here. I’ll let you know if I do.