Anhinga with nest material

The Birds of Ding Darling and Southwest Florida

Florida is justifiably famous for bird photography, and some of the best bird photography in Florida is to be had at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. In fact, there are several excellent bird photo hotspots along this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast surrounding Fort Myers, providing us plenty of great opportunities to capture great shots on film.

The approachability of some Florida birds is amazing. This, coupled with the wonderful climate in February, makes this an enjoyable and productive bird photography experience that you won’t want to miss. In fact, you'll probably want to return again and again.

As well as thoroughly exploring Ding Darling, we will find numerous photo opportunities on the shores of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. We'll also travel to a rookery where we can get wonderfully close to nesting herons and egrets. Here opportunities abound for great behavioral shots.

To the east lies Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, where the inland wetlands provide a different type of environment and bird life. Another unique environment reveals itself in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where a superb boardwalk provides ready access. Wood Storks nest here when conditions are favorable.

Our Florida itinerary will be flexible. The locations will be scouted in advance, so that when you arrive we can go to the most productive spots. Other highlights may include nesting Burrowing Owls, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys, as well as alligators and a host of other birds.