Florida, J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Mobile Blogging, Sanibel Island, Southwest Florida

The arch at the Ding

20140530-143424-52464700.jpgThis arch marks the entrance to the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Center. It was made by the same artist who made the faux scat for the scat trail at the new wildlife boardwalk. There are a number of plant and wildlife species woven into the design. People were standing around the archway, trying to count how many. I heard the number "17" being tossed around…

Florida, J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Mobile Blogging, Sanibel Island, Southwest Florida

Environmental education at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

20140530-102337-37417005.jpgThis morning, I’m attending an environmental education conference at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida. The conference opened with a short hike to the new Wildlife Education Boardwalk. Here’s the view of the “tunnel” into the mangroves that flows beside the new observation tower. Looking forward to learning more today on beautiful Sanibel Island.

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Where the panther was seen



Where the panther was seen, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*.

Several nature lovers have reported panther sightings in the Slough this spring – and one was right around this spot! I’m seated in a rocking chair in the shade, back porch of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve visitor center. Breezy back here – nothing but the sounds of the wind, the birds, insects humming and singing, and the occasional plop of a fish jumping. I could be persuaded to nap…

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Pineland – Calusa Heritage Trail, Part 2

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IMG_1258We’re picking up the walk around Pineland where we left off. Here’s a bird who’s got a lot in common with that guy who still lives in his mom’s basement. He sure looks like a grown-up osprey, but he was whining like a baby. “Feed! Me! Feed! Me! Feed! Me! he cried, in clipped, rapid succession.
IMG_1266Meanwhile, an adult in a tree some distance away flatly refused to bring food. Instead, she ocassionally called out encouragingly, “Get a job, you slacker – go out and hunt! The free ride is OVAH!” 😉 I have encountered this sort of stand-off before, at the Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel. Coaxing the young adults out of the nest seems like hard work, and it probably is – but in the case of the osprey, we cannot blame the economy!

IMG_1247On a mound that overlooks the water, we found a spot where a rabbit had been shedding (there wasn’t really enough of it to assume there had been a “circle of life”-type struggle).

IMG_1270This sign looks melted. We’re wondering if fire came through once upon a time and also wondering why no one has carted it away.

IMG_1277This made me laugh. Yes, OBVIOUSLY, one can hike in either direction, but more to the reason for laughter, it reminds me of the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. “Of course, some people do go both ways.”

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We came upon an entire osprey family on their nest, which had the most unfortunate piece of lumber sticking straight up, bisecting the tableau. Upon closer inspection, it looks like it was nailed up there on purpose to keep the nest from toppling over. At first, I didn’t see the two chicks in the center, and thought it was just a parent and a juvenile. Then the chicks popped their heads up, all staring curiosity, and the whole family posed nicely for me. I think the one on the right is from an earlier brood; he doesn’t look quite adult to me, but he’s clearly more mature than the two in the center.

IMG_1285Osprey chicks – faces only a mother could love. Despite their scrawny little heads with large staring eyes, they are somehow still every inch adorable!

IMG_1305This dead tree was riddled with line after line of perforations – must be a real favorite of the local woodpecker population. The air plant attached to the side looks like it’s still got a few buds left to bloom for the season.

Once we’d done the loop, we decided to take the shortest way back to the parking lot and get into some air conditioned goodness. Pineland is a very interesting place, and I’d like to take another tour sometime with a knowledgeable guide. However, since the trails don’t have a whole lot of shade, I think my return will be next winter, when the weather is kinder.

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Mobile Blogging

Pineland – The Calusa Heritage Trail

IMG_1308After a hike at Conservation 20/20’s Galt Preserve and lunch at the Lazy Flamingo, we explored the Calusa Heritage Trail at Pineland. This site is on Pine Island off the Lee County, Florida coast. It was once a part of the Calusa nation in Southwest Florida. The remains of several shell mounds still stand here, as well as part of the Calusa-built transportation network of canals. It was a hot afternoon – unusually hot for April – and we probably made quicker work of our self-guided tour than we would have in more pleasant weather. Still found beautiful things to see and wonder about. Let’s go!

IMG_1202At least six feet tall, this agave rises impressively from the base of on of Pineland’s shell mounds.

IMG_1206The view from the top of the mound. There are lots of theories – they’re burial grounds, they’re ceremonial, they’re sacrificial. But one thing is clear – this is pretty far up for storm surge to get you. My money is on the practical purpose – shell mounds are hurricane evacuation points.

IMG_1223Along about the beginning of June or so, the entire top of the mound is going to be bursting with the orange glow of royal poinciana.

IMG_1227Whelks were by far the most common shell I saw on the mounds, but there were ocassional other types of gastropods, such as this tulip and the fighting conch by my toes. Of course, these shells are antiquities and therefore NOT candidates for collection.

IMG_1230We found wild native poinsettia plants growing on the ascent to another mound. These are great for attracting pollinators to your garden. Notice how small the red leaves are, as compared to the cultivated variety.