I had the chance to visit the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel, FL this past week. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located in southwestern Florida, on Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is named for the cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. With a 4 mile driving and biking trail and multiple hiking trails it is very accessible and an ideal place for outdoor enthusiast. I would recommend going as early as you can, the refuge opens at 7:00am during the month of February which coincides with the sunrise. Low tide is also a good time as the birds are forging for food in the exposed bottom. Bring your biggest lens and a tripod but also a 80-200 zoom and keep an eye out on the edges of the road and water. You can get very close to most birds by looking in these areas which are often hidden from the road. Also if coming at this time of year bring bug repellent with DEET the small flys or "no-see-ums" are brutal.

Gear: Nikon 810, Nikon 7100, Nikon 600 F5.6, Nikon 300 F4, Nikon 80-200 F4, Bogen Tripod