A New Ding Darling Worth The Wildlife Drive: Pt. III

It was an extremely enjoyable trip along Wildlife Drive in February 2015, my first visit to the refuge since its closure in 2013 for its enhancement.

The Brown Pelican above (image 1) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

Although the experience seemed familiar having visited many times before, it was indeed a trip not to be readily forgotten. 1609 images were captured with selected ones presented in this three part series.

The Brown Pelican above (image 2) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The White Ibis above (image 3) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The White Ibis above (image 4) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The White Ibis above (image 5) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The White Ibis above (image 6) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The White Ibis with Snowy Egret and Laughing Gull above (image 7) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 8) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 9) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 10) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 11) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

My greatest appreciation for what was done during the closure of the refuge was the haircut to the mangroves which significantly improves the views of the estuary and its wildlife.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 12) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull with prey above (image 13) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Willet with prey above (image 14) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above (image 15) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 16) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 17) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 18) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 19) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 20) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 21) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

Another change of significance was the relative absence of sand gnats that I have previously experienced no worse anywhere. These pests were not encountered until I was lying in the grass at the water's edge to photograph the Black-crowned Night-Heron.

The Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull above (image 22) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull harassing Snowy Egret above (image 23) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Snowy Egret with prey above (image 24) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull harassing Snowy Egret above (image 25) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Willet above (image 26) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Ring-billed Gull above (image 27) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron harassed by Tricolored Heron above (image 28) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 29) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above (image 30) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Ring-billed Gull harassing White Ibis above (image 31) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge has had its share of negative criticism. My experiences at the refuge have been extremely rewarding in recent years save one trip when the tide was high while showing family members one of my local "parks" of interest.

The Ring-billed Gull harassing White Ibis above (image 32) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 33) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 34) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 35) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Ring-billed Gull with Willet above (image 36) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Ring-billed Gull with Willet above (image 37) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull harassing Snowy Egret above (image 38) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull harassing Snowy Egret above (image 39) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Brown Pelican above (image 40) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Brown Pelican above (image 41) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The action at the refuge on the very long overdue visit was no less than stellar. It was a testament to each visit being unique. Remember that numerous trips can be made through the refuge if desired with the drive closed on Fridays.

The Laughing Gull above (image 42) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Wood Stork above (image 43) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Laughing Gull harassing Willet above (image 44) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The immature Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 45) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The immature Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 46) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The immature Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 47) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The immature Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull and Willet above (image 48) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The immature Snowy Egret with Laughing Gull above (image 49) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Brown Pelican above (image 50) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Brown Pelican above (image 51) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

One of the primary websites for Ding Darling NWR notes the importance of a low tide for best wildlife viewing. It, however, does not give you favorable dates to visit.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above (image 52) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above (image 53) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above (image 54) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

Please see my recommended times to visit Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge through the remainder of 2015 in the comments from Part I of this series.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron with prey above (image 55) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron with prey above (image 56) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in February 2015.

Please also see A New Ding Darling Worth The Wildlife Drive: Pt. I
Please also see A New Ding Darling Worth The Wildlife Drive: Pt. II