Volunteering @ JN Ding Darling NWR - Week 1

Sanibel, FL (92 degrees, humid and hot)

Eastern Screech Owl

Our first week volunteering at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was a busy one. We work three days a week (Wednesday - Friday).  There were lots of introductions to  staff and volunteers.  The refuge has over  250 volunteers and 20 paid staff who help out in a wide range of areas.  The majority of the volunteer are in the Education Center staffing the  information desk.  Others go out on the beautiful Wildlife Drive as rovers talking to visitors as they drive, bike, or hike down the four mile drive. There are also numerous volunteer helping with  maintenance, fund raising, special events, and so much more.  

Nesting Yellow Crested Night Herons

John's first week involved trail maintenance (blower) along the Wildlife Trail and emptying mono filament tubes (fishermen put their broken fishing line in them to protect wildlife from getting tangled in it).  He also helped get a trailer ready for new interns   This involved a lot of painting and cleaning.  

Black-necked Stilt

I was oriented to working at the front desk of the Education Center answering questions and giving suggestions on how best to enjoy the refuge.  It's a big learning curve but luckily the volunteers are very knowledgeable and having been volunteering here for many years.  I also help out in the gift shop at the cash register.  The gift shop is very nice and there is an excellent book store.  We sell the usual t-shirts and postcards, but we also sell binoculars and beautiful crystal etched glassware featuring birds of the refuge.  All the profits go directly back to the refuge with only one paid staff member.  

Look carefully for the nesting Snowy Plover

I also assist my boss in compiling statistics and scheduling the volunteers.  Plus, there's lots of odd jobs throughout the day.  He's a very busy guy.  On Friday's I'm in charge of the center.  Whew!  I worked two days and then I was in charge.  It's not as difficult as it sounds due to the great volunteer staff. The tough part was learning how to turn on all the displays, videos, and lights.  

The three million dollar center was built with funds raised by the Ding Darling Wildlife Society (no tax dollars).  It's a beautiful building filled with state of the art exhibits. The Society has been recognized nationwide as the model for other refuge cooperating associations. I'll show some of the exhibits in some upcoming posts. 

Pileated Woodpecker

The rest of the week we spent a lot of time birding.  There is a short window of opportunity to see the migrating song birds stopping by on their way north.  We were told to head out to the lighthouse after a storm due to the rain causing a "bird drop".  In theory the northerly winds keep the song birds around for a few days.  So after a good storm one night we headed out early in the morning  Unfortunately we found more birders than birds. There are some nice trails and boardwalks surrounding the lighthouse.  After a couple of hours birding it was time for a walk on the beach.  Life is good!

Blue Buntin

Palm Warbler

Blue Grosbeak

Jimmy has been getting more exercise as we hike the trails.  However, he's not exactly heat tolerant.  It's going to be a long hot summer for him.  He seems to enjoy himself quite a bit and especially likes walking on the beach.  There are some great smells!

Thanks for stopping by today.  John was lucky and captured another photo of a Kingfisher.  He's one of our favorite birds but very camera shy.