JD Darling National Wildlife Refuge; February 19, 2011

Link to anchorage at JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Fl via Google Ma

We put both masts up today.....Sure felt good
Main mast is on the bow (front)  ----   mizzen mast in on the stern (back.)

         

                                                                                                                  

Temperature today was 80 degrees - we put the umbrella over the cockpit for extra shade

JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge is known for migratory bird populations and there sure are a lot of birds. I take pictures of the birds and then try to identify them in my book or on the net.

Birds feed on the mud flats during low tide

White pelicans with little birds on a mud flat

Little birds taking off

Sunrise over the mangroves at Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a barrier island of in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. I had to look up mangroves to find out that they are trees that grow in salt water. The roots are exposed at low tide and the rotting leaves provide food for birds and fish. Neat.