The Wandering Disciple

In urban culture, the term snowbirds refers to northern residents escaping the harsh winter weather by spending a few winter months in the warmth of the sunshine state. But the term originated from the winter migration of northern birds as they flew south for the winter to survive. One place to see migratory birds is the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge where thousands of birds flock each winter during migration. A popular snowbird here is the white pelican pictured here. These large pelicans live in central North America and winter as far south as Central America. (Photo: January 5, 2019)

A pair of mangrove tree crabs climb the mangrove at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. While these tiny crabs may seem scary, they are very beneficial to the ecosystem as they feast on leaf debris helping clean the waters and they provide a food source for wading birds. The mangrove tree frog is just one of the many species of wildlife that are founded within the protected waters and lands of the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the 5,200 acre refuge on the Gulf Coast island of Sanibel. (Photo: July 12, 2015)

A squadron of pelicans hang out on a sand bar at the JN Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Each year these large white pelicans migrate to the sunshine state to escape the cold winters. Ding Darling is a popular spot to see these and many other migratory birds. (Photo: November 28, 2009)

A Green Water Snake lies along a hiking path at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Florida Green Water Snake is a common sight in the wetlands of the Floridian peninsula. Commonly mistaken for the Cottonmouth, the Green Water Snake is non-venomous and does not pose a threat to humans. (Photo: November 28, 2009)

A Yellow Crowned Night Heron sits on along a bridge at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo: July 12, 2015)

The Sanibel Bayou is one of the many bodies of water that comprise the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The 5,200 acre refuge on Sanibel island is a haven for many species of birds both native and migratory. (Photo: November 28, 2009)

A mangrove buckeye sits on the foliage at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to multiple species of butterflies, the refuge is a winter migration stop for thousands of birds. (Photo: November 28, 2009)

A mangrove buckeye butterfly blends into the brush along a hiking trail at JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.  The 5,200 acre refuge is one of the largest in the country and is home to many species of migratory birds.  (Photo: November 28, 2009)

The Sanibel Island Light has been guiding ships into San Carlos Bay since 1884. It was the first lighthouse built on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Sanibel Island Light has been places on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo: June 24, 2006)

Sanibel, Florida: Thousands of native and migratory birds call the 6,400 acre wildlife refuge located on Sanibel Island their home. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has been a well known spot for bird lovers, photographers and biologist to observe many species of birds that flock to this unique ecosystem each year. The refuge got started in 1945. Developers look to purchase the mangrove property in an attempt to develop it into a tourist hot spot similar to Miami Beach on the east coast. Knowing how environmentally important the land was to the ecosystem, political cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling led an effort to protect the land. The successful effort led to an executive order by President Harry Truman that created the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge and spared the land of any development. Following the death of Darling in 1967, the refuge was renamed J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge” in his honor. The 6,400 acre refuge consists of several ecosyste...

Sanibel, Florida: Just off the coast of Fort Myers lies a small island that has been a favorite spot for beachgoers for years. The laid back lifestyle of Sanibel Island combined with the clear tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide the perfect oasis from a busy day or week. Like much of Southwest Florida, the original settlers of Sanibel were the Calusa Indians. The maintained a settlement on the island until the European arrival collapsed the Calusa Empire in the 1700’s. Spanish settlers began to explore the island in the mid 1700’s. By 1768, the island was named Puerto de S. Nibel by the Spanish. The naming of the island is believed to be in honor of Queen Isabella I of Castile by Juan Ponce de Leon. In the early 1800’s, pirate lore joined Sanibel. Just like neighboring Gasparilla Island, Sanibel Island is thought to have its own pirate past. Black Caesar is thought to have taken refuge on the island during the War of 1812. But later left when he betrayed Gasparill...