This year, in addition to our traditional Lecture Series, we will debut our eight-week Film Series, sponsored by the Sanctuary Golf Club. For a sneak preview of what we will be featuring in 2013, CLICK HERE. All films are free of charge and will show at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified. The schedule is subject to some switching around so stay tuned to DOTW and our website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 9, 2012
Meet "Ding" Interns during a Sip & Shop at Sanibel's J.McLaughlin.
The Refuge and DDWS invite you to the unveiling of a new interactive exhibit in its free Education Center on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.
The Marvelous Manatee Exhibit enhances the educational value of the articulated manatee skeleton that the Refuge acquired READ MORE
Cuckoo for "Ding"
Bird Sculptor Jim Spankle researches mangrove leaves to add realism to his Mangrove Cuckoo sculpture.
It served its time out in the field as a decoy to attract Mangrove Cuckoos. Now the carving by renowned island sculptor Jim Sprankle is getting an upgrade to a work of art that one lucky bidder will own this winter following our Cuckoo for "Ding" Trailgate Party on February 15, 2013.
Jim's original Mangrove Cuckoo decoy out in the field with hopes of attracting mangrove cuckoo's..
Biologists used the cuckoo decoy, part of an ongoing groundbreaking Mangrove Cuckoo study at the Refuge, to lure READ MORE.
Kids Fishing Derby - CANCELED
Due to an outbreak of Red Tide, the 2nd Annual "Ding" Darling Kids Fishing Derby has been canceled. Stay tuned to the rescheduled date.
Refuge Nature Store Spotlight
Reinspired!
Own a piece of Americana when you purchase these latest gifts from the Refuge Nature Store, fashioned ffrom recycled American Chestnut split rail fences, made in the U.S.A. Order yours today by calling 239-472-1100 ext. 241 or emailing the bookstore by Clicking Here.
Biology Update
Rachel Frieze snapped this photo of Wildlife Drive while using aerial telemetry to survey for Mangrove Cuckoos. The aircraft's wing-mounted antennae can be seen on the left.
Return of the Cuckoos
By Biology Intern Kim Ramos
Refuge biology interns continue to work with Ecostudies Institute monitoring radio-tagged Mangrove Cuckoos on Sanibel Island.
In the pilot year of the study, Rachel Frieze captured, banded, and fitted six Mangrove Cuckoos with radio transmitters. The last cuckoo capture READ MORE
Wildlife Sightings
Week ending November 6, 2012
Photo by Bill Fischer, 2012 Honorable Mention Photo Contest winner
These are just snapshots of some of the things taking place at your Wildlife Refuge. Please check our website at www.dingdarlingsociety.org to learn more!
Sincerely,
Birgit Vertesch, Executive Director "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society
"Ding" On the Wing composed by Chelle Walton Assisted by interns Karen Lopresti and Jess Shelton
Lecture Series, we will debut our eight-week Film Series, sponsored by the 
