At Ding Darling everything was just right: the tide, the time of day, the weather, and the migration patterns. It was spectacular, the best display by far that I have ever seen at Ding Darling, with my opinion backed up by the guides who work there. I have included some wider views at the beginning to try to give some feel of just how special things were during our visit (we returned every day for four days). The first 18 photographs were taken on Sanibel Island, mostly at the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.
We also visited the St. Augustine Alligator Farm on two successive days. I spent more time there in May of 2003 and got better photos then, but this year was still very good. Part of the difference is that with Arthur Morris I went in May instead of late April, when more birds are present. On the other hand, having fewer birds present meant that it was easier to isolate individual birds for photographs. You can see photos from my last visit to the Alligator Farm at St. Augustine with Arthur Morris. The last 8 photographs were taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm or on Jaxsonville Beach.