Having spent too much time doing the two beaches, or more realistically stuck in traffic both ways, it was quickly on to our next chosen destination Sanibel Island, and the J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. However my attention was more than distracted when this sailed effortlessly over the car as we drove over the Sanibel Causeway bridge!
Magnificent Frigatebird was, along with RT Hummingbird, top of my list of birds I wanted to see but never expected to, so after a quick emergency stop at the first available parking area, it was simply amazing to watch it as it slowy glided back and forth over the bay, being joined at one stage by a second, and eventually it went right overhead before diving down to the water and stealing food off some gulls and then headed off across the bay.
We then headed to Ding Darling and drove the wildlife drive but, probably due to it being high tide, it was very disappointing and most pools were totally birdless. A few Common Ground Doves feeding along the drive being one of the few bright spots.
After c2 miles round the trail we arrived at the observation tower, and finally some birds, all of which were crowded together on a small area of exposed mud on the edge of the pool. Here I picked out our only Spotted Sandpiper of the trip, complete with a few spots, amongst the more familiar waders, and also new for the trip were a small group of resting Red-breasted Mergansers.
The rest of the 4 mile trail was equally birdless so we quickly made our way to the nearby Bailey Tract reserve with the hope of something better to end the day, and thankfully this small reserve proved very productive.
First bird of note that I found on the pools was the hoped for Black-necked Stilt. It was initially just resting, so whilst waiting for it to do something I glanced round the pool and was delighted to see this American Bittern out in the open.
Also on the pools were American Coots and a few Pied-billed Grebes.
Finally the Black-necked Stilt started feeding and in the process came a bit closer to allow a photo in the fading light.
Finally heading back to the car a Belted Kingfisher was noted, and an American Kestrel was watched perched up on top a bush to end an excellent day.
