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Posted by Paul-the-other on 15:42:41 01/17/12
In Reply to: Re: White morph reddish egret posted by Susan
Yes, if you enter DD at 7:00 when it firsts opens. By 9:30 it is insufferable. Try also to catch a falling tide as the food sources are stranded on the mud flats and that draws birds. Just before closing is also quite pleasant but you are up against a time constraint. DD is closed on Friday and weekends are more crowded than week days. One entrance fee allows you to stay all day or circle (roads are one way and very wide). We circled repeatedly for a fresh show. Warblers, swallows, mockingbirds cardinals etc were absent but wading birds will test your identification skills. Photography is best early morning as the sun is somewhat behind you or cross to the line of sight. By afternoon the sun is in your face. The only raod controls everythging in that respect. For just observing, anytime is fine.
One offense we found were the peole in the minivans. Both doors were locked open and the vans would travel down the road with yaking people and often loud music (usually salsa beat).
Don't overlook the islands by the bridges over to Sanibel. Many many shorebirds on the falling tide.
And Bunge Beach is a delight...also more so on a falling tide. A high tide brings the birds closer to shore and you don't have to slop through mud. But, but the falling tide leaves pools of water and usually many fish are trapped in there and the egrets have a feeding frenzy of sorts.
The Marriot on Sumerline road puts you right by the bridge causeway...good view too from the top floors if you ask for the n-s wing.
Have a great time. Get up early.
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