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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter
March 30, 2017
In This Issue
A Great Egret in breeding plumage (note the neon green eye), thanks to Leslie Norris for the photo
TOMORROW
March 31 Lecture

In the summer of 2009, a young mountain lion left his home in the Black Hills of South Dakota and set out on a cross-country journey that covered two years and more than 2,000 miles, passing within 30 miles of Manhattan before tragically ending up on a Connecticut parkway. In two free presentations, Will Stolzenburg, author of Heart of a Lion: A Lone Cat's Walk Across America , incorporates images, film, and firsthand accounts of those whose lives were touched by the record-setting cat. They take place READ MORE

Thank you to our 2017 Lecture Series Sponsor:

Angler Dave Klemt with Whitney Jones preparing for the upcoming 6th Annual "Ding" Darling Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament scheduled in May.
Jim Sprankle's tri-colored herons sculpture will raise money to support "Ding" Darling and Golisano Children's Hospital. Photo courtesy of Skipp Tutor


San-Cap Cares Auction to also Benefit 'Ding' Darling Refuge

The life-size sculpture "Ding's Darlings - Two Tri-colored Herons" by famed island wildlife sculptor Jim Sprankle goes up for auction for SanCap Cares' 17 th annual Island Celebration on April 9, 2017, to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital. The intricate piece, depicting a pair of mating birds, is a top feature of the event's live auction, and all funds raised by its sale will be split 50-50 between Golisano Children's Hospital and the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society.

Sculptor Jim Sprankle, DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller, and Lee Health CEO Jim Nathan. 
Photo by Amanda Hartman
Brenda and Dewey Tate, former Sanibel Island residents, donated the 3-feet-high sculpture. "Dewey and I were drawn to Sanibel years ago because of the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge," said READ MORE

The tri-colored herons sculpture will be on display at The Sanctuary Golf Club (2801 Wulfert Rd.) starting April 1. People interested in placing bids by phone before or during the event, should contact Amanda Cross by email or calling 239-472-2082
Friday, April 7 Lecture
Craig Koppie
Author and bald eagle savior Craig A. Koppie will appear at the Refuge on Friday, April 7, following the release of his latest  co-authored book Mr. President and the First Lady: The DC Eagle Cam Project . As part of the 2017 "Ding" Darling Lecture Series, Cr aig will present two free lectures at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. about his longtime fascination with raptor nests, his work restoring decimated bald eagle populations in the late 1970s, and hi s part in installing the eagle cam at the United States N ational Arboretum in  READ MORE
 
Lecture Seating Policy:  Seating for all lectures in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium is limited and available on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can save one seat each and then may explore the Visitor & Education Center or Indigo Trail before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time.
6th Annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament


TITLE SPONSOR:
 
   




PREMIER SPONSORS:








 




PRESENTING SPONSORS:

Mark & Gretchen Banks

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:
  Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto      jensens    

Tro phy Case of Fort MyersDon & Ann-Marie Wildman

SILVER SPONSORS:


 
Tarpon Tourney Sponsor Spotlight

This week we feature Platinum Sponsors Nimrod as we thank all of our generous sponsors of the sixth annual "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament  on Friday, May 19.   

With 100% of the purse going to awards, we raise money from this fundraiser for the Refuge strictly through sponsorships  and silent auction. For information on becoming a sponsor or auction donor or to add your team to the tourney waiting list (registration is currently filled), please contact Executive Director Birgie Miller  by email or phone (239-292-0566).

Don Heidorn and wife, Bettie, who also volunteered at the Refuge.
Farewell to a Faithful Friend
Refuge and DDWS staff and volunteers mourn the loss of good friend Don Heidorn, who passed away last month. Don volunteered from 1989 to 2011, amassing 2,661 hours working at the Visitor & Education Center front desk, in the Nature Store , and on the DDWS Board of Directors.
 
"Don always greeted all visitors with a friendly smile and 'welcome to the Refuge,'" said volunteer coordinator Ranger Jeff Combs. "He worked with countless visitors over the years and had a true love of the Refuge. He will be sorely missed by the staff and volunteers here at 'Ding' Darling."  Don was on the Board of Directors for 15 years, from 1991 to 2006. He served as Board Secretary for three years, and became an Emeritus Board Member in 2011.
In each issue of "Ding" on the Wing, we showcase one of more than 560 refuges in the U.S.A.  
Photo courtesy of USFWS
Location : The northernmost tip of Kaua'i, Hawaii

Totemic Fauna Laysan Albatross, Nene (state bird, a.k.a. Hawaiian Goose), Spinner Dolphin, and Humpback Whale

Fun for the Family Visit the historic lighthouse or read the interpretive signs along the pathway to Kilauea Point.

Visitor's Tip The Visitor Center features interpretive dioramas highlighting native Hawaiian habitats and wildlife.
Humpback Whale
Laysan Albatross








Have the kids been acting a little "owly" lately? Buy them one of these fun gifts to light up their mood: plush baby owls ($5.75), owl cooperative board game ($15.95), owl bib ($10.75), and adorable owl booties ($7.99 - also available in honeybee, manatee, sea star, and other motifs.)

Stop in and pick up your owl gifts today, or call Store Manager Jeanne Walsh  at 239-472-1100 ext. 241 for more information about these and other featured products.
 
Remember, proceeds from all Nature Store sales go directly to the Refuge for educational programs and wildlife research.

T hanks to Jim Bennight for this photo
Ovenbird.  Photo by Bob Pelkey
  
Spotted on the Refuge this week: a  Black-necked Stilt being chased off by a perturbed Snowy Egret.  An Ovenbird foraging at the Bailey Tract and a rarely seen Yellow-breasted Chat seen at the Bailey Tract earlier this week. 

Yellow-breasted Chat (the largest Warbler species)
Photo by Joann Good Wead
T o see more wildlife photos like this one, click on our social media links:
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or go to the Society website to view the  live webcam !

If  you have taken any beautiful, interesting,  or just plain goofy photos taken at the Refuge, send them to Philanthropic Coordinator,  Carrie Alexander,  for a chance to be featured in upcoming newsletters.
Biweekly Wednesday Film Series - Through  April 12, 2017   
--sponsored by   Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts
 

Weekly Friday Lecture Series -Through  April 14, 2017   -- sponsored by  HighTower /Thomas and Swartz Wealth Management 

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 Miller , Executive Director

"Ding" On The Wing composed by Chelle Koster Walton.  Designed by Emily Koval and Sierra Hoisington
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