J.N Darling Tram #6

Before 1926 Sanibel Island was mainly used for farming. However, in  1926 a severe hurricane destroyed the agricultural industry. Due to the island's beauty construction of the Sanibel Causeway was completed to attract tourism to the island. A wildlife conversationalist, known by the name of  Jay Norwood Darling convinced President Harry Truman to sign a Executive Order creating the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge in 1945.  The refuge was then named after Darling. The island's wildlife is now being protected and maintained due to its importance to the ecosystem.  The Darling Refuge has an extraordinary ecosystem. In the tram we were able to see the an array of different animals in their natural habit. From the fiddler crabs that reside in the mangroo teeth coming out after low tide to feed to the top of the food chain the baby alligator we were able to see in the beginning of our tour. We went from fresh water where the baby alligator was at to salt where we saw the crabs. Mangroo trees are known to absorb 40% of a hurricane's system. Birds and other animals use the mangroo trees as shelter and as food.  

The Snowy Egret conserved it's energy by waiting patiently at one of the water runoff sites while keeping a keen eye out for its next dinner. It is important that egrets conserve their energy for other matter like avoiding predators.

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Birds are attracted to far out rookery islands. They enjoy sleeping in these islands and also use them to make nest in Spring.