Ding Darling advice

Thanks for the manatee input. I will keep everyones tips handy.

Also wondering if hubby and I rent bikes can we tour through Ding Darling park on our own or do we have to do a tour. If we can go on our own can anyone suggest a route that would allow us to see the most wildlife.

Could you also tell me what is the best way to prevent bites from no see ums. Hubby is usually terrorized by bugs.

Thanks again!!!!

Ding Darling advice

Hi there! Obviously I don%26#39;t hang out at docks and marins enough, which is exactly where my few sightings were!

The last I heard, Ding Darling is closed on Friday%26#39;s to give the animals a rest. The Fish and Wildlife Service website was non-functioning, so you%26#39;ll need to check. You can indeed do the refuge on your own, though you may miss a lot of wildlife that way. Bring or rent binoculars. Even after all my trips, the guides spot things i don%26#39;t, though I%26#39;ve gotten pretty good with the birds. It will be a fairly long ride.

For seeing the most wading birds, like herons, egrets and ibis, go during a low tide. To see diving birds like Osprey, and anhinga, go during high tide.

As for bugs, use 50% deet, like a Deep Woods Off or try SkinTastic, which some swear by. My luck has been so-so with SkinTastic. Bring some of the towelettes to add extra as needed. The no-see-ums can be agressive in there. Hope you have a really good trip!

Ding Darling advice

I THINK that they still allow non-motorized vehicles in on Friday... They did back in the days before the road was paved, but that was quite a while ago.

You only have one route on wheels. It%26#39;s 5 miles, if memory serves. Not a bad ride at all, since it%26#39;s been paved. Early morning and late, late afternoon for catching animals (unfortunately, they%26#39;re also the times for bugs to catch you). Bird populations are highest in the winter, obviously, but you should still spot some cool critters.

It might not be a bad idea to wear light, long sleeves and/or pants. You know, the stuff the fishermen wear.

I did ride through on bike just once %26amp; do be prepared for the bugs as they have warned you! Bugs like me also, so we went in the middle of the day.....they still swarmed me. So if your husband is usually bothered then.......he will really be attacked in that environment. The shady areas on the bike path will also have swarms of no-seeums sometimes. I keep a can on deep woods off in my basket, along with sunblock %26amp; water.

Some people recommend the swamp spray you can purchase at Baileys. The higher the DEET the better. Also covering your body with lightweight clothing.

Tracyann, I really recommend taking the guided tram tour.

At last - the Wish and Wildlife Service is back up! Here%26#39;s the webpage with access info. It is now closed to all traffic on Friday%26#39;s, if I%26#39;m reading this correctly.

fws.gov/dingdarling/…VisitorInformation.htm

Also, on clothing. I bought some CoolMax shirts for my trip to Costa Rica this year. It comes pre impregnated with insect repellant that survives laundering. The material really is cool in the heat and humidity. I got mine from LLBean.com and bought it because of how much the bugs like chomping on me. The season is over. but they may still have some in stock. Just a thought.

I think that was Freudian - It%26#39;s Fish and Wildlife!