Thursday May 10th
Seems that some of our local birding friends are very unhappy with plans to re-engineer how water is stored on Ding Darlings Bailey Tract. Many years ago this property was a wetlands and home for animals and birds who thrive in marshy environments. But as the Sanibel Island was being developed dirt was excavated from here creating the water-filled borrow pits we see there today.
But today a plan is being managed to convert some of these acres back to its former wetlands habitat to support the rare Sanibel Island Rice Rat. This rodent is a protected sub-species of Marsh Rice Rat totally endemic to Sanibel Island.
 |
Ani Pond - scheduled to be filled-in as part of the conversion
to a wetlands habitat for the Sanibel Island Rice Rat
|
The filling-in of the Ani Pond, to convert it back into marsh, has stirred up several local birders who have enjoyed the pond, as is, for a great many years. We'll see how this develops.
This morning I stopped in at the Bailey Tract. It had been reported that the property was to be closed to the public by now for the re-construction. But it's still open. No doubt due to the presence of nesting
Black-necked Stilts raising a family here.
 |
| Black-necked Stilt Family at Ani Pond |
 |
| Black Racer seen today at Bailey Tract |
p
