January
* Manatee Park Discovery Day - fourth Saturday in Jan.
* Interpretive programs and tours begin Jan. 1 thru March 31.
Call for details. 239-472-1100
* An abundance of shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, passerines, and raptors can be found

February
* Wading birds begin to show breeding plumage
* Shorebirds are plentiful and often seen feeding on mudflats

March
*Florida Jr. Duck Stamp Art Competition entries are due
* Refuge water impoundment draw down to coincide with shorebird migration
* Peak of osprey nesting
* Adult spoonbills leave the refuge to head to nesting grounds
* Waterfowl begin to migrate north
*Interpretive programs end.

April
* Earth Day Festival - in cooperation with Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Tarpon Bay Explorers, and Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
* White pelicans begin to migrate north
* Peak of wading bird nesting
* Peak of snowy plover nesting
* Black-necked stilts begin to nest at the Bailey Tract

Snowy Egret

May
* International Migratory Bird Day - 2nd weekend in May
* Florida Jr. Duck Stamp Reception
* Mangrove cuckoo sightings become more frequent
* American crocodile begins to nest
* Sea turtles begin to nest on Sanibel beaches
* Male alligators may be heard bellowing to attract a mate

June
* National Boating and Fishing Week
* Peak of sea turtle nesting
* Female alligators begin to nest

July
* 4th of July Parade - in cooperation with the City of Sanibel
* Manatees can be found in Tarpon Bay

August
* Manatees can be found in Tarpon Bay
* Sea turtle hatchlings are emerging from their nests

September
* Ding Darling Children's Editorial Cartoon Contest
* National Estuaries Day - last Saturday in Sept.
* Spoonbills returning to refuge
* Beginning of migratory bird season

October
* Ding Darling Days/National Wildlife Refuge Week - 2nd full week of Oct.
* Refuge water impoundment draw down to coincide with shorebird migration
*Shorebirds are visible in refuge impoundments

November
* White pelicans begin to arrive on the refuge
* Waterfowl begin to arrive on the refuge
* Peregrine falcons can be seen along the Wildlife Drive

December
* Numerous waterfowl can be observed
* Manatees can be seen at Lee County Manatee Park

Other Yearly Events
* Homeschool Day - varies by subject and month
* Jr. Refuge Manager Badge - daily in Education Center

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