On this morning, low tide coincided with sunrise for ideal viewing conditions with a rich, clear blue sky. Though Ding Darling Refuge is 7,000 acres, it's only five miles along the Wildlife Drive, which veers right off of the main road to Captiva. The mangrove trees are unique in their ability to thrive in salty water and hurricane weather. Some of those trees filter the salt from the water and others shed the salt through the leaves. The leaves eventually fall off and become food for the fish.
Branches fall off, float downstream, and plant themselves miles from their origin.
The roots of the mangroves look like a stick figure's legs and feet, forking down like a bird's claw. These roots provide protection for small fish when high tide brings in the bigger fish. The roots also help calm stormy waves, so sea captains seek mangrove coves during particularly rough weather. It's so wild here but the birds seem to sense that it's a refuge and that they're protected, so most aren't too shy. If you're energetic, try walking along the Indigo Trail.