Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

While on our winter holiday camping trip, we visited America’s first wildlife refuge – Pelican Island. In 1903 President Roosevelt signed an executive order establishing Pelican Island as the first federal bird reservation – after bird advocates the American Ornithologist’s Union and the Florida Audubon Society led a successful campaign to pass legislation in Florida calling for the protection of non-game birds. Wow! I am glad these organizations were around to protect all of the lovely birds that us Floridians get to enjoy year round. Here are some of our favorites that we saw on our visit to Pelican Island + a crab.

Have you been to Pelican Island?

What is your favorite wildlife refuge?