'Ding' Days photo contest clicks in June 1

Gordon Paltza from Cape Coral won last year's contest with his portrait of two yellowcrowned night herons. June 1 marks the opening of the annual "Ding" Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest.

The contest, sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge and held in conjunction with "Ding" Days, Oct. 18 through 24, honors the birthday of Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, one of the foremost conservationists in American history and the driving force behind the eponymous J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on Sept. 30. For an entry form and contest information, log on to www.dingdarlingsociety.org and click on "Photo Contest," e-mail dingdarlingoffice@ yahoo.com or call 472-1100, ext. 233. Winners will be announced and awarded prizes at Art Through Conservation Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, part of special "Ding" Darling Days.

Entries may be delivered in person to J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR or by mail to "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, One Wildlife Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957.

Only amateur photographers are eligible to enter.

Photos will be judged on technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure); originality/creativity; interest; and ability to be reproduced for publication.

First-, second-, and third-place winners and honorable mentions will be announced during the "Ding" Darling Days in October. Photos may be used by the society in any way with appropriate credit.

"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society is a nonprofit friends organization that supports environmental education and services for J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR.