Enhancing Virtual Experiences

Many meetings, classes, clubs and groups have gone virtual on videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom. While the events may be held indoors, users can transform their background space into a wildlife scene from J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Images ranging from a stunning spoonbill on a beach, to an anhinga on a blossoming tree branch, to an osprey in its nest are offered for free use by simply downloading from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. By using the images, you can help create awareness of the importance of the refuge to the area’s wildlife, while at the same time providing a beautiful setting for virtual viewing.

The refuge’s wildlife can also be viewed from afar via a webcam that is set atop the observation tower and can be rotated 360 degrees. Wildlife Drive is open, as are the hiking trails. Hours are 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Saturday through Thursday. There are no entrance fees.

To download an image, visit: fws.gov/mountain-prairie/ ea/eaImagery.php. To view the webcam, visit fws.gov/refuge/ JN_Ding_Darling/Multimedia/Live_Cam.html. For more information on the refuge, visit fws.gov/dingdarling.

Amazing images like this roseate spoonbill can be downloaded through fws.gov and used for backgrounds during meetings on videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom.