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The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
by PHTiggy
email
PHTiggy
On a recent trip to Naples Florida, I was fortunate to find The Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary. The National Audubon Society manages the sanctuary. It
was originally established to protect the ancient bald cypress. It has
now evolved into 2.5-mile boardwalk that takes you on a beautiful, peaceful
walk though the swamp. My husband and I walked leisurely, taking our time
to notice everything we could.
The first animal we came across was a Red-shouldered Hawk. These hawks
are found all through the sanctuary.
As we continued walking further into the swamp, we noticed that there
was no water. Because Florida is having such a drought this year, the
swampiest part of the sanctuary was mostly mud. Here is a Great Egret.
Egret's usually wade in the water looking for food. This one is wading
through the mud.
Alligators are also very hard to find in a swamp that is mostly mud. Fortunately we saw this one resting on the banks.
As
we continued our stroll along the boardwalk, we heard many birds called
and a lot of "thumping" sounds. For those of you who have never
seen a woodpecker in action, it is such a neat thing to watch. This first
one is a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
A
little more walking led us to an even louder sound. A Pileated Woodpecker
was banging away at a tree. His head is so big and red and his beak was
unbelievably sharp.
Believe
it or not, this is a picture of a Barn owl. It was so high in the tree;
I don't even know how we spotted it. If it weren't for the camera lens,
it would have gone unnoticed.
No
nature walk would be complete without lizards and bugs. The Green anoles
are found all over, walking on the boardwalk and jumping from tree to
tree.
Spider
webs are also a common sight.
As
we headed back, we noticed this large Southeastern Lubber Grasshopper.
They were so easy going that my husband could pick them up and hold them.
So, If you find yourself in the Naples, Florida area, it is definitely
worth your wild to stop in and walk the boardwalk at the Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary. It's not to often you can find a place as quiet and relaxing
yet filled with the sights and sounds of nature.
Notes:
Some information was taken from the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Field Guide
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