for a gallery of pix.
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 14,000 acre preserve located near Naples, Florida in the heart of the Western Everglades. It is home to the largest remaining stand of old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America, and features a 2.25 mile boardwalk trail that winds its way through 4 native habitats.
Our only disappointment was pressure to complete the walk before 5:30 p.m. when they shut down the facility. For us, the wildlife was returning to roost, the late sun was filtering beautifully through the mangroves, and we still had a quarter mile to go. No fun having to hustle through such a beautiful environment.
What we learned was get there at 7 a.m. when the boardwalk opens. Also, if you’re not a national Audubon member, join for $25/yr and, with that family membership, spouses enter free (adults are $10 w/o membership) so the additional $5 goes toward the Audubon publication. Pretty much a wash, and motivation to return.
Sightings for Feb. 12th
1:00-5:30 p.m.
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a 14,000 acre preserve with a 2.25 mile raised wooden boardwalk through 4 native habitats.
Yellow-rumped Warblers (Myrtle), Turkey Vultures, Cardinals (1m & 1f), Red-shouldered Hawks (2), Blue-gray Gnatcatchers! Palm Warblers, Eastern Phoebe, Downey Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, <Blue-headed Vireo>, Common Yellowthroat, <Blue-winged Warbler>, Northern Parula, <Black and White Warbler>, <Yellow-throated Warbler>
Anhingas, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Ibises, Black-crowned Night Herons (4), (juvenile & adults)
From the car along Alligator Alley
Alligators, Black-tailed deer, Kingfisher
First time sightings: 4