Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary


Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is owned and operated by the National Audubon Society. It was established to protect the largest remaining stand of ancient bald cypress left in North America. This process of saving the stand began in the 1950's, although protecting the wading birds that nested within the swamp had been going on the early part of the 20th century. The sanctuary is on the mainland north and east of Naples, Florida.  It has several different ecosystems and thus different habitats for the birds, plants and animals who live there. This was our third visit to this place of enchantment. Come on along as we take a look.

We followed a 2.25 mile boardwalk. At a normal walking pace it should take you about 2-3 hours. We took about 6 hours, which would be a clue as to how many interesting sights there were and the number of photos we took.  This was our second visit with our friends Gary and Rosie.

Mrs. T found this female painted bunting checking out a feeder.
Although the water level was very low due to a prolonged drought a swamp lily was spotted.
We must have seen at least ten Red Shouldered Hawks including a pair that were very romantically inclined.
All in all if you want to see natural Florida at its very best Corkscrew Sanctuary is the place to go....
 

15 comments:

  1. That is a beautiful bird in the last picture, do you know what it is? Thanks for the tour! :-)

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  2. Oh..TB, this looks like so much fun! Exactly the type of thing my hubby and I like to do. We'll have to check it out! I also want to know what type of bird is in the last picture...it's beautiful! Thanks for the "virtual vacation".

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  3. That beautiful Painted Bunting is a wonderful sight! I've only seen an Indigo, but I think Tex featured a Painted not too long ago.

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  4. Such a beautiful sanctuary. Nice that you mention such places as I had never heard of it before. Might never get there but it is good to hear there are such places. -- barbara

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  5. Looks like a great place, that last bird is a beauty! What a great trip! :)

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  6. The bunting is a fav. Whhat a nice area to enjoy.

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  7. Impressive how you branch out in all directions and don't just hang out in a close to home spot like some do. That is a new place to me and if I am ever in that area again, I will definitely go. Thanks.

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  8. I like that it took you 6 hours! I can only imagine all the pictures you have beyond what you've shared. That one will definitely be added to my list when we ever get back down to Florida.

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  9. Looks like a wonderful place to visit for bird lovers! The last photo is gorgeous-a male Painted Bunting??

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  10. Alligators, beautiful birds, and varying ecosystems.. I'm curious if you've come across any snakes yet?
    My husband was working in FL one year, and I heard a few snake stories.
    We are scheduled to head down to Texas in a few weeks, and I seem to have snakes on the mind. I don't want to cross paths with any! :)
    They're the one creature I don't have any fond feelings for. Living in northern MN, I'm pretty accustomed to not having to worry about them.

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  11. What a lovely place to visit. That last bird is so colorful.

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  12. i love the painteds. they summer here and raise their young.

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  13. Another gorgeous one, Troutbirder!

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  14. Well you know I am very jealous of the lovely sunshine and birds you are enjoying.
    Signed....
    freezing my butt in Saskatchewan..
    xo Catherine

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  15. Ah, envy, envy, envy...
    What more can be said?
    sigh.

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