In a continued effort to visit and learn about some of the unique areas of South Florida, last weekend I visited the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed in Southwest Florida just outside of Naples, FL. The Sanctuary is 13,000 acres and is part of the Western Everglades.
Corkscrew Swamp includes the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in the world. The sanctuary was established in 1954 to protect one of the largest remaining stands of bald cypress and pond cypress in North America from extensive logging that was ongoing throughout the area in the 1940s and 1950s.
The National Audubon Society operates the sanctuary and maintains the 2 miles of boardwalk that winds through the swamp. On our mid-day stroll along the boardwalk, we spotted several different species of birds, a few snakes and even one feeding raccoon. As with most of south Florida, alligators congregated around the pockets of water.
Anhinga on watch
We watched a raccoon feed in the Mid-day sun.
Anhinga drying off after a morning swim
A water snake enjoying the afternoon sun
Who is watching who?
Great Egret wading around
I believe this is a Florida box Turtle? What’s your guess?
The Roseate Spoonbills were fun to watch feeding.
A Juvenile white Ibis keeps an eye on a gator that was getting a little close.
Cruising for a meal
