2. Nature

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, FL, is owned and operated by the National Audubon Society and acclaimed as the crown jewel of Audubon's sanctuaries.
More info at http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org
Ken Lee and I had a few hours to kill before the start of a trade organization meeting, so we thought we'd check it out. The only photo gear I had along was my trusty Nikon COOLPIX S10, not a bad choice since we were able to get quite close to the wildlife.
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  • The 2.25 mile boardwalk winds through the Swamp's two "lettuce lakes", wet prairie, and the largest forest of ancient bald cypress in North America.

    The 2.25 mile boardwalk winds through the Swamp's two "lettuce lakes", wet prairie, and the largest forest of ancient bald cypress in North America.

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  • We dodged showers during the 2 hours we spent at the Swamp, but it was ideal for wildlife viewing.

    We dodged showers during the 2 hours we spent at the Swamp, but it was ideal for wildlife viewing.

  • Juvenile Red-shouldered hawk that had recently exited the nest. Notice the red plummage already developing on the "shoulder".

    Juvenile Red-shouldered hawk that had recently exited the nest. Notice the red plummage already developing on the "shoulder".

  • Adult Red-shouldered hawk keeps watch nearby. This is the "pale" Florida varient, much less colorful that its northern cousins.

    Adult Red-shouldered hawk keeps watch nearby. This is the "pale" Florida varient, much less colorful that its northern cousins.

  • Elaborate boardwalk winds its way through Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. It is made of a sustainably grown and harvested wood from the Brazilian rainforest and needs liitle maintainance.

    Elaborate boardwalk winds its way through Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. It is made of a sustainably grown and harvested wood from the Brazilian rainforest and needs liitle maintainance.

  • Photos do not do the 135 foot tall bald cypress trees justice. Some were here before Columbus arrived in the New World.

    Photos do not do the 135 foot tall bald cypress trees justice. Some were here before Columbus arrived in the New World.

  • Bald cypress support a wide variety of plant and animal life.

    Bald cypress support a wide variety of plant and animal life.

  • Some bald cypress have a girth greater than 25 ft.

    Some bald cypress have a girth greater than 25 ft.

  • Great egret feeding in a "lettuce lake". Plume hunters in the early 1900's almost caused total eradication of several bird species.

    Great egret feeding in a "lettuce lake". Plume hunters in the early 1900's almost caused total eradication of several bird species.

  • Wood stork (top) and Great egret (bottom) feeding in "lettuce lake".

    Wood stork (top) and Great egret (bottom) feeding in "lettuce lake".

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  • Corkscrew Swamp is home to one of the largest Wood stork nesting colonies in North America.

    Corkscrew Swamp is home to one of the largest Wood stork nesting colonies in North America.

  • Great egret looking for dinner.

    Great egret looking for dinner.

  • Great blue heron spears a fish.

    Great blue heron spears a fish.

  • Great blue heron seeks more prey. Note bulge in upper neck from recently swallowed fish.

    Great blue heron seeks more prey. Note bulge in upper neck from recently swallowed fish.

  • Immature Little blue heron looks for food in "lettuce lake".

    Immature Little blue heron looks for food in "lettuce lake".

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  • Gator flag is a predominant plant in the slow moving water of Corkscrew Swamp.

    Gator flag is a predominant plant in the slow moving water of Corkscrew Swamp.

  • Gator flag is a critical part of the Swamp's ecosystem.

    Gator flag is a critical part of the Swamp's ecosystem.

  • Late afternoon atmospheric delight.

    Late afternoon atmospheric delight.

  • Ken Lee on rainbow watch.

    Ken Lee on rainbow watch.

  • Interpretive signage abounds. Ken read each one.

    Interpretive signage abounds. Ken read each one.

  • Red-shouldered hawk keeps an eye on the parking area.

    Red-shouldered hawk keeps an eye on the parking area.

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    Photos do not do the 135 foot tall bald cypress trees justice. Some were here before Columbus arrived in the New World.
    Bald cypress support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
    Some bald cypress have a girth greater than 25 ft.