Greg's Visit to The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

It was a spectacular day to visit the swamp!  Interestingly, there is more water in the swamp than any time since 1992 because of all the rain.  Unfortunately, that's not really a good thing because it screws up the ecological balance.  For example, the wading birds aren't around because there is too much water.  That includes the wood storks that usually nest here.  Didn't matter to us, it was still a great visit. 

First wildlife we saw was a painted bunting right outside the door and Greg got a great photo of it!

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

The first year we stayed on Wisteria we had a male and female painted bunting in the yard. 

We like to go counter clockwise because we reach the deepest part of the swamp first and can spend more time there.  We were advised by one of the volunteers that we pass through three separate ecological systems...pine flatlands, some kind of grassy field (I can't remember what it's called) and the cypress swamp.  There is only a two foot elevation difference between the flatlands and the swamp!  You can clearly see all three of them here.

My escorts ;o)

We watched a couple of red shouldered hawks checking out the area.  They are hard to spot among the leafless trees.

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

Actually, because of all the water, the swamp was lush and green

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

We caught sight of a raccoon, trying to make its way to the other side of the boardwalk.  Most of his usual trails are probably under water, must be very stressful!

Although many of the usual birds were missing, the alligators were not! There were a couple of large males in Lettuce Lake.

The above photos are the same one.  The other one was hiding further back among the bushes so he's pretty hard to see.

This is considered the deepest part of the swamp and it's really quite lovely, in a primordial sort of way.

Past the papa alligators, there was a mom and two babies, all of which were very well hidden among the foliage but Greg did manage to capture the babies.

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

It must have been the "day of the raccoon" because we saw this one (or maybe the same one) further along the boardwalk washing his feet.

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

I find enjoyment just seeing some of the different textures...

Slash Pine?

Strangler Fig

And then there are the people pictures...

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

photo by Greg Wehmeyer

Rumor has it that Dan might want to visit the swamp, too.

Thanks for stopping by...
;o)