Not all of Corkscrew is a swamp. Pine flatwoods in Corkscrew Sanctuary consist of palmettos, palms and pines. The habitat supports deer, bear, hogs, bobcats and panthers. Periodic fires keep this habitat healthy, burning excess underbrush and returning nutrients to the soil. The tall slash-pines have developed a resistance to the fast-burning fires.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. A Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, on full alert along the Corkscrew boardwalk.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Bear on a trail trips a camera trap in Corkscrew backcountry. 13,000 acres of swamp and pine flatwoods with few human visitors has created ideal habitat for the Florida Black bear.
Walking in the swamp for a close look at orchids, bromeliads, ferns and other beautiful botanicals with Park Biologist Mike, Friends of Fakahatchee Andrew and Corkscrew Director Lisa.
A Limpkin on a limb, fluffed up to dry those beautiful, oversized feathers.
A green tapestry of vegetation, softened in the falling rain, along the boardwalk of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Strangler figs embrace an old-growth cypress resting on a bed of ferns.
The Zebra Longwing butterfly, (Heliconius charitonia) rests among vegetation in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. On a three to four-inch wingspan, they flutter lightly and slowly across the landscape, stopping often to sip nectar and consume pollen. The added nutrients in pollen consumption prolong their lifespan to several months.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
A swamp adventure through the beautiful orchid-enhanced environment of a cypress swamp, then across Hidden Lake, always on the lookout for reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Walking Corkscrew Sanctuary boardwalk under rainfall is an under-appreciated experience. Being prepared is key. Umbrella, wellies, a towel for camera protection. The subdued palette of colors, intoxicating scent of fresh vegetation and patter of rain through the leaves soothes a restless spirit. A raging storm with thunder, lightning and wind is less soothing and not advised.
That squeaky whistle overhead usually indicates a flock of Black-bellied Whistling-ducks, Dendrocygna autumnalis, passing by. These cinnamon, black and grey ducks are becoming plentiful in Corkscrew backcountry.
