Travel Photography: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

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This month’s travels carried me to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, resting in Southwest Florida, near Naples. When you travel and give yourself permission to really get away something amazing happens. You return home richer, more fulfilled from your experience. Such is the case with Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

A 2.25 mile boardwalk pulls you through wetlands filled with flora, fauna and wildlife. The area surrounds visitors with bright songs of birds, woodpeckers tapping, wildlife scurrying and sleepy alligators.

As a result, trading daily routines for time in nature is quite easy. There’s magic right in front of your eyes. All you need is your camera and patience.

I met several photographers and nature enthusiasts along the trail. From the looks of their smiles and quiet conversations, Corkscrew Swamp delights all.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Quick & Important History

Corkscrew has over 14,000 acres of pine flatwoods, wetlands, marches. An ecosystem that’s vibrant, alive and ever-changing. One moment, it’s bright and cheerful. Around another turn on the boardwalk, the heavy air sits very still. Another several steps away, birds flutter by and waders search for food.

North America’s largest Bald Cypress forest also provides a blanket of habitat. These 100 – 120 feet tall trees reach to the skies and pack a hefty girth. These wide giants reach up to 25 feet in diameter. Today and sadly, it’s one of the very few Cypress Forest survivors.

This 500 year old plus vital area serves as a reminder to protect our lands and native habitats. Thankfully, the National Audubon Society started protecting the wading birds in Corkscrew in the early 1900’s. As a result, we enjoy watching waders stalk through still waters and an abundance of wildlife.

Audubon’s Mission per their website: Audubon’s mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

What will you find at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary?

Wildlife – Alligators, snakes, deer, turtles, raccoons and others can be found along the boardwalk. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll miss seeing sleeping alligators that look like logs. Take your time and look at what’s in front of you as well as what’s in the distance.

Birds – Many species of birds live here year round. Corkscrew swamp serves as a migratory hotspot for birds in late April and May. Great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, little blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets live here year round. The white-eyed vireo is a regular along with painted buntings, blue-gray gnatcatchers, black and white warblers and many woodpeckers. The birding checklist at the visitor center shows daily sightings.

On this particular day, a rare visitor from the west graced Corkscrew. The Hammond’s Flycatcher, typically seen in the west darted in to the area and right in front of my camera too.

For bird photographers, large birds wade close to the boardwalk. Using a 300mm prime lens with a 1.4 teleconverter, there were times it was too much lens. It’s definitely a balance as there’s warblers and other small birds to photograph too. For boardwalk shots, I used a wide angle 24mm.

Silence and sounds – Immerse in the moment and just listen. At times there’s silence, others you hear small groups talking. But mostly, you hear the sounds and silence of nature.

Flora, Fauna – Throughout the walk, native habitats support the fragile balance. Mosses, lichens, plants, waters plants, flowers and so much more. The largest known Ghost Orchid grows up to forty flowers in a year in Corkscrew Sanctuary. It was not blooming when I was there. Looks like another reason to go back?

Visitors:

Photographers, Naturalists and Birders – All along the boardwalk, you’ll see photographers (like us) glued to their cameras. So many subjects, it’s hard to focus. Additionally, local guides gladly share tips, what’s active and what to look for. Very helpful team!

For more information about Corkscrew Sanctuary including fees, times and happenings: Plan Your Visit: Audubon’s Corkscrew Sanctuary

Photo sights happen at almost every turn along the trail. Additionally and just as special, are the cheerful sounds of nature. All you have to do is stop. Enjoy. And listen.