May 11, 2012

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler
The entire SDP staff took a day trip recently down to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples. What an absolute treasure!  In the spring, birds migrate there from all over.  If you're a birder or nature lover, this is the place to go in March or early April during migration season. Almost from the moment we stepped foot onto the 2.25-mile boardwalk, which winds through five habitats including grasslands and woods, we could hear and see an assortment of birds flitting around including this palm warbler. Isn't he handsome? The Audubon Society purchased 14,000 acres of land in 1954 and set it aside as a wildlife sanctuary. Volunteers stroll around pointing out birds and other critters to visitors and answering questions, which is how I was able to identify this little feathered beast.  (I'm not that good of an ornithologist yet.)  Since we had such a good time (and snapped so many photos), we're going to take you on a virtual tour of Corkscrew Swamp over the next few days and share some of our wildlife encounters.  No need for hiking boots...or binoculars.  Warning:  watch your mouse...there could be snakes on this adventure.

7 comments:

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Love the birds but I hope that you will show us a snake, too. How nice that you had some volunteers to help in the naming of the birds.

Bises,
Genie

Roger Real said...

Can't wait to see the virtual tour! I've heard Corkscrew Swamp is amazing.

cieldequimper said...

Corkscrew? Really? How incredible!

This is a pretty bird, I like the way it is showing you its best side! :-)

Lorraine said...

Looking forward to seeing more! This reminds me of the other day...I was walking my dog and three bright yellow goldfinches were on the ground and then took off as we approached. They were so pretty!

Halcyon said...

A pretty little fellow!

Stefan Jansson said...

I don't think I have ever visited a real swamp. It sure has an interesting name.

Jack said...

Nice crisp image, SRQ. You have a steady hand. I have been to Corkscrew a couple of times and enjoyed it each time. Did I tell you we are selling our FM house and moving southward to Naples?

BTW, we did get to the butterfly place in FM and loved it. Went there twice, in fact.