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.