Birding at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Birding

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and its 2.5-mile boardwalk are most famous for their nesting wood storks but there is much more to see here.

Another 200 bird species, including the largest of Florida's common woodpeckers, the pileated, with its red crest and black and white feather pattern.

Cardinals, too, are common, and look for white ibis, green herons, anhingas, great blue herons and limpkins. Other winter visitors include catbirds, phoebes and ruby-crowned ringlets.

And don't overlook the guided walks that include early bird walks, old growth forest walks and swamp slogs through the remarkable area.

Guided walks after dark are offered October to March. And for photographers, workshops in macro photo techniques are available periodically.

Directions: To locate Corkscrew Swamp, take Exit 17 from I-75 and go east on State Road 846 for about 16 miles. A sign leading to the swamp will be on the left. The facility address is 375 Sanctuary Road, West Naples, Fl 34120. The center opens at 7 a.m. December through April, and at 8 a.m. May through November. The boardwalk closes at 5:30 p.m. year-round.

For more information and to confirm opening and closing times, contact Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, National Audubon Society, Route 6, Box 1875-A, Naples, FL 33964; 813/657-3771

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