The Tufted Titmouse above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.Vehicle traffic noise and a comparatively narrow boardwalk are the two greatest detractions at Six Mile Cypress.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve had its inception in 1976 after taxpayers voted for a self imposed tax for the acquisition of land for public use with the preserve's boardwalk open for public use in 1991.
The Yellow-throated Warbler above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.31 marked points along the boardwalk designate areas of interest with a companion guide available to educate and enlighten about this extraordinary place.
The Slough's boardwalk, at over a mile in length, allows for observation of about 80 acres of land within the preserve.
The Black-and-White Warbler above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.2549 acres constitute the Slough (pronounced "slew") overall.
The summer wet season is the time of rejuvenation for the preserve when its plants and less obvious inhabitants begin anew.
The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.As rainwater flows across the mitigation area, the water is cleansed of pollutants.
The water will remain in several small ponds at the preserve in the dry season's winter months with a congregation of sustenance for larger wading birds in particular that will gorge for the survival of their future families in the spring.
The American Redstart above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.During the late summer, turtles and birds will feast on alligator hatchlings.
A pair of visits to the preserve this week were with hopes of observing bird migration activity.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.While my review of Great Florida Birding Trail guides seems to indicate that spring time is the best time of year for wildlife observation and its diversity overall, there was very enjoyable passerine activity as hoped.
The dark understory of the preserve offers a jungle like appeal particularly through the calls of the Pileated Woodpecker.
The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.Be advised that a very slow pace be made during your visit with opportunities to sit and wait for wildlife to come to you.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve allows for a diverse wildlife experience through both sight and sound and should not be missed.
The Carolina Wren above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.My visits to the preserve this week offered views of water under virtually the entire length of the boardwalk with a fish occasionally darting into a temporary haven.
One species of fish at the Slough called Gambusia specializes in eating mosquito larvae which keeps the biting insect at bay.
The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.With the rainy season at an end early this year and cooler weather offering near record low temperatures, the water is already receding and ultimately only to be seen in Wood Duck, Otter, and Pop Ash Ponds and Gator Lake at the Ampitheater in the late winter months.
The flora and fauna of the Slough can be enjoyed at any time of year with potentially the very unexpected to delight the senses.
The infrequent visitor to the Slough above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.If the opportunity arises, a visit to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve would be most extraordinary when timed with a weather event during the migratory months of October and March.
Twice daily guided walks are available at scheduled times during the months of January through March with daily walks scheduled during April, November, and December with Wednesday walks scheduled May through October.
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.Much thanks to Tim Rucci for giving me an introductory primer on the CS5 photo software I will be using for my photo editing going forward.
Great pictures! Six Mile Cypress is one of my favorite places.
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