Corkscrew Swamp And A Lifer

A mid February visit to Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary outside of Naples, Florida, was a special treat while accompanied by Hemant Kishan.


The Painted Bunting above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.

This article is one to pleasantly interrupt a series highlighting a relatively newfound venue in Six Mile Cypress Lake located in Fort Myers. It also precedes a series documenting my first observations at Paynes Prairie Preserve and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge traveling with Tom Obrock. A stop at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park to find the very uncommon Black-legged Kittiwake in Florida would close that extensive journey.


The Brown Thrasher above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Brown Thrasher above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Ovenbird above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Ovenbird above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.

The Sanctuary was active from my perspective although Artie Morris expressed his disappointment while on his 2013 President's Week Tour. Timing is everything with moving objects. In an earlier year I noted that Artie would visit the venue if there were a favorable fog. This boardwalk venue is certainly hit or miss like most birding venues. After viewing a checklist offered by Michael D. Griffith, I was especially grateful to Hemant for patiently allowing me to settle down to take pics for extended periods.


The Common Yellowthroat above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Yellow-rumped Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Black-and-white Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.

While Michael noted he missed the Baltimore Oriole and Indigo Bunting seen at Corscrew Swamp Sanctuary this day, they remained elusive to me as well. Although Michael's list is extremely impressive, I was surprised that he missed Ovenbird and Brown Thrasher, both species brought to my attention by Hemant. I could have lazily stayed on the boardwalk all day, but the thought of a Clapper Rail lingering at Bailey Tract, and a possible Razorbill in the Gulf led Hemant and me to Sanibel Island.


The Black-and-white Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.

The traffic was a nightmare with it Sunday (church traffic), tourist season, and an art festival taking place. After sighting a Wilson's Snipe at Bailey Tract, we moved on for the possibility of Razorbill and Black Scoter off shore. The drive was enjoyable along this stretch of Captiva Boulevard, but birds were not significantly notable in the gulf from brief vantage points including Blind Pass. Overall it was an awesome day, especially to spend time with Hemant and hear his entertaining stories about birds.


The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Great-crested Flycatcher above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.

Tom has recommended I report more frequently, but the weekly routine is about the best I can muster. The future remains daunting to stay on task outside of work. Tom has already gotten a head start in reporting on the long trip here. I am very grateful to Hemant for his readily finding the Brown Thrasher at the Sanctuary which allowed me a view of it for the first time. At least ten lifers were observed on the aforementioned trip with Tom which I will highlight in upcoming articles.


The Barred Owl above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in February 2013.


The Wilson's Snipe above was photographed at Bailey Tract in February 2013.


The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Bailey Tract in February 2013.