Six Mile Cypress Slough: Last Days Of Summer

Six Mile Cypress Cypress Slough Preserve has the potential to offer an extremely rewarding wildlife experience.

The Tufted Titmouse above (image 1) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

It all depends on some important factors including a lot of luck in the timing of your visit. I made two sunrise visits to the slough this week in hopes of observing warblers passing through.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher above (image 2) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 3) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 4) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The day before my efforts, local birder and photographer Meg Rousher tallied an astounding 41 species of birds in the parking lot and along the boardwalk at the preserve. Some of the best birders in southwest Florida would be seen making observations along the boardwalk in the ensuing days.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 5) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The White-eyed Vireo above (image 6) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The White-eyed Vireo above (image 7) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

While my observations at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve were limited, highlights included a Bald Eagle in close pursuit of a White Ibis flying over the tree canopy at Otter Pond as well as a glimpse of a Blue-winged Warbler high in the canopy at Pop Ash Pond.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 8) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 9) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above (image 10) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

It was a challenge to capture most of the images presented in this post. The birds were simply not cooperative for a photo-op.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above (image 11) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

The Anhinga above (image 12) was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in September 2015.

Location of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 26.570567, -81.827562