Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
I saw a pretty red flower.
Gini whispered: “That’s an orchid.”
We were enjoying the final leg of our anniversary road trip. About 30 minutes north of our hotel in Naples, Florida, is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Consisting of over 13,000 acres, the sanctuary is a testament to citizen action to preserve an ecological treasure. Logging threatened to completely destroy what remained of Florida’s bald cypress trees in the 1950’s. Residents organized local and eventually state politicians and business leaders to protect the area. The first boardwalk here was completed in 1956 and since then the sanctuary has permitted visitors to see why this swamp deserved to be rescued.
The refuge contains the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in the world. It is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna, some of which are threatened with extinction. Wandering the 2.25 mile boardwalk was an incredibly peaceful and satisfying experience. Within the vast swamp we found an amazing abundance of flowers, birds, insects and even an alligator or two.
There are a lot of images today. I couldn’t help myself.
We’re pretty sure this is the official greeter for the sanctuary. A young American Alligator is pretty handsome in its black and yellow suit. Adults are uniformly dark.
As noted in the last three posts of this trip, Cardinal Airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata) was ubiquitous here, too.
Where there are swamps, there are insects. The birds appreciate that. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher didn’t stop to chat as it was busy doing its impression of a vacuum cleaner along leaves and limbs.
Everyone needs a hug. The Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) is all-too-happy to oblige. Eventually, the hug recipients, such as these cypress trees, may regret their friendliness as the fig trees will cause their hosts to die. (The second image reminded me of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and the giant squid attacking the Nautilus.)
From tall trees to small blooms. Several areas were sprinkled with bright yellow Rabbitbells (Crotalaria rotundifolia).
Among the flowers were ripening fruit. This Southern Dewberry (Rubus trivialis) will soon ripen and provide a treat to some swamp dweller.
The most common dragonfly we saw was a familiar friend, the Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis).
It’s easy to resist picking the flowers when they have a defense system such as this Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum). The USDA calls this a Yellow Thistle and it is also known as Bristle, Bull, Horrid and Spiny Thistle. Take your pick of names, but watch out if you try to take your pick of these blooms.
Another thistle species abundant in Florida is Nuttall’s Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii). It doesn’t have as many common names as its purple cousin nor does it have as many spiny leaves surrounding the flowers.
It seemed we were never beyond earshot of Great Crested Flycatchers all day. Spring singing was non-stop.
This is another new flower species for us. Bretonica Peluda (Melochia spicata) has a really lovely lavender bloom. I didn’t have much success in researching its common name. “Peluda” means “hairy” in Spanish, the Latin name sort of translates to “spiky mallow”, and it is related to the mallow family. A taxonomist I are not.
Speaking of taxonomy. One might think the Mexican Primrosewillow (Ludwigia octovalvis) is an invasive species. One would be mistaken. It is native in every county in Florida and throughout the Southeastern Coastal Plain states. Oh, and it’s mighty attractive, too.
Time for a break. This Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) was too busy relaxing to scamper away.
Groups of Rice Button Aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum) decorated the cypress forest. Blooms can vary from white to pink to lavender.
I almost got a headache trying to nail down what this plant should be called. Instead, I decided to love it for its incredible beauty. I have decided to refer to it as a Prairie/Savanna Iris (Iris savannarum). You may call it what you prefer.
In Florida at least, where there is water there is a good chance you’ll find at least one representative (of 13) of the Sagittaria family. Here are two. I wasn’t able to get good pictures of the leaves, but those are critical for determining which is which.
This is why we are thankful someone back in 1956 had the idea of putting a boardwalk through the swamp. It would have been nice to get closer to some subjects for better photgraphs, but Gini was reluctant to wade through that green stuff.
Around areas of open water there was a plentiful profusion of purple as Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) pleased pollinators and paparazzi.
Resembling Gini’s pincushion, blossoms of Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) were like little magnets for all manner of insects.
Breeding season causes changes in many life forms. One obvious visual change for the White Ibis is a brightening of its red bill and legs. Compare the bird in the foreground to the one in the rear.
In regards to the “pretty red flower” I mentioned at the beginning, turns out Gini was right (well, that’s not exactly a news bulletin). The Leafy Beaked Ladiestresses (Sacoila lanceolata (Aubl.)Garay var. paludicola) orchid is not found in many other spots in Florida, or anywhere else within North America. We ended up spotting a half-dozen of these lovely flowers.
If you got to know her, you would not be surprised to learn that I am not the only species attracted to my bride of 56 years. “Oh, look! I have a friend.” I’ve been trying to find one for years and she just holds out her hand for a gorgeous Magnolia Green Jumping Spider (Lyssomanes viridis). She’s like that.
Although not uncommon, I don’t recall ever seeing a Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica). Also called Virginia Willow, it is not a true willow (Salix genus).
Once again, we came across a resting night shift worker. We tiptoed past another dozing Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
It was an amazing week. This trek through the Corkscrew Swamp was the perfect finale for our celebratory road trip. We have been so blessed throughout our lives. Thank you for allowing us to share a bit of our happiness with each of you.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Additional Information
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: https://corkscrew.audubon.org
Our Natural Places 
How many thousands, or even millions of people walk through the cypress forest and not see the detail that you see. I find myself guilty of the same thing at times, but one truly has to stop and look when they are places like that. I could do without the spider though!
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You are so right Jim. We all do it since it’s just impossible to see everything. You, with your unique Dakota outdoor background, see things I would totally miss.
Gini and I both grew up in Florida fishing families and her brothers are avid hunters. It was natural for our relationship to include activities in nature. The thing I reckon we have learned is exactly what you say: “one truly has to stop and look”.
Those little jumping spiders are full of personality (spider-ality?) and aren’t harmful.
Thanks for taking the time to say hello. I know you’re busy with planting.
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That looks like a really beautiful place.
Thanks for sharing.
I also really liked your pictures a lot.
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It really is an amazing area to explore.
Thank you so much for visiting us and leaving such nice comments.
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It’s as easy to get lost in your posts as it can be to get lost in a swamp: albeit much more pleasant and less stressful. In addition to the shared central Texas plants Steve mentioned, we also have some species of Sagittaria, and I’ve found Virginia sweetspire in abundance in east Texas. The bull thistle often has yellow blooms here, and down the coast, around Rockport and Corpus Christi, the flowers may be pink.
The green jumping spider was quite a surprise. It looks so much like the Green Lynx I might have assumed it was a younger version of that species. The ladies’ tresses orchid was a bit of a surprise, too. I’m accustomed to thinking of those with flowers spiraling up the stems. And, while I sometimes see the vivid greens and blues associated with the breeding season of our egrets, I’ve yet to see a White Ibis with that brilliant red. An unresearched suspicion: perhaps they don’t breed here. I’ll have to explore that.
As for the strangler fig, I think I recognize the song the cypress is singing.
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As we moved often while we were in the military, it was fun exploring our new “homes”. Gini accused me more than once of “getting lost on purpose” just so we could discover new roads and sights trying to find our way back. I’m innocent, I tell ‘ya.
Our first source in researching that orchid called it the Scarlet Lady Beaked Orchid. I think I like that best.
The White Ibis breeds along the Texas coast so you should be able to catch one in its spring scarlet suit. They’re pretty unique. Although they nest in coastal areas (inland, too), White Ibis chicks can’t handle prey from salt water until their salt extraction glands mature. So mom and dad must fly to fresh water, pluck a crayfish and bring it to baby. The things parents do for the kids!
Hah! A perfect song!
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Getting up close and personal with a mature cypress swamp forest would be awesome indeed. I got a chuckle out of the name Leafless Beaked Ladiestresses, and then more chuckles as I looked up other related plants – Leafy LT’s (of course), Hooded LT’s, Lacelip LT’s, Autumn LT’s, Little LT’s, Nodding LT’s, Steambank LT’s, Ute LT’s… a person could get lost in all those Tresses. I was wondering where the name originated, but I think I get it: many of the varieties have spiraling rows of blossoms along a stout stalk, looking for all the world like flowers wound into a girl’s heavy braided hair. Another very cool outing, Wally, thanks for inviting us along!
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I wanted to spend the night on the boardwalk to listen to all the owls which have to live there. The place locks up though and did I mention my common sense spouse?
Thanks for coming along with us, Sam.
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That boardwalk in the opening photo does indeed draw our glance down it.
Maybe an Ikea in Florida will sell pictures of an Itea.
That blue-gray bird didn’t stop to chat
As it was busy chasing a gnat.
That’s a great closeup of the long-sought-and-finally-found spider. The textured “substrate” is unique.
I hope it’s not true that your lady stresses whenever she sees ladies’ tresses.
Buttonbushes, pickerelweed, yellow-crowned night herons, Rubus trivialis, Cirsium horridulum, and Ludwigia octovalvis are six things in this post that central Texas shares with you.
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We were thankful for that nice boardwalk. Wet feet and slogging through the mud used to be fun – wait – that may be a faulty memory.
As long as Ikea take pictures of the Itea and not the actual wood all will be well.
At this particular season, that Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Shall soon be doing its best to become an egg-hatcher.
The jumping spider was as comfortable with that substrate as I continue to be.
My lady seldom stresses about anything. Although I just noticed she is wearing her “warning” shirt today. “If Mama ain’t happy, no one is happy; if Grandma ain’t happy – RUN!” I think I shall offer her a cup of fresh coffee. Quickly.
We have always been intrigued to find familiar things as we explore unfamiliar places. When we find new things in any place, well, I guess that’s what makes nature so special.
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I admire your style in your anniversary celebrations, Wally.
That boardwalk would be extremely impressive if it was only a quarter of a mile long, but two and a quarter miles is utterly amazing.
I hadn’t realised that young Alligators were multi-coloured.
So many beautiful images of plants and creatures, but I was most surprised by that Magnolia Green Jumping Spider.
I hope that Gini is now fully recovered from her earlier ills. I’m pleased to report that Lindsay is in better health than I am now, and I’m looking forward to my surgery in just under two weeks time.
Take good care, both of you – best wishes – – – Richard
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My partner stimulates my style in all things.
The young ‘gators are designed to catch your eye so that while you’re admiring them their Mama is gliding up behind you.
The jumping spiders are so much fun to observe once you find them. Having my own personal “spider whisperer” helps a lot.
We’re very happy to hear Lindsay is doing well. Now, we need to get you back on even keel. Take it easy until then and behave afterward.
Gotta go. Planning the next swamp foray.
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Very nice Wally, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Brad.
We care, so we share.
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Beyond beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your celebratory trip with us. And Like Gini, I would be reluctant to wade in that green stuff. I know, I am a wimp.
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Thanks for dropping by, EC. It was a lot of fun.
Reluctant to wade in a ‘gator and snake infested swamp doesn’t mean you’re a wimp. It means you’re smart.
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So happy for you both on such an amazing celebratory adventure! Beautiful photos!! I’ve been fortunate to visit here, and I enjoyed the boardwalk immensely. Thanks for the memory-enhancer!
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Thank you, Donna.
We continue to enjoy our journey together. Even when it gets swampy.
Glad to stir up good memories any time.
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What a wonderful collection of images from your walk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary! One of my absolute favorite places. In fact, we were just there last week. I wonder if we might have crossed paths without knowing it. 😉
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We will definitely be returning. What a treasure.
We were there on 3/21 so looks like we cleaned up the place for your visit.
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I’m glad you had such a wonderful anniversary trip Wally. And I’m glad you shared your beautiful photos and impressive taxonomist skills with us. That’s such a great area to explore.
Oh and I enjoyed your lengthy “a plentiful profusion of purple as Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) pleased pollinators and paparazzi.” alliteration too!
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Happy to share, Ed.
As you know from personal experience, the area has a lot to offer and is worth return trips.
I could never be accused of being literate so I have opted to pretend to be alliterate.
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Beautiful.
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Yes, it was.
Thank you for visiting.
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