We went back to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary today for a daytime view and a chance to walk the whole 2.25-mile boardwalk. Spring is coming, and we could see the cypress beginning to leaf out – quite a difference in only two weeks. After stepping around both otter and raccoon scat on the boardwalk, we caught sight of both culprits. The boardwalk itself is built of wood from Brazil that is both moisture and fire resistant. It’s also home to a variety of beautiful lichens – evidence of good air quality.
We saw fewer birds than on our evening stroll, although an egret posed nicely for us. We also had a good view of red-bellied woodpeckers and a black-and-white warbler. The latter is the only warbler that acts like a nuthatch.
A volunteer attributed the low bird count to a lack of fish for food. Even the gators have moved on. The area has had two very dry years, and last year the birds ate “every last fish”, according to the volunteer. When the fish populations recover, the birds and gators will be back.
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