Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Gateway)

This National Audubon Society keystone site encompasses the largest remaining stand of ancient bald cypress on the continent, and that is only a small part of this 13,000 acre sanctuary within the Western Everglades ecosystem. The birds love it! Boasting a species list of more than 225 species, the famous accessible 2-1/4 mile boardwalk let’s visitors experience an easy journey through this rare habitat where wildlife viewing and the appreciation of nature is paramount. Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks will watch you from low perches as you walk, while Limpkins, White Ibises, and the whole menagerie of egrets and herons (including night-herons!) pick their way through the shallow swamp waters. Bring your camera! Other Florida specialties to look for include Short-tailed Hawk and Purple Gallinule. For those who want to search for the smaller birds, more than 30 species of wood-warbler have been recorded including Yellow-throated, Prairie and Black-throated Green. Painted Buntings are regular visitors during the winter; Woodpeckers, Ovenbirds and Swamp Sparrows are often spotted there as well. A section of the boardwalk is re-routed around a Wood Stork rookery during breeding season. It’s not just birds that love Corkscrew! Florida Panthers have been spotted in recent years but sightings are extremely rare; Alligators, turtles and raccoons are more likely to be encountered. Stop inside the Blair Audubon Visitor Center, where you can chat to Corkscrew volunteer naturalists, browse the sightings log, rent a pair of binoculars, or check out the Gallery Café, Nature Store and Discovery Center. This site is a must visit and fun for all the family. Call ahead for details about educational programs, or visit their website at corkscrew.audubon.org for more information about the Sanctuary and programs.