The 2017 Feeding Frenzy at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

     This past month was quite an exciting time for bird enthusiasts at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The rain fed swamp has been historically recorded to start drying between the months of January through April, and this year was no different. Guests on the boardwalk this month were treated to a dramatic and vivid display of bird foraging within what was left of the water reserves at the Lettuce Lakes.

Courtesy of Ginger Allen, Environmental Education Intern at CSS

     The experience of watching birds of all species compete with alligators and turtles for what remains of the fish population in the swamp is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Standing on the boardwalk looking out at this spectacle truly feels like I am getting a front row seat to one of the most raw and unrestrained moments that our natural world has to offer. The water was literally bubbling with fish activity, as all of the individuals were forced to be concentrated in one central pond. It was an unbridled buffet for birds such as Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula). 

     The only problem for the birds that the adult alligators with their hatchlings are simultaneously trying to compete with other alligators for the water hole. I observed quite a few Great Egrets (Ardea alba) get snapped at as they were paying too much attention to foraging. My favorite part of the experience was being around all of the guests that came out to get their share of the magic. It made me feel closer to my surrounding community and gave me hope that there is still an extensive audience out there that cares about the natural mechanisms and infrastructure of our world.

Courtesy of Jennifer Meade, University of Central Florida Student 

Written by: Nicholas Charles

Source:

Staats, Eric. "A Rare Sight: Wood Storks, other wading birds enjoy feeding frenzy at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary"  <http://archive.naplesnews.com/community/a-rare-sight-wood-storks-other-wading-birds-enjoy-feeding-frenzy-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary-ep-399-332653871.html>