National Audubon Society

Monthly eNewsletter

A large group of birds perched in treetops

Swallow-tailed Kites Staging at the Sanctuary

In late July, Pete Root and Scott Svec on our land stewardship team encountered this communal night roost for Swallow-tailed Kites. Kites nest across Florida and the Southeast and after wrapping up their nesting season begin gathering in South Florida as they prepare to head to their South American wintering grounds. The roost was not visible from the boardwalk, but visitors could see kites soaring overhead for several days.Read more about Swallow-tailed Kites.

Swallow-tailed Kites roosting at the Sanctuary. Photo: Peter Root/Audubon

Moonlight over the boardwalk

Moonlight on the Boardwalk and Member Swamp Social

What a great event! The weather held and hundreds of visitors attended our Moonlight on the Boardwalk event to enjoy the swamp after hours under the Supermoon. Guests listened to music inside with the HUGS Ukulele Band, while the frog chorus out at the Lettuce Lake was truly amazing. We don't yet have a date for the next Moonlight event but do have several guided Night Tours and Sunset Strolls on the schedule for August.

We also had a blast at the Summer Swamp Social, an exclusive gathering for Corkscrew members on August 1. More than 50 members mixed and mingled over complimentary food and drinks while meeting staff and hearing from Sanctuary Director, Keith Laakkonen. Not a member yet? Memberships start at just $75 and last for one full year. Benefits include unlimited admission, a 10% discount at the Nature Store and Cypress Café, members-only events and programs, and more!

Learn more about membership.

The Supermoon made an appearance during our Moonlight on the Boardwalk event. Photo: R J Wiley

Three people standing in front of an airboat

Corkscrew Conservation Team Visits St. Johns River

The Corkscrew conservation team is constantly researching new tools for our land stewardship toolbox to ensure responsible, long-term care of our land. In late July, staff visited restoration sites within the St. John’s River Water Management District to continue a collaborative discussion of ways to improve our management of Carolina willow.

Read more about their visit.

Staff visited sites by truck, airboat, and helicopter and were impressed by the progress they saw. Pictured: (left to right) Shawn Clem, PhD, Keith Laakkonen, and Allyson Webb.

Close-up of orchid blossoms on a tree

"Super" Ghost Orchid Sports New Blooms

The "Super" ghost orchid typically remains in bloom from July through September, but every year is different. This year we had four blossoms in July but none for the past few weeks. As of August 12, we have two new blossoms and can see one more bud forming—possibly the last of the season!

Read more about the orchid.

The "Super" ghost orchid on August 12. Photo: R J Wiley

A man standing on a boardwalk posing for the camera.

Welcome, Jordan!

Jordan Allen joined the Sanctuary team in July 2023 as Development Associate. Working closely with Senior Development Manager Sarah Sauerland, Jordan serves as a donor resource and coordinates philanthropic contributions from individuals, corporate partners, and foundations that provide critical support for Audubon.

With more than ten years of experience in sales, Jordan has a bachelor of science degree in Aviation Technology from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Always looking at the skies, he began to grow his love for birds at an early age. Jordan is excited to shift gears to work with Audubon toward conservation efforts here in Florida and learn more about Painted Buntings, his “spark bird."

Jordan Allen.

Two men in a wood shop

Volunteer Spotlight - Steve Simpson

Steve Simpson has always had a soft spot for Eastern Bluebirds. As a retired carpenter and carpentry teacher from New York, he has built hundreds of birdhouses for his yard and enjoys the community they create. Several years ago, he discovered a new opportunity to combine his love for birds with his carpentry skills as a Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary volunteer. In addition to making repairs to our beloved boardwalk, Steve and fellow facilities volunteer Gary Dorrough are building birdhouses with repurposed wood from the Sanctuary. Some of these birdhouses are now available for purchase in the Nature Store.

Read more about Steve and his birdhouses.

Steve Simpson (right) in the wood shop with fellow volunteer Gary Dorrough.

A graph showing rainfall totals for July

Rainfall and Water Level Update

With 4.36 inches of rain recorded in July, the Sanctuary has only just entered the summer “rainy” season. The average rainfall amount for July is 9.5 inches. As of August 1, water levels were slightly below average.

This graph shows the rainfall amounts recorded each July since 2004.

Grid of award-winning bird photographs

Nine Award-Winning Photos Suitable for Framing Available for Purchase

Nine winners from the 2022 Audubon Photography Award images, currently on display in the Blair Visitor Center, are available for purchase. Suitable for framing, these stunning images are 30 x 40” and available for $195 each ($150 for members). The sale will run through the end of August. Don't miss this opportunity to bring a piece of Audubon home! The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

View the award-winning images here.

Award-winning photography now on sale at the Blair Center.

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic

Wild About SWFL: Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://abc-7.com/news/environment/2023/07/25/wild-about-swfl-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provides an important connection not only to wildlife but for us to become closer to nature. The sanctuary is the largest remaining, virgin bald cypress forest in the world.

Fall in love with the swamp by moonlight on August 1
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/fall-in-love-with-the-swamp-by-moonlight-on-august-1/
The National Audubon Society, realizing the value of this habitat to tens of thousands of wood storks and other birds, stepped in to protect the oldest bald cypress swamp in the world, now known as Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Migrating Swallow-tailed Kites descend on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com/articles/migrating-swallow-tailed-kites-descend-on-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
In July, their return to wintering grounds begins with several thousand kites staging in locations like Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary before they jump off the tip of Florida heading for South America.

Birds in Swamps: Where Woods Meet Water
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birds-in-swamps-where-woods-meet-water/
Wood storks are the pickiest of the stand-and-wait crew. They need the water to be just right: not too deep or shallow. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southern Florida hosts nesting pairs of wood storks in late winter when conditions are driest and the ﬁsh most concentrated.

Enjoy bird watching? Here are the 10 most common birds you'll see in your Florida yard
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/environment/2023/07/13/10-most-common-birds-in-florida-yards-neighborhood-audubon-chapters/70405817007/
Birds can be found in every Florida neighborhood and habitat, according to Renee Wilson, senior communications coordinator with the Audubon Florida and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Rare ‘Super’ Ghost Orchid now blooming at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/rare-super-ghost-orchid-now-blooming-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
The “Super” ghost orchid at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is now blooming. Ghost orchids (Dendrophylax lindenii) are rare flowering plants that rely on extremely sensitive, wetland habitats, and are only known to live in South Florida and Cuba.

Events and Other News

Promotion for Audubon Assembly with a Roseate Spoonbill

Join Us for Audubon Assembly!

Audubon Assembly will be held in person October 26-28 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel. This year's theme is Conservation in a Changing Landscape. With learning sessions, a keynote presentation, awards, and field trips to some of the birdiest hotspots in the region, Assembly is a great opportunity to network with Audubon members, staff, and volunteers across the state. Learn more and register for the 2023 Audubon Assembly.

Audubon Assembly takes place October 26-28, 2023

A sunflower with an insect on it.

Upcoming Events

Check out these upcoming tours and events!

Family Sunset Stroll | Aug. 21
Early Birding Walk | Aug. 22
Night Tour | Aug. 30
SANCTUARY CLOSED Sept. 11 – 22*
Sunset Stroll | Sept. 18
Early Birding Walk | Sept. 19
Early Birding Walk | Sept. 26
Ancient Forest Tour | Sept. 28
View our Calendar of Events.

Southeastern sunflower. Photo: Donald Sawin

Blair Visitor Center

We Are Closing for 12 Days in September

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk will be closed from Sept. 11 through 22 for renovations. Our regularly scheduled guided tours will still be offered during this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your next visit.

Blair Visitor Center. Photo: David Korte

A bride and groom on the boardwalk

The Perfect Place to Say “I Do”

Celebrate your special day in nature. We’re currently offering three outdoor locations as well as the Blair Visitor Center for weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and remembrance ceremonies. Members enjoy a 10% discount. Read more.

Bride and groom on the boardwalk. Photo: Love Letters Co.

Donations and memberships provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary. The Blair Audubon Center and boardwalk are open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. Online tickets are recommended at www.corkscrew.audubon.org/visit.

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Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Rd., Naples, FL 34120 USA
(239) 348-9151 | corkscrew.audubon.org

© 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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