Journey to the Audubon Swamp - Behind the Scenes with Ecologist James
The Audubon Swamp Garden is the perfect place to become fully immersed in nature. With a boardwalk that puts you in the heart of a cypress-tupelo swamp, you’ll quickly see what makes this area so special and why wildlife return year after year.
We took a behind the scenes tour with Ecologist James and learned all about the birds and reptiles in the swamp.
Who lives in the swamp?
Visitors can expect to see alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, wood ducks, osprey and other waterfowl. You might encounter otters, rabbits, possums, snakes, bobcats, hawks, owls, and eagles.
There's a lot of places you can be amongst wildlife but very few are as accessible as the Audubon Swamp Garden. Here, you're able to get a peek into the lives of animals that typically live in very hard to reach places. It's not easy to be able to go to a cypress tupelo swamp and see wood ducks and other native birds without them flying away, James says, and to get as close as we do to see alligators sunning.
The general feeling is a lot of comfortability with the wildlife, James says. They know this is a place they can take shelter and refuge from a lot of pressures they face on their life's journey. You get to see a glimpse into what would otherwise be secretive lives of these animals. Being able to provide this to people and be still such a short drive from the busy areas of Charleston is very rewarding.
Did you know?
Shrek’s home is based on our swamp! The film's art director, Douglas Rogers, came to Magnolia to research the swamp back in 2000.
Curious about the “grass” on top of the water?
Duckweed is a green plant that lives on top of the water, making it look like a lawn! It is harmless and actually provides a great source of nutrients.
Prepare to get up close and personal with plants and animals in their natural habitat. We work alongside nature to conserve and support the growth of wildlife and plants in a non-invasive way. Pack waterproof shoes, and be prepared for an immersive experience on the self-guided tour.
Spotlight On: Nesting Alligators
Out of 30-40 eggs laid by a female alligator, typically only six or seven make it to adulthood.
An incubation period is only 60-70 days!
Mother alligators like to build nests using resources around them, such as cypress needles and sticks, and prefer islands and isolated areas along the water.
In an ironic sense, the birds that rely on them for protection will eat the young alligators, and the young alligators will eat the young birds in the trees, creating a natural balance.
Learn more from James about nesting alligators in the below clip!