Life in the Swamp

Life in the Swamp. . Before Lewis and Clark explored the Louisiana Territory in 1804, little was known about the land or the animals of this vast region. President Jefferson, interested in America's natural resources, instructed the expedition to collect specimens and to record their observations. The reports filed by these explorers stimulated interest in the new land., Over 175 years later we are still observing nature and becoming more aware of the complex relationships which exist between plants and animals. This swamp forms a unique habitat. Swamp inhabitants have developed physical and behavioral characteristics enabling them to live in harmony., Reptiles , have never been popular creatures from man's point of view. For centuries, settlers and rural residents have been haunted by the fear of reptiles. Until the invention of boardwalks, swamps were not the place to venture on foot. Today, scientific studies have shown us the value of reptiles not only to the swamp habitat but to the total environment., Cottonmouths, most common poisonous snakes in the swamp, feed on frogs and fish. Occasionally seen basking on logs or in low branches, they are unobtrusive, unless molested., Diamondback Watersnakes, though similar to the cottonmouth, are one of several harmless snakes in the swamp. They feed on frogs and fish and can be distinguished from the cottonmouth by the shape of their heads and skin patterns., Common Snapping Turtles bite viciously when handled. Though capable of catching fish and other aquatic animals, they fill the role of swamp scavenger, feeding on dead animals. Long necks, large heads, ridged carapace and long tails make identification easy., Note: The American Alligator, though considered an endangered species, is now growing in numbers. It is known to occur in eastern Arkansas and has been spotted in this swamp. For your own safety, stay on the boardwalk., Trees and shrubs , provide food and shelter for other swamp residents. More than 9 different species can be seen from the boardwalk. Here are a few , can you identify the others? , Button Bush . Bald Cypress . Swamp Cottonwood . Swamp Chestnut Oak . Water Tupelo, Birds , are the most conspicuous residents of the swamp. If you remain quiet, you may be able to see and hear the birds pictured here., Pileated Woodpeckers, large birds (crow sized) with solid black backs and red topknots, feed on larvae and grubs from dead and living trees! The drumming of their beaks is distinctive and their calls come in a series, never singly., Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities and feed on aquatic plants and insects. Large heads, short necks, long square tails and long slicked-back topknots allow for easy identification. Their call is a distinctive rising whistle., Prothonotary Warblers, common in wooded swamps, have golden heads and blue-gray wings. They are seldom seen far from water and nest in tree cavities over low water. Their loud, clear song sounds like “Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! Sweet!”