Walk around Audubon Swamp

If visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for the day, consider paying the extra $8 admission to walk around the Audubon Swamp Garden.  Parking for these gardens is on the way out of Magnolia Plantation on the left side.  The trail begins to the left side of the parking area, and you will have to enter the code given to you at the admissions office to open the gate and enter the swamp. 

Immediately you will be immersed in a tupelo swamp colored green by the plant duckweed. Continuing on the boardwalk the trail splits into a loop around an area where egrets, herons, anhingas and ibeses roost. Watch out for snakes and alligators as you walk along the spanish moss and saw palmettos. 

To photograph the abundant wildlife here, bring a tripod and a lens with at least a 200 mm focal length. There are many nests and if you're here at the right time you may spot some baby birds.