Woodpecker delights onlookers at Six Mile Cypress Slough in Fort Myers

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers is a wonderland of flora and fauna and wildlife.

During a recent stroll along the 1.2-mile boardwalk trail a Pileated Woodpecker provided a delightful surprise for anyone lucky enough to see − make that − hear the beautiful bird pecking away at a tree looking for a tasty meal.

The video at the top of this page shows the woodpecker make it's final few pecks before deciding it was time to move on. Its hops further up the tree for a few last looks and then flies away.

If you are looking for an opportunity to bond with nature and to see something you haven't seen before, you can't go wrong with the Six Mile Cypress Slough. On this visit, along with the wonderful woodpecker, an otter, turtle, fish and a variety of other birds − like Great Blue herons were also spotted.

More: Wild turkeys love the SWFL woods. We have the photos to prove it

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: What to know

• The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a long, narrow wetland with slowly flowing freshwater. The entire Preserve is eleven miles long, one-third of a mile wide and is over 3,500 acres of intermingled wetland and upland. The appearance of the Slough changes with the seasons from dry (October-May) to wet (June-September).

• The preserve contains a 1.2-mile or 2 km boardwalk with an amphitheater, seating enclaves, shelters, observation decks, a photo blind, and educational displays. 

• Picnic tables are available in the parking area and around the butterfly garden. 

• The slough is open daily from dawn to dusk.

• Entrance is free with parking fee: $1 per hour per vehicle, maximum $5 for the day. Lee County Annual Parking Stickers are accepted.

Six Mile Slough Interpretive Center

The Interpretive center is the first Green Building in Lee County. It houses displays and interactive exhibits that provide an introduction to the wonders of the Slough.

The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on holidays.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What kind of wildlife can you see at the Six Mile Cypress Slough