December 17, 2012

Archive

Sandhill cranes winter in North Walton County

Winter visitors a welcome sight for local bird lovers For the last several years, sandhill cranes have been spending the winter months in North Walton County. Foraging in a wetland area and field near Lake Jackson, the birds have been arriving by the dozen. Typically migrating in mid-December and staying until mid-March, the cranes are a welcome sight. With a wingspan of up to 78 inches and standing more than 3 feet tall, the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) is one...

Beautiful redheads residing at Regatta Bay pond

Brightly colored ducks a welcome sight More than 400 Redhead ducks are spending a bit of migratory time at a pond at Regatta Bay in Destin. The Redhead (Aythya americana) is an aptly named diving duck, the Redhead can be easily identified by its bright red head and gray back. Many female Redheads make no nests of their own, but instead lay their eggs in the nests of other ducks. These North American natives spend their summers in the northwest...

Walton County fishing report for Dec. 12

Fishing is great! Choctawhatchee Bay:  The trout bites have still been fantastic with reports of nice, large catches up to 27 inches.  A few sheepshead along the causeway. Creeks/river: Crappie. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click here to find out more about Copeland’s. Copeland’s Gun and Tackle Shop 17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S Freeport, Florida 32439 (850) 835-4277 Store hours: Mon. –...

Hike Campbell Lake at Topsail Dec. 15

Time: 2:30 p.m. Come join the rangers Sat., Dec. 15 for a hike to one of our beautiful and rare coastal dune lakes. This ranger led hike will begin at Tram Stop 1 in the day use parking area. Distance will be about 3 miles round trip. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission into the park. Outside tours canceled during severe weather. Call 267-8330 for more information. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. County Highway...

A true horseman takes the reins at Alaqua Animal Refuge

Natural horsemanship training brings new opportunities for rescued horses A welcomed new addition to the great staff and volunteers at Alaqua Animal Refuge has arrived, and his name is Ben Quinters. The soft spoken, seasoned horseman and expert trainer will be offering his talents to help rescued horses at the refuge in Freeport. Quinters will be teaching horses with a natural method of horsemanship, based on understanding horses in their natural world. “Alaqua has rescued many abused and neglected horses...

Walton County fishing report for Dec. 5

Fishing the best it has ever been! Choctawhatchee Bay: Great bites on the south side of the bay. The trout bites have been fantastic. According to Danny Copeland, “I am 54 years old and I have never seen the fishing this good.” Creeks/river: Crappie, bass, hybrids and stripes. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click here to find out more about Copeland’s. Copeland’s...