January 21, 2014

Archive

Choctawhatchee Audubon programs and events for February 2014

Join the Choctawhatchee Audubon for birding programs and field trips. February 1: Bird Walk  – Master birder, Bruce Purdy, will lead a bird walk to the Okaloosa County Landfill and Ft. Walton spray fields. This location consistently produces the highest species counts in our area, with wintering shorebirds, raptors, ducks, songbirds, and more on display. Wear good shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Meet at Coach and 4 Restaurant at 1313 Lewis Turner Blvd., Ft. Walton at 7:30 a.m....

Bald eagles continue to thrive in Walton County and across Florida

Florida’s eagle population now exceeds 4,000 birds each year Bald eagles have been spotted in several locations in South Walton and along the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is great news that these splendid raptors are making Walton County their nesting home. According to the last census taken in 2013 by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) there are six active nests around the Choctawhatchee Bay. Several of the nests are active, with returning eagle pairs every year.  The bald eagle...

Learn about coyotes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 18

Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Come learn about our most ubiquitous exotic mammal, the coyote. This program will cover everything you need to know about coyotes, where they live, how they survive, and how they are managed in the park. This is an all ages program that will take place in the clubhouse. $6.00 entry admission per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information, call...

Kellogg Bayfront Park in Santa Rosa Beach open to the public

Kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board launch on the Choctawhatchee Bay A new waterfront park is open on the Choctawhatchee Bay. The long awaited Kellogg Bayfront Park in Santa Rosa Beach boasts panoramic vistas, along with easy access to the bay for kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. Amenities include vessel ramp, several picnic tables, shower, water fountain and water spigot. The fenced park area does not include vehicle parking, however you may facilitate the ramp area while...

Walton County fishing report for Jan. 15

Fishing is great! Choctawhatchee Bay: Fishing is great in the bay with large speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead. 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. – Fri.: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat.: 6 a.m. –...

FWC, partners release dozens of sea turtles rescued from cold in northwest Florida waters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and several partners returned approximately 50 sea turtles to the wild Jan. 14, 2014 in the Gulf of Mexico off Cape San Blas after the animals were rescued from last week’s cold water temperatures. “It is very satisfying to be able to release these turtles following the exhaustive effort put in by rescuers last week,” said Dr. Allen Foley, FWC sea turtle biologist. “Our staff, partners and volunteers spent many hours braving...

Books and Blooms at Coastal Branch Library Jan. 25

A Books and Blooms event will be hosted the Friends of the Walton Coastal Branch Library and the Green Thumb Garden Club. The event will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, raffles, a mini book sale, gift shop and floral design demonstrations by Marie Harrison. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00. The Walton County Coastal Branch Library is located at 437 Greenway Trail,...