February 10, 2014

Archive

Join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 14-17, 2014

Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time. Since then, more than 100,000 people of all ages and walks of life have joined the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds. Simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see for...

Take a guided nature walk at Grayton Beach State Park Feb. 26

On Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 10:00 a.m. join the Park Services Specialist at Grayton Beach State Park for “The Dunes are Alive” nature walk. Learn about the flora and fauna found in the sand dunes, and learn about the importance of the endangered Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse, and see the most photographed tree line on Scenic Hwy. 30-A. Participants will meet at the Grayton Beach State Park beach parking area. Appropriate clothing, closed toe shoes, drinking water is required. Insect repellant,...

Learn about exotic plants at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Feb. 16

Time 2 p.m. Come learn about our non-native plant visitors at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. You may have some right in your own back yard, this program will teach you how to identify and get rid of plants that do not belong. Lots of time and money are spent on eradication of these plants, find out how you can help. Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle; the program will take place at the clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission...

Cold weather aids 2014 Florida State-wide manatee count

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a preliminary count of 4,831 manatees in Florida during this year’s statewide aerial survey, conducted in late January. Over two days (Jan. 24 and 27), a team of 20 observers from nine organizations counted 2,317 manatees on Florida’s east coast and 2,514 on the west coast of the state. The final numbers will be available following verification of survey data. “This year’s manatee count is the third highest we...

Beach nesting bird presentation at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 27

Did you know that beach-nesting birds such as snowy plovers, black skimmers, American oystercatchers and least terns lay their eggs on top of the sand, and raise their young on our local beaches? Chicks less than six inches tall can be seen feeding along dunes, coastal lakes and the tidal zones. Want to see it for yourself?  Dramatic courtship displays and the sight of adorable chicks taking their first steps await you in an amazing photo presentation on Feb. 27...

Walton county fishing report for Feb. 5

Fishing is great for those who get out there Choctawhatchee Bay: Fishing is great in the bay with speckled trout and a few black drum being caught. River: Crappie being caught in the river. 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...

Learn about the gopher tortoise at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Feb. 7

Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to come learn about the state tortoise of Florida, the gopher tortoise. These animals play an important role in our local upland ecosystems, and can even be found out in the dunes of the park. The presentation will be given in the clubhouse; the park staff will direct you from the ranger station. $6.00 entry admission per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W....