Birding

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Rehabilitated bald eagle released at Hammock Bay in Freeport

Raptor released close to where rescued A rehabilitated American bald eagle was released at Hammock Bay Mar. 2 by members of Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. The eagle was discovered injured at a residence near Whitfield Road in Freeport Jan. 31. The raptor had suffered lacerations to the abdomen, head and beak with a portion of the maxillary rostrum (upper beak) damaged. The source of the injuries was never determined. Once rehabilitated, the Refuge worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...

Join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 17-20

Be a part of something big! The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event Feb. 17-20. It’s free, fun, and easy—and...

Walton naturalist recognized as one of the top 20 bird nest monitors in the U.S.

Bluebird program at Hammock Bay a national success Walton resident and naturalist Joe Wyatt has been recognized for his efforts monitoring bluebird nests. Wyatt manages a nesting program each year at Hammock Bay in Freeport. In 2011, Wyatt monitored 101 nests, placing him as one of the top 20 nationwide in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch program. Wyatt is the only Floridian in the top 20. NestWatch is a nest-monitoring project developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration...

An osprey feeds on its favorite meal

Nice catch! Cynthia Howard of Fort Walton Beach captured this great photograph of an osprey and its lunch on Okaloosa Island on Feb. 25. One of the largest birds of prey in North America, the Osprey eats almost exclusively fish. It is one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica. Ospreys are year-round residents in Northwest Florida. Cool Facts •    The Osprey readily builds its nest on manmade structures, such as telephone poles,...

Legends of the crow

Backyard Safari By Jessica Basham, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission It’s not a typical winter morning in Florida. Most of the state is 70 degrees and it’s January! Everything outside is brown, bare and dull. The only noise is the rustling of leaves and the coo of mourning doves. Then, loud and clear in the distance I hear the caw of a crow. As the morning continues, other crows join and the lone call becomes chatter. Are they telling...

Choctawhatchee Audubon events and programs for February 2012

Join the Audubon for birding education and field trips The following are upcoming events and programs for the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society: February 2: Monthly Meeting: The Choctawhatchee Audubon Society will offer a public program titled, “Shorebirds of the Florida Panhandle”, at its regular monthly meeting. Learn how to identify the various species seen on local beaches, hear fascinating details about their behaviors, and find out what’s being done to protect them. The program will be presented by Alan Knothe, who...