Birding

Tag

American coots winter in Walton

Winter guests found on area lakes in North and South Walton Often mistaken for a duck, the American Coot (Fulica americana) is a common wintering waterbird in the Walton County area. Its all black body and white chicken-like beak distinguish this swimming member of the gruiforme family from ducks. Although it swims like a duck, the American Coot does not have webbed feet like a duck. Instead of having all the toes connected by webs, each coot toe has lobes...

Barred owl gets second lease on life

Injured bird set free after six weeks of rehabilitation One lucky barred owl got a second lease of life Dec. 31 after recovering from serious injuries. Back on November 20, 2010, the young adult owl was struck by a truck and lodged in the grill. With a broken leg, wing and cracked beak, the owl was transported to the emergency animal clinic. Lisa Miller of Wildlife Rehabilitators Partnership of Northwest Florida was contacted to care for the bird. After generously...

Learn about vultures at Topsail Jan. 15

Bald is beautiful Come and learn the facts and history of Florida vultures. Park at the Day-Use area on Hwy 30A and take a short walk with to the clubhouse. A $6.00 entrance fee per vehicle is required. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A. ::MAP:: Sat., Jan. 15  at 1:30 pm. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Outside tours canceled during severe weather. Call 267-8330 for...

Sandhill cranes migrate to North Walton County

Winter visitors a welcome sight for local bird lovers Clara Pittman of North Walton County looks forward to the special wintering guests she enjoys watching arrive in late fall. For the last five years, sandhill cranes have been migrating to the wetlands near her home just south of Lake Jackson in North Walton. Typically arriving in mid-December and staying until mid-March, the cranes are a welcome sight, and have been flocking to the area in large numbers. “I have seen...

Little wren speaks with a big voice

Commonly found in Walton County, the Carolina wren is a bird with many voices By Jessica Basham, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission If you’ve ever wondered which bird sings the familiar, loud “doodalee, doodalee, doodalee” song, it is one of the most common backyard birds in Florida, the Carolina wren. The Carolina wren is a lively little bird that often fluffs itself into a puffy, round shape to appear larger than its 6- or 7-inch body. For its size,...

Banded Rufous hummingbird winters in same yard seven years in a row

Winter guest returns to delight of local bird lover Local hummingbird enthusiast and butterfly expert, Mary Ann Friedman of Niceville is excited about a winter guest she has coming to her yard year after year. A Rufous Hummingbird, nicknamed “Ruferocious” has been returning to Mary Ann’s yard each winter for seven years. “We call her Ruferocious because she is pretty possessive and usually kicks any other would be winter hummingbirds out in a very short time. Before she started “living”...