Birding

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Fall brings hummingbird enjoyment to Northwest Florida

Rare hummingbirds visit Florida this time of year Between now and early spring, rare hummingbird species from out West turn up in Florida on their way to their winter homes in the tropics. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are year-round residents throughout Florida, but many from up North also pass through here on their annual migration to Central America. Floridians who put up hummingbird feeders or grow red or orange tubular flowers may get a glimpse of one of at least nine additional...

Point Washington State Forest fall wildflowers in bloom

Season brings colorful display to the forest floor Most any time of year, the Point Washington State Forest offers a diverse landscape for a hiker or biker to explore our area’s natural beauty. Most of the forest’s area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. During the fall months, the array of wildflowers in bloom offer the explorer a colorful journey. Native flowers in bloom include wild buckweat (Eriogonum tomentosum), hairy jointweed (Polygonella basiramia),...

Learn about raptors at Topsail Sept. 18

Learn about the hunters in the sky Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Time: 1:30 p.m. Come and join an exciting indoor interpretive on the birds that deserve respect.  Learn about owls, ospreys, hawks, and more interesting hunters in the sky. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short walk to the clubhouse.  A $6.00 park entrance fee is required. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. For more information call...

Green heron spotted on Mussett Bayou

This beautiful green heron (Butorides virescens) was spotted perched on a long leaf pine along Mussett Bayou in Santa Rosa Beach. A small, stocky wading bird, the green heron is common in wet spots across much of North America. It can be difficult to see as it stands motionless waiting for small fish to approach within striking range, but it frequently announces its presence by its loud squawking. Cool Facts •    The green heron is one of the few tool-using...

Choctawhatchee Audubon programs for September

Choctawhatchee Audubon educational program at Northwest Florida State College September 2 Choctawhatchee Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection of bird and wildlife habitat, environmental education, and a greater appreciation of Northwest Florida’s natural beauty. Throughout the year, CAS offers a variety of educational programs at Northwest Florida State College. These events are on a wide range of topics related to our natural world and environment, and feature a guest speaker who is an expert in their field. September 2:  “Red...

Who cares for injured wildlife?

A look at the dedicated volunteers at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is the facility to call if you discover injured wildlife. For more than 15 years, the ECWR has cared for a variety of wildlife – from stranded dolphins to injured eagles, to orphaned foxes. Supported mostly through the donations of local residents and businesses, the ECWR is also involved in education, conservation and rehabilitation of natural fauna. The ECWR is located on Okaloosa Island...