Nature

Tag

Cooper’s hawk on Lake Powell

Beautiful adult Cooper’s hawk spotted near Lake Powell Among the bird world’s most skillful flyers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders,...

Florida State Parks announces Two for Tuesday deals

Stay at a Topsail Hill State Preserve cabin or bungalow and get into Camp Helen and Eden Gardens State Parks free TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks began a new promotion Mar. 2 to encourage weekday camping. The Two for Tuesday promotions allow visitors to purchase discounted camping packages at three state parks for Tuesday and Wednesday night stays that include admission to select nearby state parks. Packages range from $40 to $270, with savings...

Storm spotter class offered Mar. 11

Learn about climatic conditions at free class in DeFuniak Springs The National Weather Service depends on the public to report instances of damage stemming from Mother Nature’s fury.  The information supplied by residents will often help meteorologists’ determine whether the damage, or destruction was caused by a tornado, or downburst of wind. On Mar. 11  at 7:00 p.m., a forecaster from the National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, Florida will be in DeFuniak Springs to conduct a Storm Spotter class. ...

Sunset on Camp Creek Lake

Water color sunset on coastal dune lake Local resident, Jamie Conley snapped this beautiful sunset Feb. 22. “With the storm last night clearing everything out and the combination of warmer air and cool water conditions were perfect for a sunset over the lakes that was just breath taking” Jamie said. Thanks for sharing Jamie!...

Killdeer spotted on Western Lake

This territorial killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) was spotted along the shallow mud flats of Western Lake in Santa Rosa Beach on Feb. 21. The bird must of been nesting in the area as she was not delighted with the presence of paddlers near her spot....

Step-Up Florida Campbell Lake hike March 6

Take a hike along a coastal dune lake at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 10:30 a.m. Come and join the park folks for a hike. Visitors will be guided down the paved bike path leads you to a rare, pristine coastal dune lake for a 3.5 mile hike where park rangers will discuss coastal dune lakes.  Park at the Day-Use Area off Hwy 30A. $6.00 entry admission into the park. Park at the Day-Use...

Northwest Florida Water Management District monitors area springs

Spring sampling helps protect resources Since 2001 the Northwest Florida Water Management District has helped protect the region’s springs by collecting data, conducting spring inventories and monitoring water quality and distribution.  This is part of the statewide Florida Springs Initiative, funded by the Florida Legislature, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Some of the measurements taken by the District are nitrate concentrations, and they tell an important story. “The nitrate load discharged from Jackson Blue Spring represents an...

Step Up Florida Dune Ecosystems Hike at Topsail Feb. 20

Take a hike and learn about the dune ecosystems Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 10:30 a.m. Come and join the park folks for a hike. Visitors will be guided down the paved tram path to get to the beach where they will  learn about the plants and animals that live in a dune ecosystem and then walk back on the tram path.  Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A. $6.00 entry admission into the park. Call (850) 267-8330...