December 29, 2016

Archive

Blue crab trap closure for northwest Florida starts Jan. 5

Recreational and commercial blue crab traps must be removed from some northwest Florida waters before Jan. 5, the first day of a 10-day trap closure. Blue crab traps may not be in state waters (shore to 9 nautical miles, including intracoastal waterways) from the Florida/Alabama state line through the Franklin/Wakulla county line from Jan. 5 through Jan. 14. Waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay are not included in this closure. These closures will give groups authorized by the...

Coastal Branch library offering Wednesday winter programs

The Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach is offering a variety of programs every Wednesday in Jan., Feb., and through March 8. The programs will be held in their community room starting at 10 a.m. Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. For more information, call Linda at 850-267-2809. Mountain Dulcimers – Folk Music and Hymns – Omar Wiseman program Jan. 4 Date/time: Wed., Jan. 4, 2017, 10 a.m. A retired Air Force officer, Omar Wiseman acquired...

Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

Learn about Florida black bears at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Jan. 2

Date/time: Monday, Jan. 2, 10 – 11 a.m. Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a Living Bear Wise program on January 2, 2017 from 10 – 11 a.m. Come learn about the Florida black bears that call the park home. Black bears are the largest land mammal here in Florida as well as being a protected species. While you may not see them in the park during your visit you can definitely see evidence...

Christmas greetings from Walton Outdoors

Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas Walton Outdoors would like to thank all of our readers for sharing and exploring the wonders of the outdoors this year. Peace and harmony to you and yours this holiday season. We look forward to sharing exciting new adventures in the coming year.  ...

Choctawhatchee Audubon events for January 2017

5 January Monthly Meeting and Presentation: Sex in the Sitta* – the Complex Social World of the Brown-headed Nuthatch. By Jim Cox, Director of the Stoddard Bird Lab at the Tall Timbers Research Station. A ton of intriguing biology is wrapped around this diminutive nuthatch. The Brown-headed Nuthatch is one of three bird species restricted to the Southeast U.S. Pinelands. Their treetop antics and rubber ducky calls make these inquisitive birds a pleasure to watch, but population declines coupled with...

Walton County fishing report for Dec. 22

Fishing is good Bay: Still great trout and redfish bites. Bay causeway opened up to fishing! Surf: Pompano and redfish biting. Hunting: Deer are already starting to show signs of going into rut. Copeland’s will be closed for the holidays Dec. 25 – Jan. 5. 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...

Happy winter solstice

December 21, 2016 Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, on the day of the December solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night. This special day is Wed., Dec. 21 at 4:44 a.m. No matter where you live on Earth’s globe, a solstice is your signal to celebrate. What is a solstice? The earliest people...