Nature

Birds of Different Feathers Flock Together

January 1, 2025 by Kurt Lischka

On a very special Christmas morning, birds of different feathers flock together on Peach Creek Bayou in South Walton County, Florida. Pelicans, coots, ducks, geese, seagulls, and herons whirl and land, takeoff and circle before landing again.

This phenomenon is amazing to see, it lasts for about 30 minutes and happens a few times a year at sunrise during the short Winter in SoWal. Some of the birds stay behind and linger all day. A dozen or so pelicans hang out all morning being lazy and socializing.

South Walton Nature Walks

There's not much better for your body and your mind than getting back to nature among the trees and flowers, dunes, wind, water and wildlife.

South Walton's natural beauty is astounding, and the main reason folks flock to our coast. The beach is the main draw, but just off the beach some of our favorite spots can feel like a world away.

SoWal Fishing Guide

In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, South Walton is home to 17 fresh and brackish coastal dune lakes as well as the Choctawhatchee Bay & River, and its many tributaries including Black Creek.    

There is great fishing on the Emerald Coast. You can easily outfit yourself, get a guide or charter a boat, or show up at the dock and go with a group. If you’re on a boat with a pro - they’ll have all the gear and licenses for you.

State Parks & Forests in South Walton, Florida

The State Parks and State Forest Lands in South Walton are spectacular. Protected lands make up about 40% of the land south of the bay.

We are so blessed to have such treasure all around us. The lakes, bayous, creeks, forests, dunes and beaches in our parks make SoWal a very special place. Incredible landscapes with coastal dune lakes, lake outfalls kissing the Gulf, flowering dune magnolias, soaring pelicans, dancing dolphins, flower-covered dunes - the wonders of coastal nature are everywhere you turn.

Crystal Clear Waters Welcome Home Seven Sea Turtles

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center recently released seven rehabilitated sea turtles back into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico after having spent time at the CARE Center.

The turtles were returned home to the Gulf at Topsail Hill State Preserve State Park, where several hundred locals and tourists gathered and cheered. Even a group of dolphins joined in the celebration, swimming alongside the turtles as they made their way back into the Gulf.

Keep Walton County Beautiful Encourages Action Every Day

To further our community's commitment to protecting and preserving our quality of life and environment, the Walton County Tourism Department established Keep Walton County Beautiful in 2024 as an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. The preservation of Walton County’s natural landscapes allows residents and visitors to enjoy the area for generations to come.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Nature