- Emeralda Marsh Map
Emeralda Marsh is a 1500+ acre conservation area that is rich in wildlife especially birds. I began my 8 mile trek along a lime-rock road at the Trail head of the Great Florida Birding Trail. This birding trail also allows vehicles to cruise the 3.5 mile loop for birding. Soon I found that the fumes left by the cars were undesirable for myself and probably for the birds too. As soon as I came upon Haines creek, I took this opportunity to leave the birding trail to follow the water. Although this was more tranquil than the birding trail, there were weekend boaters and Jet skiers riding up and down the creek. There were moments of peace but they were few and short lived. I did see two owls and a couple of gators as I turned north along the east side of Lake Griffin. Eventually my path met up with the drive-thru Birding Trail again but it was short lived as I spotted a yellow guard rail blocking off the trail along the Lake to curb the vehicles back to the Trail-head. I decided to explore this more remote section of the marshlands. If for nothing else, some seclusion and tranquility.
I was delighted to soon find out that this was the best decision I had made all day. While hiking the trail along the northern end of the eastern dike, I witnessed hundreds of Ibis as I came upon a bird rookery. I paused a few moments to eat a snack and savor this incredible sight. As I ventured further along the rookery I saw other sets of nests including Anhinga, Great White Egret, Great Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis and Cormorants. I was in awe as I observed the birds coming and going and have never seen so many of our feathered friends in one location! There was a leafless tree that had a Cormorant resting on what appeared to be every branch. Sights you would have only seen during childhood as an illustration in an old storybook. I certainly had a great time trying to capture the birds in flight with my camera. The opportunities were endless! After about 3/4 mile of the birding frenzy, the hike certainly became less eventful. However, the daylight was starting to wane and I need to hightail it back to my vehicle. As I scurried along Emeralda Isle Road for my last mile, I was still in awe of the sights I saw. I could not help but think what a magical day that was!
Great Blue Heron in Flight by Riverbanksoutdoorstore
Emeralda Marsh is a 1500 acre Conservation Area run the St John Water Management district. This area was once an active cattle ranch and agricultural area in since the 1940′s and has was acquired in 1994 SJRWM in order to return its natural state and to improve the water quality of Lake Griffin and Haines Creek.
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04/28/2010 at 12:25 pm
That sounds like a fun place to get out the camera and long lens. By the way the photo of the heron is amazing!
04/28/2010 at 2:36 pm
Yes a perfect place to set up the camera and tripod and hand out.
Thank you for nice the compliment in the heron photo!