Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Take a stroll through Wild Florida on Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand

// July 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Everglades, Florida, Hiking, Nature Photography

After a spending a day hiking and photographing in South Florida, I had just enough daylight left to fit in this small trail.  I came across Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk earlier that day while researching Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and felt walking a boardwalk into the Strand would be the perfect ending to a great day.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, also referred to as the “Window to Fakahatchee Strand”, is a 1/2 mile boardwalk into a virgin Bald Cypress swamp where you can experience the wild swamps of Florida from a safe dry boardwalk. I was in awe as I strolled past Giant Bald Cypress trees encased by the boardwalk that were easily over 100 years old.  “If only they could talk, what tales would they have to tell about this mystical swamp?” I thought to myself.  I spotted rare air-plants in a hanging garden on several Cypress limbs 20 ft above the boardwalk as well as some at eye level.  I could spend hours in here trying to see everything.  Giant Leather Leaf ferns thriving amongst the Cypress Trees and a Bald Eagles nest can be seen up high in the branches of a dead Cypress tree.  An erie Strangler Fig can be a sobering sight seen growing over the boardwalk as you stroll underneath. Over decades of time this erie plant has slowly squeezed and suffocated its host plant, a bald cypress,  only to grow roots and, for no other reason, to take its place in the wilderness.  My mood lightens as I spot the fallen tree log covered with ferns and epiphytes.  We would not have this beautiful log hosted garden had it not been for the Strangler Fig….the “circle of life” continues on….

The boardwalk is located off US 41 west of SR 29 and is wheelchair accessible with two resting places along the way trek. The Boardwalk ends with a viewing/resting area overlooking a Swamp pond. Take a moment to take in the scene as the tanic waters reflect the pretty bald cypress, swamp ferns, and Giant Alligator Flag outlining the pond. Be still and watch for wading birds and alligators to appear.

100+ year Giant Cypress Tree Duo

Red Shouldered Hawk

Beauty is not without its price, be sure take plenty of mosquito repellent!
This boardwalk is built and maintained by Friends of Fakahatchee Stand, a non-profit, and donations are appreciated.
For more information about the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk of Fakahatchee Strand contact Friends of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

To view more photos visit Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk on Flickr

Find Seclusion and Shore Birds while hiking the Sand Spit Beach Trail!

// July 12th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Florida, Hiking, Nature Photography, wildlife photography

Resting place by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Sand Spit Beach Trail

The Sand Spit Beach trail is a 2.5 mile linear trail that follows the shoreline of the Sand Spit peninsula off the north end of Honeymoon Island State Park. I found it to be a nice summer hike with cool breezes off the water. It was low tide with the smooth wet sand tempting me to almost walk the beaches in my bare-feet!  The Coastal side of the beach was lined with blooming beach grasses waving in the breeze while blooming pink flowers from the crawling cross vines added a splash of color to the carpet of green covering the sand.  As I made my way down the beach the people became more scarce and the shore bird activity seem to increase.  The most common bird seemed to be the Willet.  They seemed territorial and when one decided he wanted that territory, he would fly in and drive the other further down the beach. The Pelicans were busy off the shoreline, hovering and diving for fish. 

Black Skimmer skimming for food

Reddish Egret nabs a fish!

Skimmers  would fly by from the north end of island, skim the water right at the shore and then circle over to the other side in counter-clockwise fashion.  I was fortunate to have them fly right by me on three separate occasions.  After two miles of trekking down the beach and enjoying the scenery in the warm evening daylight, I came upon a Reddish Egret dancing in a side pool.  I watched him run around in a circle and jump up in the air as if to fly while the breeze blew through his plumage to make is stand on end. Then he stopped for a moment to take a stab at the shallow water.  I felt the excitement of success as up he came with a small white fish in his bill!

  I watched this bird for several moments as he was very entertaining to watch.  His ritual was almost like watching a graceful dance.  I continued on to the end of the island delighted to find a diverse group of the smaller shorebirds clustered together.  Amongst the common Seagull were Wilsons Plover, Ruddy Ternstone, Gull Tern and Sandpipers.  I watched in amusement as they bathed and preened in the nearby puddle of water. 

After a bath!

“What a satisfying day!”  Were my thoughts as I retraced my steps back down the trail toward the parking lot.  I took my time as the evening sun was setting rich warm glow on the sandy beach, the waving grasses, and on the white puffs of clouds above.  I stopped periodically to snap few shots as the sun was setting fast.  With a fast stride and one mile left to go, I see a bird near a resting bench on the side of the trail.  He saw me but was too preoccupied with eating this whole crab to pay me much mind.  Wanting to savor this moment, I watched as the night heron wrestled with the crab… swallow…. regurgitate…. swallow…. regurgitate.. and finally swallow again! 

Dark crested Crowned Night Heron (immature) catches a crab!

Dusk was slowly turning to nighttime as I made my way back to the parking lot.  This was a GREAT Summer hike but all good things must come to an end.  I was satisfied with my adventure and knowing that stored in my camera are moments with nature I can cherish and share with others.

To view more photos on Flicker click on the Sand Spit Trail.

Wildlife Prints are a great idea for a Father’s Day Gift

// June 8th, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventures, Nature Photography, wildlife photography

Not sure what to get Dad for Father’s Day? Why not freshen up his Den or office with a nice wildlife print. Weather he likes to fish, hunt, or enjoys birding we have photos for everyone. Give the gift of the great outdoors!

To purchase these photos or to view others go to BABowenphotography at Imagekind.com

Unframed 8×10 start at just $10.50!

Gator Head 8 footer by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Eagle Pair by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Handsome Young Buck by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Osprey earns an Oscar… fish by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Great Horned Owl Hiding by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Antique Pick up truck by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Breathtaking Scenery in the untouched Salt Marshes of the Lower Suwannee River Basin!

// May 12th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Florida, Florida Canoe Trail, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, Nature Photography

I had a great day hiking and exploring the 53,000 acre Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge this past weekend. This refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped and most scenic river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The numerous off-shore islands, salt marshes and tidal creeks create an excellent wildlife habitat.

As I set out to hike the Dennis Creek trail, I am amused at how the Fiddler crabs run abundant as they quickly scatter from my seemingly giant footsteps.  I veer from the main trail to explore the trail created by Fisherman along Dennis Creek.  To my surprise I see several oyster bars and two great white egrets feeding across the creek and a few fishing traps. The marshes explode with color as the lime green of the perennial glasswort and the brown cord grasses contrast with the blue water and sky. I cross one of several boardwalks over a salt flat to an island inundated by pine trees.  This offers a welcome shady relief from the hot sun while day hiking this scenic trail. I notice one tree has a CatFace….a scar cut over 70 years ago to drain the tree of its sap.  I spot a Pileated Woodpecker and pause to watch as he flys from tree to tree in search of insects.  The trail leads me back over the salt marshes of Dennis Creek. Again the view is breathtaking today with the white fluffy clouds hovering over the treeline in the distance.  This side of the trail is lined with hardwoods.  The Red Cedars really stand out from the oaks as they are filled with baby-blue berries.   This trail leads me back to my truck.  A short hike but breathtaking scenery in these untouched lands!  One can only hope these lands are spared from the tragic Gulf oil spill that is haunting the Gulf Coasts……

 This refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped and most scenic river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The numerous off-shore islands, salt marshes and tidal creeks create an excellent wildlife habitat.  The refuge is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and also the FWC Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.  The FWC Paddling trail has maps and GPS coordinates for designated campsites.   For day paddling, there are several Canoe put ins through out the Refuge to allow for paddling shallow salt marshes and along the designated Canoe Trails.

Click here to view more photos of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge on Flickr.

Guide Books: Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State, Author Sandra Friend

Spring is Prime-time Viewing for Baby Birds at Gatorland Bird Rookery!

// May 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Florida, Nature Photography, wildlife photography

Anhinga Chicks 2 by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

The Gatorland Bird Rookery in Orlando, Florida is one of the best places for the family to safely experience nature close up and in the wild. Although Gatorland has been known to be an alligator farm since 1949 and tourist attraction, it is also a favorite of wildlife photographers.  Mike Godwin (Owner and part of the Original Godwin Family) is sensitive to photographers needs and offers a special early entry for a nominal fee to allow you an extra hour or so of photo time without all of the hustle and bustle of the crowd.  Although the alligators are raised in captivity, the birds are wild and come and go as they please. The large wading birds naturally like to nest in trees and bushes near alligators. The presence of the Alligators keeps the racoons, possoms, and other predators from eating thier eggs.  Among others, you will be sure to find Great White Egrets, Tri-colored Heron, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Cormorants, Anhinga’s, Morehen, Green Heron, Snowy Egret, Woodstork, and Cattle Egrets nesting along the boardwalk.  Great place to bring the family to experience Florida’s wildlife up close and personal!   Click here for more photos of Gatorland on Flickr.