Riverbanks Adventure Forum

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

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.

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area: Truely a Magical place for Birders!

// April 28th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Adventures, Florida, Great Florida Birding Trail, wildlife photography

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! 

Circle B Bar Reserve: Fun Florida wildlife viewing for all ages!

// March 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Florida, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, wildlife photography

Gator Head 8 footer by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Although you can’t tell by its name, Circle B Bar Reserve is a spectacular place for viewing Florida wildlife and is just a stones throw from the Polk Parkway. With hardpan Ranch roads as the trail, Circle B lends itself to birdlovers of all ages. On our first visit we counted 17 species of birds including Roseate Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Green Heron, and clouds of Tree swallows flying around.
Parking is available at the visitor center and you can begin the journey from there or stop inside and view the exhibits as the little ones climp the mock moss covered Oak.  The Center is the hub of the Reserve as several trails lead you in various directions disecting the swamp and then circling back.

Slider Turtle Balancing Act

One of the most exciting walks is down Alligator Alley, where you are sure spot an alligator…if not many.  There are also several different species of turtle including Red Bellied, Cooter, Slider and the prehistoric looking softshell turtle.  Several species of wading birds co-exist amongs the reptiles while feeding on insects.

Our favorite trail was Marsh Rabbit Run to Wading Bird way.  This trail proves the most exciting for the bird watchers!  Glossy ibis, flocks of White Ibis, and Cattle Egrets feed and flutter about.  Great Blue Heron hide in the tall grasses while little blue heron and Green Heron wade through lotus, duckweed and water lettuce fishing for food.  Roseatte Spoonbill and Sandhill Cranes make an occassional appearance as flocks of Cooter, Morehen, and Blue winged tern duck are scattered about.  Hundreds of tree swallow dart overhead inexhaustabley.

Glossy Ibis

Once drained to support an old cattle ranch land, Circle B has recently been restored to is natural wetland state. The land was purchased in 2000 as a joint venture between Polk County and South West Florida Water Management, SWTFMD, to help increase the water quality into Lake Hancock. This parcel also plays a key role in the preservation efforts of the Upper Peace River restoration.

In this short time, it has become a natural haven for wildlife, reptiles, and wading birds as well as a winter home for migrating birds. The old ranch roads provide a nice place to hike/walk while still allowing you to experience the wildlife up close.   Great place for family members of all ages!

See Circle B Bar Reserve on Flickr for more spectacular photos!