NATURE WALKS ON THE GULF COAST

In 2023, I spent several months bird watching in my own backyard and learning the ins and outs of birding. Unfortunately, my goal of photographing 100 gulf coast birds in my own yard for a year fell through when I was laid off from my job at a private school and temporarily moved out of state. Although far from home, I did continue finding nature walks all along the Mississippi Gulf coast during the 8 months that I was away from home.

Join me for another of my virtual nature walks through the breathtaking Grand Bay Savanna Wildlife Management Area in Bayou La Batre, Alabama on the Gulf Coast. Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn colors on the bayou while discovering hidden treasures like animal tracks and stunning wildflowers captured through macro photography. This preserve is perfect for bird watching including the majestic bald eagle.

This relaxing video features soothing background music, perfect for studying, walking on your treadmill, or riding your stationary bike. For an extra bit of fun, I've hidden a few virtual Bigfoot images throughout the video.

How many can you find? Share your answers in the comments below, along with the names of any animal tracks you spot along the way. Let’s see who’s got the sharpest eyes for bayou mysteries!

My Gulf Coast birding journey began during my childhood, inspired by my grandmother’s love of nature. Her yard was a haven for birds and butterflies, filled with plants and trees that drew in wildlife. Some of my fondest memories are of our drives along the coastal roads of Bayou La Batre, Coden, and Dauphin Island, Alabama, admiring the natural beauty of the area.

As an adult, I find peace and relaxation in nature and have developed a passion for photography. Capturing the coastal landscapes, wildlife, and plant life has been a favorite pastime for many years. Now, with more free time as an empty nester, I’m diving deeper into learning about the subjects of my photographs. With the help of identification apps, I’ve become more engaged in recognizing the birds, flowers, and other wonders I encounter. Along the way, I’ve proudly embraced the title of "birder."

My focus is on documenting my experiences and sharing the beauty I see, rather than achieving perfect shots. That said, as my skills grow and I invest in better camera equipment, I look forward to seeing my photography improve. This video showcases a variety of images I’ve captured since I bought my first DSLR camera around 2010, celebrating the natural charm of the Gulf Coast.