Saturday, November 28, 2009

Another Bird & Gator Filled Day on the Delta!

Today's tour was great. The temperature was nice and the water was like glass. We had a good crowd of families and friends spending time together.....away from the mall! Great to see on this "Shopping Weekend" right after Thanksgiving.

Passengers on the boat were treated to a great diversity of wildlife. Before even leaving the dock we saw Osprey circling looking for fish and a Double-Crested Cormorant did a fly-by just as we cast off. Along the way up river we saw a Snowy Egret and some American Coots, all feeding in the shallow waters along the Blakeley River. We made our way into the Appalachee River and saw a flock of White Pelicans overhead. We then encountered a Great Blue Heron and some more Coots. All of the birds we had seen to this point were then trumped by the sun-bathing American Alligator! We sat quietly and observed this gator for some time. In fact, he was so intent on basking in the sun that we drove off with him still sitting there. Our presence never disturbed him. On our way downstream we saw more White Pelicans and a KingFisher. All in all a great day in the Delta.

~ Captain Michael Dorie
www.5rds.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Birthday Parties Now Available at 5 Rivers!

Adventure Themed Birthday Parties for Children of all Ages.
Themed birthday parties are a great way to celebrate your child's birthday. Up to 20 children can play a variety of age-specific, educational focused fun games while enjoying the outdoors.

Safari Theme - Go on Safari at 5 Rivers!
Experience the world through an animals eyes with games like Awesome Opossum, Blind Bat-Brown Bat, Scavenger Hunt, Obstacle courses and more!
From 5 Rivers Birthday Parties

Pirate Theme - Hunt for Hidden Treasure!
Follow a pirates treasure map to gold and glory. Along the way come across obstacles such as enemy pirates, dangerous animals and rugged terrain.
From 5 Rivers Birthday Parties

Booking Fees:
$250 for up to 30 Children. Prices include themed birthday cake.

Additional items can also be added, such as boat rides, food and beverages, etc. Please contact us for pricing on these items.

To make reservations, please call us at: (251) 259-8531

5 Rivers Delta Safaris
http://www.5rds.com/


Don't forget 5RDS provides unlimited access to all the Delta has to offer!!. From eco-boat tours to guided overnight expeditions and corporate group adventure activities, let 5RDS introduce you to OUR Delta!

Visit our website http://www.5rds.com/ for more information or email info@5rds.com

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Next Delta Kayak Paddling Safari - September 5th, 2009

For those looking for an outdoor adventure close to home, the Mobile Tensaw Delta provides just that. This 250,000 acre wetland, considered to be the second largest in the country, gives many a chance to see nature firsthand.

5 Rivers Delta Safaris has just announced a kayak tour that would make experiencing such a vast ecosystem even easier. On September 5th, 2009, at 9am, the outdoor adventure company will host a paddle that will be guided by three guides whose experience range from zoology & marine biology to herpetology. The trip will provide those interested in getting an up close and personal experience with nature the opportunity to do so, whether it’s for bird watching, nature photography or just the enjoyment of nature. This six mile paddle is not only great for those already familiar with the sport of kayaking, but it is also great for anyone who is just giving the sport a try for the first time. (see previous blog regarding a recent trip below).

The price of the trip is $54 per person and includes transportation to the drop in site as well as the guide service. Discounts are available for groups of 4 or more Paddlers. It does not, however, include rental of a kayak. Delta Safaris can arrange for rental of one at an additional price. Space for the trip is limited so call and make a reservation soon.

5 Rivers Delta Safaris is located at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on US Hwy 90/98. To make a reservation for this, or any other trips offered by 5 Rivers Delta Safaris call at 251-259-8531 or visit their website at http://www.5rds.com/

5 Rivers Announces October 11 Trip To Bottle Creek Indian Mounds

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and Five Rivers Delta Safaris have always offered those looking to get an up close and personal view of the 2nd largest wetland in the country just that: an intimate look at what animals reside there, what plants can be discovered there and what a unique habitat like the Mobile-Tensaw Delta holds. For the first time, 5 Rivers is now offering the chance to learn of other secrets held by the Delta.

Bottle Creek Indian Mound Plaque
On Sunday, October 11th, 2009, 5 Rivers will host a guided tour into the history of the Delta by visiting its highest point: The Bottle Creek Indian Mounds. This collection of 18 earthen mounds was built using only raw manpower and primitive tools somewhere between 1200 and 1450 AD, with the tallest mound being 45 feet high. This trip gives people the rare opportunity to experience for themselves how this rich natural environment supported those who built these extensive mounds. The sight is largely undisturbed by tourists because of it's remote location and is patrolled and preserved by the Alabama Historical Commission to prevent vandalism.

The trip itself will begin at 9am with an introduction to Bottle Creek and the Mississippian Indian culture. Shuttles will then take participants to Lower Bryant Landing to board the pontoon boat, "The Pelican", for the 45 minute boat trip to Mound Island. On hand to answer questions and provide information will be the University of South Alabama's archaeologists Dr. Greg Waslekov and Bonnie Gums, herpetologist Joel Borden and 5 Rivers biologist Hank Burch. Morning coffee, lunch and snacks will be provided on the trip as well. There is a short 3/4 mile hike up to the mounds and back.

The cost of the trip is $60 per person and space is limited. Children under the age of 12 may not find this trip suitable. For reservations or questions please contact Kellie or Shonda at (251) 625-0814. Information is also available at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center's Facebook page or website at http://www.alabama5rivers.com/.


Delta Marsh

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Paddling Safaris in the Mobile Delta

Article by Adrienne Watkins, Mobile, AL.




The perfect fix for any outdoor junkie is by far kayaking the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The Delta consists of over 200,000 acres of wetland environment with a plethora of plants and wildlife to observe. With over 300 species of birds that make their way through Alabama each year the Delta is easily a bird lovers delight.

Even with this in mind, while out on my own personal excursion, I had no idea I would see such a variety of birds as I did. Although common in this area it is always pleasant to spot the Brown Pelican dive-bombing into the water with their massive wingspan, or the Osprey plunging feet first to display their awesome hunting ability. Amongst the usual variety of Gulls and Terns we saw varieties of birds that are rarely seen in everyday life around buildings, roadways and human settlement.

The first great sighting of the day (besides several alligators) was a rookery of Prothonotary Warblers, with their breath taking neon yellow color. One paddler even saw a hummingbird but was unable to identify it because of its speed. Upon entering Little Bateau Bay we came across a family of Moorhens, who literally let me observe from just a few feet away. Along the same lines as a Moorhen we also spotted the brilliantly colored Purple Gallinule.

The wading birds were of great variety, we saw Great Blue, Little Blue and Night Herons and even the gorgeous Green Heron. We observed Great and Snowy Egrets as well as several Anhingas that were basking in the suns warmth after feeding. We then encountered the Glossy Ibis and White Ibis which were unmistakable with their long curved beaks.

Perhaps my favorite find of the day was the Black-Necked Stilt, which browsed along the waters edge alone, walking gracefully while picking up food with its long needle-like beak.

Overall, the trip was amazing, a definite fix to my outdoor addiction. The greatest part of all had to be the diversity. The amount of wildlife we saw in such a short period of time was almost overwhelming. I can only hope that everyone has an opportunity for such an experience in the Delta.

Thank you 5 Rivers Delta Safaris!

Monday, April 27, 2009

5RDS.com Safari Second - April 2009

Safari Second

By Kristian Aboud
... Imagineer

This month, I've taken the place of an Osprey hatchling and my first thought is - do I have to forsake the Sunday morning brunch for a combination of raw fish and other goodies? At least I always have a wine tasting sunset cruise that Michael will gladly take me out on! :-) If
you haven't been, you must - The sunsets are absolutely amazing.

In last Month's competition, admittedly the question did require you to physically visit 5 Rivers and check the Delta Hall plaque closely, we were unfortunately not able to give any prizes away. For the correct answers, please see our Mobile Quiz space to the right. We look forward to an opportunity to give away this month's prize.

Michael has previously mentioned our Eco-Warrior program that we are "slowly" putting into place. If you are involved with an organisation in the Delta, who is need of Volunteers, then we would like to hear from you. Especially if the volunteering is unique and Delta focused. We aim to our program provide unique insights to the Delta for Eco-Warriors of all ages and welcome any ideas, requests for participation and/or support.

I encourage anyone who has an idea, an improvement, a tour suggestion or just loves Mobile like we do, to contact Michael or myself. My direct email is kristian@wildnative.com

We are expecting our new website to go live very soon, keep an eye on this space. www.5RDS.com will become THE Adventure Portal for Mobile. Join us in promoting Mobile, Alabama, as a city full of unique Adventure for the whole family!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

5RDS April Competition


A local 'Gator on a recent excursion


Mobile, AL Quiz!

Unfortunately we had no correct answers for the quiz last month - What is the real name of the Delta Hall at 5 Rivers. The correct answer was indeed the "James Hillman Griggs Delta Hall", so named for our long serving and recently retired Director of State Lands.

The 2nd part of the Quiz required the "code word" we had attached to the bottom of the plaque commemorating this hall.
The correct answer was "Port City Safaris", but you would have had to look closely!

This month, the quiz has our mothers in mind:
For a set of 2 Free Tickets on our National Geographic recognised Eco Tour - What process has been established by Osprey when feeding their young, to ensure survival of their
species?

To enter for a chance to win a free "1/2 Day Kayak Safari for Two" ALSO tell us whether Kristian, our Imagineer, had he been an Osprey hatchling, would have most likely survived?

Send in your entry to go in the draw for one of these two great prizes.