Navigating Nature: Brilliant Bird Adaptations
2023-10-07 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Did you know that some birds have combs on their toes? Join St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a free half-day program exploring wild and brilliant bird adaptations that allow birds to survive!
Preregistration required.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Native Plant Walk @ LLP
2023-10-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-12 - 2023-11-15 | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a great free nature expo!
Festival Schedule Details for 2023

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Come celebrate the wonders of nature at this festival devoted to wildlife, birds especially! Find seminars, a silent auction, and a nature expo.
https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/

Beginning Bird Walk @ LLP
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

Birding at Fort De Soto
2023-10-21 08:00 - 14:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Meet at flagpole at the ranger station at 8:00 a.m. Finished by 2 pm. Driving to various hotspots within Ft D, easy hiking up to 1 ½ miles at some locations. Hoping to catch fall migrants and maybe some early winter arrivals plus local favorites and shorebirds at lagoon. Dress for weather, bugs, sunscreen, hat! Bring lunch!
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19.
RSVP to trip leader Mary Keith at mary.keith@tampaaudubon.org

Owl-O-Ween!!
2023-10-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events !

Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet dissection and more!
Some activities cost $0-$25.

Live Owls On Display 10:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Fun Tattoos
Owl Pancake Breakfast ($5/person) 8:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Story Time
Owl Scavenger Hunt
Owl Pellet Science ($5/person)
Owl Nest Box Building ($25/person)

Questions: email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org call 727-934-2680
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Science Rocks!
2023-09-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com.
Sept. 7: 5 Senses
Oct.5: Water
Nov. 2. Bees
Jan. 4: Push/Pull
Feb. 1: Flight
Mar. 7: Frogs and Toads
April 4: The Sun
May 2: 3 States of Matter

Backyard Wildlife: Online Workshop
2023-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Online Event
Join us for an exciting online workshop dedicated to exploring the wonders of backyard wildlife! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about the creatures that inhabit your own backyard, this workshop is perfect for you.
On Fri Nov 03 2023 starting at 3 to 5pm, our knowledgeable experts from FWC will present first on Common Backyard Wildlife, to gain better understanding of the species you may find in your backyard and community, followed by UF IFAS presenting on Landscaping for Backyard Wildlife, with insights on how best to support and protect them.
Discover the diverse range of wildlife species that call your backyard home. Learn about their habits, and how to create a welcoming environment for them. From birds and butterflies to squirrels and larger creatures, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature.
Through engaging presentations and interactive Q&A sessions at the end, you’ll get a chance to ask questions, expand your knowledge, connect with fellow nature lovers, and become a backyard wildlife expert!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of backyard wildlife from the comfort of your own home. Register now and get ready for an enriching and educational experience like no other!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Wonders of Wildlife Festival
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:30 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay invites you to their third-annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival in Plant City! Get your face painted, take a picture with a mermaid, and meet a whole host of local conservation organizations.

Wading Bird Walk
2023-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails.

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a guided walk of the trails. This walk will take place during a low tide so participants will have the best chance for viewing wildlife that forage on the exposed tidal flats!
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-10-01 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Photography Hike
2023-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.

Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve!
This program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session to discuss nature photography techniques, specific wildlife behaviors, and seasonal variations of the land, a Center volunteer will lead a hike where participants can capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Lakeland Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-16 | FL
What is a Christmas Bird Count?
The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, Christmas Bird Counts provide critical data on bird population trends. Tens of thousands of participants know that it also a lot of fun. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission, often before dawn, to count every bird they can find in their territory of the count circle – owls, rails, sparrows, herons, shorebirds, warblers, hawks, eagle, blackbirds… every type of bird. Audubon and other organizations use data collected to help guide conservation action.
How can I get involved?
We need feeder-watchers and field observers. Birders of all ability levels are welcome. Field observers can join a team covering a portion of the count circle by car, foot and/or boat. Just email Cole Fredericks cfredricks@tampabay.rr.com and we will be in touch to find the best fit for you. Explore the interactive count circle map here.
Christmas Bird Count | Audubon https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
Sponsored by the Lake Region Audubon

Nest Box Building Workshop
2023-12-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an in-person workshop to “make and take” a nest box for your yard!
Want to help our local cavity nesters?
Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher! Not familiar with this cavity nester? Learn more here!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Great Crested Flycatchers, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher. This nest box should be mounted at your home or that of a friend or family member.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Come "Sea" Santa
2023-12-16 12:00 - 18:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Join us at the Sanctuary on December 16th from 12pm-6pm for pictures with Santa! We will also have our Avian Ambassadors for presentations, local vendors, food and drinks, and Gingerbread Houses for decoration.

Wading Bird Walk
2023-12-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails.

Learn the identifying marks and key behaviors of our most common wading birds at the Weedon Island Preserve during a guided hike of the trails.
A brief classroom session before the hike will give visitors an overview of the birds found on the Preserve, including tips on when and where these species are most likely to be seen. This guided tour may be up to 2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults. Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Talons, Beaks & Feathers Camp
2024-01-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Camps will join Natalie Lloyd to learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Morning Nature Walk
2024-01-06 | FL
Meet 8:00 AM
Starkey Education Center
1 to 4 mile walk

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-01-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States

Birding at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
2024-01-07 09:00 - 13:00 | FL
Join us for this one-way, eleven mile drive through the restored wetlands along Lake Apopka’s North Shore. We will caravan and will make many stops along the way to observe the many birds and other wildlife that use this area. With a speed limit of 10 mph, you can expect the trip to last between three and four hours. There are portable toilets located near the half-way point, but no other facilities.

During winter months more than 150 species of birds regularly use this property. There is always the potential for a rare bird sighting here. We can expect to see most of the long-legged waders, many different birds of prey, ducks, warblers and flycatchers. This property is considered one of the top three birding areas in the State of Florida.
We’ll meet at 9:00am at the Wildlife Drive entrance located at 2850 Lust Road Apopka, FL 32703. Drive time from Tampa is approximately two hours via I-4 and SR-429 (toll). For those wishing to avoid an early morning drive a variety of lodging is available in nearby Mt. Dora which is about 30 minutes away.

Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.

Contact trip leader Ann Paul at president@tampaaudubon.org. or Jim Smith at earthtraveler53@gmail.com to join.
