Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2023-02-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-03-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-04-01 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walk LLP
2023-02-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2023-03-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2023-04-01 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.
Advance registration is required.
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

RAPTOR FEST
2023-02-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
All ages welcome! FREE ADMISSION.

Join us for a fiercely fun event celebrating raptors!

Trained raptors in free flight
Learn about Florida’s native raptor species
Photo ops with live birds of prey
Environmental exhibitors
Activities for children & families
Bird walks & MUCH MORE

FREE parking and shuttle service available at Lakewood High School and Lake Vista Recreation Center. Proceeds support the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the Birds of Prey Program.

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-02-05 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-03-05 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-03-19 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-04-02 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.

Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.

Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.

Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Pets are not permitted.

No smoking is allowed.

Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Edward Medard Conservation Park
2023-02-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Edward Medard Park consists of a 700-acre reservoir and multiple trails. We will meet at the boardwalk parking lot at 8 a.m. where a bathroom is available. After the boardwalk, we will walk the levee trail. The boardwalk is flat; we will be walking along the shore of the levee so the ground is uneven. The entrance fee is $2 per car. Following is a map of the park and a checklist when I birded it on January 3rd. medard-standalone-map.jpg (1123×1303) (hillsboroughcounty.org)
eBird Checklist – 3 Jan 2023 – Edward Medard Regional Park – 49 species
Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to by family groups traveling together to the count sites. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2023-02-06 06:30 - 08:30, 2023-03-06 06:30 - 08:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The local chapter of the National Audubon Society conducts field trips to Florida’s natural areas, supports local environmental education efforts and sponsors environmental educators to Audubon training centers. Everyone is welcome. clearwateraudubonsociety.org
DETAILS HERE

Bahia Beach Nature Preserve
2023-02-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, 2513 Shell Point Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Bahia Beach Nature Preserve is a wetland restoration area that enhances the wildlife and marine habitat and improves the water quality discharging into the bay. It is a primitive preserve with no amenities — no water, restrooms, etc. The trail is wide but can be uneven in spots. Wear proper shoes and sun protection and have bug spray.
Nearly 70 species were reported during the first week of January, and 163 species have been recorded there since it became a birding hotspot. Species include: American Wigeon, American White Pelican, American Robin, Swamp Sparrow, Blue-Winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Harrier, Canvas Back, Redhead, Sora, Northern Shoveler and numerous herons and egrets.
The trip will be led by Sandy Townsend and Lynn Mitchell. For more information or to register, please email sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org and fill out this online form: https://forms.gle/56PJ6tSdQ9szjbr19.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up.
If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2023-02-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-03-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2023-04-08 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Wild Wings –
Birds of Brooker Hike
Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard? Do you see and hear birds but don’t know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants outside the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-wings-birds-of-brooker-hike-tickets-53439990450?mc_cid=a4dbfdde6b&mc_eid=1cbba2e07b

Beginning Bird Walk
2023-02-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-03-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-04-08 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. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19.
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 Megan Campbell at megan.campbell@tampaaudubon.org.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Avon Park
2023-02-18 - 2023-02-19 | FL
On Saturday, we’ll visit Avon Park Air Force Range. On Sunday, we’ll visit other birding hotspots in the area.

The range is a 106,000-acre military training facility in Polk and Highlands County. It is also home to several key species of birds that can be tough to find. We’ll be led by Patrick Blake, the Avon Park ranger and an expert birder.

The range has a large population of Florida Scrub Jays and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. We can expect to see Carolina, House & Marsh Wrens, and possibly, a Sedge Wren. We should also expect Palm, Pine, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle), Yellow-throated, and Prairie Warblers, as well as Common Yellowthroat. The range has all the standard wading birds (Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, etc.) It is not unheard of to find Painted Buntings, Hermit Thrush or King Rail with some careful looking. We will also attempt to locate Burrowing Owls and White-tailed Kites.
Avon Park is near Sebring, Florida, which is home to multiple hotels, grocery stores and restaurants. We ask that you make your own lodging and dining arrangements and pack lunches and beverages for both days.

Be willing to carpool. We will be escorted at Avon Park to ensure no one gets lost or ends up in restricted areas.

The cost is free, and registration is required, and the trip is limited to 10 participants. IMPORTANT: This trip could be cancelled because of a last-minute scheduling conflict at the base.

The deadline to register for the Avon Park Field Trip is Feb. 6

For more information and to register, fill out the form at: https://forms.gle/VPAaQxK2SdkrbZbp6. If you have questions, contact trip leader sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org. Mic McCarty is also leading the trip.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

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 <<<
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!

Birding at Cypress Point Park
2023-03-05 07:30 - 09:30 | Cypress Point Park, 5620 W Cypress Street, Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Cypress Point Park is a neighborhood park whose famous winter residents are the Brown Boobies that roost on the offshore signs. It has a beach to study shorebirds at low tide and a grassy park for woodland birds. A bathroom is available at the parking lot. Paths and the beach are level; it would be best to wear water shoes for wading if necessary. Take Cypress Street west all the way to the end, then turn left and drive south pass the office buildings until you reach the entrance; you’ll have to turn right and drive west to reach the parking lot where we’ll meet. After the beach birding, you can walk the park, or drive to nearby Ben T. Davis Beach to look for more ducks and shorebirds.
Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.
If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Field Trip to Eckerd College
2023-03-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, United States
Join us as we take on Eckerd College’s campus for a morning of birding! You never know what you might see hanging around campus and the mangroves just on the other side of the canal.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Youth Bird Program
2023-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Spring migration has begun, and Florida is an important stopover site for many bird species! Learn about the challenges birds face on this great journey and how you can help.
Registration is required. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Led by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County.
Geared toward ages 7 – 11.
Additional Notes: This event will be held in our auditorium. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the main parking lot, and there is a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Auditorium.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Raptors Indigenous to Central Florida
2023-03-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about local raptors!
Join the Friends of Largo Nature Parks for an educational presentation on raptors. We will examine the similarities and differences between the five primary types of Birds of Prey, with the help of a few non-releasable raptors from McGough Nature Park!
Family Friendly! Presented by the Friends of Largo Nature Parks. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2023-04-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The local chapter of the National Audubon Society conducts field trips to Florida’s natural areas, supports local environmental education efforts and sponsors environmental educators to Audubon training centers. Everyone is welcome. clearwateraudubonsociety.org

Birds of Prey
2023-04-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Presented by the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
