RAPTOR FEST
2024-02-03 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for the Tenth Annual Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! Watch trained raptors in free flight, learn about Florida’s native raptor species, take a photo with live birds of prey, learn from local environmental exhibitors, enjoy activities for children and families, take a bird walk and much more!
Flight shows will begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Free parking and shuttle services will be provided at Lakewood High School and Lake Vista Recreation Center.

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

Wading Bird Walk
2024-01-30 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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

The History of Bald Eagles in Florida
2024-02-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for a journey through time highlighting the storied history of our local eagles!
This is a program rich in history, field accounts, photography, biology and behavior of bald eagles primarily in West Central Florida with state wide comparisons. Rare photos and data cover more than a half of a century of eagle field work. Program participants can expect to learn about eagles from a historical perspective covering eagle populations prior to DDT, through the listing and delisting periods, with a focus on our local Bald Eagles.
The program may feature a Bald Eagle. Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater serves as a sanctuary to these educational ambassadors.
Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening program!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Seaside Visits Clearwater Marine Aquarium
2024-02-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Meet some of our wonderful Avian Ambassadors and learn their stories while enjoying a visit at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-01-07 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.
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

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

Wild Florida 101- Guess That Bird
2024-03-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Annual Kite Day at ROC Park
2024-03-11 10:00 - 16:00 | R.O.C. Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, FL, 33708, United States
Meet some of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s wonderful Avian Ambassadors at Annual Kite Day!

Chinsegut Hill, Brooksville
2024-03-20 08:30 - 11:30 | FL
Walk the Chinsegutt WEA on March 20. Meet at 8:30 am at the parking lot at the intersection of Rt 41 and Snow Memorial Hwy, just north of Brooksville. You can find it in Google Maps under Florida Trail Snow Memorial Highway Trailhead, but there is no street address. It will be an easy walk of several miles, up to the wet prairie overlooks and back again. The trail is wide, relatively flat, a bit sandy in places. There are Red-Headed Woodpeckers, as well as everything from Bald Eagles to Ruby-Crowned Kinglets.
There are NO FACILITES at the trail head, so stop in Brooksville first! Bring water. Most of the trail is at least partly shaded.
Bring lunch if you want, there is a picnic table in the shade at the trail head.
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.
To register, contact Mary.Keith@tampaaudubon.org.

Audubon Photo Club on Zoom
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM, United States
Join the Tampa Audubon Photo Club on Zoom at 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month (September through May). Guests are always welcome!
For details, go to https://www.tampaaudubon.org/photo-club
Other information is available in our newsletters at https://www.tampaaudubon.org/newsletter

Triple Creek Birding
2024-03-23 07:30 - 11:00 | Triple Creek, 13305 Balm Boyette Road, Riverview, FL, 33579, United States
Triple Creek Preserve is a 969-acre preserve in the south part of Hillsborough County. It includes a creek system, hardwood wetlands, and upland habitats. There are a variety of trail surfaces: grass, hard dirt, sand, roots, gravel, etc., but we’ll avoid potential wet areas,especially the creek crossings which you have to wade through.
Much of the 3–4-mile walk is unshaded. There are no bathrooms.
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 Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.

Field Trip @ Crescent Lake Park
2024-03-23 08:00 - 10:00 | Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N. , St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us as we explore Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg. We will look for a variety of bird species on land and water.
Field trip lead: John Ficken, Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL)
Difficulty: easy (1-mile, paved loop)

Youth Program: Spring Bird Migration
2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate and learn about spring migration!
Bird migration is a risky business! Explore the challenges affecting migration for many bird species, and learn through hands-on activities what it’s like for a bird on this great journey. Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth.
Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Registration is required.
Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-04-07 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.
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.

>>> REGISTER HERE

INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS
2024-04-10 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
MASTER GARDENER SPEAKER SERIES:
INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS
Insects and birds can be both friends and foes to gardeners! Join Master Gardener, Debbie Ingram, as she explores how to tell the difference between helpful and harmful wildlife and how to cultivate balance between the two.

Meatball's Birthday Party
2024-04-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Meatball is a Roseate Spoonbill and one of our newest residents at the Sanctuary after arriving as a patient in April of 2023. Meatball had an already healing fracture of the left wing, rendering him unable to fly. He is currently an Avian Ambassador in training!
Join us as we celebrate our beloved resident, Meatball the Roseate Spoonbill’s, birthday! Meet Meatball and some of his Avian Ambassador friends while they celebrate.

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-04-13 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

ANNUAL FRIENDS PICNIC
2024-04-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Please join us for our annual member/volunteer/donor appreciation picnic, Saturday April 13, 11am – 2pm at Fort De Soto County Park, Shelter #3 (North Beach). Come out for some good food and friends, take a walk on the beach, and look for birds during the peak of spring migration at Fort de Soto. Main dishes and drinks will be provided, bring an appetizer, side, or desert to share if you want to – new members are welcome. We hope to see you there. Please RSVP to friends@tampabayrefuges.org by April 5th.

Birding on the Bay
2024-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Birdwatching Excursion Aboard Our Eco-Vessel!
Duration

75 Minutes

About

Join us for a special birdwatching excursion aboard our eco-vessel and let’s spot feathered friends in their natural habitat. This program includes a boat-based visit to a local bird sanctuary island with plenty of time for observation, and our educators will share their knowledge of the local avian population.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

What to Bring

You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection is highly recommended.

For all ages!
>>> BUY TICKETS

Let's Go Birding!
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Spend some time on the trails and learn about birds and bird watching! This special event is hosted in partnership with the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Guests will encounter various stations along the trail and get to participate in fun, interactive, and educational activities.

Free with the price of admission to the park.
Sign up now to volunteer with us.

Birds, Native Plants & Lunch
2024-04-20 09:00 - 13:00 | FL
We will visit two small gems in Largo (descriptions below), have lunch at PJ’s Oyster Bar (outside dining). Wilcox Nursery, which carries many native plants, is nearby for anyone shopping to improve their native gardens.

The morning starts at the John R. Bonner Nature Trail at 8:00 a.m. (14444 143rd St N, Largo, FL 33774). From the Florida Birding Trail: John R. Bonner Nature Trail is a “small spot of green in urban Pinellas County, this city park’s cool, shady hammock attracts migrating songbirds in spring and fall. Walk the woodland trails (paved and crushed shell) on either side of the park’s entrance road looking for species such as Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-eyed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager and Wood Thrush. Wading birds like Great Egret forage at the pond near the parking area. A 460-foot boardwalk leads out to a covered platform set among the mangroves on the Intracoastal Waterway; watch here for gulls, terns, shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds like Reddish Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron and Roseate Spoonbill. Osprey, Brown Pelican and Double-crested Cormorant are common all year. Watch for Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Cooper’s Hawk in spring and Gray Kingbird in fall.”

“Also known as the “Turtle Park” for its abundant aquatic turtle population, the George C McGough Nature Park is a 26-acre park located along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Nature Center houses live animal exhibits, including 22 rescued, non-releasable birds (owls, hawks & an eagle), and offers several environmental education programs. Our nature trails, including a comfortable rubberized walking trail, are a great way to see the natural beauty of Florida. Also included are outside shelters and a playground with a kid’s zipline. No dogs, including service dogs, are allowed in the park because of the captive birds on the property.”

Contact trip leader Mic McCarty at mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org to register and receive updates.

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.

Earth Day Birthday!
2024-04-20 09:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
A Springtime Conservation Celebration!
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Present: Earth Day Birthday: A Springtime Conservation Celebration!
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to announce a special celebration of the Environmental Education Center’s 20th birthday and the Friends’ 30th year providing support for the Preserve.
Join staff, volunteers, and your fellow community members to explore the Education Center, hands-on activities, and the wonders of Our Wildest Place!
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Ongoing Activities:

Touch-a-Truck: Meet staff from the Florida Forest Service and some of the equipment they use when fighting (or starting!) fires in natural areas.
*Build a Pollinator House: Some of our smallest wildlife needs your help! Learn about native bees, how important they are and how you can help provide habitat. *while supplies last
Green Careers in Pinellas: Meet staff from several Pinellas County Government departments and non-profit organizations who will share their work and experiences with you.
Free Trees: Pinellas County’s Urban Forestry will have a variety of trees available to take home for planting and preservation of our urban forest.
Injured Wildlife: Meet ambassador animals from Owl’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary and learn the dos and don’ts of wildlife rescue from local experts.
Crafts and Quests: Visit the Exhibit Hall for crafts and pick up a plant quest to enhance your hiking experience.

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Scheduled Activities: *Registration required, space is limited. Click on an activity to register.

Bio-Blitz at 9am: Learn how to be a citizen scientist, gathering data on the flora and fauna of the Preserve!
Guided Hikes at 9am, 10am, and 11:30am: Explore “Our Wildest Place” on a nature hike. There are four separate hike options to choose from!
Native Bee Hunt at 10am: Join UF field researcher Clint Gibson on a search for rare and elusive native bees!
Bird Nest Box Workshop at 10:30am: Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher!
Dish Gardens at 1pm: Put together a pollinator buffet using small native plants to create a pollinator garden perfect for a small space! Sponsored by the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Architecture Tour at 1pm: Learn about our buildings with the architect of the project!

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Happy Birthday to us at 2pm! Stay for cupcakes and celebrate with the County officials who work to keep the Preserve Wild!
Parking is first-come-first-served all day in the main parking lot. No pets are allowed on Pinellas County Preserves. Pedestrians only on boardwalks and trails.

Nest Box Building Workshop
2024-04-20 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 an Eastern Bluebird!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Eastern Bluebirds, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for an Eastern Bluebird, which is a year-round resident in Pinellas County.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

2024 Florida's Birding & Photo Fest
2024-04-24 - 2024-04-28 | Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia, 5205 A1A S, St. Augustine Beach, FL, United States
Nearly 100 exciting photography & birding events including field workshops and classroom seminars.

The 2024 Birding & Photo Fest will feature the return of festival favorites, world-class photographers along with new professionals and instructors who will offer technical training opportunities and more birding in-field programs than ever before.
As always, festival participants will benefit from insights and instruction from a collection of upper echelon international nature and wildlife photographers — a group that continues to solidify Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest as one of the premier events in North America. And of course the community of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and all of Florida’s Historic Coast is welcoming bird lovers and photography aficionados with the friendly hospitality you’ve come to expect.
The 2024 event will be held April 24-28, 2024 at Celebration Hall, St. Anastasia Located at 5205 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach, FL
For more information go to https://www.floridasbirdingandphotofest.com
>>> REGISTER HERE

Field Trip @ Fort De Soto Park
2024-04-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us at Fort De Soto Park as spring migration peaks for our area!
Field trip lead: Ron Smith
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (natural paths, loose sand, potential for feet to get wet)

EARTH DAY AT MOCCASIN LAKE
2024-04-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with Moccasin Lake Nature Park!
There will be music, presentations, children’s crafts, reptiles and birds of prey, and food trucks!
Free event.
