Monday, February 13, 2012

Birding & Wildlife Events - February & March


February 17th to 20th 2012 - Great Backyard Bird Count

Warmer temperatures and lack of snow in parts of North America are setting the stage for what could be a most intriguing 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, coming up February 17-20. Bird watchers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to tally millions of birds in the annual count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.

Visit the GBBC website for more information

February 18 & 19 2012 - Florida Ornithological Society Great Backyard Bird Count Event

Take part in the first FOS Birding Weekend, February 18 & 19 in Clewiston. This is open to anyone, whether you are an FOS member or not. We want non-members to learn about FOS and the Florida Breeding Bird Atlas II. On Saturday we will meet at the McDonalds in Clewiston near the Walmart at 8:00 AM and bird the hotspots around the "Big O". After dinner Saturday evening, we will gather at the Clewiston Museum from 7:00 - 9:00 for a social time/chat about birding, FOS, the Breeding Bird Atlas, the Big O Birding Festival and anything else you want to talk about. Sunday morning we will meet again at the McDonalds at 7:00 to depart for STA-5, birding along the way, meeting at the entrance to STA-5 by 8:00 AM. If you haven't been to STA-5 before, you really need to visit this place! We will be participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count for STA-5 (What a backyard!). We will also keep records for Saturday's trip for the GBBC.


February 18th 2012 - Orlando Wetlands Fesitval

Come out to celebrate the Orlando Wetlands Park with guided birding, native plant, photography and wilderness hikes, plus bus tours, hayrides, live animal demos and entertainment, kids' activities, door prizes and much more! The festival starts at 9 AM and ends at 3 PM.

February 18th 2012 - Gemini Springs Field Trip with Seminole Audubon Society

A guided bird, plant and geology hike of this 210 acre Volusia County park.
Meet: at the park at 9 am
Cost: Free
Gemini Springs: 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL


Visit Seminole Audubon's website for more information
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February 18th 2012 - Apalachee Audubon Wildlife Friendly Yard Tour

It's that time of year again for the Annual Wildlife-Friendly Yards Tour sponsored by Apalachee Audubon and it is an important fundraiser for our chapter. If you haven't done this tour before, those who have will tell you it's one of the best $10 you can spend for an activity here in Tallahassee. This year we have chosen seven hosts for their environmentally friendly yards and for the great ideas they have come up with to attract local and migrant birds and wildlife. With this tour happening in the middle of winter, it is not your typical spring time garden tour. It's a chance to see the 'bones' of the yard and catch a glimpse of some fabulous winter birds. Winter is planting time so you can take notes then go home and start that yard project you've always wanted to do and then welcome the birds of spring to nest in your yard. The event takes place on Saturday, February 18th from 10 am - 4 pm. Tickets will be available, starting January 23rd at Native Nurseries (1661 Centerville Rd.) and Wild Birds Unlimited (1505-2 Governor's Square Blvd.) and will be available through the day of the tour. The tour takes place rain or shine. Birds are very active when it's stormy, so don't let that stop you. Once you purchase your ticket, you will be given all the information you need for the tour. It's shaping up to be another spectacular year not to be missed! Spread the word and bring your friends. Help us make this tour the most successful yet. We thank the hosts, both past and present, who have volunteered their yards and time, and the long list of volunteers who have helped make this event so special.

 February 19th 2012


Apalachee Audubon is holding a Great Backyard Bird Count event at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee from 8am to 2pm. We will be counting birds from 830am to 1230pm and then flocking to the picnic pavilion for a potluck lunch afterwards. The program is free with paid park entrance ($6 per vehicle) and registration is not required. Loaner optics will be available and both members and non-members of all ages are welcome.

February 25th 2012 - Southwest Florida 10th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival
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Cape Coral, FL is home to the largest known population of the Florida Burrowing Owl, with more than 2500 documented burrows. These pint-sized birds burrow underground where they nest from late February through July. The Florida Burrowing Owl is now the official city bird of Cape Coral. Please join us as this family fun-filled event celebrates the start of their nesting season. Festival highlights include Paige the Eagle and other raptors from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (ACBOP), wildlife artists, nature inspired arts and craft vendors, environmental and wildlife exhibitors, guided nature walks for wildlife viewing, bus tours to local burrowing owl burrows, and native plant sales. Take a tour through the live butterfly house and learn about their host and nectar plants. Children will enjoy the free arts and craft events. Demonstrations will be given on digging an owl starter burrow and its maintenance. Indoor speakers with presentations to delight you include wildlife educator Lynda White from ACBOP, renowned wildlife biologist, teacher and scholar Dr. Jerry Jackson, noted Sanibel author Charles Sobczak, and accomplished photographer Dan Tudor. There will be food and music, so plan to spend the day. The event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. Sponsored by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Click here for more details.



March 10 2012 - Nature Journaling Workshop

Orange Audubon Society is presenting a special Nature Journaling workshop March 10, 2012 for children ages 7-12 at Orlando Wetlands Park. Certified Florida Master Naturalists Robert and Cynthia Amoruso will lead participants in a guided walk through the Park, and by quiet observation, children will be encouraged to draw and write about what they see. Please bring a small notebook, unlined or lined, pencils, and a backpack to carry these things plus a light snack and water. Wear hats and closed toed shoes. Cost is $10 per child for Audubon members, $16 for non-members; parents are welcome to participate at the same rates. Pre–registering is required. Questions can be directed to Robert Amoruso at Wildscapeimages@att.net.

March 17 2012 - Pelican Island Wildlife Festival
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A Celebration of the Treasure Coast’s natural resources and the 109th birthday of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. An average of 8,000 people expected. Many exhibitors line the sidewalks of Riverview Park, including arts & crafts, environmental, and food vendors. Live wildlife shows feature birds of prey and reptiles throughout the day. Discounted Pelican Island tours by pontoon boat depart every 45 minutes. Special kid’s activities and live music are offered non stop throughout the day. An incredible photography display features entries and winners of the festival photography contest. A full day of fun and leisure for the whole family. Click here for more information.



March 23 & 24 2012 - Chinsegut Birding & Wildlife Festival

Come out for the annual Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival at FWC's Chinsegut Conservation Center in Hernando County, Brooksville. Ken Meyer will give a presentation on Swallow-tailed Kites on Friday evening. The festival offers field trips, kid's activities, educational programs, a bird banding demonstration and much more. Hope to see you there!
Click here for more information.



March 28 to 31 2012 - Big "O" Birding Festival

The Big "O" Birding Extravaganza is a Glades/Hendry County cooperative event in South Central Florida on the Southwest shores of Lake Okeechobee, the state’s largest lake. Glades and Hendry counties are becoming a mecca for bird watching. We’re home to more than 300 species of birds, including Limpkins and migratory Swallow-tailed Kites, and Painted Buntings which pass through during October and April. Five Great Florida Birding Trail sites are within the region: Dinner Island Ranch and Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest and Wildlife Management Areas, and Stormwater Treatment Area #5 (STA5) are in Hendry County, and Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area—East & West are in Glades County. Expect to see ducks such as the Fulvous Whistling-Duck and the Mottled Duck; shorebirds like Black-necked Stilt; waders such as Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and Least Bittern; and specialty raptors including Crested Caracara, Snail Kite, Short-tailed Hawk and Barn Owl. Plus, we’re always on a quest for that elusive Smooth-billed Ani. Come help us look! Click here for more information.




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