Guide: EVA REIS

This trip is our newest county preserve. We should see a lot of birds with Eva. Please join us.

RESERVE HERE

Directions: This Preserve is located on Hutchinson Island, on the Indian River side. Coming from Ft. Pierce on A1A, it is on the right side, just past the entrance to Walton Rocks Preserve.

Meeting Place: Meet in the small parking area near the Ocean Bay Riverside Preserve sign. Additional parking in the grass along A1A.

Details: This trip is timed to coincide with the peak of fall songbird migration. Lorraine Morecraft will lead us along the one mile level trail which takes us through coastal mangrove habitat with some views of the Indian River Lagoon. Mosquitos are possible so long pants and long sleeves are suggested. Bring your binoculars, water and insect repellent.

The closest restrooms are at Walton Rocks Preserve.

It's not too late to participate in the 70th Anniversary Birding Challenge. Any St. Lucie Audubon Society member who sees 70 species of birds in St. Lucie County in 2024 will receive a free anniversary t-shirt. See our website for details. https://www.stlucieaudubon.org

For questions contact Doris Brookens at 717-576-7876 or dorisbrookens@gmail.com

Leader: Join Alexsis Peralta

There will be a 20 person limit.  The address is 7295 4th Street, Vero Beach, Florida.  We will meet at the parking lot of the Egret Marsh.   Bring your walking shoes, binoculars, cameras, water, and bug spray.  Please use a restroom before you arrive as the outhouse is only for emergencies.  It is an easy 3/4 mile walk on a nice path.  Please sign up with the link below.   

We are using Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-tour-of-egret-marsh-tickets-814616900077

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

Hike at George LeStrange Preserve - Record Birds for Your 70th Anniversary Bird Challenge event!

Join us for a fun-filled morning of birdwatching at the beautiful George LeStrange Preserve. This event is perfect for bird enthusiasts looking to add to their 70th Anniversary Bird Challenge list. Get ready to explore nature, spot various bird species, and enjoy the company of fellow bird lovers. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and celebrate your passion for birdwatching!

eBird users can record the species they see in their eBird mobile app or on paper to enter later at the eBird website. If you have not used eBird before and would like to give it a try, download the mobile app to your phone before the hike, and we will assist you to get started. We will also have paper checklists available. 

You are welcome to join us on this hike even if you choose not to participate in the Anniversary Bird Challenge. 

Hike leaders are Doris and Steve Brookens. 

Restroom facilities are not available at this preserve.

To make a reservation: www.eventbrite.com/e/hike-at-george-lestrange-preserve-record-birds-for-your-70th-anniversary-bird-challenge-tickets-866614737007

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

St. Lucie Audubon Society members who observe and record 70 different species of birds in St. Lucie County in 2024 are eligible to receive a free t-shirt. Additional details are available at https://www.stlucieaudubon.org/70th-anniversary-challenge.

Join us for a leisurely Bird Walk prior to our April 4 th monthly meeting at Oxbow Eco-Center. We will meet at the information kiosk to the right of the Center at 6 p.m.. We will take a short walk to the canal that borders the southern edge of the property. It is good habitat for herons, egrets, and other wading birds. Scopes will be available for close-up views of the birds.

We will return to the Center in time for the start of the 7 p.m. meeting. Total distance out and back is less than a mile. Please plan to stay for the meeting and hear Dr. Jim Masterson speak on “Indian River Lagoon: An Exceptional Estuary.”

We will close the evening with an Anniversary Cake celebrating 70 years of St. Lucie Audubon Society’s mission to foster appreciation of nature in St. Lucie County.

Registration is encouraged so we will know how many people to prepare for, but last-minute participants are welcome for this event.

Register at this link: www.eventbrite.com/e/st-lucie-audubon-society-70th-anniversary-bird-walk-april-meeting-and-cake-tickets-795589548757

NOTE: BRING A PACKED LUNCH and WATER.

LOCATION: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, 33104 NW 192nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL

MEETING LOCATION: Please arrive by 8:15 am to begin birding by 8:30 a.m. We will meet in the parking lot adjacent to the payment kiosk. This is located just inside the park gate. There is a fee of $4 per vehicle. We will ask participants to consolidate cars at the parking lot to limit the number of cars in our caravan.

DIRECTIONS: From the Port St. Lucie area, take I-95 north to the Rt 68 (Orange Ave) exit, turn west onto Rt 68 and continue for 25 miles. Turn right onto US-441 N and continue for 1 mile. Turn left onto NW 240th St and continue for 13 miles. Turn right onto NW 192nd Ave and continue 5 miles to the park entrance. Travel time from the Orange Ave exit of I-95 is approximately 1 hour. Please allow adequate time from your location.

LEADER: Dr. Paul Gray is Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida’s Everglades Restoration Program. He is intimately familiar with Kissimmee Prairie, having worked there on efforts to save the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow.

DETAILS: This is going to be a very special field trip. This Preserve contains the largest remaining tract of Florida’s endemic dry prairie ecosystem. Also, freshwater marshes, swamps, and oak hammocks, among others, make this an incredibly diverse site. Resident birds include hawks, vultures, Wild Turkey, Crested Caracara, wading birds and many others.  In addition, the Preserve is said to have more species of plant per acre than anywhere in the United States. And the views here are spectacular.

After meeting inside the entrance gate, we will caravan along the entrance road, stopping periodically for short walks onto the prairie. We will also take a short walk along the Seven Mile Slough and walk the hammock around the campgrounds checking for birds. Finally, we will eat lunch in the area adjacent to the park office. Remember to bring a packed lunch and drinks.

Restrooms are available at the park office. The park office is located 4 miles past the entrance gate. Please plan accordingly.

QUESTIONS: Contact Doris Brookens at 717-576-7876 or dorisbrookens@gmail.com.

There is a 2 step registration process. Please note that we are now using Eventbrite for field trip registrations.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

The Florida Young Birders Club-Treasure Coast Chapter is planning an Indian River County Bird Hike. The club is welcoming people ages 9-17 who have an interest in birds or birding for our 3rd Treasure Coast Bird Hike.

This "Kids and Birds" oriented bird hike will be held at Round Island Riverside Park-Vero Beach, FL- Indian River County. We will meet at the pavilion near the playground in the large parking area. All birdwatching skill levels are welcome- from first timers to seasoned birders. Binoculars will be provided for those that do not have them.

The hike will consist of a short hike around the park to spot and get to know some local birds. For the hike we will stay on the well-maintained established trails and grassy lawn. Parents are welcome to join and birdwatch as well. All questions can be sent to the bird hike leader Matthew Anderson: Matthew.R.Anderson@FloridaDEP.gov , (850)-570-9280.

Join us for an exciting birding field trip at Pelican Island! Get ready to explore the diverse avian species that call this beautiful island home. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a beginner, this event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about our feathered friends.

During this in-person event, we will lead you through the island's stunning habitats, pointing out various bird species along the way. You'll have the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close and learn interesting facts about their behavior.

Don't forget to bring your binoculars and cameras to capture the breathtaking moments. This is a great opportunity to enhance your birding skills and create lasting memories.

We encourage participants to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Please note that this event is subject to weather conditions, and any changes will be communicated in advance.

Sign up on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-field-trip-at-pelican-island-tickets-816099434377

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

Location: Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, 11676 Pierson Road, Wellington, FL

Leaders: Doris and Steve Brookens 

Directions: The Sanctuary is located inside of the Village Park Athletic Complex. Signage is better if you enter the park from 120th Ave S rather than Pierson Road. Take FL Turnpike S to exit 93 for FL-802/Lake Worth Rd. Follow signs for Wellington via Lake Worth Rd. Turn R onto 120th Ave S. Turn R into the park from 120th Ave S, following the small signs for the wildlife sanctuary. (You can also use I-95 but it is slightly longer and requires more turns.)

Meet at: We will meet in the parking lot by the restroom building for the soccer fields. If you enter the park via 120th Ave S, it will be the first parking lot you come to. It is a large lot; meet at the end closest the restroom and Sanctuary.

Details: Located inside of the Village Park Athletic Complex, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is a 30-acre wetlands park with 1,500 feet of elevated nature boardwalks and one mile of walking trails. The park provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching and nature photography. Possible species include herons, ducks, shorebirds and warblers.

This will be a walking tour. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water.

Modern restroom facilities are available.

You do not have to be a St. Lucie Audubon Society member to participate in our field trips, but we would encourage you to consider becoming a member. SLAS is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, and we have set a goal of adding 70 new members. Please join our flock!

For questions please contact Doris Brookens at cell: 717-576-7876 email: dorisbrookens@gmail.com

There is a 2-step registration process.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FIELD TRIP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

This "Kids and Birds" oriented bird hike will be held at Indian Riverside Park, Jensen Beach FL- Martin County. We will meet under an un-\occupied pavilion near the parking area (there are 3 to choose from). All birdwatching skill levels are welcome- from first timers to seasoned birders. Binoculars will be provided for those that do not have them.

The hike will consist of a short hike around the park to spot and get to know some local birds. For the hike we will stay on the well-maintained established trails, lawn and pier. Parents are welcome to join and birdwatch as well.

Organized by Indian River Aquatic Preserves. All questions can be sent to the bird hike leader Matthew Anderson: matthew.r.anderson@FloridaDEP.gov (850)-570-9280.

Florida Young Birders Club is welcoming people ages 9-17 who have an interest in birds or birding for out first Treasure Coast Bird Hike. This "Kids and Birds" oriented bird hike will be held at George LeStrange Preserve Fort Pierce, St Lucie County.

All birdwatching skill levels are welcome- from first timers to seasoned birders. Binoculars will be provided for those that do not have them. The hike will consist of a short hike around the lake to spot and get to know some local birds. For the hike we will stay on the well maintained established trail that circles the lake. Parents are welcome to join and birdwatch as well.

All questions can be sent to the bird hike leader Matthew Anderson: matthew.r.anderson@FloridaDEP.gov (850)-570-9280

Location:  Meet in the preserve parking lot located at 30501 Bluefield Road, Port St. Lucie. Bluefield Ranch is the most remote preserve in the county. The last 5 miles of travel via Bluefield Road is packed sand. Please be sure to allow enough travel time.

Time:  7:30 am – approximately 10:00 am

Leader: Eva Ries, St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department

Details: Bluefield Ranch preserves the largest stand of scrub in St. Lucie County. Join us as we explore scrub and flatwoods to look for species that thrive in this habitat, including woodpeckers, sparrows, and warblers.

This will be a walking tour approximately 2 miles in length. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring binoculars, water, and snacks.

Restroom facilities are not available at this location.

Questions: Contact Doris Brookens at 717-576-7876 or dorisbrookens@gmail.com

There is a 2-step registration process.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

Saturday, Dec. 16, will be the 124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count. If you’d like to take part please notify Ed Bowes at Slacbc2010@gmail.com or you can call him at 772 607-.4028.

We are going to return to having the pizza party at the Oxbow after the count this year. Thanks to covid, we skipped the last three years.

Please let Ed know if you will be attending so we know how many pizzas to order.

Leader:    Kathy Mayshar

Directions:  If you use your GPS, type in address above. We will meet at the entrance to the park, adjacent to the parking lot.

Limit:  25 People

Meet at:  Entrance to the Green Cay Nature Center

Details:  Easy walking on a boardwalk.   There is a bathroom on site.   Bring cameras, binoculars, hats, sun block, and bug spray.

Questions:   Please contact Kathy Mayshar at cell:   772-359-9108 or email:  cmectvtfl@gmail.com

THERE IS A TWO-STEP REGISTRATION PROCESS

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

Check out this birding adventure!

Leaders:   Alexis Peralta and Kathy Mayshar

Directions:  If you use your GPS, type in address above only.   Beware if you type in Egret Marsh you may be directed to Osprey Park which is not the right place.

Limit:  19 People

Meet at:  Parking lot at the Egret Marsh

Details:  Easy walking on paved and milled surface path.   The distance is about ¾ of a mile total.  For a virtual tour:  https://vimeo.com375731448  Please use a restroom before arriving.  There is an outhouse for emergency use only.

Questions:   Please contact Kathy Mayshar at cell:   772-359-9108 or email:  cmectvtfl@gmail.com

THERE IS A TWO-STEP REGISTRATION PROCESS

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM

Location: Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance to the park. The park charges a nominal fee of $3 per car. Pay at the honor box. Exact change is required.Time: 8:00 am – approximately 10:00 am

Leader: Lorraine Morecraft

Details: Savannas Preserve SP protects the largest remaining remnant of the freshwater marsh that once covered much of the southeast Florida coastline. Our tour will explore pine flatwoods and offer views of the wetlands.

This will be a walking tour approximately 2 miles in length. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring binoculars, water, and snacks. Restroom facilities are available.

Questions: Contact Doris Brookens at 717-576-7876 or dorisbrookens@gmail.com

There is a 2-step registration process.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

ALSO CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REQUIRED SLAS LIABILITY FORM