2026 Field Trips, Workshops and Keynote/Dinners Schedule DRAFT
See below for full trip details
Trips highlighted in green text are tailored to photographers
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Possible sightings on many of the wetland trips include Purple Gallinule, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, Mottled Duck, Sora, American Bittern and Sandhill Crane, along with most of North America’s wading bird species and other waterfowl listed under Trip 2. Raptors we may see are Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Owl, American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Snail Kites are also possible.
While most of our breeding Black-necked Stilts and Least Bitterns are on their southerly wintering grounds, we'll be looking and listening for the few that stick around each year. Other possible sightings are Roseate Spoonbill, Black Skimmer and American Avocet.
We are likely to see Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white warblers, American Redstart, Orange-crowned and Prairie warblers and Ovenbird. Thirteen sparrow species may be seen, including rarities like Clay-colored and even LeConte’s. Western flycatcher species like Ash-throated, Vermillion, Scissor-tailed, Least and Western are seen most years, and Cassin’s and Tropical have been seen.
Since the Lake Apopka North Shore is such a large restoration area on the shore of Florida’s 4th largest lake, in the middle of the Florida peninsula, off-course rarities frequently show up. White-faced Ibis are out-of- range birds that are seen many years. Groove-billed Anis from the Southwest were seen each winter between 2015 and 2017, and a Smooth-billed Ani from South Florida was an exciting find in winter 2019. Vermilion Flycatchers were the star rarity seen for several years. With skilled leaders and many eyes, we will be searching for what has turned up. Lists from past festivals are linked on the front page of the festival website.
12/3/2026: Thursday
Wilson's Snipe. Photo: Michelle Dill Wilson.
Thursday 1. Leader's Choice, Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking.
Jones Road Stormwater Pond, 2990 Lake Level Canal Road Mount Dora, FL 32757 (Exit to Wildlife Drive). $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Kathy Rigling and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. We will travel backwards from the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive exit on a day it is normally closed except to workers. We will traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot in search of rarities. Possible sightings: See above.
Jones Road Stormwater Pond, 2990 Lake Level Canal Road Mount Dora, FL 32757 (Exit to Wildlife Drive). $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Kathy Rigling and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. We will travel backwards from the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive exit on a day it is normally closed except to workers. We will traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot in search of rarities. Possible sightings: See above.
Northern Pintail pair at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Photo: Bob Sena
Thursday 2. Waterfowl of the Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $75. Important -- this trip goes until 2 p.m. and there is no opportunity to leave early. Bring your own lunch. Leaders: Chris Newton and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Join waterfowl expert Chris Newton as we traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot on a day that the Drive is not open to the public. Focus will be on ducks and other waterfowl. Your trip leaders will point out field marks to identify each species and distinguish the often brightly colored and distinctly patterned drakes from the often plainer and not- always-so-easy-to-identify hens. Possible sightings include Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck and Mottled Duck, seen in the North Shore wetlands throughout the year, plus overwintering ducks like Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler and less common Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green- winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead and Lesser Scaup. We will see Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe, along with Limpkin, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron and other wading birds on this morning trip. We may also turn up a Horned Grebe or Common Loon.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $75. Important -- this trip goes until 2 p.m. and there is no opportunity to leave early. Bring your own lunch. Leaders: Chris Newton and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Join waterfowl expert Chris Newton as we traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot on a day that the Drive is not open to the public. Focus will be on ducks and other waterfowl. Your trip leaders will point out field marks to identify each species and distinguish the often brightly colored and distinctly patterned drakes from the often plainer and not- always-so-easy-to-identify hens. Possible sightings include Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck and Mottled Duck, seen in the North Shore wetlands throughout the year, plus overwintering ducks like Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler and less common Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green- winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead and Lesser Scaup. We will see Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe, along with Limpkin, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron and other wading birds on this morning trip. We may also turn up a Horned Grebe or Common Loon.
Neighborhood Lakes Trip at the 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Lorri Lilja
Thursday 3. Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail & Trailhead – Accessible and inclusive outing – Walking (or wheelchair access), up to 2 1/2 miles roundtrip on paved multi-use trail.
Neighborhood Lakes, 26656 County Road 46A, Mount Plymouth. $25, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Rec) and Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway). 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Neighborhood Lakes Trailhead serves as the primary trailhead for the Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and the soon to be completed Wekiva Trail. The paved multi-use trail, when completed to Kelly Park, will be the crossroads between the regional West Orange Trail and Wekiva Trail. Habitat includes former flatwoods and marsh. Burrowing Owls were once seen here and Lake County recently installed 6 artificial burrows in hopes of restoring the population. The trail surface is smooth paved asphalt and is navigable by wheelchairs/mobility equipment. This is our only truly accessible field trip. Possible sightings include resident and overwintering songbirds.
Neighborhood Lakes, 26656 County Road 46A, Mount Plymouth. $25, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Rec) and Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway). 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Neighborhood Lakes Trailhead serves as the primary trailhead for the Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and the soon to be completed Wekiva Trail. The paved multi-use trail, when completed to Kelly Park, will be the crossroads between the regional West Orange Trail and Wekiva Trail. Habitat includes former flatwoods and marsh. Burrowing Owls were once seen here and Lake County recently installed 6 artificial burrows in hopes of restoring the population. The trail surface is smooth paved asphalt and is navigable by wheelchairs/mobility equipment. This is our only truly accessible field trip. Possible sightings include resident and overwintering songbirds.
Disappearing Island, late December 2022. Photo: Deborah Green
Thursday 4. Skimmers, Terns and Shorebirds, Disappearing Island – Boat trip, some walking on sand. Marine Discovery Center, meet at boat ramp, 116 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. $85, includes boat trip. Bring your own lunch or join us for Thursday 7) which starts with lunch at a local riverside restaurant. Leaders: Noah Steinberg, Gary Steinberg and Joan Tague (Halifax Audubon). 9:00 a.m.‒12:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 25. Disappearing Island is a sandbar island inside of Ponce Inlet, in between New Smyrna Beach and the town of Ponce Inlet. It is a tidal flat that becomes dry at low tide and provides a relatively safe place for birds to rest between foraging. We travel to Disappearing Island in the Marine Discovery Center’s pontoon boat and along the way learn about the Mosquito Lagoon. Marine Discovery Center is a festival sponsor. Possible sightings: Black Skimmers, several species of gulls and terns, shorebirds, Reddish Egrets.
Northern Harrier at Emeralda Marsh. Photo: Steve Shaluta
Thursday 5. Emeralda Marsh Photo Trip – Mostly driving, some walking.
Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, 36645 Emeralda Island Road Leesburg, FL 34788. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Steve Shaluta and Maxfield Weakley. 8:00 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. Emeralda Marsh, on the eastern side of Lake Griffin near the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River, spanned 10,000+ acres before being utilized for farming. The St. Johns River Water Management District acquired approximately half of this current- day 6,577-acre area for restoration in 1991. We bird and do photography in Area 3, the 4.5-mile round-trip Wildlife Drive, from the comfort of our vehicles. Possible sightings include Northern Harriers, ducks and waders including American Bittern. Rare birds in the area have included Ash-throated Flycatcher, Snail Kite and White-faced Ibis.
Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, 36645 Emeralda Island Road Leesburg, FL 34788. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Steve Shaluta and Maxfield Weakley. 8:00 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. Emeralda Marsh, on the eastern side of Lake Griffin near the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River, spanned 10,000+ acres before being utilized for farming. The St. Johns River Water Management District acquired approximately half of this current- day 6,577-acre area for restoration in 1991. We bird and do photography in Area 3, the 4.5-mile round-trip Wildlife Drive, from the comfort of our vehicles. Possible sightings include Northern Harriers, ducks and waders including American Bittern. Rare birds in the area have included Ash-throated Flycatcher, Snail Kite and White-faced Ibis.
Male Snail Kites at Marsh Flow-Way near Clay Island, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Liz Stakenborg
Thursday 6. Exploring West Marsh– Kayaking. – We can use 6 Kayaks from Oakland Nature Preserve or bring your own. Lake Apopka West Marsh, Canoe/Kayak Launch, 24451 Blackhorse Trail, Astatula, FL 34705. $40, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Jim Peterson and Alan Shapiro. 8:00AM - 11:30AM. Possible sightings: Waterfowl, Purple Gallinules, rails and sparrows
Black Skimmers and mega-rarity Large-billed Tern (upper right) at T.M. Goodwin. Photo: Alan Shapiro
Thursday 7. T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, near Fellsmere – Mostly driving, some walking. T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, 3200 T. M. Goodwin Rd., Fellsmere, 32948. $75, bring your own lunch. Leaders: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) and Glenn Blaser (Orange Audubon Society). 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 pm. Maximum participants: 16. Note: This location is about 2 hours from Apopka, so leave enough time. Also note that restrooms are not available at this location, make a stop before arriving. In this trip, we will drive our own vehicles (or carpool) exploring the T.M. Goodwin Unit on the east side of the St. Johns River in southern Brevard County. Trip leader David Simpson lives nearby and birds the area regularly. Waterfowl and migratory bird populations are at a peak at this time of the year. Possible sightings include Roseate Spoonbill, White and Glossy Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck and Mottled Duck, seen throughout the year, plus overwintering ducks like Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler and less common Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green- winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead and Lesser Scaup. We will see Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe, along with Limpkin, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron and other wading birds on this morning trip. We may also turn up a Horned Grebe or Common Loon.
Purple Sandpiper, Ponce Inlet. Photo: Sam Mitcham
Thursday 8. Oystercatchers, Plovers and Clapper Rails –Walking on jetty and beach. Meet and eat lunch at Our Deck Down Under restaurant, 78 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127. $35. Not included is the $10 parking fee for Lighthouse Point Park, plus cost of lunch. Leaders: Noah Steinberg, Gary Steinberg and Joan Tague. 12:30 p.m.‒3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 20; carpooling encouraged. Those who have driven all the way to New Smyrna Beach for Thursday 4, the Disappearing Island trip will probably have missed a few specialty birds of the area. Our skilled leaders will show us as many species as possible in this Leader’s Choice add-on trip. Those on Thursday 4 will drive north about 20 minutes from the Marine Discovery Center, cross the Dunlawton Bridge and reunite at the restaurant Our Deck Down Under, meeting there by 12:30 p.m. While enjoying lunch on the deck, we will scope for oystercatchers, Reddish Egrets and other birds there in the oyster bars. Then we will travel south through the town of Ponce Inlet, with a quick stop at a Clapper Rail spot, on to Lighthouse Point Park ($10 per car parking), where we will walk the jetty in search of the Purple Sandpiper. This rarity has been seen the last several winters at this site, although it sometimes arrives from the north later than our festival so is not guaranteed. Northern Gannets are possible offshore. A walk on the beach may yield Piping Plovers, and the chance to study winter gulls, terns and shorebirds. Lighthouse Point Park is a beautiful, well-preserved beach park and enjoyable to visit even if we miss some target birds. The Ponce Inlet lighthouse is the third tallest in the U.S. after Cape Hatteras (North Carolina) and Cape Charles (Virginia).
Gray-headed Swamphen on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Photo: Delsy Rodriguez
Thursday 9. Afternoon on the Drive – Mostly driving, some walking.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $55. Leaders: Kathy Rigling and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. We will traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot on a day it is not open to the public. Possible sightings: See above.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $55. Leaders: Kathy Rigling and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. We will traverse the canals, wetlands and shore of Lake Apopka in a rare opportunity to visit this birding hotspot on a day it is not open to the public. Possible sightings: See above.
Dora Canal Boat Trip, 2022 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Alan Shapiro
Thursday 10. Dora Canal (Sunset with the Birds) Boat Photography Trip – Boating.
Rusty Anchor - Dora Canal Tours, 400 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $60, includes boat ride. Important note: Leave plenty of time to find parking in crowded Mt. Dora which has lots of holiday shoppers. Leaders: Lee Ann Posavad and Jason Glatt. 4:00 p.m.‒6:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 32. Travel with Captain Scott in his 38-foot pontoon boat across Lake Dora into the Dora Canal and back, with your trip leaders sharing photo tips and bird identifications. Possible sightings include overwintering Ruddy Ducks, Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Great Blue Herons, Limpkins, other wading birds, and wintering songbirds. This trip is led by a photographer and focus is photography. Reminder: Allow plenty of time to locate parking in Mount Dora. Enjoy dinner in town afterwards.
Rusty Anchor - Dora Canal Tours, 400 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $60, includes boat ride. Important note: Leave plenty of time to find parking in crowded Mt. Dora which has lots of holiday shoppers. Leaders: Lee Ann Posavad and Jason Glatt. 4:00 p.m.‒6:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 32. Travel with Captain Scott in his 38-foot pontoon boat across Lake Dora into the Dora Canal and back, with your trip leaders sharing photo tips and bird identifications. Possible sightings include overwintering Ruddy Ducks, Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Great Blue Herons, Limpkins, other wading birds, and wintering songbirds. This trip is led by a photographer and focus is photography. Reminder: Allow plenty of time to locate parking in Mount Dora. Enjoy dinner in town afterwards.
Thursday 11. Evening on the North Shore – Some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora 32757. $40. Leaders: Jack Horton and Brian Cammarano. 4:45 p.m.‒7:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 12. Following an amazing discovery of a Northern Harrier roost on the North Shore last year by Chris Newton, we have this and a Sunday trip. See what birds are out at this witching hour. Bring deet-containing bug spray. Possible sightings: See above
12/4/2026: Friday
Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park. Photo: Mary Keim
Friday 1. Hal Scott: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers – Mostly driving in eco-buggy, some walking.
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, 4500 Dallas Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833. The actual entrance is located at: https://goo.gl/maps/a7LNonHEP729WuWt5. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Graham Williams (St. Johns River Water Management District), Katrina Noland (St. Johns River Water Management District) and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 6:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. Hal Scott Preserve's vast expanse of pine flatwoods and open prairies straddle the Econlockhatchee River in eastern Orange County, protecting the resources of this beautiful river. This eco-buggy trip will be led by St. Johns River Water Management District biologists and may include sightings of alligators, deer, gopher tortoises, otters and bobcats. The trip starts at 6:00 a.m. to give us the best chance to see Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) as the birds awaken from their roosts. Then we will explore the pine flatwoods and Econlockhatchee River swamp for other resident and overwintering species. Sightings, in addition to our target RCWs, may include Red-headed, Hairy, Downy and Pileated Woodpeckers as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and possibly Northern Flicker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bachman’s Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Sedge and Marsh Wren, Whip-poor-will, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, King Rail, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle and Barred Owl. For information about the preserve, see https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/hal-scott/
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, 4500 Dallas Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833. The actual entrance is located at: https://goo.gl/maps/a7LNonHEP729WuWt5. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Graham Williams (St. Johns River Water Management District), Katrina Noland (St. Johns River Water Management District) and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 6:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. Hal Scott Preserve's vast expanse of pine flatwoods and open prairies straddle the Econlockhatchee River in eastern Orange County, protecting the resources of this beautiful river. This eco-buggy trip will be led by St. Johns River Water Management District biologists and may include sightings of alligators, deer, gopher tortoises, otters and bobcats. The trip starts at 6:00 a.m. to give us the best chance to see Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) as the birds awaken from their roosts. Then we will explore the pine flatwoods and Econlockhatchee River swamp for other resident and overwintering species. Sightings, in addition to our target RCWs, may include Red-headed, Hairy, Downy and Pileated Woodpeckers as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and possibly Northern Flicker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bachman’s Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Sedge and Marsh Wren, Whip-poor-will, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, King Rail, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle and Barred Owl. For information about the preserve, see https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/hal-scott/
Male Painted Bunting eating weed seeds. Photo: Mark Hainen
Friday 2. Ferndale Preserve: Wintering Songbirds – Walking
Ferndale Preserve, 19220 County Rd 455, Clermont, FL 34715. $55. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Trails) and Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway). 7:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Ferndale Preserve is a 192-acre Lake County Preserve on the western shore of Lake Apopka, a few miles from Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in peninsular Florida. We will bird on foot from the parking lot to the shore of Lake Apopka and back. With a mix of red maple-dominated wetlands, remnant oak hammocks, and other habitats in various stages of restoration, over 190 bird species have been recorded in the area. Possible sightings include wintering songbirds, like Painted Buntings and Ash- throated Flycatcher, and sparrows, like Savannah, Swamp, Vesper and Grasshopper. With luck, we may see Le Conte’s, Clay-colored and more of the 12 sparrow species known to winter in this area.
Ferndale Preserve, 19220 County Rd 455, Clermont, FL 34715. $55. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Trails) and Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway). 7:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Ferndale Preserve is a 192-acre Lake County Preserve on the western shore of Lake Apopka, a few miles from Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in peninsular Florida. We will bird on foot from the parking lot to the shore of Lake Apopka and back. With a mix of red maple-dominated wetlands, remnant oak hammocks, and other habitats in various stages of restoration, over 190 bird species have been recorded in the area. Possible sightings include wintering songbirds, like Painted Buntings and Ash- throated Flycatcher, and sparrows, like Savannah, Swamp, Vesper and Grasshopper. With luck, we may see Le Conte’s, Clay-colored and more of the 12 sparrow species known to winter in this area.
Spartina marsh at Tosohatchee. Photo: Mary Keim
Friday 3. Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area – Mostly driving, some walking.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, 3365 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas, FL 32709. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson), Lynn Proenza (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and and Casey Dorsch (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area is a 28,000 acre state property east of Orlando south of SR 50. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists will take us on a trailer ride to some of the most wildlife-rich areas of the preserve. Tosohatchee is a mosaic of marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and hammocks shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood. It provides habitat for wading birds, marsh birds, waterfowl, raptors and pineland specialties. Threatened and endangered species found here include Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and Florida black bear. Possible sightings include such as Bachman’s Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird and Red-headed Woodpecker.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, 3365 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas, FL 32709. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson), Lynn Proenza (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and and Casey Dorsch (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15.
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area is a 28,000 acre state property east of Orlando south of SR 50. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists will take us on a trailer ride to some of the most wildlife-rich areas of the preserve. Tosohatchee is a mosaic of marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and hammocks shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood. It provides habitat for wading birds, marsh birds, waterfowl, raptors and pineland specialties. Threatened and endangered species found here include Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and Florida black bear. Possible sightings include such as Bachman’s Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird and Red-headed Woodpecker.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: USFWS
Friday Trip 4. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge – Walking, 1 mile roundtrip for the "forest loop" plus 1.4 miles around one of the marsh dikes. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, De Leon Springs, FL 32130. $55, bring your own lunch (or – on your own – you can eat lunch afterwards at nearby DeLeon Springs State Park ($6 admission) at its popular Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. You can later bird that lovely park). Leaders: Danny Young (Young Bear Environmental) and Max Weakley (Marion County Audubon). 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge, part of five million-plus acres purchased by the US Fish & Wildlife Service with proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp Program. It borders the St. Johns River and preserves 22,000 acres of the river's vast grassland marsh and floodplain swamp. We will meet at the pine flatwoods parking lot, which is 0.6 miles further down the road from the Visitors' Center which is located at 2045 Mud Lake Road. Once you see the Visitor's Center entrance, keep driving to get to the refuge entrance. The road becomes narrow and unpaved, but you're on the right path. Cross the railroad tracks, enter through the open gate and the parking lot is on the right hand side. We will walk a loop from the parking lot, starting in the flatwoods, traverse a bottomland forest, walk out to the marsh area and loop around a marsh cell. Possible sightings are American Bittern, Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, warblers and marsh birds.
Birding from A-B Canal Bridge, 2019 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Elza Phillips
Friday 5. Leader's Choice, Lake Apopka North Shore. – Mostly driving, some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora 32757. $50. 7 a.m.‒ 2 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Leaders: Chris Newton, Luis Gles, and Mariah Hryniewich. Maximum participants: 16. For possible sightings, see information above.
Friday 6. Blue Spring Adventure, Scrub-Jays and Manatees – Walking. Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W French Avenue, Orange City FL 32763. $65, includes boat trip, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society) and Chuck Honaker (Blue Spring State Park volunteer). 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 23. After entering the park and paying your $6 per vehicle admission fee, meet the park biologist at the parking lot nearest the spring. Half of the participants will look for Florida Scrub-Jays in the scrub with Chuck, while half will bird for winter warblers and view manatees from the boardwalk with Alan, and then the groups will switch. At 10 am, both groups will take a scenic 2-hour boat ride on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a first magnitude spring and one of the best manatee overwintering sites in Florida. It is also a beautiful state park with overwintering songbirds and a variety of habitats. Instructions for park entry to be sent. Possible sightings include Florida Scrub-Jay, Eastern Towhee, resident and overwintering songbirds and Limpkins and other wading birds along the St.Johns River.
Fulvous Whistling-Ducks on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Photo: Joyce Stefancic
Friday 7. Bilingual Photo Trip (Viaje de fotografía) – Walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Dr., 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $30, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Ed Maldonado and TBA. 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 10. Avoiding regular weekend visitors to the Drive, we will drive down Lust Road and settle into your leader's favorite spots for birding and photography. The group may split into those focused on birding and those focused on photography. Note that you must exit through the Drive, so allow time and bring your own provisions. Conduciremos hasta la casa de bombas, estacionaremos y caminaremos haciendo fotografía. La salida será a través de Wildlife Drive, que puede estar abarrotado, así que permita tiempo.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Sandhill Habitat. Photo: Craig Watson
Friday 8 – Sandhill Specialties at Wekiwa Springs State Park – Walking. Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $40, bring your own lunch, plus park entrance fee ($4-$6). Leaders: Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society), Alex Lamoreaux and Brian Cammarano. 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Wekiwa Springs State Park is a 7,000-acre state park that is considered one of the crown jewels of Florida’s award-winning state park system. The sandhill habitat consists of widely spaced longleaf pines with grasses and wildflowers. Possible sightings include pineland specialties, including Brown-headed Nuthatches, Bachman’s Sparrows, Eastern Towhees, Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and overwintering songbirds.
Yellow-throated Warbler, Trimble Park, September 2023. Photo: Brian Miller
Friday 9. Trimble Park – Walking (moderate). Trimble Park, 5802 Trimble Park Rd, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $35, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Kathy Rigling (Orange Audubon Society) and Debbie and Randy McCall (Orange Audubon Society). 8:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Trimble Park is an Orange County park located near Mt. Dora on an isthmus between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss line the lake shore. The oaks and other trees should be full of over-wintering songbirds, as we walk a short 1.3-mile loop trail. Possible sightings include Peregrine Falcon, Sora, Anhinga, Yellow-throated Warbler and other songbirds, wetland and water birds.
Overwintering White Pelicans. Photo: Delsy Rodriguez
New! Friday 8a. Canaveral Birding – Walking, some on sandy surfaces. Canaveral National Seashore, Apollo District, 7611 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Meet at the Visitor's Center. $35, bring your own lunch, or we can eat together at a lagoon-side local restaurant (J.B.’s Fish Camp). Leaders: John Kendall and Adam Hull. 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.. Maximum participants: 16. Note, National Seashore entrance is $25 per car or use your parks pass. Canaveral National Seashore protects 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic Coastline in Florida, the longest stretch on the East Coast. One of only 10 National Seashores in the United States, Canaveral National Seashore is included as part of the National Park system for its extraordinary ecological values. More people are familiar with the southern end, the Playalinda District, which abuts Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In this field trip, we will explore the Northern end, Apollo Beach District in Volusia County, where the National Seashore protects a narrow barrier island with dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat and a 45-foot ancient Timucua shell mound, called Turtle Mound. This location is about an hour and a half from Apopka. Out of town participants who are registered for Thursday 4 and or Thursday 7 might consider staying overnight in the Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach area. Possible sightings include Red-breasted Mergansers, Buffleheads, White Pelicans, and over wintering songbirds.
Purple Gallinule eating Alligator Flag at Newton Park. Photo: Jan Pewsey
Florida Scrub-Jay. Photo: Lyonia Preserve
Friday 10. Scrub-Jays and SW Volusia County Specialties – Walking. Sandy soil. Start at Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Avenue, Deltona, FL 32725, next to the Deltona Regional Library. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Noah Steinberg, Gary Steinberg and Joan Tague. Lyonia Preserve in Deltona is one of the easiest places to see the Florida Scrub-Jay.
Crested Caracara with armadillo. Photo: Paul Eisenbrown
Friday 11. Caracara Quest in E. Seminole County – Walking.
Meeting spot in Seminole County to be emailed to participants. Leaders will be scouting in advance and choose exact start location based on what they have found. $50. Leaders: Scott Simmons, Brian Cammarano and Bob Duchesne. 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 14. We will possibly be in the Little Big Econ State Forest includes the 1,646-acre Kilbee Tract, which abuts the St. Johns River near its confluence with the Econlockhatchee River. The group may split up to check two locations, then reunite. You will be emailed your exact start location. Possible sightings include Crested Caracara, Bald Eagle and wintering songbirds. Please note, sighting Caracaras has been achieved in past trips but nothing is guaranteed.
Meeting spot in Seminole County to be emailed to participants. Leaders will be scouting in advance and choose exact start location based on what they have found. $50. Leaders: Scott Simmons, Brian Cammarano and Bob Duchesne. 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 14. We will possibly be in the Little Big Econ State Forest includes the 1,646-acre Kilbee Tract, which abuts the St. Johns River near its confluence with the Econlockhatchee River. The group may split up to check two locations, then reunite. You will be emailed your exact start location. Possible sightings include Crested Caracara, Bald Eagle and wintering songbirds. Please note, sighting Caracaras has been achieved in past trips but nothing is guaranteed.
Digiscoping workshop, 2022 festival Photo: Deborah Green
Friday 12. Digiscoping /Phoneskoping – Stationary and a minimum of walking.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. . $30. Leader: Mariah Hryniewich (PhoneSkope), Luis Gles (Woodstars Birding & Nature Tours) and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 12:30 p.m.‒2:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 10. Learn how to take great photos through a spotting scope. Digiscoping—attaching a smart phone or camera to a spotting scope—minimizes impact on wildlife with extended focal lengths and eliminates the challenge of manual focus. Bring your own scope. If you don’t already have an adapter to connect your phone to the spotting scope, consider purchasing one before festival. Mariah is a rep for PhoneSkope. https://www.phoneskope.com/ that pioneered these adapters. Possible sightings: Wading birds are great subjects on which to focus, and Red-shouldered Hawks and Ospreys often perch cooperatively.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. . $30. Leader: Mariah Hryniewich (PhoneSkope), Luis Gles (Woodstars Birding & Nature Tours) and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 12:30 p.m.‒2:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 10. Learn how to take great photos through a spotting scope. Digiscoping—attaching a smart phone or camera to a spotting scope—minimizes impact on wildlife with extended focal lengths and eliminates the challenge of manual focus. Bring your own scope. If you don’t already have an adapter to connect your phone to the spotting scope, consider purchasing one before festival. Mariah is a rep for PhoneSkope. https://www.phoneskope.com/ that pioneered these adapters. Possible sightings: Wading birds are great subjects on which to focus, and Red-shouldered Hawks and Ospreys often perch cooperatively.
Fri 13. Nature Journaling – Indoor /Outdoor Workshop. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. Adults $25, Students over 16, $10, Children $5, with registered adult, plus park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). 2:30 -4:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 14. Leader: Danielle Ivey (Audubon Florida), assisted by Susan Thome-Barrett (Orange Audubon Society). Supplies provided or bring your own. First we will hold an indoor session in the little wooden pavilion near Lake Prevatt from 2:30 -3:30 p.m., then do sketching near Lake Prevatt, 3:30-4:30pm. Sign up for dinner afterwards.
Friday Keynote, Dinner: “Field Recognizable Subspecies" by Alex Lamoreaux. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $30. Must enter through regular entrance gate before park closes at 5:30 p.m. and pay park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). No need to secure a day use pass. Pizza and salad, vegan options. 4:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Maximum participants: 35. Take the opportunity, while in beautiful Wekiwa Springs State Park, to do an activity before eating dinner and/or sign up for the Woodcock/Owl Prowl afterwards. Kayaking on the beautiful Wekiva River is a great thing to do, and our festival sponsor Guest Services has discounted kayak rentals, and you will be sent the discount code after registering for the festival.
Great Horned Owl. Photo: Jack Horton
Fri 14. Woodcock and Owl Prowl, Walking. Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $25. Must enter through regular entrance gate before park closes at 5:30 p.m. and pay park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). Leaders: Luis Gles, Mariah Hryniewich and Bob Duchesne. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Maximum participants: 16. Years ago at our festival, a leader from Virginia heard sounds of Woodcocks in evening flight from the Youth Camp. We found the location and this is a popular trip each year to hear and if possible see them.
12/5/2026: Saturday
Birding by Ear by the A-B Canal, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Jack Horton
Saturday 1. Birding by Ear – Walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $60, includes box lunch. Leaders: Scott Simmons (Learn Outdoor Photography) and Jessica Dyszel (Duval Audubon Society). 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. This walking field workshop will focus on recognizing birds by their sounds. In Florida birds are not as vocal in December as they are in breeding season, but there are still vocalizations that can help with identification. The early morning start time may allow us to hear owls and even see and hear American Woodcocks. Trip tip: To get a head start on this walk, download the Merlin app for your phone and explore the Sound recognition feature. Also review sounds posted on the website of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Particularly review sounds of Common Gallinule, Red-winged Blackbird and Boat-tailed Grackle, as these are our most vocal wetland species. Possible sightings: See above.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $60, includes box lunch. Leaders: Scott Simmons (Learn Outdoor Photography) and Jessica Dyszel (Duval Audubon Society). 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. This walking field workshop will focus on recognizing birds by their sounds. In Florida birds are not as vocal in December as they are in breeding season, but there are still vocalizations that can help with identification. The early morning start time may allow us to hear owls and even see and hear American Woodcocks. Trip tip: To get a head start on this walk, download the Merlin app for your phone and explore the Sound recognition feature. Also review sounds posted on the website of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Particularly review sounds of Common Gallinule, Red-winged Blackbird and Boat-tailed Grackle, as these are our most vocal wetland species. Possible sightings: See above.
Anhinga. Photo: Brian Miller
Saturday 2. Big Day Lake Apopka North Shore, Western Side – Mostly driving, some walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $95, includes box lunch. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Leaders: Chris Newton and John Thomton. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be three Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. Possible sightings: See above.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $95, includes box lunch. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Leaders: Chris Newton and John Thomton. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be three Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. Possible sightings: See above.
EBirding Field Trip. 2018 North Shore Birding Festival. Photo: Deborah Green
Saturday 3. Big Day Lake Apopka North Shore, Western Side – Mostly driving, some walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $95, includes box lunch. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Leaders: Brian Cammarano and Gary Steinberg. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be three Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. Possible sightings: See above.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $95, includes box lunch. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Leaders: Brian Cammarano and Gary Steinberg. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be three Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. Possible sightings: See above.
Birding Lake Apopka North Shore, December 2021. NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL Photo: Deborah Green
Saturday 4. Big Day Birding Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Dr, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mt Dora. Leaders: Alex Lamoreaux and Lorri Lilja. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. $85, includes box lunch. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be four Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Possible sightings: See above.
Bald Eagle at sunrise over Lake Apopka. Photo: Joyce Stefancic
Saturday 5. Big Day Birding Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Dr, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mt Dora. Leaders: Bob Duchesne and Mary Soule. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. $95, includes box lunch. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be four Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Possible sightings: See above
Saturday 5a. Big Day Birding Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Dr, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mt Dora. Leaders: Gallus Quigley and Will Johnson. 6:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. $95, includes box lunch. Maximum participants: 5. This trip will explore the western part of the North Shore from McDonald Canal all day with lunch at the canal. There will be four Big Day trips going at the same time plus a Young Birders trip, and a competition for seeing the most species will ensue. This will be an "Everyone seen it? Let's move on" kind of trip, not the best for photographers. This year we will again have vans for the Big Day trips, and all participants must travel in the van. Possible sightings: See above.
Young Birders Club trip September 30, 2023. Photo: Susan Thome-Barrett
Saturday 6. Young Birders Big Day – Mostly driving, some walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $25 for youth participants and parents, includes box lunch. Ages 8-17; younger than 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Leaders: Noah Steinberg and Kathy Rigling. 7:00 a.m.‒3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Possible sightings: See above. Even though the Young Birders Big Day starts a half hour later than the other two, remember that the youngsters have very sharp eyes and won the competition in 2024 and 2025.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $25 for youth participants and parents, includes box lunch. Ages 8-17; younger than 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Leaders: Noah Steinberg and Kathy Rigling. 7:00 a.m.‒3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Possible sightings: See above. Even though the Young Birders Big Day starts a half hour later than the other two, remember that the youngsters have very sharp eyes and won the competition in 2024 and 2025.
Merlin with songbird, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Sam Mitcham
Saturday 7. Avian Reconditioning Center Photo Workshop – Minimal Walking. Avian Reconditioning Center , 323 Lester Rd, Apopka, FL 32712. $40. Leader: Jack Rogers. 800 a.m.‒10:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Participants will have the unique opportunity to photograph as many as 10 species of native Florida raptors. The birds will be perched on attractive and appropriate branches and limbs, set up for the event, and will be positioned perfectly for the morning sunlight with clean backgrounds. Throughout the morning Jack will be sharing thoughts and tips about how to approach bird portraiture and will answer any questions you may have. The goal is for you to come away with lots of great images you might never have the opportunity to capture otherwise. Possible sightings include Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech and Barn Owls, American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins and others.
Orange Audubon Society Birding by Bicycle Trip. May 2022. Photo: Kathy Rigling
Saturday 8. Birding By Bicycle on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail – Bicycling. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $35, includes box lunch. Leaders: Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society) and Pete Johnson (Duval Audubon Society). 8:00 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Taking off from the McDonald Canal, we will explore the western part of the Lake Apopka North Shore by bicycle. Of course, we’ll be stopping to bird. Possible sightings: See Fri 3.
Bronzed Cowbird. A rarity seen for several years at Newton Park. Photo: Joyce Stefancic
Saturday 8a. Oakland Nature Preserve and Newton Park Photo Trip – Walking
Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, FL 34760 and Newton Park, 31 W Garden Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787. $40, bring your own lunch. Leaders: TBA. 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Tailored for photographers, we will take time to get the shot. Oakland Nature Preserve encompasses 128 acres of land—48 acres of uplands and 80 acres of forested wetlands with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka. After taking a birding walk at the preserve, we will stop by Newton Park in Winter Garden. This park on the south shore of Lake Apopka has become a birding hotspot. Possible Sightings: Painted Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, American Kestrel, Merlin, Snail Kites, Purple Gallinules and overwintering ducks.
Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, FL 34760 and Newton Park, 31 W Garden Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787. $40, bring your own lunch. Leaders: TBA. 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Tailored for photographers, we will take time to get the shot. Oakland Nature Preserve encompasses 128 acres of land—48 acres of uplands and 80 acres of forested wetlands with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka. After taking a birding walk at the preserve, we will stop by Newton Park in Winter Garden. This park on the south shore of Lake Apopka has become a birding hotspot. Possible Sightings: Painted Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, American Kestrel, Merlin, Snail Kites, Purple Gallinules and overwintering ducks.
Ding Darling's drawing for the first Duck Stamp. Photo: USFWS
Saturday 9. Learning About Birds by Drawing, Waterfowl Edition – Indoor/outdoor Workshop. Youth Camp, Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. Adults $25. Students and children $10, with registered adult. (To secure discounted prices, email festival@orangeaudubonfl.org), plus park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). Leader: Tricia Newton, with assistance by Susan Thome-Barrett. 9:00 a.m.‒12:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 10. Indoor session in the heated/air-conditioned Youth Camp rec hall will be 9:00 a.m.‒10:15 a.m.; Field session: 10:30 a.m.‒12:00 p.m. on a nearby site TBA (depending on what we find scouting). Bring your own lunch, snacks and water, plus big hat (there may be no shade in the area where we will be doing our field portion). Bring a folding chair. Materials provided, or bring your own. In this workshop, you will learn some bird anatomy that will help in field identification of our target birds, waterfowl, plus leave with some drawings you are proud of. To best utilize what you have learned, register for trips during the rest of the festival that will see waterfowl.
Eastern Towhee. Photo: Mary Keim
Saturday 10. Wekiwa Bird Walk. Youth Camp, Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $25, plus park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). Leaders: Jessica Dyszel (Duval Audubon Society) and Colin Giebner. 3:00pm-4:30pm. Maximum participants: 12. Note: Park entrance fee is $4 (single person), $6 (up to 8 people in vehicle). The Youth Camp itself is located in the beautiful well-burned sandhill habitat. Maddie and Jennifer volunteer at the Youth Camp each summer and know the property well and love to show off its birds, like Red-headed Woodpeckers, Pine Warblers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Eastern Bluebirds and Bachman's Sparrows.
Carolina Chickadee at Sawgrass Isand Preserve. Photo: Steve Shaluta
Saturday 11. Advanced eBirding Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, meet in Parking Lot, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $10, Leaders: David Simpson, Will Johnson and Susan Thome-Barrett. 3:00pm-4:30pm. Maximum participants: 12. The Youth Camp itself is located in the beautiful well-burned sandhill habitat. Maddie and Jennifer volunteer at the Youth Camp each summer and know the property well and love to show off its birds, like Red-headed Woodpeckers, Pine Warblers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Eastern Bluebirds and Bachman's Sparrows.
Barred Owl. Photo: Ryan Garrison
Saturday 12. Young Birders Dinner and Owling Combo. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp Dining Hall, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $20 for youth participants and parents, includes dinner and after dinner owl quest on foot in the Youth Camp. Ages 8-17; younger than 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Leaders: Kathy Rigling and TBA. 4:30 p.m.‒7:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Possible sightings: Owls possibly seen or heard are Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Eastern Screech Owl.
Maine Birding., Piping Plover Photo: Monhegan Island Wildlife Watching
Saturday Keynote, Dinner: “Maine to Florida on the Wing" by Bob Duchesne.. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp Dining Hall, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $35 regular. 4:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Dinner served at 5:00 p.m. Talk at 5:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 60. $30. Note: Park entrance fee is $4 (single person), $6 (up to 8 people in vehicle) and must enter before park closes at 5:30 p.m. .
Take the opportunity, while in beautiful Wekiwa Springs State Park, to do an activity before eating dinner and/or sign up for the Woodcock/Owl Prowl afterwards. Kayaking on the beautiful Wekiva River is a great thing to do, with birds to be found along the way. Our festival sponsor has discounted kayak rentals, and you will be sent the discount code after registering for the festival.
Eastern Screech Owl. Photo: Steve Shaluta
Saturday 12. Woodcock and Owl Prowl – Walking
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $25. Must enter through regular entrance gate before park closes at 5:30 p.m. and pay park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). Leaders: TBA. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Maximum participants: 16. In a previous festival, one of our leaders discovered American Woodcocks flying across a field and since then, we have been successful when listening and watching for those in a particular area. Owls possibly seen or heard are Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Eastern Screech Owl.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $25. Must enter through regular entrance gate before park closes at 5:30 p.m. and pay park entrance fee of $4 (single person in vehicle) or $6 (up to 8 in vehicle). Leaders: TBA. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Maximum participants: 16. In a previous festival, one of our leaders discovered American Woodcocks flying across a field and since then, we have been successful when listening and watching for those in a particular area. Owls possibly seen or heard are Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Eastern Screech Owl.
12/6/2026: Sunday
Prairie Warbler, Ocala National Forest. Photo: Steve Shaluta
Sunday 1. Ocala National Forest Woodpecker Extravaganza – Walking
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, 24511 Co Rd 42, Paisley, FL 32767. $55, bring your own lunch.
Leaders: Gallus Quigley, Noah Steinberg and Gary Steinberg.. 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. The well-burned pine forests of the Ocala National Forest host all of the species of woodpecker that breed or winter in Florida. Possible sightings: The endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker is our target species, but we will also search for Red-headed, Red-bellied, Pileated, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers. We should find Brown-headed Nuthatches and Bachman’s Sparrows, specialties of well-burned Southern pine habitats, and possibly other sparrows and winter songbirds.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, 24511 Co Rd 42, Paisley, FL 32767. $55, bring your own lunch.
Leaders: Gallus Quigley, Noah Steinberg and Gary Steinberg.. 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. The well-burned pine forests of the Ocala National Forest host all of the species of woodpecker that breed or winter in Florida. Possible sightings: The endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker is our target species, but we will also search for Red-headed, Red-bellied, Pileated, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers. We should find Brown-headed Nuthatches and Bachman’s Sparrows, specialties of well-burned Southern pine habitats, and possibly other sparrows and winter songbirds.
Birding near the Apopka-Beuaclair Canal, 2022 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Deborah Green
Sunday 2. Birding the Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $40, includes box lunch. Leaders: Gian Basili (USFWS), Bob Duchesne and Ben Guigliotti (SJRWMD). 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Dr. Gian Basili was the person most instrumental in the purchase of the farms for the restoration of Lake Apopka and is an ornithologist, one of our celebrity leaders. The group will look for overwintering Grasshopper Sparrows and various rarities on the North Shore. Possible sightings: See above.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $40, includes box lunch. Leaders: Gian Basili (USFWS), Bob Duchesne and Ben Guigliotti (SJRWMD). 6:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. Dr. Gian Basili was the person most instrumental in the purchase of the farms for the restoration of Lake Apopka and is an ornithologist, one of our celebrity leaders. The group will look for overwintering Grasshopper Sparrows and various rarities on the North Shore. Possible sightings: See above.
Ring-necked Ducks and others, Lake Apopka North Shore. Photo: Sam Mitcham
Sunday 3. Waterfowl of Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – Mostly driving, some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $55, includes box lunch. Leaders: Alex Lamoreaux, Brian Cammarano and Kathy Rigling (Orange Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Possible sightings: See Thursday 2.
Roseate Spoonbills and other wading birds at Orlando Wetlands. 2020 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL trip to Orlando Wetlands. Photo: Brian Miler
Sunday 4 Orlando Wetlands, Walking tour with Photography – Walking, with tram ride back for a bathroom break, if possible. Orlando Wetlands, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL 32709. $45, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Ethan Landreville, Brennan Landreville and Glenn Blaser. 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. The Orlando Wetlands is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for treated wastewater from the City of Orlando. Located in the far eastern part of Orange County, the park is 1,650 acres in size and has 21 miles of crisscrossing berm trails. With cattail and bulrush marshes, mixed and open marshes, hardwood swamps and a lake, Orlando Wetlands is a wildlife haven and birding hotspot. This is a walking tour, but we anticipate that volunteers on a tram will take the participants back to the entrance for a mid-morning bathroom break. Possible sightings include Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Limpkin, and Purple Gallinule and numerous wading birds and wintering ducks.
Florida Scrub-Jay at Seminole State Forest. Photo: James Poling
Sunday 5. Scrub-Jays and other Pineland Species at Seminole State Forest – Some walking (sandy surfaces). Seminole State Forest, south entrance, turn north off SR 46 just west of Wekiva River bridge, approximately 14 miles west of Sanford. $50, bring your own lunch.
Leaders: Ralph Risch (Flagler County) and Joseph Whipple (Florida Division of Forestry). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. The endemic Florida Scrub-Jay is restricted to Florida’s ever- decreasing sandpine scrub habitat. The 25,812-acre Seminole State Forest hosts the nearest relatively stable population of this friendly and charismatic bird to Lake Apopka. After everyone gets up close and personal with scrub-jays, the group will search for other species throughout the afternoon. Possible sightings include Florida Scrub-Jay, Sandhill Crane, Wild Turkey, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Bluebird and pineland specialties such as Bachman’s Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker and Brown-headed Nuthatch.
Leaders: Ralph Risch (Flagler County) and Joseph Whipple (Florida Division of Forestry). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. The endemic Florida Scrub-Jay is restricted to Florida’s ever- decreasing sandpine scrub habitat. The 25,812-acre Seminole State Forest hosts the nearest relatively stable population of this friendly and charismatic bird to Lake Apopka. After everyone gets up close and personal with scrub-jays, the group will search for other species throughout the afternoon. Possible sightings include Florida Scrub-Jay, Sandhill Crane, Wild Turkey, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Bluebird and pineland specialties such as Bachman’s Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker and Brown-headed Nuthatch.
Birding Green Mountain Scenic Overlook. Photo: Kathy Rigling
Sunday 6. Green Mountain Trail Hiking and Birding – Walking, approximately 4 miles.
Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, 20700 County Road 455, Montverde. $45, includes box lunch at McDonald Canal. Leaders: Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway) and Pete Johnson (Duval Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. This trip will start from the Green Mountain Overlook, sitting 132’ above sea level on the west side of Lake Apopka, with a view of Lake Apopka and the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area, just a short distance from Sugarloaf Mountain (the highest point in peninsular Florida at 312’). The trail, part of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail follows an abandoned railroad bed and connects to Clay Island Trails two miles distant. Plan for a four-mile round-trip hike, pending on closer-in activity. We will look for passerines in the oak hammock and other birds common to wet areas. Possible sightings include Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white warblers, American Redstart, Orange-crowned and Prairie warblers, Ovenbird, various sparrows and other songbirds. In the wetter areas, Green Heron, Anhinga, Belted Kingfisher, and more passerines.
Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, 20700 County Road 455, Montverde. $45, includes box lunch at McDonald Canal. Leaders: Greg Gensheimer (Green Mountain Scenic Byway) and Pete Johnson (Duval Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. This trip will start from the Green Mountain Overlook, sitting 132’ above sea level on the west side of Lake Apopka, with a view of Lake Apopka and the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area, just a short distance from Sugarloaf Mountain (the highest point in peninsular Florida at 312’). The trail, part of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail follows an abandoned railroad bed and connects to Clay Island Trails two miles distant. Plan for a four-mile round-trip hike, pending on closer-in activity. We will look for passerines in the oak hammock and other birds common to wet areas. Possible sightings include Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white warblers, American Redstart, Orange-crowned and Prairie warblers, Ovenbird, various sparrows and other songbirds. In the wetter areas, Green Heron, Anhinga, Belted Kingfisher, and more passerines.
Sunday 7. Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Scrub-Jay Quest – Walking, strenuous walking in salt marsh. Rock Springs Run State Reserve, 30601 County Rd 433, Sorrento, FL 32776. $45, bring your own lunch. Leaders: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) and Chuck Honaker (Seminole Audubon Society). 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Part of the 70,000-acre Wekiva River Basin and adjacent to Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve now hosts Florida Scrub-Jays as well as other scrub and pineland species. Possible sightings include Florida Scrub-Jay and species listed for Wekiwa Springs State Park trips.
Sawgrass Island Preserve trip, 2023 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Nicky Dronoff-Guthrie
Sunday 8. Sawgrass Island Preserve Photo Trip (Focus on Fill Flash) – Walking. Sawgrass Island Preserve, 11931 Sawgrass Island Rd, Umatilla, FL 32784, North parking area. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Steve Shaluta and Max Weakley. 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. This 1,137-acre Preserve is close to the Ocala National Forest on the edge of Lake Yale and was purchased by the Lake County Water Authority to protect water quality and wildlife habitat for that lake. It encompasses a large sawgrass marsh as well as upland habitats and supports gopher tortoises, Florida pine snakes. Sawgrass Island Preserve is a favorite of trip leader/ professional photographer Steve Shaluta, who uses fill flash to produce gorgeous bird photos. Learn from Steve and up-and-coming photographer and birder Max Weakley, who also lives nearby. Possible sightings include Florida Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, and migratory waterfowl.
Kayaks, from the Lake County Water Authority, on the Apopka-Beauclaire (A-B) Canal. Photo: Deborah Green
Sunday 9. Birding by Kayak on the A-B Canal – Paddling
McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $50, box lunch included. Kayaks kindly provided by Lake County Water Authority. Includes box lunch. Leaders: Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society) and Matt Richardson (Orange Audubon Society). 8:00 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 10. Starting at the kayak launch by the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, we will paddle down the McDonald Canal to where it meets the Apopka-Beauclair (A-B) Canal and then down the A-B Canal as far as conditions permit. It is about 5 miles round-trip to Lake Apopka. This paddling trip will provide a different view of the Lake Apopka North Shore, its birds and the lake restoration efforts. Possible sightings include Snail Kites eating the introduced apple snails, Limpkins, Purple Gallinules in the spatterdock, Common Yellowthroats, and other wetland and water birds. There is a chance to see a Barn Owl, and if conditions are good and we reach the lake, we may see nesting Bald Eagles.
McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $50, box lunch included. Kayaks kindly provided by Lake County Water Authority. Includes box lunch. Leaders: Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society) and Matt Richardson (Orange Audubon Society). 8:00 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 10. Starting at the kayak launch by the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, we will paddle down the McDonald Canal to where it meets the Apopka-Beauclair (A-B) Canal and then down the A-B Canal as far as conditions permit. It is about 5 miles round-trip to Lake Apopka. This paddling trip will provide a different view of the Lake Apopka North Shore, its birds and the lake restoration efforts. Possible sightings include Snail Kites eating the introduced apple snails, Limpkins, Purple Gallinules in the spatterdock, Common Yellowthroats, and other wetland and water birds. There is a chance to see a Barn Owl, and if conditions are good and we reach the lake, we may see nesting Bald Eagles.
Sunday 10. Plein Aire Drawing – Indoor /Outdoor Workshop. Plein Aire Drawing. Minimal walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. Adults $25, Students over 16, $10, Children $5, with registered adult. Leader: Jessie Sodano, assisted by Susan Thome-Barrett. Supplies provided or bring your own. Session in McDonald Canal gazebo: 1:30 -2:30 p.m., sketching by McDonald Canal, 2:30-3:30pm.
Barn Owl. Photo: Mark Hainen
Sunday 11. Evening on the North Shore – Some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora 32757. $40. Leaders: Chris Newton and Lorri Lilja. 4:45 p.m.‒7:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 12. Your leader Chris Newton has a plan of where to see some different birds at this witching hour. Bring deet-containing bug spray. Possible sightings: See above
12/7/2026: Monday
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Joe Overstreet Road, 2021. Photo: Chris Newton
Monday 1. Joe Overstreet Road and Three Lakes – Mostly driving, some walking. Meet at Publix, 3372 Canoe Creek Rd., St. Cloud, FL 34772. $60, bring your own lunch or snacks. Leaders: Chris Newton, Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society), and Brady Bailo (Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m.‒ 2:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 14. Possible sightings include Crested Caracara, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Meadowlarks, Northern Bobwhite, Snail Kite, Bald Eagles, and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Three Lakes.
Sedge Wren. 2020 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: James Hill.
Monday 2. Pine Meadows: Sparrows, Buntings, & Other Wintering Songbirds – Walking
Pine Meadows Conservation Area, 2280 Pine Meadows Golf Course Rd, Eustis, FL 32726. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks and Rec) and Gigi DelPizzo. 7:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Pine Meadows Conservation Area is a 770-acre Lake County conservation area with open water, wetlands, wet meadow and a small upland area of pine flatwoods. Habitat restoration continues to improve the wetlands, uplands and meadows to increase biodiversity of fish, birds and other animals. Possible sightings: Nearly 120 bird species have been seen, including the Henslow’s Sparrow and Bald Eagle.
Pine Meadows Conservation Area, 2280 Pine Meadows Golf Course Rd, Eustis, FL 32726. $55, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks and Rec) and Gigi DelPizzo. 7:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Pine Meadows Conservation Area is a 770-acre Lake County conservation area with open water, wetlands, wet meadow and a small upland area of pine flatwoods. Habitat restoration continues to improve the wetlands, uplands and meadows to increase biodiversity of fish, birds and other animals. Possible sightings: Nearly 120 bird species have been seen, including the Henslow’s Sparrow and Bald Eagle.
Blue form Snow Goose on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, seen on the Best of Birding the Lake Apopka North Shore, NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL 2021. Photo: Lorri Lilja
Monday 3. Best of Birding the Lake Apopka North Shore – Mostly driving, some walking.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $60, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alex Lamoreaux and Kathy RIgling. 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. This half-day trip will focus on the best birds seen on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive trips in the previous four days. Possible sightings: See above.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $60, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alex Lamoreaux and Kathy RIgling. 7:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 16. This half-day trip will focus on the best birds seen on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive trips in the previous four days. Possible sightings: See above.
Lesser Scaup at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Jan 2022 Photo: David Simpson
Monday 4. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Mostly driving, some walking.
Parrish Park, 1 A Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville, FL 32796. $55, includes access permit. Bring your own lunch. Leaders: Mitchell Harris (Space Coast Audubon Society), Joan Tague (Halifax Audubon Society), Craig Watson and Pamela Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 8:00 a.m.‒1:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 24 (group will split into two). Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is consistently rated as one of the top birding destinations in the United States with 357 species recorded. The refuge has one of three important populations of the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay. Note that this trip will NOT go to Black Point Wildlife Drive but to other good birding spots. This trip can be conveniently taken in combination with Monday 7, which is straight up I-95 in Daytona Beach Shores. Possible sightings include Hairy Woodpecker, American Avocet, Roseate Spoonbill, and overwintering shorebirds and ducks.
Parrish Park, 1 A Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville, FL 32796. $55, includes access permit. Bring your own lunch. Leaders: Mitchell Harris (Space Coast Audubon Society), Joan Tague (Halifax Audubon Society), Craig Watson and Pamela Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 8:00 a.m.‒1:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 24 (group will split into two). Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is consistently rated as one of the top birding destinations in the United States with 357 species recorded. The refuge has one of three important populations of the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay. Note that this trip will NOT go to Black Point Wildlife Drive but to other good birding spots. This trip can be conveniently taken in combination with Monday 7, which is straight up I-95 in Daytona Beach Shores. Possible sightings include Hairy Woodpecker, American Avocet, Roseate Spoonbill, and overwintering shorebirds and ducks.
Monday 5. Venetian Gardens – Walking.
Venetian Gardens in Leesburg is the easiest place to see and photograph Purple Gallinules in our area, as well as other water birds, Venetian Gardens, 109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748. $25. Leader: Jason Glatt
Venetian Gardens in Leesburg is the easiest place to see and photograph Purple Gallinules in our area, as well as other water birds, Venetian Gardens, 109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748. $25. Leader: Jason Glatt
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Purple Gallinule, a species easy to see at Newton Park. Photo: Susan Kirby
Birding for GenZ and Millennials Trip, 2020. Photo: Marah Green
Birding the Villages with the Village Birders. Photo: Wendy Milstein
Winter afternoon gull congregation.. Photo: Kathy Bargar
Male Vermilion Flycatcher from Orlando Wetlands. One was seen on the Clermont trip in 2021. Photo: Mary Keim
Buscando Pajaros Field Trip at Orlando Wetlands, 2024. Photo: Faruk Bagdah
Hairy Woodpecker, seen at WSEG boat ramp, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL with Mitchell Harris. Photo: Jeffrey Gammon
David Simpson confers with Chris Newton about sightings. 2018 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Deborah Green
Mariah Hryniewich shows other participants a bird with her PhoneSkope. Photo: Deborah Green
Sora. Photo: Brian Miller
Limpkin with Apple Snail. Photo: Steve Shaluta.
Birding for Millennials trip, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Deborah Green
Photographing Roseate Spoonbill, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo:Jack Horton
Sunrise photo trip at Clay Island Overlook over Lake Apopka. Photo: Milton Heiberg
Pine Meadows Field Trip at NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Craig Watson
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Orlando Wetlands, 2020 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Brian Miller
Clay-colored Sparrow. Photo: Craig Watson
Bachman's Sparrow at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Photo: Sam Mitcham
North Shore, foggy morning trip. Photo: Mary Soule
Nelson's Seaside Sparrow. Photo: Kathy Rigling
Paula Duenas and Rafael Gomez photographing a songbird at Mead Botanical Garden. Photo: Deborah Green
Sunset Trip at 2021 festival. Photo: Steve Hall
Luis Gles leading Clay Island trip at the 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Deborah Green
Red-headed Woodpeckers. Photo: Mary Keim