2025 Field Trips, Workshops and Keynote/Dinners Schedule
Schedule as of 9_29_25
See below for full trip details
Trips that are highlighted in green text are tailored to photographers
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 more southerly wintering grounds, we'll be looking and listening for the few that are seen or heard 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. As mny as 13 sparrow species are seen, including rarities like LeConte’s and Clay-colored. Western flycatcher species like Ash-throated and Vermillion are seen most years and Scissor-tailed, Least, Western, 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.
12/11/2025: Thursday
North Shore, foggy morning trip. Photo: Mary Soule
Thursday 1a. Early Apopka Birding Park and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – Walking.
Apopka Birding Park, parking lot to right of Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2923 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alex DeBear, Ryan Garrison and Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. We will start at the parking lot for the Apopka Birding Park, to the right of the entrance to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Past the yellow gate, Orange Audubon is working toward its nature center, renovating the green concrete block building. After a hunt for owls and very early birds, we will walk down the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Possible sightings: See above.
Apopka Birding Park, parking lot to right of Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2923 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alex DeBear, Ryan Garrison and Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. We will start at the parking lot for the Apopka Birding Park, to the right of the entrance to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Past the yellow gate, Orange Audubon is working toward its nature center, renovating the green concrete block building. After a hunt for owls and very early birds, we will walk down the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Possible sightings: See above.
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: 14. 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: 14. 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. We will 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. We will focus 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. We will 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. We will focus 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. 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. 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 restaurants are available nearby (see Thursday 7). Leaders: David Hartgrove (Halifax Audubon Society), Craig Watson and Pam Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 25. Disappearing Island is a sandbar island located 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. The 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.
Black Skimmers and mega-rarity Large-billed Tern (upper right) at T.M. Goodwin. Photo: Alan Shapiro
Thursday 6. 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 7. 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. Additional $10 parking at Lighthouse Point Park, plus cost of lunch. Leaders: Luis Gles, Mariah Hryniewich , Craig Watson and Pam Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 11:30 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 20; carpooling encouraged. Those who have driven all the way to New Smyrna Beach for 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 11:30 a.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 8. 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. – 4:00 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. – 4:00 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 9. 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, Brian Miller and Ryan Garrison (Orange Audubon Society). 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, Brian Miller and Ryan Garrison (Orange Audubon Society). 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.
12/12/2025: 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.‒11:30 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.‒11:30 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. 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. $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). 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 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 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.
Friday 5. 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: Connor Wagner (Park Biologist) and Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society). 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 Connor, 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. 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 6. 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 Ryan Garrison (Orange Audubon Society). 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.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Sandhill Habitat. Photo: Craig Watson
Friday 7 – 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), Craig Watson and Pamela Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 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 8. 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.
Florida Scrub-Jay. Photo: Lyonia Preserve
Friday 9. Scrub-Jays and Southwest Volusia County Specialties – Strenuous walking on sand and hilly terrain. Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Avenue, Deltona, FL 32725. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alex DeBear (Orange Audubon), Joan Tague (Halifax Audubon) and Luddy Lambertson (West Volusia Audubon). 8:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 14. The preserve is adjacent to the Deltona Regional Library, which opens at 9 a.m. so visit other bathroom facilities before arriving. Maximum participants: 14. Lyonia Preserve is a 400-acre preserve that has been managed since the 1990s for the Florida Scrub-Jay and these jays are more reliably seen here than anywhere in Central Florida. We will see not only scrub-jays but other birds of the scrub habitat. Note that the walk is in soft sand and up and down a hill, so it is somewhat strenuous. Possible sightings: Florida Scrub-Jay, Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher and other scrub species, plus possible wetland species at the wetland at the bottom of the hill.
Birding from A-B Canal Bridge, 2019 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Elza Phillips
Friday 10. Afternoon Leader's Choice, Lake Apopka North Shore. – Mostly driving, some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora 32757. $50. 12:30 p.m.‒ 3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 16. Leaders: Chris Newton and TBA. Maximum participants: 16. For possible sightings, see information above.
Purple Gallinule eating Alligator Flag at Newton Park. Photo: Jan Pewsey
Friday 11. Afternoon Leader's Choice, Lake Apopka North Shore. – Mostly driving, some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora 32757. $50. 12:30 p.m.‒ 3:30 p.m. Leaders: Gigi DelPizzo and Kathy Rigling (Orange Audubon Society). Maximum participants: 14. For possible sightings, see information above.
Crested Caracara with armadillo. Photo: Paul Eisenbrown
Friday 12. 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 and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 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 and Mary Soule (Orange Audubon Society). 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.
NEW! 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). 3:30 -5:30 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 3:30 -4:30 p.m., then do sketching near Lake Prevatt, 4:30-5:30pm. Bring your own snacks and water.
Friday Dinner with the Leaders: Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $30 regular, $20 student, $10 youth up to 17. 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). Pizza and salad, vegan options. 4:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Maximum participants: 35. This year we will checking into the Youth Camp on Friday afternoon, so we have not planned a more formal keynote dinner, but are hosting a simple pizza and salad with the leaders. 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.
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: TBA. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Maximum participants: 16.
12/13/2025: 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). 6:15 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). 6:15 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: John Groskopf and Bill Asteriades. 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: John Groskopf and Bill Asteriades. 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 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: Sam Mitcham and Alex Marine. 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: Sam Mitcham and Alex Marine. 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.
Luis Gles leading Clay Island trip at the 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: Chris Newton and John Thomton. 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: Mariah Hryniewich 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.
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: Luis Gles, Will Johnson 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.
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: Luis Gles, Will Johnson 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.
Pine Meadows Field Trip at NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Craig Watson
Saturday 7. 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.
Nelson's Seaside Sparrow. Photo: Kathy Rigling
Saturday 8: St. Augustine, Rare Coastal Sparrows–Walking. Masters Tract Stormwater Treatment, 7756 Hub Bailey Rd, Hastings, FL 32145. $40, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Blair Clark (University of Florida) and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 8:00 a.m.‒3:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 15. After Masters (for shorebirds), Anastasia State Park (for beach birds), we will visit Dr. Robert Hayling Freedom Park at high tide (for seaside sparrows). Trip leader Blair Clark, who has put this new festival trip together, is a very skilled 18-year old Young Birder from the St. Augustine area, now studying at University of Florida. Note that this location is an hour and a half from Apopka.
Orange Audubon Society Birding by Bicycle Trip. May 2022. Photo: Kathy Rigling
Saturday 9. Birding By Bicycle on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail – Bicycling. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $50, 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 10. 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: Lynn Marie Folts (Orange Audubon Society), Craig Watson and Pam Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 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: Lynn Marie Folts (Orange Audubon Society), Craig Watson and Pam Ford (Carolina Bird Club). 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 11. Learning About Birds by Drawing, Waterfowl Edition – Indoor/outdoor Workshop. Youth Camp, Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, 2.6 miles south of the entrance to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. 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.
Saturday 12. Tentative 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: TBA. 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 12. Note: Park entrance fee is $4 (single person), $6 (up to 8 people in vehicle).
Carolina Chickadee at Sawgrass Isand Preserve. Photo: Steve Shaluta
Saturday 13. Pre-Dinner Wekiwa Bird Walk. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, meet in Parking Lot, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $10, Leaders: Maddie Barber and Jennifer Barber. 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.
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow survey, DeLuca Preserve. Photo: Aline Morrow
Saturday Keynote, Dinner: “Saving the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow" by Alex and Mary Marine.. Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp Dining Hall, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. $30 regular, $20 student, $10 youth up to 17. $35 regular ($20 student, $10 Youth under 17, contact festival@orangeaudubonfl.org to secure this discounted pricing). 4:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Dinner served at 5:00 p.m. Talk at 5:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 60. 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 14. Woodcock and Owl Prowl – Walking
Apopka Birding Park, 2923 Lust Road, Apopka, next to entrance to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. $25. Leaders: David Simpson, Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich. 6:30 p.m.‒8:00 p.m. 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. 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.
Apopka Birding Park, 2923 Lust Road, Apopka, next to entrance to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. $25. Leaders: David Simpson, Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich. 6:30 p.m.‒8:00 p.m. 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. 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.
12/14/2025: 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: Beck Smith (Archaeopteryx Tours) and Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Rec). 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: Beck Smith (Archaeopteryx Tours) and Gallus Quigley (Lake County Parks & Rec). 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. $60, includes box lunch. Leaders: Gian Basili (USFWS), Craig Watson (USFWS), Pamela Ford (Carolina Bird Club) 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. $60, includes box lunch. Leaders: Gian Basili (USFWS), Craig Watson (USFWS), Pamela Ford (Carolina Bird Club) 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. $60, includes box lunch. Leaders: Chris Newton and Kathy Rigling (Orange Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 12. Possible sightings: See Thursday 2.
Birding for GenZ and Millennials Trip, 2020. Photo: Marah Green
Sunday 4. Clay Island, Gen Z Birding – Mostly driving, some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. This special trip is our festival's annual attempt to pull in college students and others just out of college with a half-price trip. Regular is $55, but we charge $25 for students, with ID. Includes box lunch at McDonald Canal. Discounted student registration will close on November 5th and the trip will be open to all. Leaders: John Groskopf and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society). 7:00 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 16.
Male Snail Kites at Marsh Flow-Way near Clay Island, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Liz Stakenborg
Roseate Spoonbills and other wading birds at Orlando Wetlands. 2020 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL trip to Orlando Wetlands. Photo: Brian Miler
Sunday 5 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 and Brennan Landreville. 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 6. 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 7. 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.
Merlin with songbird, 2021 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Sam Mitcham
Sunday 8. 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 9. 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 10. 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.
EBirding Field Trip. 2018 North Shore Birding Festival. Photo: Deborah Green
Sunday 11. Advanced eBirding – Orientation at the McDonald Canal gazebo and then walking to bird and test eBird skills. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $25. Leader: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) and Susan Thome-Barrett (Orange Audubon Society). 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 12. eBird is a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an app that allows you to record your sightings in the field on your phone, either iPhone and Android, all for free. eBird data documents bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends through checklist data collected within a simple, scientific framework. So when you record your sightings on eBird, you are contributing to science and at the same time documenting the progression of your hobby, birding. David Simpson who primarily birds in Florida, has filed many eBird lists and is eager to share advanced tips on how to use eBird. Co-leader Susan Thome-Barrett can assist any participants that are newer to eBird. Possible sightings include Snail
Purple Gallinule, a species easy to see at Newton Park. Photo: Susan Kirby
Sunday 12. Afternoon Leader's Choice, Rarity Chase – Mostly driving, some walking. McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $50. Leaders: Kathy Rigling (Orange Audubon Society) and Haden Klinger. 12:30 p.m.‒4:00 p.m. Maximum participants: 12. Note: This trip may involve driving up to 45 minutes from the meeting site to see a particular rare bird. It is not a continuation of a morning Leader’s Choice trip —may involve visiting the same sites if there is a particularly rare bird there. Possible sightings: See above.
Possible leaders: John Groskopf (Florida Ornithological Society) and Lorri Lilja (Orange Audubon Society).
Digiscoping workshop, 2022 festival Photo: Deborah Green
Sunday 13. Digiscoping /Phoneskoping – Stationary and a minimum of walking.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $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.
McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 CR 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757. $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.
Sunset Trip at 2021 festival. Photo: Steve Hall
Sunday 14. Sunset Photography and Birding – Some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd., Apopka, FL 32703. $35. Leaders: Lynn Marie Folts (Orange Audubon Society) and Ryan Garrison (Orange Audubon Society). 4:30 p.m.‒6:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 10. Lake Apopka has remarkable opportunities for sunsets. On this date sunset will occur at 5:30 p.m. and the earlier start time will allow driving to the pump house and set up. Bring deet-containing bug spray. Your trip leaders will provide both photo and bird identification tips. Possible sightings: See above
Barn Owl. Photo: Mark Hainen
Sunday 15. Evening on the Drive – Some walking. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd., Apopka, FL 32703. $40. Leaders: Chris Newton (Orange Audubon Society) and TBA. 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
12/15/2025: 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. PEAR Park, Morning – Walking. Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park Wildlife Conservation Area, 4800 Univ. Ave., Leesburg, FL 34748. $50, bring your own lunch. Leaders: Alan Shapiro (Orange Audubon Society) and Bruce Matasick. 7:30 a.m.‒11:00 a.m. Meet at Nature Center. PEAR Park is 268-acre Lake County wildlife conservation area made up of scrub and sandhill restoration. Possible sightings include wintering songbirds and sparrows, like Savannah, Swamp, White-crowned, Vesper and Grasshopper. With luck, we may see Le Conte’s, Lincoln’s, Clay-colored and more of the 12 wintering sparrows. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L371829
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: Luis Gles (Woodstars Tours), Mariah Hryniewich (PhoneSkope) and Brian Silverman (St. Johns River Water Management District). 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: Luis Gles (Woodstars Tours), Mariah Hryniewich (PhoneSkope) and Brian Silverman (St. Johns River Water Management District). 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.
Red-headed Woodpeckers. Photo: Mary Keim
Monday 4. Wekiwa Springs Sandhill Specialties – Walking
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. Leaders will coordinate early entry to the park and collect park admission. Park entrance: $4 per single person, $6 for 2-8 people or free for Youth Camp overnight guest or annual pass holder. $30, bring your own lunch. Leader: Paul Lammardo (Wekiwa Springs State Park) with Chuck Honaker (Seminole Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m.‒ 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 8. 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. This will be a walking trip. Possible sightings include pineland specialties, including Brown-headed Nuthatches, Bachman’s Sparrows, Eastern Towhees, Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and overwintering songbirds.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712. Leaders will coordinate early entry to the park and collect park admission. Park entrance: $4 per single person, $6 for 2-8 people or free for Youth Camp overnight guest or annual pass holder. $30, bring your own lunch. Leader: Paul Lammardo (Wekiwa Springs State Park) with Chuck Honaker (Seminole Audubon Society). 7:30 a.m.‒ 11:00 a.m. Maximum participants: 8. 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. This will be a walking trip. Possible sightings include pineland specialties, including Brown-headed Nuthatches, Bachman’s Sparrows, Eastern Towhees, Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and overwintering songbirds.
Lesser Scaup at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Jan 2022 Photo: David Simpson
Monday 6. 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: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson), Mitchell Harris (Space Coast 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: David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson), Mitchell Harris (Space Coast 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.
Birding the Villages with the Village Birders. Photo: Wendy Milstein
Monday 6: Waterfowl of The Villages –Mostly driving (own cars, we will carpool from Parking Area), some walking. Meeting place is the rear of Cattail Recreation Parking lot. USE THIS ADDRESS: 5227 Marsh Bend Trail, Wildwood, Fl, 34785. $40, lunch after (not included) in The Villages at a favorite place, if desired. Leaders: Alice Horst and Susan Pepper of The Village Birders, surveyors of waterfowl in the area. 8:30 a.m.‒11:30 a.m. Maximum participants: 15. By car we will visit the three most popular birding venues and then walk these areas (easy walking). Plan is flexible: Hogeye Pathway, Fenney Springs, and Sharon Weichens Preserve. The Villages is an enormous 55+ community spanning 32 square miles north of the Lake Apopka area in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. Its many golf courses have retention ponds that attract some great waterfowl each winter. Long-tailed Duck was seen in 2019. An occasional Snow Goose or White-cheeked Pintail will show up. Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, and many species of ducks are usually found. Possible sightings: see Trip 2.
Michael Brothers explaining fine details of gull identification. January 2019 festival. Photo: Tina Pruitt
Monday 7. Gull Congregation at Daytona Beach Shores – Some walking.
Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118-5701. $50. Leaders: Michael Brothers (Florida Ornithological Society) with Mitchell Harris (Space Coast Audubon Society). 3:00 p.m.‒5:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 20. This location near Daytona Beach, about an hour northeast of Lake Apopka, hosts an amazing birding spectacle each late afternoon and evening during the winter months. Gulls from the northeastern U.S. and Canada winter here, feeding during the day at Daytona Beach’s Tomoka Regional Landfill. Tens of thousands of gulls fly for the evening to the beach at Daytona Beach Shores. After gathering (staging) on the beach, close enough to be identified, the gulls move at dusk to settle beyond the breakers offshore. Fast-flying Pomerine and Parastic Jaegers try to pick off the less aware individuals. Michael Brothers, gull expert and retired director of the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, discovered this amazing phenomenon over 10 years ago and has been monitoring the gulls every winter evening since. Possible sightings: Laughing, Ring-billed, Herring and Great Black-backed are common, with Bonaparte’s and Lesser Black-backed gulls also expected. Glaucous, Iceland, Thayer’s, Franklin's, Heermann's and California gulls are also possible. Vega, European Herring, Yellow-legged and Slaty-backed gulls are rarities that have turned up.
Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118-5701. $50. Leaders: Michael Brothers (Florida Ornithological Society) with Mitchell Harris (Space Coast Audubon Society). 3:00 p.m.‒5:30 p.m. Maximum participants: 20. This location near Daytona Beach, about an hour northeast of Lake Apopka, hosts an amazing birding spectacle each late afternoon and evening during the winter months. Gulls from the northeastern U.S. and Canada winter here, feeding during the day at Daytona Beach’s Tomoka Regional Landfill. Tens of thousands of gulls fly for the evening to the beach at Daytona Beach Shores. After gathering (staging) on the beach, close enough to be identified, the gulls move at dusk to settle beyond the breakers offshore. Fast-flying Pomerine and Parastic Jaegers try to pick off the less aware individuals. Michael Brothers, gull expert and retired director of the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, discovered this amazing phenomenon over 10 years ago and has been monitoring the gulls every winter evening since. Possible sightings: Laughing, Ring-billed, Herring and Great Black-backed are common, with Bonaparte’s and Lesser Black-backed gulls also expected. Glaucous, Iceland, Thayer’s, Franklin's, Heermann's and California gulls are also possible. Vega, European Herring, Yellow-legged and Slaty-backed gulls are rarities that have turned up.
Male Vermilion Flycatcher from Orlando Wetlands. One was seen on the Clermont trip in 2021. Photo: Mary Keim
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Orlando Wetlands, 2020 NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL. Photo: Brian Miller
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
Eastern Towhee. Photo: Mary Keim
Bachman's Sparrow at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Photo: Sam Mitcham
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
Clay-colored Sparrow. Photo: Craig Watson
Paula Duenas and Rafael Gomez photographing a songbird at Mead Botanical Garden. Photo: Deborah Green