Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

April 26, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Kayak the Chassahowitzka River

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Trip leader: Tom

tomstclair8@gmail.com or 904-303-0919

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot of the Chassahowitzka River Campground near the boat launch. The Chassahowitzka River Campground is located south of Homosassa Springs and west of U. S. 19 at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Citrus County.

We will kayak the Chassahowitzka River for approximately two hours and expect to see various herons, egrets as well as Limpkins and nesting Ospreys. We hope to see migrating birds as they fly north to their breeding grounds. If lucky, we may also see manatees and river otters, which are always a highlight of this trip.

If you need to rent a kayak, please contact trip leader Tom, so that he can reserve the proper number.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Contact: Bev bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

(Cell phone on the day of the trip: 352-442-5598)

April is a prime time to view butterflies. Join Don Fraser as he helps us identify butterflies during the two-mile walk. We may see as many as eight species of hairstreak butterflies nectaring on sparkleberry as well as many other butterflies. Bring binoculars (close focusing, if you have them—or your regular binoculars will do). There will be good opportunities for close-up photography of butterflies.

The parking lot is a half mile west of US-19 on Aripeka Road. There is no drinking water or bathroom there.

[Note the 9 A.M. start time, which is later than our birding trips, because butterflies are more active when it is warmer.] 

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Trip leader: Bev bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

(Cell phone on the day of the trip: 352-442-5598)

Meet at 7:15 on the causeway, before the draw bridge, at the first pull-off on the south side of Curlew Road (State Road 586). We will bird along the causeway before we enter the park.

At the park, we expect to see a variety of waders, shorebirds, gulls and terns, as well as possible migrating songbirds. The state park admission is $8 for 2 to 8 people in a car, or $4 for a single driver and car.

To caravan from Spring Hill, meet at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Publix on the east side of U. S. 19, just south of Spring Hill Drive. 

Directions for Honeymoon Island field trip:

From U. S. 19 at the southern border of Pasco County, turn right on Alternate U. S. 19, just south of Mile Stretch Dr./Bonita Road. Continue south on Alternate U.S. 19 to the intersection of Curlew Rd. (State Road 586) and turn right. There is a McDonald's (with a bathroom) on the northwest corner of this intersection. Continue west on Curlew Rd. just past the tall apartment buildings on the left, and turn left at the first pull-off along the shore.

Alternate route: Continue south on U. S. 19, passing the turn-off for Alternate U. S. 19. Turn right at the intersection of U. S. 19 and Curlew Rd. (State Road 586). Drive west, passing Alternate U. S. 19, and continue to the first pull-off mentioned above.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

March 29, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629

Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot on the west side of U.S. 19 at 13243 Commercial Way, 6.7 miles north of S.R. 50. Entrance fee is $3.00 per person or $6 per car (free with senior free hunting and fishing license). 

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area preserves 24,243 acres of sandhill, mesic hammock, and forested wetland habitat. We'll carpool and drive on hard-packed roads, watching and listening for birds. Occasionally we will take short walks in areas that seem promising. A 0.4 mile walk through the swamp on a boardwalk to lovely Buford Spring is optional. 159 species of birds have been reported to eBird from this property, so we expect to see a variety of birds.

The group size is limited, so please reserve your spot with the trip leader.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Heartwood Preserve

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Contact: Bev

bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

(Cell phone on the day of the trip: 352-442-5598)

West Pasco Audubon President Christine Rowland will lead us as we explore Heartwood Preserve, which has both cypress wetlands and longleaf pine flatwoods. We hope to see or hear Brown-headed Nuthatch, Northern Bobwhite, Bachman’s Sparrow, etc.

Directions: Heartwood Preserve is at 4100 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey, FL. From the intersection of De Cubellis Road in New Port Richey, Pasco County, drive south 3.2 miles on Starkey Blvd. Heartwood Preserve is on the east side of the road, with a large sign. But it’s best to locate it with GPS, since it’s important to slow down on the approach from the southbound lane of Starkey Blvd because the turn is quite sharp, and vehicles may be coming in the opposite direction. 

Field Trip Guidelines: Fields trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Fort Cooper State Park

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Meet at 8 a.m. at parking lot #2. After scoping the lake, we will walk a mile on a trail looking for early spring arrivals and resident birds. There is a $3 park fee. Please bring exact change.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Birding and Biking the Withlacoochee State Trail

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Trip leader: Claudia

camsler36@gmail.com or 813-244-0305

Meet at Lake Townsen Preserve Park, 28011 Lake Lindsey Road (County Road 476).

We will ride a total of about 12 miles: 6 miles south from the park and then return.

This is a beautiful section of the state trail that passes through forests and fields. We will stop periodically to look for birds and other wildlife. This is a no-stress, no-rush ride.

Please bring water, snacks and binoculars.

The trip size is limited so please reserve your space with the trip leader.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

February 23, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Hernando Big Day/Birdathon

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Can we identify 125 bird species in Hernando County on Saturday, February 17? It's up to you!

EVERYONE can participate in the Big Day/Birdathon this year! A birdathon is a fundraising event like a telethon or a walkathon, but with a focus on birds. In the past we have had one team scouting for birds all over the county. This year we want EVERYONE to participate. You can do so whether you are birding in your own backyard, your favorite birding spot, or stopping at multiple birding sites throughout Hernando County. Whether you can only participate for 15 minutes, or go birding all day, we hope EVERYONE will spend some time with the birds. 

Because this is a fundraiser, we hope that EVERYONE will also make a pledge to Hernando Audubon Society. Please click here to download the pledge form. We assure you that 100 percent of your donation will be used to help Hernando Audubon provide conservation and wildlife education programs and work to protect wildlife habitat.

Please fill out the form and make your check payable to Hernando Audubon Society. If your employer will match your donation, please include a matching gift form. Your contact information will only be used to acknowledge your tax-deductible donation. This information will not be shared with any other organization or individual. It will also not be added to the Hernando Audubon mailing list.

At the end of the day on Saturday, we will compile a list of all of the species seen in Hernando County by the individuals participating. The easiest way to send your list to us is to enter your sightings in eBird. After you have submitted your list, on the right side of the page you will notice "Checklist Tools." Scrolling down, you will see "email yourself." Click on that link and you will receive an email listing all the birds you have seen on that checklist. If you made multiple stops throughout the day, make a trip report and email that. Forward the list to bevalhansen@gmail.com so that your list can be added to the countywide compilation. If you don't want to use eBird, you can still email your species list to Bev.

The countywide results will be published in e-NEWS.

Questions? Want to be paired up with another birder? Contact: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Travelers Rest RV Resort and Golf Course

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Contact: Bev

bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

(Cell phone on the day of the trip: 352-442-5598)

Tom Butler, a resident of the RV park, will guide us to view some of the eight bodies of water that attract various water birds and the wooded areas where Barred Owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and songbirds live. Tom has done a lot of work in the park to create an attractive habitat for birds and viewing areas for folks interested in seeing the birds. In recent years 159 species of birds have been reported on eBird!

When you reach the park entrance, continue on First Street, passing RV lots, a creek, and more RV lots. Park behind the Post Office, which is on the right. There are restrooms there.      

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Birding with the Merlin App

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Trip leader: Claudia

camsler36@gmail.com or 813-244-0305

Meet at 8 a.m. on the deck behind the building. After the class, we’ll go for a short walk to practice what we have learned.

The group size is limited, so make reservations with the trip leader. Download Merlin before the class.

Learn how to use the Merlin bird app, which will help you identify birds that you see

and hear. With the ID Wizard, you answer three simple questions, and the app will suggest what

bird you might have seen. Sound ID listens to a bird in real time and suggests who it is. And

Merlin can identify a bird from your photo. This all-in-one app is free, developed by Cornell Lab

of Ornithology.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

The Celery Fields at Sarasota

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Trip leader: Gwen

gwenfraley@comcast.net or 206-659-2677

Meet at 9 a.m. at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center parking lot picnic tables, 999 Center Road, Sarasota.

The Celery Fields mainly consist of open marshland, shallow ponds, and canals which are edged by oaks, willows, and pines. Birds seen here can include sparrows, Marsh and Sedge wrens, Sora and Virginia rails, Black-necked Stilts, Least Bittern, Limpkin, and Purple Gallinule. Behind the Nature Center is a small observation area with feeders that attract songbirds and seasonal migrants.

Directions to The Celery Fields: From I-75, take exit 210, Fruitville Road. Go east and turn right at the Lakewood Ranch Blvd light, then right at the traffic circle onto Apex Road. Follow Apex Road for 1 mile and make a left onto Palmer Blvd. After 0.3 mile, turn left into parking lot which also has restrooms.

To carpool from the east side of Hernando County, meet at 7:15 a.m. at Sunrise Plaza (Winn-Dixie is there) on the south side of State Road 50, just east of Interstate 75. Check with Gwen about carpooling place and time from the west side of Hernando County.

Adopt-A-Road Cleanup

January 27, 2024

To volunteer: Steve.Smetko@frontier.com or 352-247-9793

Hernando Audubon Society participates in Hernando County’s Adopt-A-Road program by doing a 1.25 mile cleanup on Northcliffe Boulevard between U.S. 19 and Deltona Boulevard three times a year. Garbage bags and safety vests will be provided. Expect this task to take 2 hours.

High school students will receive credit hours for helping in this community service.

Meet at 8 a.m. at the parking lot of Good Shepherds Plaza, 8417 Northcliffe Blvd., on the north side of Northcliffe Blvd, just east of U.S. 19, in Spring Hill.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

January 26, 2024

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Friday, January 19, 2024

Trip leader: Gwen

gwenfraley@comcast.net or 206-659-2677

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way 11-mile dirt road, with pull-off areas where we can stop to look for birds. Bring a lunch or snacks to eat along the drive.

To carpool from Hernando County, meet at 6:30 a.m. at Sunrise Plaza (Winn-Dixie is there) on south side of State Road 50, just east of Interstate 75.

Directions for going to Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail when coming from Spring Hill or Brooksville:

Drive east on State Road 50 to Groveland. Turn left on State Road 19 and head northeast 9 miles. At County Road 455, turn right and drive east 2.6 miles. At the traffic circle, turn north on County Road 561. In 2.5 miles at Astatula, turn right on County Road 48. When it ends in 4.2 miles, turn left at County Road 448, and in 0.5 mile turn right to rejoin County Road 48, called Duda Road, which then becomes Jones Avenue. Continue east to U. S. 441. In 3.1 miles, turn right on U. S. 441, W. Orange Blossom Trail. As soon as you go under toll road 429 in 3.7 miles, turn right on County Road 437, W. Orange Ave. In 2.1 miles, turn right on Lust Road. At the end of Lust Road, we will meet at the gate for Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive at 8 a.m.

When going to Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail from somewhere else, search Internet maps for your best route. Your destination is the gate at the west end of Lust Road in Apopka.

The GPS coordinates for the entrance are: N28.669183. W-81.561540. 

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Bird Box Cleaning and Work Day at Audubon Florida's Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Leader: Linda

Contact info: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629

Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary is at 24268 Lake Lindsey Road (County Road 476). A fire station is just east of U. S. 41 on County Road 476/Lake Lindsey Road. The entrance to the sanctuary is just east of the fire station. If you are traveling west on County Road 476 and you see the fire station, you have gone too far.

We will do annual maintenance on Eastern Bluebird nest boxes, removal of exotic plants, and other clean-up projects on the property. Please bring your own work gloves and wear a long-sleeved shirt.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Surrounded by publicly protected land, including the Withlacoochee State Forest, 270-acre Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary is part of a large greenway that remains untouched by urban sprawl. The property was left to Audubon Florida by Lisa von Borowsky, one of Hernando Audubon's first board members and a longtime supporter of Audubon Florida.

The property is open to group visits, with prior arrangements. Volunteers are very important to maintaining it for wildlife. 

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Circle B Bar Reserve

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Trip leaders: Wally and Lee
idocvb@gmail.com or 757-636-6229 (Wally) or 757-373-0287 (Lee)

Meet in the parking lot at the end of the Reserve road at 9 a.m.

This 1,267-acre former ranch was acquired jointly in 2000 by Southwest Florida Water Management District and Polk County Environmental Lands Program. The former pastureland was restored to a marsh system, which has attracted a variety of wading birds and waterfowl, as well as Ospreys and Bald Eagles. 239 species of birds have been identified here.

Walking trails pass through freshwater marshes, oak hammocks, hardwood swamps, and along the shore of Lake Hancock. There are nine wide interconnecting trails on the property, covering more than six miles. It is flat, easy walking, affording great views of marshland with many varieties of birds. There should be plenty of photo opportunities. Admission is free. Bring your own lunch and beverages. You can walk any distance you are comfortable with, as there are many options for trails. Stay for more birding after lunch if you like.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

December 29, 2023

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Aripeka-Bayport Christmas Bird Count

Friday, December 22, 2023

The time listed may NOT be the time frame you are given. 

Help count all the birds in a circle that extends from Pine Island to Crews Lake. 

To be assigned to a team, contact:
Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Excerpted from the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count Website.

From December 14, 2023, through January 5, 2024, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. This will be the 124th count! Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission -- often before dawn. For more than a century, the desire both to make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations -- and to help guide conservation action.

Brooksville Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 16, 2023

The time listed may NOT be the time frame you are given. 

Help count all the birds in a 7.5-mile-radius circle around Bystre Lake.

To be assigned to a team, contact:
Linda: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629  

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Excerpted from the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count Website.

From December 14, 2023, through January 5, 2024, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. This will be the 124th count! Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission -- often before dawn. For more than a century, the desire both to make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations -- and to help guide conservation action.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

SunWest Park

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Trip leader: Bev Hansen bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460

(Cell phone on the day of the trip: 352-442-5598)

SunWest Park is a recreational waterfront facility in northwest Pasco, west of U. S. 19. The park has been developed around a former limestone mine creating a 70-acre spring-fed lake. It attracts ducks, shorebirds, gulls, and terns.

Daily passes can be purchased on site for $5.00 a day with debit/credit cards. NO CASH IS ACCEPTED. 

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Brooksville Wetlands

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Trip leader: Linda

Contact info: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629

Meet at 8 a.m. at the southwest retention pond at Walmart, 7305 Broad Street, Brooksville (the intersection of U. S. 41 and Wiscon Road), Hernando County. From there we will drive to look for ducks, waders, and songbirds at various wetlands near Brooksville.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

November 24, 2023

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

The trip to Hunters Lake was cancelled because the water level was too low to access the lake through the canal.

Kayak the Chassahowitzka River

Tuesday, November 16, 2023

Trip leader: Tom

tomstclair8@gmail.com or 904-303-0919

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot of the Chassahowitzka River Campground near the boat launch. The Chassahowitzka River Campground is located south of Homosassa Springs and west of U. S. 19 at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Citrus County.

We will kayak the Chassahowitzka River for approximately two hours and expect to see various herons, egrets as well as Limpkins and Ospreys. If lucky, we may also see manatees and river otters, which are always a highlight of this trip.

If you need to rent a kayak, please contact trip leader Tom, so that he can reserve the proper number.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Friday, November 10, 2023

Trip leader: Linda 

Contact info: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629

Crews Lake Wilderness Park in north central Pasco County is approximately 5.7 miles south of County Line Road. When driving south on Shady Hills Road, after crossing under the Suncoast Parkway, turn left on Lenway Road, and right on Crews Lake Drive. Follow the signs to the pier. Park in the pier parking lot near the lake.

This 113-acres park has 2.5 miles of walking trails, as well as a long sightseeing/fishing pier. We’ll walk about 1.5 miles on the pier, on the trail along the lake shore, and then a wooded trail. We expect to see the resident Sandhill Cranes, wading birds, woodpeckers, and songbirds.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Birding and Biking the Withlacoochee State Trail

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Trip leader: Claudia

camsler36@gmail.com or 813-244-0305
 

Meet at Lake Townsen Preserve Park, 28011 Lake Lindsey Road (County Road 476).

We will ride a total of about 12 miles: 6 miles south from the park and then return.

This is a beautiful section of the state trail that passes through forests and fields. We will stop periodically to look for birds and other wildlife. This is a no-stress, no-rush ride.

Please bring water, snacks, and binoculars.

The trip size is limited so please reserve your space with the trip leader.

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Beginning Birding

October 27, 2023

Trip leader: Linda

lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629 

Learn to identify birds or hone your existing birding skill. We meet on the deck behind the Conservation Center building to watch the feeders for birds.  A short hike to the wetland at May's Prairie, where we can see more species, is optional. Binoculars will be available for use, but please bring your own if you have them

Field Trip Guidelines: Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding. Non-members are welcome. We recommend comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water or other suitable beverages. Please contact the trip leader to indicate that you plan to attend and to get any information about changes in plan.

Weekiwachee Preserve

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Trip leader: Gwen

gwenfraley@comcast.net or 206-659-2677

Meet at the entrance gate one mile west of U. S. 19.
We will walk about two miles on trails to look for songbirds.

When a limerock mine closed in coastal Hernando County, the area now known as Weekiwachee Preserve was slated to become a housing development. After a large public outcry in opposition, Southwest Florida Water Management District began purchasing the property in 1993. Subsequent acquisitions have increased the size to 11,206 acres. The main section of this property is a mix of xeric scrub, sandhill, and pine flatwood communities surrounding several deep lakes that were dug during limerock mining.

After the property was opened for public access, 260 species of birds have been sighted on the preserve, as well as 74 species of butterflies, in addition to larger animals such as black bear, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and rabbits, as well as gopher tortoises, a variety of snakes and other critters. Recent bird rarities include the third state record of a Hooded Oriole seen by scores of birders in December 2019.