Field Trips & Special Events 2009

Photo Credit: Roger Sheets

In Florida, every day is a great day to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature around us. As a child, we were told to stop, look, and listen. As an adult, we say stop and smell the roses. Both of these finally make sense when we have the chance to get out and enjoy more than 200 species of birds, numerous mammals, reptiles and native plants in Hillsborough County alone.

This year, we have made an effort to vary our field trips to include outings where you can see shorebirds on some trips while warblers on another. We’ve included a variety of locations and habitats so that each trip is unique. This year we’ve added a senior bird walk for those who would prefer a very easy terrain with several places to sit and relax while enjoying nature. In addition, a junior beginning bird walk is included to introduce school age children to the joys of birding.

Photo Credit: Roger Sheets

Early risers can enjoy nature trips where we'll see various insects including butterflies in addition to spiders, plants, reptiles and birds. Don't miss the end of year frog trip with the opportunity to not only see and hear the frogs but learn to recognize their calls and maybe learn to sound like one.

Tampa Audubon field trips are open to the public and unless noted otherwise are free. If you have any ideas for trips that you would like to see added in the future, please e-mail Mary Keith at Keithma1@juno.com or call (813) 935-611.

-- Jo Anne Hartzler