Field Trips & Special Events 2010

All our field trips are open to everyone, members and non-members alike.  There are No pets Allowed  and smoking is prohibited when you are with the group.  Preregistration is not necessary unless otherwise noted. That being said, we like to know if you plan to come along.  we make every effort to leave on time, however, We will wait a few extra minutes if we know that you are coming.  Please call or e-mail the contact person for any questions regarding the trip.  We usually meet at a local spot where car-pools can be arranged.  please keep in mind that if you ride with someone it is courteous to share in the cost of gas, Park Fees and/or tolls.

 Our leaders:

Bill Lamoureux, Field Trip Chairman - 813-839-2742 - wlamoureux@aol.com

Pat Lewis, 813-907-6542 -plewis8216@aol.com

Roger Sheets, 813-677-6577 -rwsheets3@gmail.com

Mary Keith, 813-935-6115 -keithma1@juno.com

For a printable list of our Field Trips click here.

For a Field Checklist for birds from hillsborough County click here.

For beginners - Tips to help you enjoy your field trip click here.

Saturday, Sept 11 - Lettuce Lake Park for beginning birders - Pat Lewis - Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, local residents and migrants.  Finished by 11:30 (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Saturday, Sept 25 - Coastal Cleanup - Ann Paul (apaul@audubon.org)  County wide event.  Contact Ann or watch the news for more information

For a Clean and Healthy Bay  Join us at the Sunset Sanctuary Saturday September 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. 

 Directions to Site:  From 1-275, take Westshore Blvd. exit and head south on Westshore.  Turn right at San Jose Street.  Follow San Jose until you reach an S-shaped curve.  The Sanctuary is located on the right.

 Volunteers, please wear closed-toe shoes, hat/visor and sunglasses.   Be prepared to get wet and dirty. Gloves, trash bags, water and a light snack will be provided.  

 Tampa Bay Sierra Club and Tampa Audubon Society volunteers will partner with residents from the nearby neighborhood to clean up Sunset Sanctuary, a mangrove forest along Old Tampa Bay which serves as habitat for many wading birds and marine life such as horseshoe crabs.

 This cleanup will be done in cooperation with the annual Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup.  Volunteers will be asked to pick up trash and record every item they find on a standardized data card.  Ocean Conservancy compiles and analyzes the data each year which is then utilized to assist public policy makers and corporations in their efforts to reduce litter. 

 Saturday, Sept 25 - Saddle Creek Park - Mary Keith.  Meet at 7 am at the IHOP at Fowler near I-75.  This is one of the best places for fall warblers, 19 or 20 species in  a day is not unusual.  Bring water and insect repellant.  About 1.5 mile east walk.  You can lunch in Lakeland or bring your own.  In the afternoon we will travel to Circle Bar B Reserve and look for more birds.

 Sunday, Oct 3 -  Fort De Soto Park - Bill Lamoureux.  Meet 7 am at the visitor center.  We will walk the trails looking for fall migrants and the beaches for migrant shorebirds.  Bring water and repellant and lunch if you want to picnic.  We should be finished by noon.

 Saturday, Oct 9 - Lettuce Lake Park  for beginning birders.  Roger Sheets.  Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, local residents and migrants.  Finished by 11:30.(Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Saturday, Oct 16 - Cockroach Bay.  Bill Lamoureux. Meet at 8 am at the McDonalds on Rte 60 near I - 75.  We will check the sod farms for shorebirds and we will take a buggy ride around the ELAPP property wetlands.  Good chance for Scissor-tailed Flycatchers.  Bring water and repellant.  Very little walking.

 Saturday, Oct 23 - Violet Curry Nature Preserve. Bill Lamoureux.  Meet at the parking area on Sinclair Hills Rd about 3 blocks west of Livingston Rd/ (N of Bearss, E of I -275)  Easy one mile walk around the lake looking for fall migrants and local residents.

 Sunday, Nov. 7 - Blackwater Creek.  Dave Goodwin (dgood389@aol.com) - Meet at 7:30 aM at McDonalds on I-4 and Macintosh Rd.  Blackwater Creek is an ELAPP area north of Plant City with a large expanse of woodlands, wetlands and old Florida terrain.  Flat walking for several hours.  Bring water and repellant.

 Saturday, Nov 13 - Lettuce Lake Park for beginning birders. Mary Keith.  Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, local residents and migrants.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Sunday November 21 - Honeymoon Island Park.  Bill Lamoureux. Meet at 8 am at the McDonalds on Rte l9 and Curlew Rd. (northwest corner)  After  a short stop for shorebirds on the causeway, we will walk the trail in the park looking for shorebirds and wintering landbirds.  About 2 hours walking.  Bring water, repellant and lunch if you want to picnic at the park.  (park fee is $8.00 per vehicle)

 Holiday Birding in Costa Rica ~ November 26 - 30, 2010 Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Santa Elena Reserve and Palo Verde National Park $895 pp double occupancy, $100 SS, plus air and lunch and dinner, Daily breakfast buffet included, try local cuisine for lunch and dinner at Hotel Arco Iris Lodge. Check out their website and print out the bird list: Hotel Arco Iris Lodge Reservations: call Mary Keith at 935-6115 or keithma1@juno.com Itinerary below

Saturday, Dec 4 -  Al  Lopez  Park - Bill Lamoureux - Meet at 8 am at pavilion 302 just inside the entrance on the right.  We will walk around the lake looking for water birds, rails and wintering landbirds. About one mile of easy walking.  After birding those who wish will gather at the Village Inn for brunch.

Saturday, Dec 11 - Lettuce Lake for Beginning birders Bill Lamoureux -  Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for waterbirds and winter residents.  Finished by 11:30.(Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Sunday, Dec 19 - Alafia Christmas Count - Dave Bowman (813-948-8576 dsbowman4@verizon.net ) Call Dave to arrange to be part of this event to count all of our south county birds.  Any amount of time you can spend will be great.

2011

 Sunday, Jan 2 - Tampa Christmas Count - Dave Bowman dsbowman4@verizon.net (813-948-8576  Call Dave to arrange to be part or our team in counting all the birds of Tampa.  Any amount of time you can spend will be great.

Saturday,  Jan 8 - Lettuce Lake Park for beginning birders. Bill Lamoureux. Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for waterbirds, ducks and wintering residents.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Saturday, Jan 15 -  USF area duck ponds and Cypress Point park. Mary Keith. Meet at 8 am at the Burger King on the southeast corner of Fowler and Nebraska Ave.  We will travel to several local ponds looking for ducks, waterbirds and wintering residents.  Then we will head to Cypress Point Park near the airport to scope the bay for more waterbirds. Very little walking. Finished by noon.

 Saturday, Jan 22 - Mosaic Phosphate Mines - Bill Lamoureux - Meet at McDonalds on Rte 60 near I 75 at 8 am.  This is 100 species day!  We will be led to the best spots on mine lands in Polk Co for winter birds, shorebirds and ducks.  Lunch, snacks and drinks are provided by Mosaic.  Rough driving on dirt roads.  Very little walking. (there is no charge for snacks, drinks or lunch.)

 Sunday, Jan 30 - Myakka River and Oscar Scherer State Parks. Mary Keith -  Meet at the McDonalds on Rte 60 near I - 75 at 7am.  We will look for ducks and wintering residents at Myakka and for the Florida Scrub Jay at Oscar Scherer.  Bring lunch.  Some walking on park trails.  (There is a $6.00 fee per vehicle at Myakka and Oscar Scherer is $5.00 per vehicle.)

 Saturday, Feb 12 - Lettuce Lake Park for beginning birders. Pat Lewis - Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for wintering waterbirds, waterfowl and landbirds.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

Sunday, Feb 13 - Merritt Island and Vieira Wetlands.  Mary Keith.  Meet at 7 am at the IHOP on Fowler near I - 75. Very little walking.  Bring lunch and drinks. This is a 100 species day!   All the winter water  and shorebirds, plus lots more.  Call Mary if you are interested in making it an overnight trip.  Many of us plan to stay overnight so we can hit all possible bases.  Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is 126 miles from Tampa. Vieira wetlands is 131 miles from Tampa. 

Sunday, Feb 27 - Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach and E.G. Simmons Park -Bill Lamoureux. Meet 8 am at McDonalds on Rte 60 near I-75.  We will look for shorebirds and waterfowl at Apollo Beach and then proceed to the viewing center.  Then we will go to Simmons park for more birding and for a picnic if you want to bring your lunch. (There is a $2.00 fee per vehicle for 2 - 8 persons at E.G. Simmons Park.)

 Saturday, March 5 - Circle Bar B Preserve  Bill Lamoureux and Mary Keith Meet at 8 am at the McDonalds at Rte 60 near I-75.  We will walk the trails at the ranch looking for wading birds, rails and waterfowl. Quite a bit of walking on paved roads.  Bring water.

 Saturday, March 12 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders.  Mary Keith.  Meet at 9 am at the visitors center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for waterbirds and wintering residents.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Sunday, March 20 - Weedon Island Preserve and Sawgrass Lake Park. Mary Keith.  Meet at 7:30 at Borders Books on S. Dale Mabry or 8 am at the visitor center on Weedon Island.  Easy but extensive walking on boardwalk and trails on Weedon Island, then on to Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg for more easy walking.  Bring water and repellant.

 Saturday, March 26 - Lake Kissimmee Air Boat Ride and Joe Overstreet Rd.  Bill Lamoureux.  Meet at 7am at the IHOP on Morris Bridge Rd., right off Fowler Ave near i-75. Please let me know if you intend to go on the air boat ride which costs $30.00 plus tax.  It is an exciting event where you will get close up views of Snail Kites, Purple Gallinules and many more species.  Joe Overstreet road birding is done along a dirt road mostly from the cars with very little walking.  There is a snack bar and picnic area at the end where we will stop for lunch.

 Saturday, Apr 2 - Flatwoods Park Bluebird Hike - Mary Miller (limpkin1945@verizon.net) -  Meet at 8 am at the visitor center at the park off Morris Bridge Rd.  Easy walking to see bluebird boxes and spring Nesting activity.  (There is a $2.00 fee per vehicle for park entry.)

 Saturday, Apr 9 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders. Roger Sheets.  Meet at 9 am at the visitor center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for wintering waterbirds and landbirds.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00.)

Sunday, Apr 10 - Fort De Soto Park.  Bill Lamoureux.   Meet at 8 am at the visitor center.  We will visit various sites looking for spring migrant warblers, tanagers, orioles,  buntings, etc.  Quite a bit of easy walking with one possible wet spot.  Bring water, repellant and lunch for a picnic at Arrowhead.

 Saturday, Apr 17 - Chinsegutt Nature Center and USDA research farm.  JoAnn Hartzler (usarealty@msn.com)   We will meet at 7am at the shopping center on the northwest corner of Dale Mabry and Van Dyke Blvd. Check back closer to the event for specific details.  We will enjoy a birding festival with wildlife presentations and we will walk around the lake looking for resident land and water birds.  We might also see borrowing owls, Sandhill cranes, cuckoos, red-headed woodpeckers etc.  Bring repellant and lunch, or buy lunch at the festival.  The Chinsegutt birding and Wildlife festival is free and put on by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

 Saturday, Apr 23 - Honeymoon Island - Jason Guerard (jay_bird519@yahoo.com ) Meet at 8 am  at the McDonalds near the north west corner of Rte 19 and Curlew Rd.  After a short stop for shorebirds on the causeway, we will go on the park to walk the trails and beaches looking for spring migrants and resident species.  Quite a bit of walking on easy trails.  Bring water, repellant and lunch for a picnic if you wish.

 Saturday, May 7 - Babcock Ranch and Venice Rookery,  Bill Lamoureux.  Meet at 8 am at McDonalds on Rte 60 near I-75.  We will take a swamp buggy ride around a working ranch looking for wildlife such as wild pigs, Florida Cracker Cattle, panthers and Sandhill cranes. The ride costs $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for Kids (plus sales tax).  The price is less if we have a group of 20 or more, so bring your family and friends.  This is a great trip for kids.  We will also make a short visit to the famous Venice Rookery for a close up look at nesting colonial birds. We hope to have lunch at the restaurant at the ranch, or you cold bring a picnic.  Very little walking on this exciting day.  Please let me know how many will be coming for the buggy ride so I can reserve your seats.

 Saturday, May 14 - Orlando Wetlands - Bill Lamoureux.  Meet at 7am at the IHOP on Morris Bridge Rd. that is right off fowler Ave near I-75.  You must preregister for this trip.   The first 8 persons will have a tram ride around the area.  Those who wish can do the trip on foot - It is A two mile walk usually in the hot sun (click here for more info on the park.)  the birds are great - purple gallinules, sandhill cranes, least bitterns, black-neck stilts, whistling ducks, purple martins and many more.  Bring sunscreen, water and lunch.   Don't forget your floppy hat! The driving The Wetlands are in Christmas FL and the distance from the IHOP in Tampa is 108 miles each way and takes about 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to get back.  It is well worth it!

 Sunday, May 15 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders.  Roger Sheets.  Meet at 9 am at the visitor center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for waterbirds and spring migrants.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Sunday, May 22 - Fort De Soto.  Mary Keith.  Meet at the visitor center at 8 am.  We will visit various sites looking for spring migrants, warblers, tanagers, buntings etc.  We will also check the beaches for waterbirds and shorebirds.  Quite a bit of easy walking.  Bring water, sunscreen, repellant and lunch for a picnic at Arrowhead.

 Sunday, June 4 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders.  Bill Lamoureux.  Meet at 9 am at the visitor center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for spring migrants, waterbirds and residents.  Finished by 11:30. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

Saturday, June 11 - Dragonflies and damselflies. - JoAnn Hartzler (usa realty@msn.com)

Details coming.

 Saturday, July 9 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders.  Pat Lewis.  Meet at 8 am at the visitor center.  We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for resident waterbirds and landbirds.  Finished by 11. (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

 Sunday, July 17 - Coquina Beach - Mary Keith,  Meet at 7 am at the McDonalds on Rte 60 and I-75.  We will visit various sites looking for shorebirds and waterbirds.  Bring sunscreen, water and repellant.  Don' forget your hat.

Saturday, Aug l3 - Lettuce Lake for beginning birders.  Roger Sheets - Meet at 8 am at the visitor center.  We will  walk the boardwalk and trails looking for resident waterbirds and landbirds.  Finished by 11, (Entrance fee to the park is $2.00)

   

The Ultimate Field Trip for Birders! Costa Rica

ONLY 2 SPOTS contact Mary Keith for details

• Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose and drive 5 hours to Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve.
• Day 2 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Centered atop the continental divide this region features many birds that we are unlikely to see elsewhere in Costa Rica. In the afternoon enjoy some free time exploring Santa Elena’s butterfly garden, cheese factory, coffee plantation, orchid garden, ranarium (frogs!), serpentarium, Insect World, or canopy tour.
• Day 3 - Santa Elena Reserve. Continue exploring Costa Rica’s cloud forest by visiting this exquisite reserve where wildlife viewing is plentiful.
• Day 4 - Palo Verde National Park. This park has the greatest concentration of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America, and over 300 different species. Specifically, herons like Black-crowned night heron, storks like jabiru stork, spoonbills, egrets, ibis, grebes, ducks, scarlet macaws, keel-billed toucans, and parrots.
• Day 5 - Return home.

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, again, 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