Grab your binoculars and field guide and join us on some interesting field trips! You do not have to be a member to participate. We do have some extra binoculars for those birders who do not have their own. Anyone interested in photography and native plants is also welcome.
Trips are subject to weather and last-minute changes. There are no rain dates. COVID-19 precautions will be followed as needed. We are going to try to have the truck-drawn wagon available for each of the 4 trips to Panama City Beach Conservation Park. Birds and Brews involves some birding followed by an optional visit to a local pub or restaurant. All times are Central Time. See our Facebook page or electronic newsletter for up to date information or call/text Ron Houser at 850-774-9733.
For All Trips: Please try to maintain social distancing and avoid sharing food, optics, or other items. Masks are optional. Please be courteous by talking softly and not talking on your phone while others are trying to see or hear birds. Please stay behind the trip leader and try to stay together as much as possible. Please stay on the trails to avoid damage to native vegetation and to avoid hazards like fire ants.
FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE FOR 2022-23
2022
Saturday, Sept 24 Beginner birding at St. Andrews State Park. All skill levels welcome. 8:15am meet at Gator Lake.
Saturday, Oct 15 Fall migration birding in Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas. Lunch in town. Meet at Frank Pate Park at.
Saturday, Oct 22 Panama City Beach Conservation Park bird walk or wagon ride #1. 7:30am meet at bath house.
Saturday, Nov 5 Trail maintenance day and birding at Audubon Laidlaw Preserve with Choctawhatchee Audubon. Meet at Lynn Haven Porter Park at 8am. CAS meet at Wayside Park in Vernon at 9am.
Saturday, Nov 12 Birding and wildflower walk at Falling Waters State Park with Sweetbay Chapter - Florida Native Plant Society. 8:30am meet at the parking lot.
Saturday, Nov 19 Panama City Beach Conservation Park bird walk or wagon ride #2 7:30am
Friday, Dec 9 Majette Park. 7:30am at the park. Meet at the back entrance on John Pitts Rd.
Saturday, Dec 17 Christmas Bird Count. Raya Pruner, coordinator
2023
Fri-Sun, Jan 13-15, St. Marks NWR birding trip. 2-3 days. Accommodations at Magnuson Hotel Wildwood Inn and Wildwood Golf and RV Resort in Crawfordville.
Wednesday February 15. Aaron Bessant Park (Pier Park) 7:30 am. Meet at the classroom and office area at the rear of the outdoor amphitheater. See announcement in current newsletter.
Saturday Feb 18 Panama City Beach Conservation Park bird walk or wagon ride #3 7:30am meet at bath house.
Wednesday, Feb 22 Birds and Brews. 4pm meet at Lake Caroline in St. Andrews
Saturday, Mar 18 Birding and gardens walk at Eden Gardens State Park with Choctawhatachee Audubon Society. 8:30am at the park. Meet at the parking lot.
Saturday, April 8 (rescheduled) Panama City Beach Conservation Park bird walk or wagon ride #4 7:30am.
Wed-Fri, Apr 12-14 Dauphin Island and Ft. Morgan spring migration birding. 3 days (See home page or current newsletter for complete details) This barrier island is a hot spot for birds migrating from South and Central America. For us, it is second only to High Island, Texas as a great birding spot. See article for more information about where to stay, etc. The trip will be led by Tom and Teri Floore and Ron.
Friday, Apr 21 Birds and Brews at BCAS’ Parker Preserve in St. Andrews. This little neighborhood park is located on Cincinnati Avenue behind St. Andrews Baptist Church, just a few feet from Lake Huntington. You can set your map search to 1504 Cincinnati Ave. That’s the neighbor’s address since our preserve doesn’t have a street address of its own. It was donated to us by Audrey Parker in 1986. We have been working there regularly to re-establish native plant species and a pollinator garden. Come see this beautiful preserve. It’s a real treat. Afterwards we will retire to a local pub in St. Andrews for eats and drinks. Bring binoculars and snacks.
May TBD Laidlaw Preserve birding