Join Big Cypress National Preserve Botanist Dr. Jim Burch and staff for a walk through cypress domes, pinelands and prairies to discover biological components of these unique plant communities. Learn to recognize differences in these communities which occur with variations in climate, fires, flooding or human disturbance.

Focus: Specialty/Botany – This field trip will focus on the plants, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

Paddle the Turner River past towering cypress, through mangrove tunnels and across sawgrass prairies by C.A.N.O.E. - Canoe Adventures through Nature Observation and Experimentation. Use scopes, dip nets, ID cards, DO, pH tests, activity sheets and more to explore the Turner River Ecosystem while identifying a variety of aquatic plants, observing exciting animals and using scientific equipment to test the crystal clear water flowing through the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Focus: Specialty/Canoeing – This field trip will focus on the activity, incorporating education on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

We’ll walk through a mangrove forest along the approximately half-mile boardwalk which crosses over the small bridge that spans Clam Bay. From here we should see a variety of wading birds and often an Osprey or two. Next we’ll head directly to Clam Pass to view an early morning assortment of coastal waterbirds, both on the beach and fishing along the inlet. During our leisurely return trip we’ll discuss the general ecology of the area, investigate and talk about the usually abundant shells and visit the Gopher Tortoise area.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the birds of this beautiful mangrove forest and estuary; as well as the flora and fauna that make this area their home. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).

Cast off for some great birding and cruise Rookery Bay on the Conservancy’s Good Fortune pontoon boat. Join us for a beautiful sunset cruise in search of nesting Bald Eagle and Osprey, terns, gulls, shorebirds and waders. Dusk brings thousands of Fish Crows, Brown Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, herons, ibis and other wading birds in to roost on a few mangrove islands in Rookery Bay. This is a true southwest Florida treat and a very popular outing.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of birds. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).

Board a swamp buggy to explore the “off-limits” back country of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s north end. We will traverse several habitat types and will be on the lookout for the many birds of the back country, including hawks, warblers, ducks, sandhill cranes, wading birds, and more! We will also keep a lookout for other wildlife and learn about the management of this 13,000 acre sanctuary.

Focus: Wildlife – This field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

The perfect end to a perfect day. Board a swamp buggy to explore the “off-limits” back country of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s north end. We will traverse several habitat types and will be on the lookout for the many birds of the back country, including hawks, warblers, ducks, sandhill cranes, wading birds, and more! We will also keep a lookout for other wildlife and learn about the management of this 13,000 acre sanctuary.

Focus: Wildlife – This field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

Just starting out as a birder? Not sure what that big white bird in your backyard is? Then join us for an easy walk at a great birding spot. This trip provides an introduction to birding and tips on how to identify the most common birds in the area.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of birds. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).

Paddle across Chokoloskee Bay and explore the Ten Thousand Islands area of Everglades National Park. We will visit a Calusa Indian shell mound (Sandfly Island) where we will learn about the natural and cultural history of this coastal hammock. We will also paddle around mangrove islands and look for wildlife. There are possibilities of seeing a variety of wading birds, dolphins, and marine life.

Focus: Specialty/Canoeing/Nature – This field trip will focus on the activity and experience of paddling across the bay and among the mangrove islands, incorporating education on the natural and cultural history of the area visited.

Explore a unique swamp forest with Park Biologist Mike Owen. The interior of the Fakahatchee Strand supports a rich growth of tropical plants. Many birds and animals inhabit the swamp; Red-shouldered Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Common Ground Dove, Great Egret, White Ibis, Limpkin, Florida black bear, river otter, Everglades mink and the endangered Florida Panther. Since there is no path, participants wade through cypress forest and popash-pondapple sloughs in water from 1 to 3 feet deep!

Focus: Wildlife – This field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

This late afternoon swamp buggy tour of the Refuge will take you through hardwood hammock, pine forest and parts of the northern extension of the Fakahatchee Strand cypress slough during sundown – a perfect time for wildlife viewing and photography. You will learn about Florida panthers and current efforts to restore the Florida Everglades’ critical ecosystem to its former pristine glory while traveling on the paths of Florida panther, black bear, deer, turkey and other wildlife that make their home on the Refuge. It is not unusual to see some of the 125+ species of birds and more than 25 species of mammals that share these lands. Be sure to bring your camera and/or binoculars.

Focus: Wildlife – This field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

Marco Island is habitat for approximately 65 pairs of Burrowing Owls, a State of Florida “Species of Special Concern”. From the meeting place, we will drive (carpool if possible) to two nearby locations to view the burrows and owls. Onsite information will be provided about the biology, history, habitat, behavior, etiquette in maintaining/viewing and the human impacts of the burrowing owls in the urban environment.

Focus: Specialty/Burrowing Owls – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of burrowing owls. Please bring binoculars if you have them.

Join us for this special opportunity to observe birds from the James and Linda White Birding Tower at the newly expanded Naples Botanical Garden. The Tower overlooks a brackish marsh community that is in early stages of restoration. The diverse habitats visible on this tour include mud flats, marsh, mangroves, ponds, and a hammock. We should see a good diversity of wading birds, ducks, and other wintering birds. We will walk approximately 1 mile on sidewalks from the Visitor’s Center through the Garden to the Tower. This is not an advanced birding trip but please take note of the walking distance. Cost of the trip includes all-day access to the Garden.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of birds. You will also get the opportunity to tour through portions of the Naples Botanical Garden. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).

Enjoy a tour through time with one of Rookery Bay Reserve’s certified interpreters. Traverse Calusa Indian shell mounds and amble through historic pioneer homesteads while learning how these early settlers survived in Florida by living off the land and sea.

Focus: Specialty/Cultural – This field trip will focus on the activity, incorporating education on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

Paddle along pristine mangrove creeks and bays to meet some amazing estuarine inhabitants. Watch ospreys dive for their meals, mangrove tree crabs scurry about, or maybe even catch a glimpse of some wild dolphins. We’ll slowly paddle into Rookery Bay to visit the islands that give the Reserve its name. Kayaks, paddles, and life vests provided. Basic paddling/canoeing experience required.

Focus: Specialty/Kayaking – This field trip will focus on the activity, incorporating education on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip.

We will spend the morning on a leisurely walk along Marsh Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip) which is the only trail access into the Ten Thousand Islands NWR. Participants will be able to observe and photograph wildlife from a two-story observation tower, of which the first floor is handicap accessible. The first 1/4 mile of Marsh Trail is paved, while the remainder is unpaved.

Wading birds such as great egret, snowy egret, black-crowned night-heron and white ibis should be plentiful and there is a good chance we will see wood storks and roseate spoonbills. We will also search for landbirds wintering in the tropical hardwoods along the road. More than 40 species of birds have been seen from the observation tower and the Marsh Trail.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of birds. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).

Can’t tell a gull from a tern? Do you think all shorebirds look alike? This trip for beginners is an introduction on how to identify and appreciate the most common birds found on our local beaches. This natural area is the second most valuable resting and feeding site for coastal waterbirds on the west coast of Florida and among the species we hope to see are Great, Snowy and Reddish Egrets, five species of plover (including Snowy and Piping), plus other shorebirds, gulls and terns.

Focus: Birding – This field trip will focus on the identification and biology of birds. Please bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have one).