 8th Annual Southwest Florida Nature Festival
January 13-15, 2012
Registration is now open for the Southwest Florida Nature Festival field trips. Explore the local environment through more than 40 guided field trips to 20 wildlife hot spots around Southwest Florida, on-the-water adventures and activities at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center as well as at Naples Botanical Garden. The field trips, including birding walks and boat tours, are offered in conjunction with partners including Naples Botanical Garden, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Become a member of the Friends of Rookery Bay and enjoy advance field trip registration |
Keynote Reception and Presentation: The Big Lives of Florida’s Waterbirds
Jan. 14 - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Doors open at 5, presentation begins at 5:30
Filmmakers Judy Fieth and Michael Male have lent their skills to some of the world’s most spectacular nature documentaries, including LIFE, Planet Earth, and Life of Birds. Their labor-of-love for the last 25 years, between such television projects, has been documenting the private lives of North American birds. For Rookery Bay’s Southwest Florida Nature Festival keynote address, Fieth and Male will screen a video presentation featuring intimate portraits of some of the most spectacular Florida birds – such as the Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and Limpkin. When filming, the duo frequently spends days with an individual bird, often weeks. They will talk about their amazing experiences with a wide variety of birds and show what they have seen and learned up-close and personal.
Fieth and Male’s documentaries have won numerous awards and been televised in the United States by National Geographic and by the PBS programs NOVA and Nature. They’ve also filmed segments of many ground-breaking BBC nature series, such as Blue Planet and Life in Cold Blood. Male has been nominated for the Emmy Award in Cinematography for the PBS Nature program Crash. He spent much of this past spring and summer on an arctic expedition to film nesting snowy owls, for another Nature show. The pair’s long-term project is a series of guides to bird behavior on video. They’ve documented the lives of several hundred bird species so far. This lecture, including light refreshments, is $10 per person.
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Presentations
Saturday, January 14th
A fabulous lineup of presentations on local wildlife is planned to cover a diverse array of natural history and issue-based topics from butterfly gardening to pythons. Registration for these presentations is not required, they are open to festival attendees on first come/first served seating basis.
| Speaker |
Title |
Timeslot |
Nancy Richie,
City of Marco Island |
Life and Times of the Marco Island Burrowing Owl Population
Details |
11:00 - 12:00 |
Jack Berninger,
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve |
Unique Flora & Fauna of the Everglades
Details |
12:00 - 1:00 |
Ted Below,
Rookery Bay Reserve |
Not So Brown Pelicans
Details |
1:00 - 2:00 |
Jonee’ Miller,
Conservancy of SWFL |
Tales from the Wildlife Clinic
Details |
2:00 - 3:00 |
Michael Male & Judy Fieth,
Blue Planet Films |
Keynote Presentation: Big Lives of Florida’s Waterbirds
Details |
5:00 - 7:00 |
Festival Admission
Festival admission on Saturday, January 14th is $10. The Environmental Learning Center will be closed on Sunday, January 15. |
Field Trips
An amazing array of field trips is available to participants of the Southwest Florida Nature Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 13, 14 and 15, 2012. Please review ALL information below before accessing the registration page, as field trip details are not repeated on the registration page. Complete details for each trip are provided as a PDF document below.
Online registration opens November 1st. It will be possible to register in person at the Environmental Learning Center or over the phone by calling 239-417-6310 ext. 401 up until the day before the scheduled trip date.
Registration is required to participate in field trips. Each field trip also has an additional fee which varies depending on location. Space on field trips is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants, so sign up early! The maximum number of participants has been noted for each field trip to aid in selection. When the maximum number of participants for a field trip is reached, registration for that field trip will close.
Note: Registration for trips close the day before the field trip ie Registration for Friday trips closes on Thursday, etc.
Field Trip Designations: have been assigned to each trip based on its specialized focus so that participants will know what to expect. The designations are:
- 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).
- Wildlife – field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited.
- Specialty – This field trip will focus on a specialized activity, incorporating education on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited.
Upon registration, participants will receive an e-mail confirmation with link to additional details and specific instructions as to when and where to meet for their selected trip(s).
Field trips below are listed by date, then alphabetically by trip location.
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Big Cypress National Preserve – Plants, Trees & Cypress Knees (Plant Ecology Hike) (Almost Full)
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. |
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Time: 8:30 am - noon
Trip Leaders: Jim Burch, Botanist, Big Cypress National Preserve and Lisa Andrews, Outreach/Education Specialist, Big Cypress National Preserve
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: Be prepared for wet feet wading through knee deep water on parts of this trail.
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Big Cypress National Preserve - Turner River C.A.N.O.E. Trip (Morning) (Full)
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. Canoes, paddles, and life vests provided.
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. |
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Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Big Cypress National Preserve Park Ranger
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional information: Basic canoeing experience is required. You must also be able to swim. There are bathroom facilities at the launch.
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Clam Pass Park – Birding Walk
We’ll walk through a mangrove forest along the three-quarter-mile boardwalk which runs to the 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 ecology of the area, talk about shells and visit the Gopher Tortoise area. Sponsored by the Conservancy of SW Florida.
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Trip Leaders: Ron and Barbara Miner, Conservancy of Southwest Florida Volunteer Clam Pass Guides and avid birders
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Parking: $8 or free with current Collier County Beach Parking Permit. Additional information: Restrooms and water are available at the concession stand.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Morning Backcountry Swamp Buggy Trip (Full)
 Rise and shine. 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. |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Corkscrew Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50 per person (adults & children).
Maximum Group Size: 9
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb on and off of the swamp buggy using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
Additional Information: There are bathrooms and vending machines at the Blair Audubon Visitor Center. All participants must sign a release form before going on this off-boardwalk trip.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Sundown Backcountry Swamp Buggy Trip (Full)
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. |
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Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Corkscrew Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50 per person (adults & children).
Maximum Group Size: 9
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb on and off of the swamp buggy using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
Additional Information: There are bathrooms and vending machines at the Blair Audubon Visitor Center. All participants must sign a release form before going on this off-boardwalk trip.
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C.R.E.W. Bird Rookery Swamp – Birding Hike (Almost Full)
Bird Rookery Swamp is part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). This beautiful area is strand swamp dominated by maple and willow. A system of abandoned logging tram roads and adjacent borrow ditches remain from previous cypress logging operations.
During our two mile hike, we will watch for herons and egrets, glossy ibis, wild turkey, sparrows and wintering mixed species bird flocks which can contain black-throated green warbler and American redstart. Tucked away in rural Collier County, Bird Rookery Swamp is ideal for hiking, nature appreciation, and environmental education
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Trip Leaders: Randy McCormick, Environmental Manager, Rookery Bay NERR and Beverly Anderson, Research biologist, Rookery Bay NERR
Field trip cost: $10.
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: : We will be on a ¼ mile wetlands boardwalk and a sandy logging trail. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip. Be prepared for possible wet areas. The closest restrooms, food and gas are at E’s Country Store at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Oil Well Road, about 4 miles from trip site.
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Eagle Lakes Community Park – Birding for Beginners
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). |
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Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Trip Leaders: Everglades National Park Ranger
Field Trip Cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities at Eagle Lakes Park. Wheelchair accessible.
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Everglades National Park – Sandfly Island Canoe Trip (Full)
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. |
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Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Everglades National Park Ranger
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional Information: Canoes, paddles, and life vests provided. Basic canoeing experience is required. You must also be able to swim.
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Everglades National Park – Shark Valley Bicycle Tour
When many people think about Everglades National Park, they picture Shark Valley. It is the classic “river of grass”-- a sawgrass marsh full of life and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Participants on this morning’s fifteen-mile bicycle tour may encounter alligators, turtles, anhingas, purple gallinules, and wood storks, as well as a wide variety of herons and egrets and other wildlife. The 15-mile paved road gives easy access to any type of bicycle, with no hills to climb or rough terrain to traverse.
Focus: Specialty/Bicycling – 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 |
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Time: 8:30 am (8:00 am to take care of bicycle rentals) - 11:30 am
Trip Leaders:NPS Park Ranger
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional Information: The bicycle tour route is paved and follows a 15-mile loop. Bring your own bicycle or rent one from the concession. All children under age 16 MUST wear a bicycle helmet
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Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park – Swamp Tromp (Full)
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. |
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Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Mike Owen, Biologist, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve State Park
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional info: Restrooms are available at the Park Office. Prepare to get wet. Long pants and secure footwear (lace-up boots or sneakers) are necessary.
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Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge - Sundown Swamp Buggy Tour (Full)
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. |
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Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30pm
Trip Leaders: Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge
Field trip cost: $35
Maximum Group Size: 12
Additional information: Participants need to be able to climb up into the 4 to 5 foot high buggies (like climbing a ladder with the rungs far apart). There is no other way to get into these vehicles.
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Marco Island - Burrowing Owl Tour
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. |
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Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Trip Leaders: Nancy Richie, Environmental Specialist, City of Marco and Marco Island “Owl Watch” volunteer
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Parking: Free
Additional Information: There are no restrooms, water or concessions during this trip. Please be prepared to carpool from City Hall to the burrowing owl locations as there are no designated parking areas near the burrows.
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Naples Botanical Garden – Birding Tower Walk (Full)
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 10:00
Trip Leaders: This trip will be led by Jim White, nature photographer and avid birder.
Field trip cost: $20
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities available at the Naples Botanical Garden. Handicap access to the tower is available; this tour is a walking tour covering approximately 1 mile over paved terrain.
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Rookery Bay Reserve - Kayak Adventure Trip (Morning)
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. |
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Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Rookery Bay Education Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional Information: 12 years and older. There are NO restroom facilities at launch site. Personal items may get wet.
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Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge – Marsh Trail Birding Hike
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. (This is the same field trip that has been offered in past years as “Oil Pad Road”).
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). |
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Time: 7:00 am - 11:30 am
Trip Leaders: Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff.
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional information: There are no facilities on the refuge (the nearest being at Port of the Islands or Collier-Seminole State Park). This trip entails considerable walking – approximately 2 miles round-trip.
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Saturday, January 14, 2012 |
Big Cypress National Preserve Birding Trip – Kirby Storter Boardwalk and Turner River Road (Almost Full)
From wading birds to migratory songbirds, Big Cypress National Preserve offers fantastic birding opportunities along with other wildlife viewing. Join biologist John Kellam to learn the easy-to-get-to spots in the preserve that can be enjoyed by amateur and expert birders. This includes a visit to our new ½ mile Kirby Storter Boardwalk for an easy walk into a cypress strand, viewing with scopes at HP Williams roadside park and a car caravan along Turner River Road through cypress, pinelands and prairies.
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). |
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Time: 7:00 am (at Rookery Bay NERR) - 1:00 pm (at Big Cypress HQ)
Trip Leaders: Lisa Andrews, Outreach/Education Specialist, Big Cypress National Preserve and John Kellam, Biological Technician, Big Cypress National Preserve
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional information: There are bathroom facilities at the boardwalk. Bring your own drinking water. The boardwalk is wheel chair accessible.
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Big Cypress National Preserve – Trip to Red Cockaded Woodpecker Clusters (Almost Full)
Join the preserve’s wildlife biologist, Deborah Jansen, for a visit to Raccoon Point. This wild and diverse area of the preserve, not open to the general public, is home to a variety of wildlife including several groups of the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Learn how preserve staff monitor this species and protect its habitat through prescribed fire. You may not only get a glimpse of the red-cockaded woodpecker and other old-growth pineland birds, but may also see tracks of Florida panthers or bears.
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). |
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Time: 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Deborah Jansen, Big Cypress NP Wildlife Biologist
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 10
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Big Cypress National Preserve - Turner River Canoe Trip (Evening) (Full)
Paddle the Turner River and experience the beauty of this quiet place as the diurnal animals are beginning to stir. Watch for alligators, otter and wading birds as the sun slips away. Canoes, paddles, and life vests provided.
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. |
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Time: 4:15 pm - 6:30 pm
Trip Leaders: National Park Service Ranger
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 12 adults (participants must be 16 or older)
Additional info: There are bathroom facilities at the launch. Personal items may get wet. Basic canoeing experience is required. You must also be able to swim.
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Collier-Seminole State Park – Birding Walk
We will spend the morning exploring the extensive tropical hardwood hammock vegetation in Collier-Seminole State Park for wintering birds such as warblers, vireos, and thrushes. Birds we hope to see or hear include Pileated Woodpecker, Great-Crested Flycatcher, and Carolina Wren. Past trips have located winter rarities such as White-crowned Pigeon, Yellow-throated Vireo, Summer Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
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). |
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Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Trip Leaders: Maulik Patel, Environmental Specialist, Collier Seminole State Park
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 12
Entrance Fee: $5.00 for up to 8 people per car. Single Occupant Vehicle Entrance is $4.00
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities at Collier-Seminole State Park.
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida - Rookery Bay Sunset Roost Cruise
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). |
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Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Conservancy of Southwest Florida Naturalist
Field trip cost: $40 per person
Field Trip: Minimum: 6 participants / Maximum: 45 participants
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Morning Backcountry Swamp Buggy Trip (Full)
Rise and shine. 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. |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Corkscrew Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50 per person (adults & children).
Maximum Group Size: 9
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb on and off of the swamp buggy using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
Additional information: There are bathrooms and vending machines at the Blair Audubon Visitor Center. All participants must sign a release form before going on this off-boardwalk trip.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Afternoon Backcountry Swamp Buggy Trip (Full)
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. |
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Time: noon - 3:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Corkscrew Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50 per person (adults & children).
Maximum Group Size: 9
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb on and off of the swamp buggy using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
Additional information: There are bathrooms and vending machines at the Blair Audubon Visitor Center. All participants must sign a release form before going on this off-boardwalk trip.
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Eagle Lakes Community Park – Birding Walk
We will spend the morning walking the berms of the created wetlands at Eagle Lakes Park. The impoundments act as water percolation ponds for treated effluent from Collier County’s Wastewater plant and serve as an oasis for wildlife amid urban development. We will search the ponds and surrounding area for herons, egrets, ducks, raptors, woodpeckers and warblers.
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Steve Mutart – Volunteer naturalist and Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Interpreter
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities at Eagle Lakes Park. Handicap access is available upon request.
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Freedom Park County Park – Birding Walk
Join us at Collier County's newest and most unique park! Freedom Park, located at the northeast corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Golden Gate Parkway, is a combination of restored and natural wetlands and was created to help with storm water runoff by using lakes to naturally filter the water.
A 3,500 foot boardwalk extends over the eastern side of the park and trails punctuated by six lookout pavilions wind around the lakes in the western side. We will search for wetland-dependent birds found foraging along these lakes and marshes and wintering landbirds that call Freedom Park home.
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). |
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Time: 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Trip Leaders: Ira Rubenstein, Rookery Bay Reserve volunteer and Friends of Rookery Bay board member
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: Public restrooms are located in the 2,500 square feet Exhibition Hall. The entire park is accessible by wheelchair.
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Little Estero Lagoon – Birding Walk (Full)
We will spend the morning walking along the inner path and outer beach that surrounds Little Estero Lagoon, a State-designated Critical Wildlife Area. Wading birds such as egrets, herons, and White Ibis are likely and Roseate Spoonbills may still linger in the early morning. Shorebirds likely to be seen include Western and Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, and up to 5 species of plover including Black-bellied, Wilson’s, Semipalmated, Piping, and Snowy. Additional shorebird possibilities include Red Knot, Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, and American Oystercatcher. Wintering gulls and terns (Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s) may also be present.
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Charlie Ewell, Lee County Bird Patrol member
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional Information: The only facilities are located in the Holiday Inn at the north end of the lagoon, where we will begin.
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Naples Botanical Garden – Scrub Tour
Join us for this special opportunity to observe one of Florida’s most endangered ecosystems, almost in the heart of Naples, at the newly expanded Naples Botanical Garden. This field trip will focus on exploring the Vicky C. and David Byron Smith Uplands Preserve and scrub trail in the Naples Botanical Garden. The uplands and scrub trail meanders through a dry and sandy habitat. Because scrub is typically dry most of the year it was traditionally seen as “prime for development”. As Florida’s population grew, the number of remaining undeveloped scrub habitats shrank. Plants and animals need special adaptations to live in this often hot and dry ecosystem and the specialized adaptations required to live in this now rare habitat will be discussed. Tour participants may encounter a gopher tortoise or spot its burrow.
We will walk approximately 2 miles on sidewalks, uneven ground and sand from the Visitor’s Center through the Garden to the Uplands Preserve trail and back. Please take note of the walking distance. Cost of the trip includes all-day access to the Garden.
Focus: Botany – This field trip will focus on the wildlife, habitat and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip. |
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Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Trip Leaders: This trip will be led by Eric Foht, Natural Areas Manager and Taylor Walker, Natural Areas Gardener, of the Naples Botanical Garden.
Field trip cost: $20
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities available at the Naples Botanical Garden. Handicap access to the trail is limited due to the sandy nature of the trail. This tour is a walking tour covering approximately 2 mile over paved and unpaved, sandy, or uneven terrain.
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Rookery Bay Reserve - Isle of Capri Kayak Trip (Morning) (Almost Full)
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. |
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Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Rookery Bay Education Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional Information: 12 years and older. There are NO restroom facilities at launch site. Personal items may get wet.
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Rookery Bay Reserve - Isle of Capri Kayak Trip (Afternoon)
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 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 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. |
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Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Rookery Bay Education Naturalist
Field trip cost: $50
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional Information: 12 years and older. There are NO restroom facilities at launch site. Personal items may get wet.
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Tigertail Beach/Sand Dollar Lagoon – Beach Birding for Beginners (Almost Full)
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Trip Leaders: Beverly Anderson, Research Biologist, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve
Field trip cost: $10
Parking: $8 or free with current Collier County Beach Parking Permit.
Maximum Group Size: 10
Additional Information: There are restrooms, water and a concession stand at the main entrance.
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Up A Creek Kayak - Goodland Twelve Island Tour (Full)
Paddle with Susan Cone of Up A Creek Kayak Tours. Beginning in Goodland, this tour will explore 12 of the 10,000 Islands. You have to start somewhere! As you weave your way to the Gulf, enjoy observing the abundance of birds, dolphin, sea turtles and manatees that thrive in this pristine estuary. If wind conditions are appropriate, we will paddle to a barrier island to swim, shell or just relax. Tour distance is 4.5 miles. All equipment provided. Kayaks are single sit-on-top kayaks.
Focus: Specialty/Kayaking – This field trip will focus on the activity, incorporating education on the wildlife, habitat, history and ecology of the area visited and is NOT primarily a birding field trip. |
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Time: 9:00 am - noon
Trip Leaders: Susan Cone, Up A Creek Kayak Tours.
Field trip cost: $50
Maximum Group Size: 7
Additional information: 12 years and older. Basic paddling/canoeing experience required.
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Barefoot Beach Preserve - Gopher Tortoise Walk (Full)
Join a Collier County Park Ranger/Naturalist for a guided walk through the varied coastal habitats found at Barefoot Beach Preserve, a 342-acre barrier island in North Naples. Take a closer look at one of the Preserve’s unique and important land animals, the Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus. This land tortoise is a keystone species that supports the natural community where it lives and contributes to the success of many other species. The coastal strand habitat, found in the Preserve, provides the conditions needed for a healthy gopher tortoise population.
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. |
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Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Collier County Park Ranger/Naturalist
Field trip cost: $10
Parking: $8 or free with current Collier County Beach Parking Permit.
Maximum Group Size: 12
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Bunche Beach Preserve (San Carlos Bay) – Birding Walk (Almost Full)
We will spend the morning walking along Bunche Beach, the mainland side of San Carlos Bay, which is a part of the Lee County Conservation 20/20 program. Shorebirds are the big draw here, but wintering gulls, terns, and wading birds should also be in abundance. Shorebirds likely to be seen include Western and Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, and up to 4 species of plover including Black-bellied, Wilson’s, Semipalmated, and Piping. Additional shorebird possibilities include Red Knot, Long-billed Curlew, and Marbled Godwit. Roosting flocks of Black Skimmers may also be present.
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Charlie Ewell, Lee County Bird Patrol member
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional Information: The only facilities are restrooms that are available on the top floor of the visitor’s center that is located on the right after the small bridge as you approach the beach. You can park in that lot, or any spaces available along John Morris Rd. There may be a small charge for parking by the time of the festival.
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida - Rookery Bay Sunset Roost Cruise
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). |
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Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Trip Leaders: Conservancy of Southwest Florida Naturalist
Field trip cost: $40
Field trip: Minimum: 6 / Maximum: 45
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Eagle Lakes Community Park – Birding Walk
We will spend the morning walking the berms of the created wetlands at Eagle Lakes Park. The impoundments act as water percolation ponds for treated effluent from Collier County’s Wastewater plant and serve as an oasis for wildlife amid urban development. We will search the ponds and surrounding area for herons, egrets, ducks, raptors, woodpeckers and warblers.
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). |
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Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Trip Leaders: Steve Mutart – Volunteer naturalist and Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Interpreter
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are bathroom and water facilities at Eagle Lakes Park. Handicap access is available upon request.
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Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge – Birding Hike
We will be hiking along a 1.3 mile long trail that meanders through several natural community types including hardwood hammock, pine flatwood, wet prairie, and mixed pine hardwood forest. Bird species expected to be seen include a wide range of resident and wintering birds including up to five species of woodpeckers, warblers, and with just a little late season water, egrets, White Ibis, and Wood Storks. There is also a good chance to see other wildlife including whitetail deer, raccoons, armadillos, and perhaps a Florida panther track!
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). |
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Time: 7:15 am - 10:00 am
Trip Leaders: Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge staff
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional Information: There is a port-a-john at the trailhead.
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Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge - Sundown Swamp Buggy Tour (Full)
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. |
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Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Trip Leaders: Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge
Field trip cost: $35
Maximum Group Size: 12
Additional Information: Participants need to be able to climb up into the 4 to 5 foot high buggies (like climbing a ladder with the rungs far apart). There is no other way to get into these vehicles.
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Rookery Bay Reserve - Living off the Land Cultural Walking Tour (Morning)
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. |
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Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Trip Leaders: Rookery Bay Certified Interpreter
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are NO restroom facilities
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Rookery Bay Reserve - Living off the Land Cultural Walking Tour (Afternoon)
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. |
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Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Trip Leaders: Rookery Bay Certified Interpreter
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 15
Additional Information: There are NO restroom facilities
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Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge – Marsh Trail Birding Hike
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 birds 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. (This is the same field trip that has been offered in past years as “Oil Pad Road”).
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). |
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Time: 7:00 am - 11:30 am
Trip Leaders: Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff.
Field trip cost: $10
Maximum Group Size: 20
Additional information: There are no facilities on the refuge (the nearest being at Port of the Islands or Collier-Seminole State Park). This trip entails considerable walking – approximately 2 miles round-trip.
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To Register:
Registration is required to participate in field trips.
Public Registration begins on November 1st, 2011
Please review ALL information below before accessing the registration page, as field trip details are not repeated on the registration page.
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