What we’re about
This group is for those that have a desire to explore our natural world. We will be traveling through ecosystems around central Florida an beyond searching for whatever we can find with a main focus on birding but also including reptiles/amphibians, flowers, butterflies, and more!
All skills levels welcome though many events may be more hardcore than others, requiring a higher degree of knowledge, experience, and physical condition.
Upcoming events
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Birding at Orlando Wetlands Park
Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL, USThis park consists of hundreds of acres of human-made wetlands with miles of gravel walking paths, a hiking trail, a boardwalk, and observation decks. Water birds are the highlight here with many herons (like the photographed Tricolored Heron), ibis, gallinules, and ducks. Of course, with the presence of water other bird and wildlife use this area, so we should have a good chance for a variety of species
Time: At least two hours. Longer if birds are showing well. Could easily spend whole day here if you wanted. Feel free to stay as long as you want.
Weather: Unless there are severe storms, this will occur rain or shine!
Skill Level and Pace: Any welcome. Suitable for beginners. Will be at a casual/leisurely pace.
Potential Non-Avian Wildlife: Alligators, otter, raccoon, deer, fish, turtles, and snakes.
eBird Bar Charts for February
Accessibility: Fine gravel/sand paths. NO DOGS PLEASE!
Facilities: Restrooms on site.
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable boots (don’t think it usually gets muddy, but it is a wetland), hat if desired.
Dress for the weather and bring your own water.
Binoculars recommended. I have one extra pair for use during the trip - first come, first served. Feel free to bring camera!
Optional: No fee, but if you enjoyed your time and want to show some support, tips are appreciated through donating on the group page! 😃1 attendee
Wildflower Walk at Hal Scott Preserve
Hal Scott Preserve, Dallas Blvd., Orlando, fl, USThis park is a great representation of the pine flatwoods that used to cover much more of Florida. Home to iconic species such as the stae-threatened Gopher Tortoise and a colony of the federally-threatened Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Along with that, the botanical diversityy is great, so we should see plenty of blooms such as the pictured Bearded Grasspink orchid.
Time: At least two hours. Could easily spend whole day here if you wanted. Feel free to stay as long as you want.
Weather: Unless there are severe storms, this will occur rain or shine!
Skill Level and Pace: Any welcome. Suitable for beginners. Will be at a casual/leisurely pace.
Potential Non-Avian Wildlife: Gopher tortoises, Indigo Snakes, bobcat, otter, raccoon, deer, and butterflies among many others.
eBird Bar Charts for March
Accessibility: Trails are medium width dirt/mowed paths. Usually well-maintained. NO DOGS PLEASE!
Facilities: No restrooms
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable boots (potentially muddy areas), hat if desired.
Dress for the weather and bring your own water.
Binoculars recommended. I have one extra pair for use during the trip - first come, first served. Feel free to bring camera!
Optional: No fee, but if you enjoyed your time and want to show some support, tips are appreciated through donating on the group page! 😃1 attendee
Spring Migration at Mead Botanical Gardens
Mead Botanical, Garden 1300 S Denning Dr,Florida 32789, Winter Park, FL, USMigrating songbirds should be at their peak amounts in central Florida this time of year. This free garden and wooded area attracts several colorful species from warblers (like perhaps the photographed Hooded Warbler), oriole, hummingbirds, and tanagers! Many of these birds are of a smaller size, but with several people we should be able to get eyes on them!
Time: Around two hours. Fairly small park feel free to stay as long as you want.
Weather: Unless there are severe storms, this will occur rain or shine!
Skill Level and Pace: Any welcome. Suitable for beginners. Will be at a casual/leisurely pace.
Potential Non-Avian Wildlife: Marsh Rabbit, Gray Squirrel, and Butterflies.
eBird Bar Charts for April
Accessibility: Trails are wide gravel paths and mowed paths. Made for casual walkingN O DOGS PLEASE!
Facilities: Restroom on site
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable boots or shoes may be fine, hat if desired.
Dress for the weather and bring your own water.
Binoculars recommended. I have one extra pair for use during the trip - first come, first served. Feel free to bring camera!
Optional: No fee, but if you enjoyed your time and want to show some support, tips are appreciated through donating on the group page! 😃1 attendee
