TAS 2008-09 Event Calendar
Tropical Audubon Society is proud to once again offer an outstanding lineup of outings and monthly programs. You will see bird, plant and butterfly trips; morning trips, all day trips, overnight trips; outings nearby and outings afar; the very important seasonal bird counts; special events (Birdathon!!); workdays; plant sales; and lots of ways to have a good time while supporting a great cause and learning more about our native environment. Please mark your calendars and join us!
All trips (except for the Dry Tortugas trips) are led by volunteer leaders from the Tropical Audubon Society. Unless otherwise indicated, they are free and open to the public, and reservations are not necessary. For more information concerning any field trip, email the field trip coordinator, or call him at (305) 388-1544. For more information concerning workdays and plant sales, email TAS or call TAS at (305) 667-7337.
All trips take place rain or shine (remember that rainy days are often birdy days, especially during migration). Please remember that some parks charge entrance fees, participants usually share gasoline costs for carpool trips, and overnight and boat trips will mean additional costs. Also, on some of the nature walks a fee may be required. Please note the reservation deadline on trips where reservations are required. To allow communication with trip leaders, walkie-talkies are recommended for carpool trips. The specifics for each trip are indicated below. In some cases, the trip leader has included his/her email address and phone number for direct contact.
indicates
a trip with bilingual leaders.
The schedule will be updated as more information becomes available.
JULY 2008
Sat. July 19 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
AUGUST 2008
Sat. Aug. 16 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sat. Aug. 30 — Everglades Agricultural Area Birding
Paul Bithorn will lead an all day carpool trip to sod farms and flooded fields in the Belle Glade area of Palm Beach County. Meet at 6:00am at the east gate (SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sat. Sept. 6 — Matheson Hammock / Fairchild Tropical Garden Bird Walk
John Boyd will lead birders through Matheson Hammock and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The group meets at 7:30am in the parking area on the left inside the Matheson north entrance. Entry to Fairchild is at 10:00am. The Fairchild entrance fee will be waived for TAS members. Return is at approximately 11:30am.
Sun. Sept. 7 — Cutler Bay Birding
Roberto Torres
will lead this tour of Cutler Bay birding locations. Meet at Bill
Sadowski Park, 17555 SW 79 Ave., at 7:30am. Other stops may include
Black Point, Dump Marsh and Cutler Wetlands. Bring lunch.
Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Wed. Sept. 10 — Laura Reynolds, Alaska
Laura Reynolds recaps her two field seasons spent in Alaska, complete with tundra plant ID, birding summary, science and where to go if you visit.
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Sept. 13 — Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Brian Rapoza will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sun. Sept. 14 — A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Bill Boeringer will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30am, returning at approximately 11:00am.
Sat. Sept. 20 — North American Migration Count
The North American Migration Count (NAMC), sponsored in Florida by the Florida Ornithological Society, with the assistance of local Audubon chapters, bird clubs and other interested organizations, is a semi-annual snapshot of the progress and shape of bird migration. On Saturday, September 20, birders from around the country will be collecting information on the abundance and distribution of both migrant and resident birds. If you can find and identify birds and would like to participate in the count in either Miami-Dade or Monroe County, email us at fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon.org. We'll send you NAMC instructions and a checklist. We'll also let you know which areas need coverage (or, you can let us know which area you wish to cover; it could be your own backyard, neighborhood, a local park or other natural area). It is important that there is no overlap or duplication of coverage areas, so please contact us before September 20.
Sat. Sept. 20 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Sept. 21 — Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately
north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the parking area on the left
inside the north park entrance at 7:30am. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Wed. Sept. 24 — Conservation Meeting
Our first Conservation Meeting of the fall will be a panel discussion on the FPL power plant expansion.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Sept. 27 — Greynold's Park Bird Walk
Jim King, Chief Naturalist for Miami-Dade Parks, will lead birders through Greynold's Park, 17530 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. Meet at the park boathouse at 7:30am. Parking is available near the playground and the elevated mound opposite the boathouse. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sun., Sept. 28 — Kendall Indian Hammocks Bird Walk
Jeff Weber will lead birders through Kendall Indian Hammock Park, 11395 SW 79 St. (entrance is on SW 107 Ave.) Meet at 7:30 AM at the parking area near the ballfields, returning at approximately 11:00am.
OCTOBER 2008
Sat. Oct 4 — A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Gigi Pardo
will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just
north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and
park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30am, returning at
approximately 11:00am.
Sun. Oct. 5 — Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bird Walk
Paul Bithorn will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Wed. Oct. 8 — T.J. Marshall, Protecting Florida's Coasts
T.J. Marshall from the Florida Coastal Ocean Coalition and the National Resources Defense Council will speak to us about the battles that lie ahead for protecting Florida's coastal areas and some recent victories.
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Oct. 11 — Corkscrew Swamp / Ft. Myers Beach Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead an all day carpool trip to Collier and Lee Counties. Meet at 6:00am at the east gate (on SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). There is an admission fee for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (discount for Audubon members). Bring lunch and wading shoes. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Sun. Oct. 12 — Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
Raul Urgelles
will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately
north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the parking area on the
left inside the park entrance at 7:30am. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sat. Oct. 18 — South Dade Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky Hammock, Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet at 7:00am in the parking lot of the Burger King on US 1 in Florida City (just after the end of the turnpike). This is an all day trip. Bring lunch.
Sat. Oct. 18 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Oct. 19 — Biscayne Bay Kayaking
Join Laura Reynolds and Art Grassia for a kayak trip from C-100 canal near Deering Estate to explore Biscayne Bay. Mileage is dependant on group experience and weather conditions. Bring a lunch and a sense of humor and adventure. Trip requires a $20 donation with your own gear and $45 donation if you require a kayak and gear. Trip space will be limited. Please email Laura to make a reservation.
Wed. Oct. 22 — Conservation Meeting
This month's meeting features a panel on Climate Change and the Everglades.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Oct. 25 — Shark Valley / Loop Road Birding
Paul Bithorn will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:00am at the east gate (SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). Bring lunch.
NOVEMBER 2008
Sat. Nov. 1 — Everglades National Park Beginning Bird Walk
Jeff Weber will lead this trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun. Nov. 1-2 — Native Plant Sale at Doc Thomas House.
Our native plant sales are famous and fun. We have a great selection of South Florida plants with knowledgeable sales people to help you choose the best ones for your yard. Come early for the best selection, stay late to enjoy the company.
Sat. Nov. 8 — Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Wed. Nov. 12 — Brian Rapoza and Jeff Weber, Flora and Fauna of the Great Parks
Stunning scenery, an incredible variety of wildflowers, beautiful birds and magnificent mammals—the Great Parks experience. Jeff Weber and Brian Rapoza recap, in words and photographs, the recent TAS birding adventure to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks.
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Nov. 15 — STA-5 Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead a carpool trip to Stormwater Treatment Area-5 in Hendry County. Meet at 6:00am at the east gate (on SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant. Walkie-talkies are recommended. Prior to this trip, send an email to Margaret England (of Hendry-Glades Audubon Society) with your name and contact information, and the number in your party. You may also leave a message at (863) 517-0202.
Sat. Nov. 15 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sat. Nov. 22 — Wakodahatchee / Green Cay / Okeeheelee Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County.) Bring lunch.
Wed. Nov. 26 — Conservation Meeting
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
DECEMBER 2008
Sat. Dec. 6 — Marco Island Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead this all day carpool trip, which will include stops at Big Cypress Bend boardwalk, Eagle Lakes Park, and Tigertail Beach. Meet at 6:30am at the east gate (SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). Bring lunch. The first stop will be at Kirby Storter Park. Shared gasoline costs, plus $5.00 per vehicle at Tigertail Beach. Bring lunch and wading footwear. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Sun. Dec. 7 — Fourth Annual Holiday Picnic: A.D. Barnes Park
Join Tropical Audubon Society, along with the Native Plant Society, Miami Blue, and TreeMendous Miami, for the Fourth Annual Holiday picnic at AD Barnes Park. Details to follow.
Sat. Dec. 13 — South Florida Exotics Trip
Paul Bithorn will lead birders in search of parrots, bulbuls, mynas, and other introduced species in this carpool trip. Meet at 1:00pm at the east parking lot of Baptist Hospital (8950 N Kendall Drive).
Sat. Dec. 20 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Christmas Bird Counts
Join the Bird Counts! Every year since 1900 teams of interested birders have joined together across the country to count the number of individual birds within each species occurring on the same date in the same place. This huge task is coordinated by the National Audubon Society. The consistency of the count creates a viable set of statistics that can be compared and used to measure the effects that changes in the environment have had on the bird population. These measurements act as important warnings of environmental deterioration that should be heeded. In addition to the serious consequences of the bird counts, they are a fun way to spend a day with fellow birding enthusiasts. This is an all day event. Volunteers are needed for all areas.
Fri. Dec. 19 — Biscayne National Park CBC
Coordinated by Max Tritt. For additional information, contact Max via email.
Sat. Dec. 20 — Miami-Dade County CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For additional information, email Brian.
Mon. Dec. 22 — Long Pine Key CBC
Coordinated by Robin Diaz. For additional information, email Robin.
Sat. Dec. 27 — Kendall CBC
Coordinated by Bill Boeringer. For additional information, contact Bill via email.
Sat. Jan. 3 — Coot Bay / Everglades CBC
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. For information, email Brian.
JANUARY 2009
Sat. Jan. 10 — South Dade Birding
Raul Urgelles
will lead this all day carpool trip, which may include stops at Lucky
Hammock, Castellow Hammock and Dump Marsh. Meet at 7:00am in the parking
lot of the Burger King on US1 in Florida City (just after the end of the
turnpike). This is an all day trip. Bring lunch.
Wed. Jan. 14 — TBA
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Fri.-Mon. Jan. 16-19 — North Florida Birding
Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn will lead this four day, three-night van trip to the Tallahassee area. Costs ($400.00 per person double occupancy: $100.00 single supplement) include hotel and van/gas. Reservations are required by January 4. Email Brian for further information.
Sat. Jan. 17 — North Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in northern Broward County. Meet at 8:00am at Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek (just south of Atlantic Boulevard and west of Florida's Turnpike). Bring lunch.
Sat. Jan. 17 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sat. Jan. 24 — Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd. will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Wed. Jan. 28 — Conservation Meeting
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Jan. 31 — Wakodahatchee / Green Cay / Okeeheelee Birding
Nancy Freedman will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.) Bring lunch.
FEBRUARY 2009
Sat. Feb. 7 — Everglades National Park Beginning Bird Walk
Jeff Weber will lead this trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Wed. Feb. 11 — TBA
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Feb. 14 — STA-5 Birding
Brian Rapoza will lead a carpool trip to Stormwater Treatment Area-5 in Hendry County. Meet at 6:00am at the east gate (on SW 55th Ave.) of the Doc Thomas property (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). There will be a lunch stop at a restaurant. Walkie-talkies are recommended. Prior to this trip, send an email to Margaret England (of Hendry-Glades Audubon Society) with your name and contact information, and the number in your party. You may also leave a message at (863) 517-0202.
Sat. Feb. 21 — Porter-Russell Pine Rockland Walk
Joe Barros
will lead this walk through Tropical Audubon's own pine rockland, a
remnant of Miami-Dade's most threatened habitat. See wildflowers,
butterflies and birds and witness the struggles involved in preservation
of this fragmented and globally imperiled habitat. This walk will
provide an excellent opportunity to see Mosier's False Boneset, a plant
endemic to this habitat, and other pine rockland specialties. Meet at
7:30am. From Florida's Turnpike, exit at SW 216 Street. Turn right and
drive west on SW 216 Street, across US-1, to SW 124 Avenue. Turn left
and drive south to SW 220 Street. The pineland is on the right, just
south of SW 220 Street.
Sat. Feb. 21 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Feb. 22 — Florida Bay (Flamingo) Kayaking
Join Laura Reynolds and Art Grassia for a kayak trip from ENP Flamingo Visitor Center to explore Florida Bay. Mileage is dependant on group experience and weather conditions. Bring a lunch, water and a sense of humor and adventure. Trip requires a $25 donation with your own gear and $50 donation if you require a kayak and gear. Trip space will be limited. Please email Laura to make a reservation.
Wed. Feb. 25 — Conservation Meeting
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Feb. 28 — South Broward Birding
John Hutchison will lead this carpool trip to birding locations in southern Broward County. The trip begins at Long Key Nature Center in Davie. From I-75, exit at Griffin Road, drive east to Flamingo Road, turn left and drive north to S.W. 36th Court. Turn left and drive west until S.W. 36 Court curves to the right to become S.W. 130 Avenue. The entrance will be on your left. Meet at 8:00 AM. Bring lunch.
Sat.-Sun. Feb. 28-Mar.1 — Native Plant and Book Sale at Doc Thomas House.
Kick-start conservation at home by purchasing some native plants at the next Tropical Audubon Society Native Plant Sale. There will be over 60 species of native plants — trees, shrubs, ground cover, palms, grasses, vines, wildflowers, and even cacti — available for creating bird, butterfly, and wildlife habitat, and also to help conserve water. Experts will be on hand for advice. Cash, checks, credit cards accepted. There will also be a large selection of used books for sale. All proceeds support the Tropical Audubon Society, a strong conservation voice in South Florida. The Doc Thomas House and Botanical Garden is located at 5530 Sunset Drive in South Miami, FL. The gate opens both days at 9 a.m. Saturday the event will close at 5 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
MARCH 2009
Sat. Mar. 7 — Everglades National Park Birding
John Boyd will lead this all day carpool trip. Meet in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National park at 7:30am. There is an entrance fee to the park. Bring lunch.
Wed. Mar. 11 — TBA
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Mar. 14 — Lake Kissimmee Area Birding
This is an all day carpool trip to the Lake Kissimmee State Park and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Meet Brian Rapoza at 6:00am at the east gate of the Doc Thomas property on SW 55th Ave. just south of Sunset (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). Bring lunch. Walkie-talkies are recommended.
Sat. Mar. 21 — Wakodahatchee / Green Cay / Okeeheelee Birding
Nancy Freedman will lead this carpool trip. Meet at 7:30am at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, about 1.5 miles north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.)
Sat. Mar. 21 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Sun. Mar. 22 — Spring Wildflower Walk with Roger Hammer
Well known South Florida plant expert, Roger Hammer, will lead this walk down the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. See the wildflowers, butterflies and birds that share the varied habitat of pine rockland, Everglades prairie and upland hammock communities. This is an excellent chance to see the grass-pink orchid in bloom. Meet at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park at 8am, return approximately 11:30am. Reservations and fee required: $40 members/$45 nonmembers includes an autographed copy of Roger's recent book, Everglades Wildflowers. Call 305-247-1634, or e-mail Roger to register or for more information.
Wed. Mar. 25 — Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
APRIL 2009
Wed. Apr. 8 — TBA
Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information.
TAS 6th Annual Birdathon!!!
Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 19
Raise money for TAS! Tropical Audubon's Sixth Annual Birdathon is coming in April. Bird for up to 24 consecutive hours anytime during April 4-19. Collect pledges per bird seen or for the whole day. Win prizes! Stay tuned for more information about our exciting Birdathon...fun teams, good prizes, all day birding and all for a good cause!
Sat. Apr. 4 — Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Bird Walk
Robin Diaz will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sun. Apr. 5 — Matheson Hammock Bird Walk
Joe Barros
will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately
north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the parking area on the
left inside the park entrance at 7:30am. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sun. Apr. 5 — Middle Keys Kayaking
Join Laura Reynolds and Art Grassia for a kayak trip from the Indian Key pull off on the bay side in the Middle Keys to explore Lignumviate and Indian Key. Mileage is dependant on group experience and weather conditions. Bring a lunch, water, snorkel gear, bathing suit and a sense of humor and adventure. Trip requires a $25 donation with your own gear and $50 donation if you require a kayak and gear. Trip space will be limited. Please email Laura to make a reservation.
Tues. Apr. 7 - Thurs. Apr. 30 — Dry Tortugas Spring Migration Boat Trips
Larry Manfredi leads birders aboard the Playmate out of Key West. These four-day, three-night trips are every birder's dream! Seven trips available: April 7-10, April 10-13, April 14-17, April 17-20, April 21-24, April 24-27, April 27-30. Reservations and fee required. Ten percent of your fee will be donated to TAS and is tax-deductible. Email Larry or call 305-258-9607. More information is on Larry's website.
Sat. Apr. 11 — A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Gigi Pardo
will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just
north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and
park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30am, returning at
approximately 11:00am.
Fri.-Sun. April 17-19 — Ft. DeSoto Birding
Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn lead this three-day, two-night van trip to Ft. DeSoto and other spring migration hotspots in the Tampa Bay area. Stops en-route will include Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, Oscar Scherer State Park and Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility.
Costs: $300.00 per person double occupancy; $75.00 single supplement (includes hotel and van/gas). Reservations are required by April 3. E-mail Brian for further information.
Sat. Apr. 18 — Greynold's Park Bird Walk
Jim King, Chief Naturalist for Miami-Dade Parks, will lead birders through Greynold's Park, 17530 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. Meet at the park boathouse at 7:30am. Parking is available near the playground and the elevated mound opposite the boathouse. Return is at approximately 11:00am.
Sun. Apr. 19 — Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Bird Walk
David Wright and Mary Ellen Ahearn will lead birders through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The park opens at 8:00 AM. Participants should meet at No Name Harbor (from the entrance station, take your first right and drive west to the parking area). The walk will begin by 8:15 AM. Costs include an entrance fee to the park and the Rickenbacker Causeway toll.
Sat. Apr. 18 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
Wed. Apr. 22 — Conservation Meeting
Discussion of conservation issues.
TAS members and guests are invited to attend this and other Conservation Committee meetings at 7:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143. Call 305-667-7337 for more information.
Sat. Apr. 25 — A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
Raul Urgelles
will lead birders through A.D. Barnes Park. Enter on SW 72nd Ave. just
north of Bird Rd. (SW 40th St.), turn left at the T intersection and
park in spaces on either side of the road. Meet at 7:30am, returning at
approximately 11:00am.
Sun. Apr. 26 — Matheson Hammock Park Bird Walk
John Boyd will lead birders through Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Rd. immediately north of Fairchild Gardens. The group meets in the Matheson parking area on the left, inside the park entrance, at 7:30am.
Sun. Apr. 26 — TAS Wingding: 4-7pm, Doc Thomas House
Celebrate another great year with us at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Picnic. Flock to our Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 26th from 4 to 7 pm, at the Doc Thomas House, located at 5530 Sunset Drive.
MAY 2009
Sat. May 2 — Big Cypress Swamp Birding
Jeff Weber will lead this carpool trip to Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve. Meet at 6:00am at the east gate of the Doc Thomas property on SW 55th Ave. just south of Sunset (5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami). Bring lunch and insect repellant.
Sun., May 3 — Kendall Indian Hammocks Bird Walk
Bill Boeringer will lead birders through Kendall Indian Hammock Park, 11395 SW 79 St. (entrance is on SW 107 Ave.) Meet at 7:30 AM at the parking area near the ballfields, returning at approximately 11:00am.
Sat. May 9 — North American Migration Count
The North American Migration Count (NAMC), sponsored in Florida by the Florida Ornithological Society, with the assistance of local Audubon chapters, bird clubs and other interested organizations, is a semi-annual snapshot of the progress and shape of bird migration. On Saturday, May 9, birders from around the country will be collecting information on the abundance and distribution of both migrant and resident birds. If you can find and identify birds and would like to participate in the count in either Miami-Dade or Monroe County, contact us at fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon.org. We'll send you NAMC instructions and a checklist. We'll also let you know which areas need coverage (or, you can let us know which area you wish to cover; it could be your own backyard, neighborhood, a local park or other natural area). It is important that there is no overlap or duplication of coverage areas, so please contact us before May 9.
Sun. May 10 — Cutler Bay Birding
Roberto Torres
will lead this tour of Cutler Bay birding locations. Meet at Bill
Sadowski Park, 17555 SW 79 Ave., at 7:30am. Other stops may include
Black Point and Cutler Wetlands. Bring lunch.
Sat. May 16 — North Key Largo State Botanical Site: Birds, Butterflies and Native Plants
Joe Barros
will lead this trip to the largest remaining tract of coastal tropical
hardwood hammock in the Florida Keys. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot
of the Burger King on US 1 in Florida City (just after the end of the
turnpike). Bring water and insect repellant. Lunch at a Key Largo restaurant.
Sat. May 16 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
JUNE 2009
Sat.-Sun. June 6-7 — Native Plant Sale at the Doc Thomas House
Our native plant sales are famous and fun. We have a great selection of South Florida plants with knowledgeable sales people to help you choose the best ones for your yard. Come early for the best selection, stay late to enjoy the company.
Sat., June 13--Sun., June 21 — Southern California Birding
Brian Rapoza and Bill Boeringer lead this nine-day, eight-night trip, beginning and ending in Los Angeles. Southern California boasts a wide variety of habitats, including coastal, mountain and desert, each with its own unique assemblage of breeding birds. The itinerary includes a boat trip to Santa Cruz Island, home to the endemic Island Scrub-Jay, a visit to Giant Sequoia National Monument and a search for reintroduced California Condors. This trip involves eight full days of birding, and is designed for intermediate to advanced birders.
Costs: $1,065.00 per person double occupancy (not including air fare to Los Angeles); $400.00 single supplement. Cost includes van and boat transportation, hotel accommodations, and park entrance fees. Not included are tips, laundry costs and other incidental expenses. Meals are paid for by each participant.
Sat. June 20 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.
JULY 2009
Sat. July 18 — Workday at the Doc Thomas House
Want to learn about native plants, help Tropical maintain our native landscape at the Doc Thomas House and get your hands dirty? We need you! Show up anytime between 8:30-noon and you will find a host of hard workers. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. Call 305-667-7337 or e-mail volunteer@tropicalaudubon.org for more information.