FESTIVAL OF BIRDS
January 16-20, 2025
Pre-registration is required for all activities (prices vary).
Join us in celebrating our 21st Annual Festival of Birds with bird-themed activities and workshops all month long! Enjoy a watercolor painting class and take guided field trips to wildlife hotspots around Southwest Florida.
Enjoy our keynote presentation by world-renowned wildlife biologist and ornithologist Dr. Jerry Jackson, who is celebrating 20 years of ‘With the Wild Things’ on WGCU.
January 16th
Description
Board a swamp vehicle 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.
Participants must be physically able to climb on and off the vehicle using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
What to Wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather. Hiking boots or tennis shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants if you are susceptible to insect bites or sun, and a hat. Coat or blanket to help keep warm.
What to Bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding. 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.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Price: $10.00
About
Just starting out as a birder? Not sure what that big white bird in your backyard is? Then join Megan Hatten from Audubon Florida for an easy walk at a great birding spot, Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park. This trip provides an introduction to birding and tips on how to identify the most common birds in the area.
What to Wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather.
What to Bring
Water, sunscreen, and insect repellant if you want them. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them. There are bathroom and water facilities. Wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Description
Board a swamp vehicle 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.
Participants must be physically able to climb on and off the vehicle using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
What to Wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather. Hiking boots or tennis shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants if you are susceptible to insect bites or sun, and a hat. Coat or blanket to help keep warm.
What to Bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding. 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.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Doors open at 5:30pm
Enjoy appetizers and refreshments while exploring the exhibits and art gallery at the Environmental Learning Center.
Speaker begins at 6:30pm
Dr. Jerry Jackson, Host of “With the Wild Things” on WGCU Public Radio will speak about “Seasonal Changes in the Ecology, Appearance, and Behavior of the Birds Around Us.”
In this lecture, Dr. Jerry Jackson will focus on often unnoticed behaviors, plumage, skin, and eye color variations that can be seen at feeders and local parks. Major focal points will be on the best places for birding, the best time to see these birds, and why the time and place make a difference.
January 17th
Description
Board a swamp vehicle 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.
Participants must be physically able to climb on and off the vehicle using a ladder. Be prepared – the trip is bumpy.
What to Wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather. Hiking boots or tennis shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants if you are susceptible to insect bites or sun, and a hat. Coat or blanket to help keep warm.
What to Bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding. 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.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Price: $10.00
About
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 2 feet deep!
What to Wear
Prepare to get wet. Long pants and secure footwear (lace-up boots or sneakers) are necessary. Slip -on waders are not recommended. Also bring a long-sleeved shirt and a hat. A change of dry clothes and dry footwear will make the drive home more comfortable.
What to Bring
Water, snacks and lunch for thirst and energy as a four-hour “wade” can be strenuous. Mosquito repellant, a waterproof camera and a small backpack are also recommended. Put anything you don’t want to get wet inside a waterproof bag or a “zip lock” plastic bag.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
CALL 239-530-5972 FOR WAITING LIST
Description
In this program, we will learn about the habitat of the Painted Bunting, what they eat, how and where to look for them in the field, and more. We will go on a short walk on our boardwalk to look for them, and for the last 2 hours of the program we will learn how to sketch/draw/paint a Painted Bunting, all art materials will be provided.
What to wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather. Hiking boots or tennis shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants if you are susceptible to insect bites or sun, and a hat. This walk is on the Corkscrew Boardwalk, participants will be walking up to 2.25 miles.
What to bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Price: $10
Description
Discover the fascinating lives of the animals that wake up after the sun goes down during a moonlight hike. Join the CREW Trust staff as we walk the CREW Marsh Trails while we listen for nocturnal wildlife and discuss their amazing adaptations.
What to wear
Long pants, closed toe shoes, and clothes you don’t mind getting wet are recommended!
What to bring
Water and insect repellant
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
January 18th
Price: $10.00
Description
Do you wonder why shorebirds chase waves? Would you like to learn what shorebird species you see when you take a trip to the beach? If so, this is the program for you! Come and join Audubon Florida’s Megan Hatten at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. As a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail, it provides habitat for a wide variety of shorebirds. Black skimmers, Wilson’s plovers, and Piping plovers are just a few of the birds you can see there. Observe shorebird behavior and learn about the importance of beach habitat to the birds. We will stay on the lagoon side in this trip for beginners.
What to wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather and the beach. Comfortable shoes that can get wet, clothing you feel comfortable walking in the sun with, sun protection such as a hat or sunglasses.
What to bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding. $10 parking fee may apply if you do not have a Collier County Beach Parking Sticker.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Price: $10.00
About
Spend the morning with Field Trip Leader, Charlie Ewell, 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, Spotted Sandpiper, and Marbled Godwit. Roosting flocks of Black Skimmers may also be present.
What to wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather. Wading shoes (it may be necessary to access the mud flats with shallow tidal pools), long sleeved shirt and long pants if you are susceptible to sun, and a hat.
What to bring
Binoculars, water, snacks, and sunscreen. Insect repellant is possibly needed, as no-see-ums can be present early AM when winds are calm. The leader will have a bird field guide and a spotting scope, although you may prefer to bring your own if you are comfortable walking with it. We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding.
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.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
Price: $10.00
Description
Join us on an adventure as we spot resident and migratory birds along the boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The Preserve is over 3,500 acres of intermingled wetland and upland ecosystems that provide year-round habitat for resident birds and an important stop for migratory birds. This 1.2 mile meander will have you encountering native species such as great blue herons, white ibis, great egrets, common yellow throats, palm warblers, magnolia warblers, white-eyes vireos, and many more – with the possibility of seeing our more famous residents, screech owls. Every trip is a success when you have Dr. Jose Padilla leading the way!
What to wear
Dress for the weather and wear close-toed shoes. The boardwalk is elevated and fully accessible. The majority of the boardwalk is shaded but sunscreen is advised.
What to Bring
Binoculars are strongly encouraged and a water bottle. Photography is allowed (no flash photography).
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
January 19th
Duration: 4 Hours
About
Join Megan Hatten from Audubon Florida on a 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.
What to Wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather and comfortable shoes appropriate for boardwalk and beach. If you are susceptible to the sun, a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat may be appropriate.
What to Bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding.
$10 parking fee may apply if you do not have a Collier County Beach Parking Sticker.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
January 20th
Price: $130
Description
Venture out into the estuary at dawn to witness a spectacular event seen by very few in Southwest Florida as over a thousand birds fly off of the famous Bird Rookery Island in a massive unified fly-off! Meet at the gate to Shell Island Road where your biologist captain will lead you to the Rookery Bay Field Station to board one of our comfortable vessels. We will quietly make our way through Rookery Bay under the veil of night as your biologist captain explains the wonders of the estuary en route to the famous Bird Rookery Island. Arriving just before the break of light, witness the stirrings of over 1,000 birds who have chosen to sleep in the protection of the mangrove island. Increasing chatter and rustling as the different species get ready to start their day, you will begin to see them fly off into the estuary little by little. Just before sunrise as light breaches the mangroves, the most spectacular display occurs as the majority of the island’s avian residents take off ALL AT ONCE!! A jaw-dropping experience that you’ll never forget as the birds blanket the surrounding landscape to start their day in their home, the Rookery Bay Research Reserve.
This 2-hour nature cruise captained by the area’s only active local biologist captains that will allow you to surround yourself with some of the most beautiful wildlife Southwest Florida has to offer! Learn about the nesting habits and migrations of our local bird species before cruising back in the morning sun!
What to wear
Winter wind gusts coming off of Rookery Bay can be quite chilly and blustery so please dress warmly for the weather. Gloves and hats are recommended.
What to bring
Jacket, hat, gloves, binoculars, camera, water, insect repellant, bird field guide.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
4 Hours
Price
$10
Description
Megan Hatten of Audubon Florida will lead you down the Marsh Trail path, which is at the beginning of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Along the trail there are a variety of wetland habitats and many opportunities to see a variety of birds, including many unique wading and marsh species.
What to wear
Clothing appropriate for the weather and comfortable shoes appropriate for boardwalk and beach. If you are susceptible to the sun, a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat may be appropriate. Bugs can be pretty intense!
What to bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bird field guide (if you have one). We also suggest that you bring a small day or fanny pack to carry these items in so that your hands will be free while birding.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
This swamp buggy tour of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge will take you through hardwood hammock, pine forest and parts of the northern extension of the Fakahatchee Strand, which some people refer to as the Amazon of North America.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $60.00
Description
Join Refuge Manager, Mark Danaher, to learn about Florida panthers and current efforts to restore the Florida Everglades’ critical ecosystem to its former 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.
*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.
What to wear
Closed-in shoes and warm clothing appropriate for the weather. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring a jacket if necessary.
What to bring
Binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Enjoy FREE admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
As part of the Festival of Birds, each field trip registrant receives one free admission ($10 value) between January 15 – 31, 2025. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday; 9am – 4pm, and closed on State Holidays.
CALL 239-530-5972 FOR WAITING LIST
FEATURING DR. JERRY JACKSON
Dr. Jerry Jackson, Host of “With the Wild Things” on WGCU Public Radio will speak about “Seasonal Changes in the Ecology, Appearance, and Behavior of the Birds Around Us.”
In this lecture, Dr. Jerry Jackson will focus on often unnoticed behaviors, plumage, skin, and eye color variations that can be seen at feeders and local parks. Major focal points will be on the best places for birding, the best time to see these birds, and why the time and place make a difference.
Enjoy appetizers and refreshments while exploring the exhibits and art gallery at the Environmental Learning Center.
Registration Required: $25.00
Doors open at 5:30pm
Speaker begins at 6:30pm
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Join us for other fun and exciting classes and workshops throughout the month of January!
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- January 4th @ 9:30am-12:00pm – Forest Bathing
- January 10th @8:00am-11:00am – Birding with Biologists
- January 14th @ 12:30pm-3:30pm – Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting Birds with Jan
- January 18th @ 9:30am-12:30pm – Essentials of Digital Photography
- January 23rd @ 9:30am-12:30pm – Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting Birds with Jan
- January 23rd @ 12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch & Learn Lecture Series
Become a Member
Connecting people with southwest Florida’s dynamic coastal environment in support of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
