2021 FESTIVAL OF BIRDS

eBird and Citzen Science: Making Impacts in Understanding Bird Populations and Migration

How can you make a direct impact on bird conservation? By contributing your bird observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Database, you are powering conservation science. These data are critical in research, land management, and conservation projects across the globe. In this webinar, we’ll explore how these data are used, and how to use eBird.

Recovery of the Everglade Snail Kite in Florida

The endangered Everglade Snail Kite population crashed in the early 2000s, losing some 75% of all adults in just a decade. Since then, exotic apple snails have proliferated and supported a gradual rebound in Kite numbers and expansion of their nesting range. Unfortunately, native apple snails populations do not seem large enough, or widespread enough, to be supporting Snail Kites today. Paul will give an update on snail and Kite trends including the good and not so good future scenarios.

Explore Critical Wildlife Areas in Rookery Bay Research Reserve Virtually! 

Critical Wildlife Areas offer refuge to thousands of birds in Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Join Rookery Bay’s Education Team and explore the nesting and resting spots for multiple birds in Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Live and streaming with a question and answer session.

Where O’ Where Can the Songbirds Go? – Passerine Bird Migration Along the West Coast of Florida

What challenges do migratory songbirds face on their biannual migrations north and south each year? Come learn about migration from the perspective of one of our favorite groups of birds: warblers, tanagers and other passerines.

This program will give an overview of the process of bird banding, review the findings of the 10 – year study of the migratory birds in Hammock Park, Dunedin, discuss the future of the project on Caladesi Island State Park and end with a visual “songbird quiz” and highlights of the birds we have banded to close out the program.

Burrowing Owls of Marco Island

One of the most charismatic owls on the planet, Burrowing Owls are tough, adaptable, and resilient. Jean Hall will share her experiences with the Florida Burrowing Owl through her photography and personal stories.

Wood Storks and the increasingly important role of inland wetlands on a developing SWFL landscape

Southwest Florida’s iconic Wood Storks, particularly those nesting at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, are facing increasing challenges as development progresses in inland Collier County. Learn more about how Wood Storks are doing, what threats this species is facing, and how conservation measures aimed at improving nesting conditions can benefit wildlife and people throughout our region.

Life in a Seabird Colony

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on a remote island with nothing but birds? Join Adam DiNuovo as he discusses his adventures from years of living and working with seabirds.

Learn to Take Better Bird Photos

If you want to get the best bird pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, this online photography workshop is for you!

Join Us LIVE and Streaming on the Beach and Check Out Birds in Real time Through a Virtual Spotting Scope!

Southwest Florida is a critical stopover site for thousands of migrating and wintering shorebirds. In this virtual program, Adam DiNuovo of Audubon Florida and Collette Lauzau of Rookery Bay Research Reserve will discuss the life history of these birds and the incredible journeys many of them make annually.

How Birds Connect the Tundra to the Tropics and the Reserves Along the Way

Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve and connect live with our sister Reserve in Kachemak Bay, Alaska to learn about the bird life and diverse habitats in Alaska along with our Education Team.

Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve and test your knowledge about the Reserve, birds and “all things” nature in Southwest Florida. The Rookery Bay team will be on hand to dole out the fun, fellowship and to tabulate results. It will be interactive, fun and, of course, there will be lots of cool Rookery Bay prizes for winners (and many of the runner ups) in the group. See you there!