Field Trips

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Saturday, Oct. 16— NW Lake Okeechobee.  “Dr. Martin Stapleton Memorial Birding Trail” New and amazing observation tower at Harney Pond Bring lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. (E)

Thursday, Oct. 21—Istokpoga Park and Spring Lake STA.  Wading birds, waterfowl, possible bald eagle sighting, and woodpeckers. Bring Lunch Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM (E)

Thursday, Nov. 11—Myakka River State Park. Wading birds, raptors, song birds, migratory birds and ducks. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. Bring Lunch (M)  

Thursday, Nov. 18—Platt Branch Wildlife Management Area. Limit 15 attendees so reserve early. Red-cockaded woodpeckers make their home in the old-growth longleaf pine. Florida scrub-jay habitats, seasonal wetlands, and gopher tortoise areas abound. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. Led by Steve Shattler of FWC. (M)

Thursday, Dec. 2—Scrub Pens Road, Arbuckle Creek, and County Landfill. Local area with variety. Landfill has bald eagles, Scrub Pens Rd. has waterfowl, and Arbuckle Creek as well. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30AM. (E)

Thursday, Jan. 13—Circle B Bar Reserve & Nature Center in Lakeland. Wetlands, and diverse habitat with lots of species. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM or Walmart Avon Park Garden Center at 8:00 AM. Bring Lunch. Led by Jim Upchurch. Note: Tram is not available so be prepared to walk the trails. (C)

Thursday, Jan. 27 – Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary & Blair Audubon. Boardwalk guided tour winding through the swamp. $14.00 Entrance Fee required. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. Led by Sally Stein of Audubon. (M)

Saturday, Feb. 12—Highlands Hammock State Park.  Walking tour on established trails. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30AM or meet at HHSP entrance at 8:00AM $6.00 Entrance Fee per car required. For more information call Roberta at 863-599-0124. (M)

Thursday, Feb. 24—Celery Fields and Park in Sarasota. A variety of species at a favorite spot of locals for water and land birds. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. (M)

Thursday, March 17—Venus Loop. Wear your green. Dr. Paul Gray of Audubon Florida will lead us on a caravan through Highlands County South. There will be stops along the way. Bring Lunch. Meet at Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. (E)

Thursday, March 31—Avon Park Airforce Range. Various habitats exist to view a variety of birds. Bring Lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM or Walmart Garden Center parking lot. (M)If Airforce Range is not available then Hardee Lakes Park in Bowling Green will be substituted. Reclaimed phosphate land donated by Mosaic. Boardwalk, lakes, and hiking trails on 1,260 acres. $5.00 per car entry fee. Bring Lunch. (E)

Thursday, April 7—Ft. DeSoto St. Petersburg. Highlands County Audubon Bird-a-thon. Migratory birds and water birds galore. Bring Lunch and Snacks. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. (M)

Saturday, April 23—Royce Unit.   Bluebirds with a chance of chicks. Birds Galore. Be prepared to walk on dirt trails. Bring water and lunch. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. Contact David Forman at 954-695-2008. (M)