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Nikon and The Brevard Nature Alliance present the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Brevard Community College, Titusville Campus 1311 North U.S. Highway 1, Titusville January 21 - 26, 2009 -- Titusville, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
Florida Birding, Wildlife & Nature Festivals
Because of its unique geographical location in the southernmost part of the North American continent, Florida is visited by many species of birds. The only tropical habitat on the continent is located in Florida, as well as the confluence of two flyways. With its diverse habitats and favorable climate, unique history and a multitude of cultures, Florida provides a fantastic setting for numerous festivals and events. We invite you to visit Florida Festivals and Events to learn more about them. Meanwhile, here's a sample of some of the many exceptional birding, wildlife and nature events planned for the coming year.January 15-18, 2009
Opportunities to explore: Wakodahatchee, Loxahachee, Okeeheelee, Broward County's specialties, Big Cypress N.P., Shark Valley, Corkscrew Swamp, Everglades N.P., and the Dade County exotics. Details.
EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVALJanuary 18-20, 2008, Naples
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: www.rookerybay.org/ - (239) 417-6310
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BIRDING FESTIVAL
Did you know that Southwest Florida's unique environment provides essential habitat for more than 250 species of birds? Whether you are a birding expert or simply enjoy the view, you should plan to attend the Second Annual Southwest Florida Birding Festival.January 21-26, 2009, Titusville
This is our web site. We hope that you will enjoy as many of these wonderful festivals as you can.
SPACE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
Our Festival Home Page.January 25, 26, & 27 2008, Moore Haven
See the return of the Swallow-tailed Kites to Fisheating Creek to nest plus more than 400 other bird species in our area. The revamped Big "O" Birding Festival 2007 itinerary will include birding tours Saturday and Sunday conducted in the morning and afternoon, along with lectures by birding experts at noon and with dinner during the festival. Several popular tours, such as the "Owl Hoot" and others remain on the schedule, while new ones, including the Hendry County STA-5 with the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society are in the works. Friday, March 30, 2007 will feature a "Kids are for the Birds" activity day. The Arts and Crafts show at the Doyle Conner building in Moore Haven will feature nature photography by John Moran, whose "Journal of Light" exhibit will be part of the lecture series during the festival, along with a presentation by birding artist Lydia Thompson, and also, keynote speaker Susan Cerulean, author of "Tracking Desire. A Journey After Swallow-tailed Kites." Attendance is estimated at 700 plus over the three day festival. Birding vendors are especially desirable and food vending space is limited. Indoor space is $40 and outdoor space is $35. For more information or to register as a vendor, please visit our website at www.bigobirdingfestival.com. Phone: Tracy Whirls, 863-946-0300; Email: twhirls@gladescountyedc.com.
BIG "O" BIRDING FESTIVALJanuary 26 & 27, 2008, Orange City
10:00 am to 5:00 pm -- Blue Spring State Park is Florida's most significant warm water refuge for the endangered manatee. This two-day environmental festival in Valentine Park in Orange City features educational exhibits on endangered wildlife, children's rides, food, crafts, craft show and free rides to see the manatees. Info: (386) 775-9224. www.themanateefestival.com/
ORANGE CITY/BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVALFebrurary 16, 2008, Cape Coral
10am - 4pm at Rotary Park. This festival is designed to educate residents about the owl and to involve them in its preservation, proceeds from the festival will go to wildlife preservation and protection. Info: (239) 772-7332. Burrowing Owl Festival.
BURROWING OWL FESTIVALFebruary 23, 2008, Christmas
Experience the world's first large-scale wetlands treatment system, a magnet for all types of wildlife. Features include birdwatching tours, photo shoots, bicycle tours, native plant walks, bird banding and mist-netting demonstrations, wildlife shows, historic reenactments, live music, Native American demonstrations, and bus tours will travel along the wetland berms. Contact Mark Sees, 407-568-1706, www.cityoforlando.net, go to Parks, click on Wetlands or www.nbbd.com/festivals/OrlandoWetlands.
ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK FESTIVALMarch 8, 2008, Sebastian
Environmental exhibitors will be on-hand with live wildlife, arts and crafts, and environmental displays. Feature presentations include live wildlife shows and live music. Many family activities are available including boat tours, kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon, kid's activities, bird watching and history tours. Call 772-562-3909, ext. 258, www.pelicanislandfriends.org/
PELICAN ISLAND WILDLIFE FESTIVALMarch 22, 2008, Orlando
9:00am - 4:00pm at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, 8777 County Road 535. A 440-acre preserve is home to the Carter Environment Center which houses a variety of exhibits and provides environmental programs. Stroll down miles of trails that meander through a wilderness.
BACKYARD HABITAT FESTIVAL
This event gives individuals the chance to come out and enjoy a special day of outdoor fun and nature study. One can explore some of Central Florida's natural habitats, and how they can be beneficial to Florida's native plants and animals. Patrons can take part in free guided hikes, environmental programs, local environmental exhibitors, live music, and children's crafts. All activities are free of cost. Individuals will also be able to purchase food from local vendors. Info: 407-876-6696. Print & Share FLYER??, 2007, White Springs
Annual birding event and held in conjunction with the WILD AZALEA FESTIVAL. Contact: Columbia County Tourist Development Council, PO Box 1847, Lake City, FL 32056; 386-758-1312; www.floridabirdingfestival.com. A family oriented community event. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore the PCS lands (which are normally not open to the public), visit the Alligator Lake Recreation Park, Big Shoals in Hamilton County (view the new Woodpecker Trail), and Ichetucknee Springs State Park with an optional canoe trip.
SUWANNEE RIVER VALLEY BIRDING FESTIVALApril 12, 2008, Port Charlotte
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Beach Park in Port Charlotte, 4500 Harbor Blvd. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Visitor's Bureau, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, and the Port Charlotte Kayak Club - is pleased to sponsor the sixth Charlotte Harbor Kayak & Wildlife Festival Featuring: Kayak races, Guided kayak tours of the Charlotte Harbor Blueway Trails, Free kayak demonstrations, Kayak fishing tournament, Food/beverage, music, raffle prizes, & vendor booths, and Seminars.
Charlotte Harbor Kayak & Wildlife FestivalApril 5, 2008 - Fellsmere
Hosted by the Coastal Preserves Alliance, this festival will include nature tours by boat, canoe, kayak, wagon and foot, presentations and exhibits. Highlights include birding excursions to observe the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and threatened Florida scrub-jay, and boat tours to explore the beauty of the St. Sebastian River. Contact the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, 321-953-5004 or visit www.nbbd.com/npr/cpa/
GOBY FESTApril 3 - 5, 2008, Tallahassee
Showcasing Florida's Big Bend area, family activities include tours to Wakulla Springs State Park and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Other features include a sunrise birding cruise, birding, plant, wildlife and other guided tours, seminars, vendors, multiple outdoor learning stations including bird banding, optics and ecosystem health, educational exhibitors and creative hands-on learning stations for children. Contact Bob Thompson, 850-561-7281, www.wakullawildlifefestival.org/.
WAKULLA WILDLIFE FESTIVALApril 10 to 13, 2008, St. Augustine
A haven for outdoor photographers and bird lovers with more than 75 field trips, boat trips, kayak excursions and workshops presented by leading experts taking place during spring migration. All of the events are designed to put people where they can easily observe nature in the wild. For more information go to the Festival website at getaway4florida.com/bird_festival_2007/. A complete guide to the festival may be obtained by calling the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800.653.2489.
FIRST COAST BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVALApril 11 & 12, 2008, Brooksville
The Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival offers one evening and day of bird and wildlife activities. Program offerings include: bird banding, Florida bat talk and walk, butterfly, wildflower and bird walks, landscaping with natives talk and demo, puppet show, bird house building, bird games for kids and more. The festival will also include off site guided field trips to see area wildlife including burrowing owls. Chinsegut Nature Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL 34601; (352)754-6722; myfwc.com/chinsegut/.
Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife FestivalApril 12, 2008, Umatilla
9:am - 4:pm -- Learn about the Florida Black Bear and the importance of protecting Florida's natural habitats. Activities include field trips to the Ocala National Forest, presentations on Florida bears and other wildlife and a "Florida Authors Corner." Other activities include a kid's pavilion, food, arts & crafts, a teddy bear repair clinic, live music, a Florida Black Bear maze and educational exhibits. Field trips start at 9:30AM with the last one at 2:00PM. Contact 407-323-1298, www.flblackbearfest.org
FLORIDA BLACK BEAR FESTIVALApril 19, 2008 - Titusville
Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary. Guided walks, music, stories, games, displays, exhibits by many nature and conservation organizations. www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/earthday/
Earth Day Family Fun Festival
October 4, 2008, Port St. Joe
Low Country Shrimp Boil 12:00-2:30: Fresh local shrimp, corn, kielbasa sausage, potatoes, garlic bread and tea.
St. Joseph Bay Buffer and Aquatic Preserves Day
Guided trips all day (8:00 am to 10:00 pm!): Trips to St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve—Fall Wildflowers; St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve - Boat and Seagrass Wading Tours; Birding trips to St. Joseph Peninsula and nighttime astronomy program
All Proceeds to Benefit Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves (501.c.3 Non profit organization)
St. Joseph Bay Preserves Center, 3915 Hwy 30-A (Approximately 5 miles south of Port St. Joe). Call 850-229-1797 or visit www.stjosephbaypreserves.org for more information.October 6, 2007, West Melbourne
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. -- Erna Nixon Park, 1200 Evans Road, West Melbourne, FL. A celebration of Florida's rich natural and cultural history for all ages! Wildlife & Environmental displays , folk music & dancing, old Florida stories, tours of the park and our famous boardwalk through 3-400 year old oaks. Parking at Melbourne Square Mall. $1 admission includes shuttle bus from parking area. For more information call or stop by Erna Nixon Park: 321-952-4525. www.brevardparks.com/index.htm.
Old Florida FestOctober 19-26, 2008, Sanibel Island
Mark your calendars for this year's "Ding" Darling Days birding and eco-festival, the week of Oct. 19-26, 2008. Family Fun Day culminates the week with free fun on Sunday, Oct. 26. The theme of this year's event is "Let's Go Outside!"
"DING" DARLING DAYS BIRDING & ECO-FESTIVALThe 19th Annual "Ding" Darling Days celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, father of the Duck Stamp program and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling.
Birding and kayaking tours, environmental speakers, a nature photography contest, and Junior Duck Stamp Awards will fill the week with environmental activities for all ages. Family Fun Day features all-free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, kids activities, the current 75th Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, and more.
"This year's event promises to be the best 'Ding' Days ever," said Jim Scott, "Ding" Days committee chair for the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society. "Last year we had a record crowd. This year, we're moving the event back a week to catch more of our snowbirds."
Watch www.dingdarlingdays.com for updates on events or call the refuge at 239-472-1100. To receive the refuge's "Ding" on the Wing e-mail bulletin updates, e-mail chellewalton@comcast.net.
October 12 - 14, 2007, Marathon
Our 9th annual festival will be anchored at Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56.2, Marathon, FL. The exotic tropical Florida Keys provide the setting for this family oriented event. From the National Key Deer Refuge, to spectacular offshore coral reefs and quiet backwaters, this festival highlights the best of the Keys. Activities include hawk-watching, stargazing, evening keynote speakers, snorkeling trips, backcountry kayaking trips, bird watching trips, American Crocodile program, wild bird rehabilitation center tours, seminars, an environmental fair and a butterfly garden. Additional information is available by calling the Key Deer Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 305-872-0774 or Curry Hammock State Park at 305-289-2690. -- www.keysbirdingfest.org/
FLORIDA KEYS BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVALOctober 26 - 29, 2007, Cedar Key
Cedar Key is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected lands, including the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges and the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. It is rare to find such accessible yet diverse habitats so unaffected by today's urban and agricultural sprawl. The Nature Coast Wildlife Experience will expose participants to a variety of lectures and trips spotlighting our unique area. Contact: 352-543-5600 email: info@cedarkey.org.
NATURE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE EXPERIENCENovember 10, 2007, Ponce Inlet
Sponsored by the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center. Fun activities for the entire family. Lectures on Florida birds, tours of the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Center and more. Saturday will be a day of booths, lectures, and on Friday and Sunday there will be a number of field trips. Sunday will feature a pelagic trip to the western edge of the Gulf Stream, off Ponce Inlet aboard the 65' Sea Spirit. The area, known locally as The Steeples, is a productive location of underwater cliffs and seamounts that cause upwellings and current edges. It is especially good for pelagic species during migration. For information: marinesciencecenter.com/birdfest.htm; msc@co.volusia.fl.us or call 386-304-5545.
MIGRATORY BIRD FESTIVAL – Wings on the Windwas November, Titusville
Our next festival will be held January 23-28, 2008. Our Festival Home Page.
SPACE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
www.SpaceCoastBirding.com
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