Field Trip: Ft. De Soto Monthly Shorebird Walk

Leaders: Pete Plage and Abby McKay

Location: Shelter #2, Fort De Soto County Park: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde FL, 33715 

Google Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KN1M7ZErVjMjwFMS9

Meet us at 7:45 in the North Beach Parking lot at Shelter #2. Expect wet feet! We will begin at 8:00. This month we’ll continue with shorebird ID as birds acquire winter plumage.

Please register using Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/1010183/

Parking Fee: Parking fee at Fort De Soto is $6, payable via kiosk or ParkMobile app. You do NOT stop at the front entrance.

Walk Conditions: Expect a few steps through knee-deep water to reach the beach, depending on tides.

What to bring: water, sun protection, binoculars, bug spray, shoes that can get wet.

Restrooms: Throughout the park.

Field Trip: MacDill AFB

Leader: Eric Plage

We will explore the many habitats of MacDill AFB in the middle of Fall Migration.  Targeting  Warblers, Shorebirds, Hawks and the start of Sparrow and Duck migration.  (We will NOT see Burrowing Owls)

You must register for this event via mobilize (Click here). This event will be limited to 15 participants.  Participants will be required to go through background screening to access base.  

Participants will need to provide their full name and  Real ID drivers license number to security forces 5 business days before the event.  A sign up sheet will be provided to collect the necessary data to be submitted.  When they arrive, participants will then be able to give their name, via the Base Access List, at the Dale Mabry Gate. https://www.mapquest.com/us/florida/macdill-air-force-base-fl-282009859

Parking: Will meet at Seascapes parking lot on MacDill AFB. 9951 Marina Bay Dr., Tampa   33621 (here is a map from Point A, the gate, to Point B the Seascapes lot): https://www.mapquest.com/directions/list/1/from/us/florida/tampa/33621/6911-s-dale-mabry-hwy/to/us/florida/seascapes-beach-house-466791144 

9951 Marina Bay Dr., Tampa   33621

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1107662

https://www.macdill.af.mil/

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

Audubon Assembly at the Tradewinds Hotel, St. Pete Beach.

• Saturday: Networking breakfast, plenary, chapter celebration.

Audubon Assembly: Friday at the Tradewinds.

Get tickets here.

• Friday: Guided field trips*, welcome luncheon with presentation, learning sessions. * Field trips are available to Assembly participants only.

• Friday afternoon talks.

• Friday evening awards banquet: Credit/debit bar, dinner, and keynote presentation with National Geographic Explorer Mac Stone.

Thursday night - Wine Reception at the Tradewinds hotel.

Register for a day or for the weekend:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-audubon-assembly-tickets-1986899263182?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Program: Big Sit

Leader: Peter Plage & other SPAS leaders

Sunday October 12, 8:00AM-11:00AM

How many birds will SPAS team see from within a designated 17’ circle? Come find out! Stop by for a while or stay the entire time

Location: Lassing Park

15th-22nd Ave. SE and Beach Drive SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

What to Bring: Binoculars, Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Chair or Blanket

Public Restrooms: None

Admission and Parking: Free parking along the street. We will be in the northern section of the park, but in order to minimize congestion you may want to park further south.

Program: Birding Big Day contest, 24 hours from Midnight to Midnight Saturday, Oct. 10

Leader: On your own (with at least one other person).

Register your teach by Oct. 5 by emailing mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org

World Migratory Bird Day occurs twice every year on the second Saturday of May and October. The emphasis is on using citizen science to document essential observations of birds during the fall migration. “By encouraging people to gather observations from across migratory routes, we can build a clearer picture of the “story of the flyways,” emphasizing connectivity, international collaboration, and our collective responsibility.”

Tampa Audubon is excited to announce an Inter-Chapter Audubon Birding Competition

Rules

The goal of this competition is to encourage friendly participation, teamwork, birding enthusiasm and raise money for conservation. Chapters in West Central Florida (Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties) are invited to join the contest.

1. Purpose

This event is designed to promote birding, chapter engagement, and collaboration among members through a friendly competition to see the most birds during the event period.

2. Team Participation

In the spirit of team building, collaboration, and shared participation Tampa Audubon Society (TAS) is organizing teams to count birds in the “West Central Florida” competition area.

3. Team Structure

Teams can create their own team’s name and logo. Teams will have a “Team Leader” to organize the team’s efforts. Teams will have a minimum of two members. Team members do not have to participate the entire day, members can come and leave as desired. In the spirit of teamwork, at least two members should be counting at any count time.

5. Counting Birds

The competition and prizes are for

• The most species of birds observed on the count day.

• The most imaginative team building participation. (shirts, team name, adornments, mottos, flags, use your imagination!).

6. Observation Rules

• Observations must be made during the 24-hour period of World Migratory Bird Day (October 10, 2026).

• Teams must submit their observations using eBird. Share the checklist with Tampa Audubon

• Birds can be counted either by sight or hearing. Rare birds should be well documented, preferably with either photos or a Merlin recording.

• Birds must be seen from the shore in the count area (i.e., boating out into the Gulf will not count but birds seen from the beach will).

7. Honor System and Verification

Participants are expected to follow the honor system and record sightings honestly.

8. Inclusivity and Fun

The competition should remain friendly, welcoming, and accessible to birders of all levels of experience. The emphasis should be on participation, learning, and chapter camaraderie as much as on winning.

9. Prizes

The top team members all receive a Tampa Audubon Society hat and tote bag. Additional benefits include bragging rights for one year and an increased awareness and understanding of scientific issues, as well as the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that can influence environmental policies and practices. Additionally, it fosters community engagement and enhances science literacy among

participants. Tampa Audubon will publish your account in the newsletter.

For more information, click here.

Leader: William (Bill) Kaempfer

Notes: This field trip will be limited to 9 vehicles, more if carpooling. Please register via Mobilize (click here), but feel free to bring others in your vehicle.

Location: Possum Branch, 3415 McMullen Booth Rd, Safety Harbor, FL 34695

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f1xgCqcujLmFSijB8

https://www.tampabaysnowbirder.com/possumbranchpreserve.htm

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1015140/bird-list?yr=cur&rank=lrec

Restroom facilities: none

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

“1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trip

Leader: JoAnna Clayton

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

Leader: Trevor Clair

Location: Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto  34221. Meet at the Observation Tower Trail parking lot. It is the first parking lot on the north side of the preserve.

Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xL5M9MR61xYV8iPC9

https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/locations/location-details/emerson-point-preserve

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L189003/bird-list?yr=cur&rank=lrec

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

Restrooms: At the Visitors Center

Leader: Kara Durda

Location: Gandy Beach Along the Gandy Bridge (State Road 694), connecting St. Petersburg to Tampa. Meet at the parking area near the mangroves on the south side of the bridge.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jW4NSA7KsLHv4AX39

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

Restrooms: None

Program: Fall Members Party

Tuesday, September 15, 6:30-8:00pm

Hammock Hall (a part of Boyd Hill, but you enter via 31Street South)

3010 31st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Please pre-register here! https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/1006113/

No need to bring anything but yourself.

Enjoy dessert, mingle & shop our merch

Hear about upcoming programs and trips. Then listen to presentations about Black Skimmers by our student grant recipients.

Field Trip: Ft. De Soto Monthly Shorebird Walk

Leaders: Pete Plage and Abby McKay

Location: Shelter #2, Fort De Soto County Park: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde FL, 33715 

Google Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KN1M7ZErVjMjwFMS9

Meet us at 7:45 in the North Beach Parking lot at Shelter #2. Expect wet feet! We will begin at 8:00. This month we’ll get an introduction to shorebirds with some familiar breeding birds and some early migrants. 

Please register on Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/1010174/

Parking Fee: Parking fee at Fort De Soto is $6, payable via kiosk or ParkMobile app. You do NOT stop at the front entrance.

Walk Conditions: Expect a few steps through knee-deep water to reach the beach, depending on tides.

What to bring: water, sun protection, binoculars, bug spray, shoes that can get wet.

Restrooms: Throughout the park.

Leader: Wes Tallyn

Location: Roosevelt Wetlands10853 43rd St. N. (43rd and 110th Ave N.), Clearwater, FL  33765, Meet at the entrance on 43rd St. There is a small unpaved parking lot that only can handle 3 or 4 cars; more parking is along 43rd.

Walk Info: The trip will entail walking 2 miles or more on packed dirt trails.

Restroom facilities: None

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

Links:

https://pinellas.gov/roosevelt-creek-stormwater-facility-improvements-engineering-plans/

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1009347

https://www.mapquest.com/us/roosevelt-wetlands-438196504

“1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trip

Leader: Pete Plage

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

“1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trip

Leader: Paul Waton

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

EVENT: Join Tampa Bay Audubon on a Sunset Boat Trip to Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island.

LOCATION: The trip will depart from the St. Pete Pier via the Tampa Bay Watch’s vessel Discovery.

PRICE: The cost is $30/person. Proceeds will benefit Tampa and St. Pete Audubon (based on the number of passengers from each area).

Boat space is limited, so reserve now! Contact Ann Paul annpaul26@gmail.com

Leader: Joanna Clayton

July 4th birding! ❤️🤍💙✨

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

“1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trip

Leader: Pete Plage

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

Field Trip: Ft. De Soto County Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde, FL 33715

https://pinellas.gov/parks/fort-de-soto-park/

Leader: Pete Plage

Where to Meet: Meet at the Flagpoll. We will be driving to various sites in the park, walking mostly on hard unpaved surfaces.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

“1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trip

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

Bird Stewarding with St. Pete Audubon

Join veteran stewards at Ft. De Soto to hear about the challenges and rewards of protecting imperiled birds on our beaches.

If possible, please preregister so we can provide more information! https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/933826/

Speakers: Beth Forys, Eve Waterman, Lynne Harding

Location: Ft. De Soto North Beach.

What to bring? We have umbrellas, but you may want to bring a chair, water, sunscreen, and a hat. Restrooms are available.

Field Trip: Eckerd College

4200 54th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Leader: Beth Forys & members of the Eckerd College Bird Club (a student Audubon Chapter)

Where to Meet: An email with a registration link will be sent to all local members.

Please pre-register: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/921720/

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

The Bird That Saved Itself: The Everglade Snail Kite Story

Author Hilary Flower explores how the Everglade Snail Kite’s surprising adaptability offers hope for conservation in a rapidly changing Florida.

Speaker Bio: Hilary Flower is professor of environmental studies at Eckerd College, where she teaches about wetlands and global environmental change and researches how climate change and sea level rise affect the Everglades. Her first book debuts in March 2026: The Kite and the Snail: An Endangered Bird, Its Unlikely Prey, and a Story of Hope in a Changing World, published by the University Press of Florida.

⭐She will have books to sell and proceeds benefit St. Pete Audubon conservation efforts!⭐

Reserve your spot here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/919740/

Location: Hammock Hall, Boyd Hill Nature Park. 3010 31st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Field Trip: Crescent Lake

1320 5th St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/crescentlakepark/

Leader: John Ficken

Where to Meet: Meet at the parking lot. Note: no restrooms.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

St. Petersburg Audubon is continuing the Ron Smith “1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trips.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.

Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.

What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellant, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.