Florida Birding Escape - March 13-19, 2018 - Mass Audubon
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Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
208 South Great Road Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773
tel 781.259.2200 fax 781.259.7917 www.massaudubon.org
Florida Birding Escape
March 13-19, 2018
Hugo Viana Earl Orf
Steve Byland
Arlene Ripley
Leaders:
Strickland Wheelock
Kathy Seymour
Tia Pinney
Escape the long winter with a memorable week of birding in central and south Florida. This is
an ideal time to visit with large concentrations of wading birds in breeding plumage, 20
species of wintering warblers, large flocks of wintering shorebirds, singing Bachman's
Sparrow and Mangrove Cuckoo, and good chances for Short-tailed Hawk and Snail Kite. We
will sample everything from beaches, mudflats, wetlands, mangroves, and cypress swamp to
pine flatwoods, sawgrass prairie and oak scrub, focusing on Florida specialties and exotics. A
good variety of colorful wading birds will be omnipresent no matter where we are – White
and Glossy Ibis, Tricolored and Little Blue Herons, Black and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons,
Wood Stork, Cattle Egret, etc. Other target species include Snowy and Wilson’s Plovers,
Limpkin, Purple Gallinule, Roseate Spoonbill, Florida Scrub-Jay, White-crowned Pigeon,
Painted Bunting, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Yellow-Throated Warbler, and many exotics in
the Miami area.
Day 1, Tuesday, March 13
We will meet midday at the Orlando International Airport. From here we will head to Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge, 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, saltwater marshes,
freshwater impoundments, oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks on the
Atlantic Coast. Painted Buntings in striking red, blue and green hang out in the lush
vegetation near the Visitor Center feeders. Black Point Wildlife Drive provides easy access to
both salt and fresh water impoundments with large concentrations of waterfowl along with
Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret and other wading birds, shorebirds, terns and
gulls. A highlight here will be a walk through rare oak scrub habitat, home to one of only
three remaining strong hold populations of the threatened, endemic Florida Scrub-Jay.
After an impressive introduction to Florida’s abundant sub-tropical flora and fauna, we will
head to our lodging in Lakeland.
Night in Lakeland
Day 2, Wednesday, March 14
Our first stop today is the Circle B Bar Reserve, a former cattle ranch that restoration efforts
have transformed into one of the best inland birding spots in central Florida. Trails through
freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp, oak hammocks, and along the lakeshore showcase a
truly impressive number and variety of wintering water birds and Florida specialties.
Possibilities here include Snail Kite, Crested Caracara, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet,
both whistling-ducks, Purple Swamphen, Limpkin, King Rail, Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane,
both bitterns, Sedge Wren and much more.
After an exciting morning, we will head toward Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. Monk and
Nanday Parakeets are widespread in the St. Petersburg area, with the added possibility of
Short-tailed Hawk and Swallow-tailed Kite soaring overhead. At the very tip of the peninsula,
5 interconnected keys make up Fort De Soto Park, renowned as a hot spot for migrants and
for wintering shore and water birds. Extensive shoreline attracts large numbers of
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
shorebirds, terns and gulls including Wilson’s, Snowy and Piping Plovers, Long-billed Curlew,
Marbled Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Red Knot, Caspian, Royal and Sandwich Terns and
Lesser Black-backed Gull. Hardwood hammocks provide cover for wintering and migrant
warblers including Yellow-throated, Palm, Prothonotary, Orange-crowned, Hooded and
Worm-eating. Against a backdrop of pristine white sand beaches and lush green woodlands
surrounded by turquoise waters, this could legitimately be called birding paradise.
In the late afternoon we will head to Fort Myers, stopping for some birding en route if time
permits.
Night in Ft. Myers
Day 3, Thursday, March 15
We will depart early for Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area, one of the largest
expanses of undeveloped pine flatwoods in Southwest Florida, to look for pine flatwoods
specialties - Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bachman’s Sparrow, and the federally endangered
Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Early morning is the best time to see the woodpeckers on their
roost trees, which are clearly marked. Normally elusive Bachman’s Sparrows are easier to
view at this time of year- when they are actively singing. Other possibilities are Northern
Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlark, and impressive flocks of wintering Palm, Pine and Yellow-
rumped Warblers.
Leaving the pinewoods behind, we will head toward Sanibel Island and a different birding
universe. Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Pelicans soar overhead joined by countless
terns and gulls. Our primary destination is widely renowned birding hotspot J.N. “Ding”
Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 6,400 acres of mangrove forest, seagrass beds, cordgrass
marsh, and subtropical hardwood hammocks. We will travel the wildlife drive, where
impoundments offer outstanding views of Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill, Mottled Duck,
pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, shorebirds and alligators. With extensive tracts of mangrove
forest, we also have a chance of encountering the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo if we are lucky.
The balance of the day will be spent at other hotspots in the Fort Myers area, concentrating
on any missing target species, especially Gulf Coast shorebird specialties like Wilson’s and
Snowy Plovers and Long-billed Curlew. Choices abound, from cypress swamp and
freshwater marsh to sandy beaches, mudflats and mangrove forest.
Night in Ft. Myers
Day 4, Friday, March 16
Today we will explore Naples and then bird our way across the peninsula via the Tamiami
Trail, looking for localized target species and exploring the Everglades ecosystem. Bronzed
Cowbird and Rose-ringed Parakeet can be found at parks in Naples. Tigertail Beach on Marco
Island has both barrier beach and a tidal lagoon which provide excellent chances to locate
any shorebirds targets that have eluded us.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Heading east the Tamiami Trail bisects a mosaic of state and federal land protecting over 3
million acres of cypress swamp, sawgrass prairie, pine flatwoods, subtropical hardwood
hammocks, and waterways. Herons, egrets and ibis line the drainage canals along the
roadway. The possibility of Short-tailed Hawk and Snail Kite should keep us alert, and there
is always a (very small) chance of winning the wildlife sighting lottery with an endangered
Florida Panther. We will stop at Shark Valley Visitor Center, at the northern border of
Everglades National Park, where Snail Kite and Limpkin can sometimes be seen from the
short trails around the visitor center.
We will arrive in the greater Miami area in the late afternoon. This sprawling urban
metropolis is home to many species of parrots, parakeets and other exotic escapees that
have been able to establish stable breeding populations due to the tropical climate and
vegetation. A good number are countable by the ABA, including Red–whiskered Bulbul,
Common Myna, White-winged and Monk Parakeets, Muscovy Duck, Egyptian Goose and
Spot-breasted Oriole. Other species have sizable and growing populations that may qualify
them for species status in the not too distant future, such as Mitred, Red-masked and
Yellow-chevroned Parakeets, and Orange-winged Parrot. Countable or not, viewing and
hearing parrots and macaws in the wild makes you feel like you travelled to an exciting,
remote tropical destination. We will explore known hotspots for these species before
heading to our lodging.
Night in Florida City
Day 5, Saturday, March 17
Today we will explore the Everglades National Park, 1.5 million acres of a complex ecosystem
found nowhere else in the world. Along the way we will look for Common Myna, Scissor-
tailed Flycatcher, and Western Kingbird perched on utility wires, and Short-tailed Hawk
soaring overhead. We will walk the boardwalk of the famous Anhinga Trail observing many
species of waders and marsh birds while Swallow-tailed Kites glide above us. We will bird the
pine forest for species like Brown-headed Nuthatch and Yellow-throated Warbler; sawgrass
prairie for the endemic Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow; and the rookery at Paurotis Pond for
nesting Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis and a variety of other herons and egrets.
Finally, in Flamingo, our primary targets are White-crowned Pigeon and the highly localized
Shiny Cowbird which hangs out around the visitor center. A wide variety of shorebirds,
waders and terns can be seen in the bright aqua waters of Florida Bay. Manatees and
American Crocodile hang out near the boat docks. Our return trip to Florida City gives us
another chance for anything we missed on the way in.
In the afternoon, we will head toward Biscayne Bay south of Miami, where a number of
preserves near the coast allow exploration of mangrove forest, hardwood hammock,
wetlands and urban parkland. We will seek out Mangrove Cuckoo, White-crowned Pigeon,
West Indies Cave Swallow, shorebirds, warblers and exotics.
Night in Florida City
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 6, Sunday, March 18
This morning will start at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, which
protects the largest remaining tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the
country. It is one of the best places to track down the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo, along with
White-crowned Pigeon, and, if we are lucky, early migrating Black-whiskered Vireo and Gray
Kingbird. Other possibilities for the morning are Matheson Hammock Park or Bill Baggs Cape
Florida State Park where varied habitats attract both Florida specialties and neo-tropical
migrants.
In the afternoon we will head north to Ft. Lauderdale, another urban area where escaped
exotic birds thrive. In fact, ABA countable species like Spot-breasted Oriole, and White-
winged, Nanday and Monk Parakeets are now easier to find here than in Miami. We will visit
several hotspots for these species. If we have not had any Burrowing Owls yet, we will visit
Brian Piccolo Park, where marked burrows make them easy to find.
Night in Boca Raton
Day 7, Monday, April 19
On our last morning, we will visit Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Green Cay, successful water
reclamation projects that have created thriving wetlands. Boardwalks through the wetlands
offer up-close views and great photographic opportunities of Florida’s charismatic wading
birds - egrets, ibis, herons, whistling-ducks, Anhinga, Purple Gallinule, Least Bittern, Limpkin,
etc. Feeders attract Painted Bunting and other songbirds. And, last but not least, you will
have the opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two in the visitor center gift shop. What a
perfect way to end an amazing week exploring beaches, mudflats, marsh, wetland
impoundments, oak scrub, pinewoods, cypress swamp, tropical hardwood hammocks,
mangrove forest, sawgrass prairie, and urban areas - each with a rich variety of bird life!
We will fly out of Fort Lauderdale around midday.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Please note:
This is a natural history field trip – we will rise early every morning and be active all day.
Participants should be able to be to walk at least one mile and be on your feet for one to
two hours.
While we attempt to be true to our itinerary, all scheduled events are subject to change
depending on the weather and other considerations.
Fees:
Member $1860; Non-member $2230
Single Room Supplement - $500
Deposit - $250 due with registration; final payment due by January 12, 2018
Fee covers all ground transportation, lodging and entrance fees. Participants are responsible
for personal supplies, snacks and meals.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email, and are effective upon receipt.
Cancellations received up to 6 months prior to departure will be refunded in full. For
cancellations less than 6 months prior to departure, the deposit is not refundable. Final
payment is due 60 days prior to departure; no refunds are available for cancellations less
than 60 days prior to departure. However, if we are able to fill your spot, a partial refund
may be possible.
Flights:
DO NOT book your flight until we have given you the flight information for the trip leaders.
We ask that you schedule your flight to arrive no later than one half hour after the trip
leaders, and for your return flight not to depart earlier than that of the trip leaders. Please
provide us with your flight details.
Trip Insurance:
If you cancel for any reason, the cancellation policy will apply. If you wish to purchase trip
cancellation insurance, you can search for policies at www.insuremytrip.com.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Registration Form – Florida Birding Escape 2018
To register by mail, please fill out the form below and mail it to:
Adult Program Registrar
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
For more information or to register by phone, please contact:
Kathy Seymour, Birding Tour Leader
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
781-259-2207
kseymour@massaudubon.org
Name(s) ____________________________________________ Member no.__________
______________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Telephone Daytime ________________________ Evening ________________________
Cell ____________________________
E-mail address ________________________________________________
Would you like to receive our monthly e-mail Birders Connection? Yes___ No___
I would like to join Mass Audubon: Family $65_______ Individual $48 ______
Single Room Requested: Yes ___ No ___ Please note single supplement fee.
Deposit Enclosed: _______________
Visa/Mastercard/Discover/American Express: ______________________________________
Exp. date ____/____
Payment by check is greatly appreciated, and enables us to use more of our funds for
programming. Please make your check payable to Mass Audubon. Thank you!
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Checklist - Florida Birding Escape 2018
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Short-tailed Hawk Great Horned Owl Carolina Wren
Fulvous Whistling-Duck Red-tailed Hawk Burrowing Owl Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Canada Goose King Rail Barred Owl Red-whiskered Bulbul
Egyptian Goose Clapper Rail Chuck-will's-widow Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Muscovy Duck Sora Ruby-throated Hummingbird Eastern Bluebird
Wood Duck Purple Gallinule Belted Kingfisher Hermit Thrush
American Wigeon Gray-headed Swamphen Red-headed Woodpecker American Robin
Mallard Common Gallinule Red-bellied Woodpecker Gray Catbird
Mottled Duck American Coot Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Brown Thrasher
Blue-winged Teal Limpkin Downy Woodpecker Northern Mockingbird
Northern Shoveler Sandhill Crane Red-cockaded Woodpecker Common Hill Myna
Green-winged Teal Black-necked Stilt Northern Flicker European Starling
Redhead American Avocet Pileated Woodpecker Common Myna
Ring-necked Duck American Oystercatcher Crested Caracara Cedar Waxwing
Lesser Scaup Black-bellied Plover American Kestrel Ovenbird
Bufflehead Snowy Plover Peregrine Falcon Worm-eating Warbler
Hooded Merganser Wilson's Plover Rose-ringed Parakeet Louisiana Waterthrush
Red-breasted Merganser Semipalmated Plover Monk Parakeet Northern Waterthrush
Northern Bobwhite Piping Plover White-winged Parakeet Black-and-white Warbler
Wild Turkey Killdeer Yellow-chevroned Parakeet Prothonotary Warbler
Common Loon Whimbrel Red-crowned Parrot Orange-crowned Warbler
Pied-billed Grebe Long-billed Curlew Orange-winged Parrot Common Yellowthroat
Wood Stork Marbled Godwit Nanday Parakeet Hooded Warbler
Magnificent Frigatebird Ruddy Turnstone Blue-and-yellow Macaw Northern Parula
Double-crested Cormorant Red Knot Chestnut-fronted Macaw Palm Warbler
Anhinga Sanderling Blue-crowned Parakeet Pine Warbler
American White Pelican Dunlin Mitred Parakeet Yellow-rumped Warbler
Brown Pelican Least Sandpiper Red-masked Parakeet Yellow-throated Warbler
American Bittern Western Sandpiper Eastern Phoebe Prairie Warbler
Least Bittern Short-billed Dowitcher Great Crested Flycatcher Bachman's Sparrow
Great Blue Heron Long-billed Dowitcher Western Kingbird Grasshopper Sparrow
Great Egret Wilson's Snipe Gray Kingbird Seaside Sparrow
Snowy Egret Spotted Sandpiper Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Chipping Sparrow
Little Blue Heron Greater Yellowlegs Loggerhead Shrike Savannah Sparrow
Tricolored Heron Willet White-eyed Vireo Song Sparrow
Reddish Egret Lesser Yellowlegs Yellow-throated Vireo Swamp Sparrow
Cattle Egret Bonaparte's Gull Blue-headed Vireo Eastern Towhee
Green Heron Laughing Gull Black-whiskered Vireo Northern Cardinal
Black-crowned Night-Heron Ring-billed Gull Blue Jay Indigo Bunting
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Herring Gull Florida Scrub-Jay Painted Bunting
White Ibis Lesser Black-backed Gull American Crow Red-winged Blackbird
Glossy Ibis Caspian Tern Fish Crow Eastern Meadowlark
Roseate Spoonbill Forster's Tern N. Rough-winged Swallow Common Grackle
Black Vulture Royal Tern Purple Martin Boat-tailed Grackle
Turkey Vulture Sandwich Tern Tree Swallow Shiny Cowbird
Osprey Black Skimmer Barn Swallow Bronzed Cowbird
Swallow-tailed Kite Rock Pigeon Cave Swallow Brown-headed Cowbird
Snail Kite White-crowned Pigeon Carolina Chickadee Spot-breasted Oriole
Northern Harrier Eurasian Collared-Dove Tufted Titmouse House Finch
Sharp-shinned Hawk Common Ground-Dove Brown-headed Nuthatch American Goldfinch
Cooper's Hawk White-winged Dove House Wren House Sparrow
Bald Eagle Mourning Dove Sedge Wren
Red-shouldered Hawk Mangrove Cuckoo Marsh Wren
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
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