Field Trips

Please note!

OAS has transitioned to online signup for field trips. Field trips are released (open for sign-up) bimonthly, except for overnight trips, which are released early. SIGN UP for classes and PAY here.

photo of blue dasher dragonfly
Eastern Pondhawk on Tickseed. Photo: Paula Duenas

Regular Field Trips

OAS’ free regular field trips showcase Florida’s wildlife in natural conditions. Most involve leisurely walks. Before each trip, check the OASis for details. For questions, contact Kathy Rigling at riglingkathy@gmail.com. Sign up on-line in Yellow box above.

2023

  • Sat, Sep 16…..Trimble Park, Mount Dora
  • Sat, Oct 21……Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
  • Sat, Nov 18……Wekiwa Springs State Park ($6 entrance fee)
  • Various dates in Dec……Local Christmas Bird Counts (see OASis for dates)

2024

  • Sat, Jan 20…..Pear Park Wildlife Conservation Area, Leesburg
  • Sat, Feb 17……..Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
  • Sat, Mar 16…….Marl Bed Flats, Sanford
  • Sat, Apr 20…….Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. Photo: Susan Thome-Barrett

Limited Edition Field Trips

OAS’ Limited Edition Field Trips are restricted to 12 people per trip. Cost per person for one-day trips is $12 members, $17 non-members. For overnight trips, cost is $85 members; $110 non-members. Reservations are required; contact Kathy Rigling at riglingkathy@gmail.com. Sign up on-line in Yellow box above.

2023

  • Sat, Sep 9…Joe Overstreet Road and Landing, Osceola County
  • Sat, Oct 7…Oak Hammock and Weather Tower Road, Merritt Is.
  • Sat, Nov 4…Bird & Bike, Lake Apopka Loop Trail
  • Sat, Dec 16…St. Augustine Sparrow Quest, St. Johns County

2024

  • Sun, Jan 7 …Your Biggest Year, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
  • Sat-Sun, Feb 3–4…Gainesville Hotspots, Alachua County
  • Sat, Mar 9…Pine Meadows Conservation Area, Eustis
  • Mon-Tue, Apr 22-23 …Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County
  • Sat, May 4…Ocala Wetlands, Alachua County
  • Sat, Jun 1 …June Challenge Kickoff, Orlando Wetlands Park
black-necked stilt
Black-necked Stilt. Photo: Susan Thome-Barrett

Bird Surveys

OAS assists our local Parks and Preserves by performing quarterly or monthly bird surveys. Cost to join is free. To sign up, contact Kathy Rigling, riglingkathy@gmail.com.

  • Oakland Nature Preserve (quarterly)
  • Rock Spring Run State Reserve (quarterly)
  • Wekiwa Springs State Park (monthly)
Young Birders Club Trip, Mead Botanic Garden, April 2022. Photo courtesy Young Birders Club

Young Birders Club Field Trips

More information here.

Belize Trip leader Glenn Crawford calling out a bird. Photo: Deborah Green

Overnight Field Trips

Belize Tropical Birding with Wildside Nature Tours – 2 Different Tours

  • Dates: November 12–20, 2023 or February 3–11, 2024
  • Cost is $3300 per person, double occupancy.
  • Details: wildsidenaturetours.com/orange-audubon-society/
  • For registration and other details, email Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org

Northwest Florida Panhandle Birding

  • Dates: Wed-Sun, April 10-14, 2024, 4 nights/4 days. 
  • We will explore for migratory warblers, southern breeding songbirds and shorebirds and an American Flamingo! Details in OASis.
  • Cost: $300 members; $350 non-members; includes local expert guides, Wakulla Springs boat tour and some picnic meals.
  • For registration, lodging, and other details contact Teresa Williams at (407) 718-1977

Ohio Warbler Migration: Magee Marsh & More with Wildside Nature Tours

  • Dates: Mon-Sat, May 13–18, 2024
  • Leader: Gabriel Lugo, Wildside Nature Tours
  • Cost: $2,200 per person, double occupancy
  • Details: wildsidenaturetours.com/orange-audubon-society/
  • For registration and other details, email Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org
Buscando Parjaros trip. Photo: Delsy Rodriguez

Other Field Trips

Mead Botanical Garden Fall Bird Walks 

  • Join us at a fall migration hotspot.
  • Location: Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park. 
  • Dates/time: Saturdays in Oct: 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023, at 8:00 AM. 
  • Sign up on-line in the yellow box above

Kissimmee River Boat Trip and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Trip

  • Dates: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • After 4 hours at Riverwoods, including a boat ride on the Kissimmee River, we will drive about 45 minutes to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park birding the amazing entrance road for Crested Caracaras and other prairie birds.
  • $60 members; $85 non-members
  • For registration and other details, email Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org

Skimmers, Terns and Shorebirds, Disappearing Island Boat Trip

  • Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
  • Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
  • $65 members; $90 non-members
  • For registration and other details, email Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org

Buscando Pajaros

  • Observación de aves en español.
  • Lugar: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas
  • Fecha/hora: Sábado, March 9, 2024, 9:00–11:30 AM
  • Detalles y registración: Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org; por favor complete también el formulario de registro aquí
  • Disfrute de un paseo en trailer por los pantanos de Orlando Wetlands, en un evento gratuito patrocinado por la Orange Audubon Society. Los observadores de aves de habla hispana compartirán información sobre la increíble vida de las aves en el Parque de la Ciudad de Orlando.
  • Traiga sus binoculares. Algunos de préstamo estan disponibles. Los participantes están limitados a 20. Para informacion adicional, llame 407-637- 2525. 

Mead Botanical Garden Spring Bird Walks, Winter Park

  • Join us at a spring migration hotspot.
  • Location: Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park. 
  • Dates/time: Saturdays in Apr: 6, 14(changed from 13 due to Duck Derby), 20 and 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM. 
  • Sign up on-line in the yellow box above

June Challenge Bird Walk and Top Birder Celebration

  • Finish up your June with a bird walk and celebration.
  • Location: TBD
  • Date: Sunday Jul 28, 2024, time TBD.
  • Contact Kathy Rigling at riglingkathy@gmail.com for information and to register.
  • Sign up on-line in the yellow box above