NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL

NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL trip, birding from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal. Photo: Elza Phillips

November 30, 2023 – December 4, 2023

The NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL spotlights the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore, an Important Bird Area and the top eBird hotspot in Florida.

Most trips are based out of the McDonald Canal, CR 448A, Mount Dora, and allow driving into parts of the restoration area that are otherwise inaccessible except on foot or bicycle. All levels of birders, nature photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the field trips, which include trips suitable for children accompanied by an adult.

Field trips cost $15–85, with no additional festival registration fees, and many include a box lunch. College students can participate for half price and there are college student travel scholarships. Keynotes with dinners and night activities are held at the Youth Camp at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Reservations are required. All proceeds benefit Orange Audubon Society’s fund for a nature and environmental education center or related educational programs. 

Registration will open in the fall, and trips fill up fast!. Sign up for updates here.

Visit the NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL website. You can email, or call for more information: