Above: Snowy Egret, by Dan Vickers.
Florida Birding at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Wakulla Springs State Park
February 2 to 4, 2024
Roseate Spoonbill, by Tom Wilson.
Georgia Audubon Guides: Melanie Furr and Dottie Head
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Virtual Pre-trip Workshop via Zoom meeting: Wednesday, January 24, at 7:00 PM
Registration:
Join Melanie Furr, Director of Education, and Dottie Head, Director of Communications, for a fun three-day tour exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Wakulla Springs State Park in the Florida Panhandle. Established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks NWR is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This Globally Important Bird Area encompasses more than 70,000 acres of coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, supporting to a diverse community of plant and animal life, including more than 300 species of birds. In addition to large numbers of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, we expect to see beautiful wading birds like Roseate Spoonbills, nesting Bald Eagles, and possibly even Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In recent years, the refuge has also provided a winter home for rarities like Vermilion Flycatchers, Red-throated Loons, and an American Flamingo. We’ll also explore Wakulla Springs State Park, including a short riverboat tour of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. This wildlife viewing trip among majestic bald cypress trees offers great looks at waterfowl and wading birds, as well alligators, turtles, and possibly otters and manatees.
For more information, please e-mail Melanie Furr or Dottie Head.
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Virtual Pre-trip Workshop via Zoom meeting: Wednesday, January 24, at 7:00 PM
Registration:
- Master Birders in good membership and volunteer standing: $310 per person
- Georgia Audubon Members: $330 per person
- Non-members: $380 per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Join Melanie Furr, Director of Education, and Dottie Head, Director of Communications, for a fun three-day tour exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Wakulla Springs State Park in the Florida Panhandle. Established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks NWR is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This Globally Important Bird Area encompasses more than 70,000 acres of coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, supporting to a diverse community of plant and animal life, including more than 300 species of birds. In addition to large numbers of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, we expect to see beautiful wading birds like Roseate Spoonbills, nesting Bald Eagles, and possibly even Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In recent years, the refuge has also provided a winter home for rarities like Vermilion Flycatchers, Red-throated Loons, and an American Flamingo. We’ll also explore Wakulla Springs State Park, including a short riverboat tour of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. This wildlife viewing trip among majestic bald cypress trees offers great looks at waterfowl and wading birds, as well alligators, turtles, and possibly otters and manatees.
For more information, please e-mail Melanie Furr or Dottie Head.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
itinerary
Day 1 (Friday, February 2) : St. Marks National Wildlife REfuge
On day 1, we will get an early start and plan to spend the day exploring St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge. Our first stop will be the East River Pool where we expect to see a variety of wading birds and waterfowl, including herons, gulls, egrets, ibis, and more. We'll make our way through the refuge with stops along the way to explore the marshes, pools, and other features that make up the refuge. Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and owls are often seen soaring or perched on snags along the road that runs through St. Marks. We'll visit tower pond where we hope to see Black-crowned Night Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Little Blue Herons, and alligators before taking the short hike along the mounds trail where we'll see ponds loaded with terns, Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers, Dunlin, sandpipers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, gulls, and more. We'll wind up at the lighthouse pools and flats where we will try to take in the sheer abundance of waterfowl that are generally feeding here. Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Widgeon, Canvasback, Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, terns, gulls, herons, ibis, and so much more can be found in this pool. A walk along the beach will not only afford picturesque views of the St. Marks Lighthouse, but will also give us the chance to scan offshore for pelicans, scaup, loons, Buffleheads, and other open water loving birds.
Day 2 (Saturday, February 3) St. Marks NWR and Other birding locations
On day two, we'll start back at St. Marks NWR at the Helipad looking for Henslow's sparrows, warblers, gnatcatchers, nuthatches, and other songbirds. In recent years, the group has also had good looks at a family of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in this spot as well. If we missed any target birds (like the American Flamingo or others the day before) we may revisit spots in the refuge to try and find these birds. After a lunch break, we'll reconvene for an afternoon's birding in hotspots like Marshes Sands County Park and other non-contiguous sections of St. Mark's NWR. Weather permitting, we'll plan to watch the sunset over the marsh while watching and listening for Marsh Wrens, Seaside Sparrows, Clapper Rails, kingfishers, Roseate Spoonbills, Ruddy Turnstones, and and a variety of wading birds and waterfowl.
Day 3 (Sunday, February 4): Wakulla Springs State Park (half day)
We'll begin our final morning at nearby Wakulla Springs State Park. We'll start off birding the grounds at Wakulla Springs and visiting the observation platform to look for the manatees that spend the cool winter months in the temperate waters of Wakulla Springs. Then, we'll board a boat for a tour of the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring. Anhingas, coots, gallinules, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Osprey, Killdeer, kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Roseate Spoonbills, and herons are only a few of the birds we will expect to see along with American alligators, turtles, otters, and other wildlife that live in these waters. Plan to take a few minutes to walk through the lobby of the beautiful, historic Wakulla Springs Lodge and don't forget to pick up a milkshake or other treat at the soda fountain in the hotel lobby. After the boat ride, we'll bid a fond farewell and begin making our way home with great memories and photos of our birding adventure.
additional information
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Lodging Information:
Georgia Audubon will reserve a block of rooms at the Best Western Wakulla Springs for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate. We will share this information with participants soon. The Best Western Wakulla Springs provides basic and clean accommodations, including an in-room mini fridge and coffee maker, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Participants who desire more amenities may want to consider other private rental units in the area, such as houses and condos, through providers like VRBO, Airbnb, private rental companies, etc. Please contact us with any questions about lodging.
Meals:
Meals are on your own for this trip. There are many excellent seafood and other restaurants in and around St. Marks, but most of them are small, family-owned establishments and accommodating large groups, such as ours, can be difficult. A hot breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a 1.5 to 2 hour lunch break each day. We tend to split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the refuge. We will plan an optional meet up for dinner and/or drink on Thursday evening at a location to be determined. We will also plan an optional group dinner on our last evening, Saturday, February 1, at Angelou's Seafood, one of the few large restaurants in the area.
Pace:
Each day will require an early start (leaving the hotel around 7:00 AM) in an attempt to take advantage of peak birding opportunities. We will need to drive 15 to 20 minutes each morning to reach our destination. The birding will be easy to moderate walking on flat terrain, but we will be covering a lot of ground. There may be times you are required to stand for an extended period of time. Sturdy walking shoes are hiking boots are recommended.
Weather:
Weather in Florida this time of year can be hard to predict. One should plan for anything from breezy mornings in the 40’s all the way up to the 80’s. Rain is common this time of year, so pack a rain coat and waterproof footwear. Weather in the area can change quickly, so the group should be prepared to adjust plans as needed.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date, including having at least one booster. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 1, 2023, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 2 and January 18 , a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Georgia Audubon Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- Two full days and one half-day of guided birding with Georgia Audubon staff
- Wakulla Springs State Park boat tour
- Admission to all fee-based birding sites, including St. Marks NWR, Wakulla Springs State Park, and other sites.
- Guides will bring a spotting scopes for group use. Please feel free to bring your own if you have one.
- Loaned binoculars are available for use during the trip with advance notice.
Price does not include:
- Transportation and travel fees not specified above
- Lodging
- Meals, beverages, etc.
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Medical costs
- Souvenirs
- Other incidentals participants may wish to purchase
Lodging Information:
Georgia Audubon will reserve a block of rooms at the Best Western Wakulla Springs for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate. We will share this information with participants soon. The Best Western Wakulla Springs provides basic and clean accommodations, including an in-room mini fridge and coffee maker, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Participants who desire more amenities may want to consider other private rental units in the area, such as houses and condos, through providers like VRBO, Airbnb, private rental companies, etc. Please contact us with any questions about lodging.
Meals:
Meals are on your own for this trip. There are many excellent seafood and other restaurants in and around St. Marks, but most of them are small, family-owned establishments and accommodating large groups, such as ours, can be difficult. A hot breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a 1.5 to 2 hour lunch break each day. We tend to split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the refuge. We will plan an optional meet up for dinner and/or drink on Thursday evening at a location to be determined. We will also plan an optional group dinner on our last evening, Saturday, February 1, at Angelou's Seafood, one of the few large restaurants in the area.
Pace:
Each day will require an early start (leaving the hotel around 7:00 AM) in an attempt to take advantage of peak birding opportunities. We will need to drive 15 to 20 minutes each morning to reach our destination. The birding will be easy to moderate walking on flat terrain, but we will be covering a lot of ground. There may be times you are required to stand for an extended period of time. Sturdy walking shoes are hiking boots are recommended.
Weather:
Weather in Florida this time of year can be hard to predict. One should plan for anything from breezy mornings in the 40’s all the way up to the 80’s. Rain is common this time of year, so pack a rain coat and waterproof footwear. Weather in the area can change quickly, so the group should be prepared to adjust plans as needed.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date, including having at least one booster. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 1, 2023, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 2 and January 18 , a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Georgia Audubon Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
