Birding AdventuresPaddy Cunningham
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Florida Birding Hot Spots
Outstanding Adventures • Everglades Fest • South Florida • Costa Rica • Panama • Virginia
Florida Panhandle Adventure
February 18-21, 2011
A four-day, three-night van trip to the Tallahassee area, in search of North Florida winter specialties. Over 20 species of waterfowl, 10-15 sparrows, 8 woodpeckers, 5 wrens, plus chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets, pipits, waxwings, thrushes, and finches are all possible. Western strays, including hummingbirds and orioles may also be seen. This trip involves 2 long drives and will cover large areas of the great state of Florida. Cost includes-3 nights hotel (dbl. occupancy), 3 breakfast, 1 lunch, van transportation, park admissions, and 4 days of EXPERT BIRDING with PADDY CUNNINGHAM.
Itinerary: (subject to change based on rarities and weather conditions)
FRIDAY, FEB 18 — 6:30 AM Meet at Paddy's House, 1653 Plunkett St. Hollywood
Lunch on the road
Quick Break-Payne's Prairie State Park
Time permitting Visit Springhill Sewage Treatment Facility, in Tallahassee, for waterfowl, and Black Swamp, for Rusty Blackbird, Winter Wren, etc.
Dinner in Tallahassee. Arrival at motel in Tallahassee.
SATURDAY, FEB 19 — 6:30AM Breakfast
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a vast expanse of tidal zones, shorelines, oak forest, pinelands, grass prairies, lakes and freshwater swamps. It is teeming with birdlife especially wintering waterfowl and sparrows. We will bird by habitat to increase our chances for the greatest diversity of species of waterfowl, rails, shorebirds, sparrows, hawks, woodpeckers and warblers. Rare target species inclue past sightings of American Goldeneye, Scoters, Snow Geese, Nelson's Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, White-faced Ibis, American and Spague's Pipit.
A picnic lunch with Redheads and a visit to the nature center will be included.
Late Afternoon-Alligator Point/Bald Point State Park is an excellent place to view wintering birds such as Whimbrel, American Goldeneye and Scoters. In Panacea, where we will search for loons, grebes and winter ducks. We will also visit Bottoms Road, for Clapper Rail and Short-eared Owl.
Dinner in Panacea. Late return.
SUNDAY, FEB 20 — 6:30AM Breakfast in Tallahassee
Apalachicola National Forest, where we will look for Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Henslow's and LeContes Sparrow, and hope for Yellow Rail.
Torreya State Park, in Rock Bluff, where we will search for Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Purple Finch, etc.
Cross into Central Time.
Lunch on the road
Florida Caverns State Park, in Marianna, where we will search for Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eyed Junco, etc.
Three Rivers State Recreation Area, in Sneads, where we will search for waterfowl
Dinner in Tallahassee.
MONDAY, FEB 21 — 6:30AM Breakfast
Visit Tall Timbers Research Center, north of Tallahassee, where we will search for White-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, plus sparrows.
A quick stop at a private residence with famous feeders for a variety of birds.
Return to Miami. Lunch/dinner en route.
Costs:
$425.00 per person double occupancy, $100.00 single supplement.
includes transportation, tolls, 3 breakfast, 1 lunch, hotel (three nights in Tallahassee) and 4 days of expert birding.
Meals: on your own.
Reservation Requirements:
To reserve your space on this trip, the rental van/gas/toll/hotel cost must be paid in advance.
Make out a check to Patricia Cunningham for $425.00 (or $525.00 if not double occupancy), and mail to:
Paddy Cunningham,1653 Plunkett St.Hollywood, FL 33020Essential Supplies:
Checks must be received by 2/1/11 to ensure your reservation.
No refunds for cancellations after 2/11/11.
- The panhandle can get down into the 30's and be wet during the winter during cold fronts. BE PREPARED with warm clothes and rain gear. It is good to have a change of shoes in case yours get wet. PLEASE try to keep your luggage to a minimum and preferably to a soft sided bag.
- Warm clothing (dress in layers), Rubber boots (we will likely be walking in wet areas), Raingear, Binoculars, Spotting scope (optional). Field guidesWater bottle, Snacks. Meal money.