2006 - 2007 FIELD TRIPS

In Florida, every day is a great day to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature around us. As a child, we were told to stop, look, and listen. As an adult, we say stop and smell the roses. Both of these finally make sense when we have the chance to get out and enjoy more than 200 species of birds, numerous mammals, reptiles and native plants in Hillsborough County alone.

This year, we have made an effort to vary our field trips to include outings where you can see shorebirds on some trips while warblers on another. We've included a variety of locations and habitats so that each trip is unique. This year we've added a senior bird walk for those who would prefer a very easy terrain with several places to sit and relax while enjoying nature. In addition, a junior beginning bird walk is included to introduce school age children to the joys of birding.

For the adventurous person who enjoys the nightlife, we'll have an owl prowl while early risers can enjoy nature trips where we'll see various insects including butterflies in addition to spiders, plants, reptiles and birds. Don't miss the end of year frog trip with the opportunity to not only see and hear the frogs but learn to recognize their calls and maybe learn to sound like one.

Tampa Audubon field trips are open to the public and unless noted otherwise are free. If you have any ideas for trips that you would like to see added in the future, please e-mail Jo Anne Hartzler at fieldtrips@audubon.org or call (813)310-7676.

Photos by Gary Krotz

NOTE: Any person participating in a Tampa Audubon Society Field Trip does so at his or her own risk, and acknowledges that Tampa Audubon Society has made no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the safety of conducting this activity at this site.

All participants will be required to sign a form waiving and releasing Tampa Audubon Society and its officers, directors, Field trip leaders, assistants and employees from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damage, costs and expenses resulting from any injury to me or damage caused by my failure to follow instruction.

Click here to print out the Tampa Audubon Society Field Trip Release form.

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Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips & Special Events 2007 - 2008 Please note: Our Field Trip Committee plans trips a long time in advance. Please call the trip leader to confirm the trip, its meeting time, location, and other specifics. Trips are appropriate for beginning and experienced birders. Trips are free unless otherwise noted. Lake Park Beginning Birders’ and Children’s Bird Walk. Saturday June 21. Easy outdoor walk for beginning birders, parents & school children. Bring binoculars. Learn Florida's resident birds using songs, antics, and appearance & native plants. 17302 North Dale Mabry. We will meet a 8:00 AM at the first parking lot/playground area. Contact Jo Anne Hartzler: 310-7676, usarealty@msn.com. Butterfly field trip (spot and indentify local butterflies) - Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. at Lettuce Lake County Park at the Audubon Resource Center. The trip will also visit MOSI's butterfly garden and the Kruetzman's native plant garden on Lake Thonotosassa. Bring water and lunch. Contact Gail or Russ Kruetzman at 850-519-0990 for more information. Sweetwater Park, Saturday,July 26, 8a.m. Carolyn McKinney docentcarolyn@yahoo.com (813)884-0578.From Eisenhower Blvd. go west (right turn) on Memorial Hwy. and proceed to Bray Rd. (third traffic light) turn right. Park is on the left near the end of the road. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. J. B Starkey Park Butterfly Walk. Saturday, August 2 Among the great things about a Florida summer are the butterflies. See our state butterfly, the zebra heliconian, the well-known monarch and its mimics along with skippers & dragonflies. Jo Anne Hartzler (813) 310-7676, usarealty@msn.com. Friday, August 29, 7:30 p.m. Frog Listening Network — TAS Meeting & Field Trip, Flatwoods Park, Thonotosassa, E Hillsborough County, Morris Bridge Rd, TAS & the Hillsborough River Watershed Alliance. See frogs and toads and learn their songs and sounds. Learn about their significance to our well-being and wetlands. This outing fills quickly. Reservations: Jo Anne Hartzler (813) 310-7676, usarealty@msn.com. Thanks and let me know about our feathered friends! Joni

President:Carolyn McKinney
Immediate past President: Ann Paul/Rob Heath