Grab your binoculars and field guide and join us on some interesting field trips!

Trips are subject to weather and last-minute changes. There are no rain dates. Birds and Brews events involve some birding followed by an optional visit to a local pub or restaurant. All times are Central Time. See our Facebook page or electronic newsletter for up to date information or call/text Ron Houser at 850-774-9733.
For All Trips: Please be courteous by talking softly and not talking on your phone while others are trying to see or hear birds. Please stay behind the trip leader and try to stay together as much as possible. Please stay on the trails to avoid damage to native vegetation and to avoid hazards like fire ants.

FIELD TRIPS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 2024

All BCAS field trips are free and open to the public. Remember: Use proper birding etiquette, stay on the trails, limit talking while others are trying to hear birds, bring sunscreen, insect repellent, walking shoes, snacks and drinks. If you don’t have binoculars, we have some to lend. Call Ron Houser for questions: 850-774-9733

Saturday, September 14, “Birds and Burgers” at St. Andrews State Park. This is our first field trip of the year, what we usually call a Beginner Bird Walk but anyone is welcome to join us at Gator Lake at 8:30am to walk the trail by the lake to see the resident birds and maybe a few early migrants. We also plan to check out Buttonbush Marsh, the jetties and pass for shorebirds, wading birds and others. Afterwards, those who want to eat lunch can join us at Patches Pub, near the park entrance at 11:00. Accessibility: slightly hilly dirt trails with uneven ground. The boardwalk at Gator Lake and the jetties area are wheelchair accessible.  

Saturday, September 21  Annual Coastal Cleanup – see Sept-Oct Newsletter article or email lpca08@gmail.com for more information.

Saturday, September 28  Monthly species survey at Camp Helen State Park 6:00am. Experienced birders (and interested newbies) are invited. You will need to email Emily Ellis if you would like more information or to sign up. emlyellis@gmail.com 

Saturday, October 19  Fall migration birding in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas  This is a  good place to see migrating birds, especially raptors, as they make their long journey to South and Central America. We will start out in downtown Port St. Joe at the boat ramp near the Lighthouse and work our way to the Cape, stopping at Salinas Park and possibly the State Park if we have time.  We plan to eat lunch in Port St. Joe at a local restaurant, probably Peppers Mexican Restaurant. You can meet us at 6:45am (Central Time) by Starbuck’s at the Panama City Mall to follow us down or possibly carpool. We will leave there right at 7:00.  Or, you may want to meet us in Port St. Joe at Frank Pate Park just past the lighthouse. Turn right off U.S. Hwy 98 onto 5th St. at the traffic light. The parking area is on the left, by the restrooms. We plan to meet up there by 8:15 Central Time, or 9:15 Eastern Time. Bring binoculars, cameras, snacks, and drinks. We should be back in Panama City by 3:00pm Central Time. Accessibility: varies from paved paths to unpaved level ground.  Mostly wheelchair accessible.  Rain date is Oct. 26

Saturday, October 26  Camp Helen Species Count 6:00 am – see above

Saturday, November 2  Trail work day at Audubon’s Laidlaw Preserve in Washington County. We will be joined by members of Choctawhatchee Audubon to do some trimming of the trails there before eating our picnic lunch at our gazebo on beautiful Pam’s Pond.  Meet at the preserve on Hwy 79 at 9:00am or be at Porter Park in Lynn Haven by the restrooms at 8:00am to leave at 8:15. Bring work clothes, gloves, insect repellent, gardening tools such as clippers, loppers, and string trimmers. Bring a picnic lunch and binoculars.