“Turtle Watch”: When it’s all hands on deck, with not a second to lose, and everything counts-cooperative involvement as key to hatchling survival.
2024-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Kennard Watson, presenter

Birding at Majette Park
2024-02-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Majette Park back entrance and parking, 8058 John Pitts Rd, Panama City, FL, 32404, United States
Bird walk at Majette Park, led by Pam Overmyer. Meet at the park at 8:00 a.m. The park is located on John Pitts Rd., off U.S. Hwy 231 near Bayou George. Go past the main park entrance and drive about ¼ mile to the next entrance on the right, where the parking area is. Walking is along paved and dirt paths and over grassy fields, which may be muddy. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. We should be finished by 11:00 a.m.

Parker Preserve Work Day
2024-03-09 08:30 - 11:30
Bring water, snacks, and garden tools.

“Zone out” with Birds of Panama, and other alluring denizens of this namesake area.
2024-03-11 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Gail Casteel, presenter

Birding and native plant walk
2024-03-16 08:00 - 17:00
Birding and native plant walk at Florida Caverns in Marianna, combined trip with Sweetbay NPS. Ranger Billy Baily leading.

Bird Walk
2024-03-23 07:30 - 17:00
Most of you have been to this large park off Hwy 98 at the beach. It has become a major birding area and is very popular with hikers and bikers. We will be walking up Baxley Homestead Trail to the large wetland, about 1.4 miles, but it’s flat all the way and is wheelchair accessible. We will have binoculars available if you need them. Bring hiking shoes, snacks, and drinks. Photographers will find that this is an excellent area to photograph birds including the Vermillion Flycatcher, if he has returned for the fourth year. We are usually finished by 11:00 or so.

Nature Connection 2024
2024-04-06 15:30 - 20:15
Bay County Audubon Society’s Nature Connection 2024 Program features Safari Guide and Emperor Penguin Expert
Bay County Audubon Society will celebrate its “Nature Connection 2024” Program main event on April 6 at the Holley Center, FSU PC campus. Keynote speaker is safari guide and naturalist Tom Nkwazi, “Big Tom” as he is known in his native country of Botswana, Africa. He is a fully-licensed professional safari guide of more than 15 years. Also scheduled to present is Noah Strycker, who has extensively studied birds and lived with penguins, as his authorship of six books will attest. Both presenters will tell you their personal stories of what they are observing and learning about the current state of nature in our changing world. Big Tom currently guides in the northern part of Botswana, in the Okavango Delta, close to Chobe National Park (home to 100,000 plus elephants) and world-famous Victoria Falls in nearby Zimbabwe. A quick google search (replete with National Geographic videos) will reveal the magic of the Okavango Delta.
Big Tom brings a unique source of knowledge about Wild Africa, offering us a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to learn about the environmental issues facing the shrinking African natural habitat. The iconic image of Africa is perhaps best revealed by the fauna and flora of the Serengeti, host to elephants, lions, wildebeest, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, acacia trees, and exotic birds, to name a few, a migration wonder of the natural world. His message will include discussion of issues with far-reaching consequences, such as: what is happening to the environment across Africa today? What are the threatened species – are rhinos near extinction? Are elephant populations under threat? Is vital habitat being lost? Is there time to fix these situations? How do these events relate to each of us?
We are indeed fortunate to have Noah Strycker back again to present after he headlined our “Nature Connection 2022” Program. At that event Noah delivered a standing-ovation presentation about his around-the-world birding odyssey in 2015 during which he visited 41 countries, all seven continents, identifying a record-setting 6,042 bird species. He hasn’t slowed down much since then, as you will discover at the Program. He has visited the Arctic and Antarctica numerous times, compiling a vast knowledge of these icy regions through these visits and scientific studies.
This time, Noah will update us on his current area of intense nature focus, the status of the Emperor Penguin in Antarctica. See a few of his photos in the above linked article, “Tom’s Story” (& Noah’s Penguin Update). Recent reporting suggests Emperor Penguin populations are suffering serious nesting, thus survival, issues due to accelerating melting sea ice (their chicks only hatch on ice).
In addition to his presentation on Emperor Penguins at the upcoming April 6 event, Noah will again visit many of our local schools for an updated program about penguins and nature. Big Tom will be speaking at local high schools about the African story.
We are all indeed fortunate to have these two naturalists to be here with us to present a treasure trove of nature information about how things are going in the real world of nature. To participate, consider attending and donating through our tickets on sale.
Depending on the type of ticket (level of donation) purchased to attend the April 6 main event, there are several enhancements to the main Program presentations. Please see the Ticket Information after this article which provides those features and their times. These may include a “Meet and Greet” with our two speakers, a catered buffet, string quartet, the North Bay Haven High School Choralaires, and photo exhibits.
To buy or order tickets, or get more information (reserving a table, payment options, etc.) call Brian Dusseault at 850-832-7579, or email him at bdusseault@aol.com (please put Tickets in the subject line). You can also leave a message about tickets on this website at “CONTACT”.
Net proceeds mainly go to the Bay Education Foundation, which funds grants to public school/charter teachers who apply for nature-related classroom projects. Also, part of the proceeds will be directed to a community school where three of Big Tom’s children attend in his hometown of Kazungula, Botswana. Hope to see you on April 6! For more detailed information on the background of the two presenters and features photography while on African Safari and penguins in Antarctica. Click on the sidebar article entitled “Tom’s Story” (& Noah’s Penguin Update) following the “Schedule of Events” above top on the right.
Location
FSU Holley Academic Center
4750 Collegiate Dr.Panama City, FL 32405
Schedule of Events
3:30pm
“Meet and Greet” with “Big Tom” and Noah: Bring your safari questions for Tom and your Arctic tours and expeditions questions for Noah.
4:45pm
Catered buffet, heavy hors d’oeuvres; cash bar.String quartet, photo exhibition. North Bay Haven High School Choralaires
6:30 – 8:15pm
Featured Programwith Noah & “Big Tom”
Tom’s Story
(& Noah’s penguin update)

Ticket Information

Nature Visionary
$1000 and up

Includes reserved table for 8 to attend all events

Nature Builder (can create a table with several more)
$250

Includes 2 reserved seats to attend all events

Nature Patron
$175

Includes 2 unreserved seats to attend all events

Nature Advocate
$65

Includes 1 ticket for Buffet and Featured Program

General Admission
$30

Includes 1 Ticket to the Featured Program

General Admission – Seniors
$25

Includes 1 Ticket to the Featured Program

General Admission – Youth
$10

Includes 1 Ticket to the Featured Program

Proceeds go to Bay Education Foundation & “Big Tom’s”
Community School in Botswana, Africa

Special Presentation by Big Tom Nkwazi, Safari Guide
2024-04-08 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States

High Island
2024-04-14 08:00 - 2024-04-18 17:00
April 14-18. Sunday-Thursday. High Island, Texas migration trip. We will bird Audubon & Texas Ornithological Society preserves, Bolivar Peninsula, Anahuac NWR & Sabine Pass. Contact Gail Casteel at gail@baycountyaudubon.org for more information.

Earth Day
2024-04-20 08:00 - 17:00
Downtown Panama City.

St. George Island migrant birding
2024-04-27 08:00 - 17:00
Picnic lunch on the island.

Laidlaw Preserve birding trip
2024-05-04 08:00 - 17:00
Laidlaw Preserve birding trip with Choctawhatchee Audubon. Neil Lamb leading.

End-of-the-Year Banquet
2024-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
From left, Noah Vaden (Eagle Scout), Cole Mahler (Eagle Scout), Co-President Lynn Marcoux, Co-President Pam Overmyer, Cathy Vaden, John Mahler (Scoutmaster). 2022 Conservationist of the Year

End-of-the-Year Banquet, potluck dinner, Conservationist of the Year presentation, year in review slide show, installment of 2024-2025 Officers

Installation of Officers, Awards, and Ron Houser "Raps" about Raptors
2024-09-09 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Immediately after installation of Officers and Annual awards, Ron Houser will present his newest PowerPoint entitled “Raptors of Northwest Florida”.

October 14th Membership Meeting
2024-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Our next General Membership meeting on October 14th will feature a presentation on Purple Martins. Come learn all about these birds and a new project in Panama City to nurture these interesteing birds. Presenters include Dale and Donna Cronwell with a possible guest appearance by Keith Mefford (Director, Quality of Life Department, City of PC). The meeting will begin at 6:30 in our usual location (St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Parish Hall).

November 11th, Membership Meeting
2024-11-11 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
“Great Birding Adventures in Southeastern Texas”: the April 14-18, 2024, BCAS High Island area/Winnie,Texas Migration Trip. Curated by Donna Cronwell,

« All Events

November 11th, Membership Meeting
November 11
@
6:30 pm
–
8:00 pm

St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall

1608 Baker Court

Panama City,
FL
32401
United States

+ Google Map

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

October 14th Membership Meeting

2024 BCAS Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-14
Join the Christmas Bird Count: America’s Oldest Citizen Science Project
If you, or someone you know, would like to participate or have questions: contact Raya Pruner or Marvin Friel for details and area assignment.
Raya.Pruner@gmail.com
Marvin.bojo.Friel@gmail.com
Phone: 1-352-214-3262
https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count/history-christmas-bird-count

Workday at Parker Audubon Preserve in St. Andrews
2024-12-19 08:30 - 11:00
8:30-11:00 a.m. We could use your help! We will be doing trail maintenance mostly involving keeping the trails open with clippers and weed eaters, picking up trash piles and weeding in our pollinator garden. Bring your gardening clothing, clippers and gloves. Bring something to drink and if you have a hardy native plant to bring, we have shovels to plant them with. The preserve is located behind St. Andrews Baptist Church on Cincinnati Avenue.

January Membership Meeting
2025-01-13 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Three Natural History “Hotspots Down Under”
An Australian Journey Presented by Dave Clausen, President of Choctawhatchee Audubon. Hey, Mates! Back from a journey to the Great Down Under, a year ago, Dave Clausen brings his unique story to our Chapter at our regular 6:30 pm January monthly membership meeting. Kangaroos? Koala Bears? Kiwis (Oops, New Zealand)? In his own words, and as an introduction: “I will speak about three locations in Australia that I visited in late 2023: 1) Lady Elliot Island at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, 2) oceanic Norfolk Island in the Tasman Sea, and 3) Lamington National Park in southern Queensland.”

Purple Haze: A Conservation Film
2025-01-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Sarzin Lecture Hall, Gulf Coast State College 5230 U.S. 98, Panama City,Panama City, FL, 34201, United States
Join us for a free showing of the feature-length documentary “Purple Haze: A Conservation Film” at the Sarzin Lecture Hall, Gulf Coast State College. Meet Capt. Zach Steinhauser and enjoy his film about America’s Most Loved Bird, the Purple Martin. Learn about their epic annual migration, what they eat, where they live, and why they are depending upon us to ensure their survival. Seating is limited – mark your calendars now and sign up for your complimentary ticket.
Sponsored by: Panhandle Gator Club, Bay County Audubon Society, City of Panama City, and Gulf Coast State College.

Overnight Field Trip to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
2025-01-17 - 2025-01-19
Pam Overmyer will be leading an overnight field trip to St. Marks Nat. Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 16-18, 2025. The trip will include birding stops in Port St. Joe, Apalachicola, and Panacea areas before arriving at the Magnuson Hotel Wildwood Inn near Crawfordville to spend the night. Please make your own travel /carpool arrangements and hotel reservations for this trip.

Hotel Reservations (online or call 855-213-0582.)
Hotel link https://www.magnusonhotels.com/…/magnuson-hotel…/
The trip to St. Mark’s is usually a very productive field trip that we have taken many times over the years. We typically see well over 100 bird species over the two-three days. We hope to see you there!

TRIP ITINERARY
Friday, Jan. 16Meet at 9:00am (Eastern Standard Time) at the downtown Port St. Joe boat ramp at Frank Pate Park near the lighthouse for an hour or so of birding. This is on Fifth Street at the traffic light. We will continue to our destination hotel with several stops along the way.
Noon, meet in Apalachicola at Lafayette Park off Hickory St. to view Apalachicola Bay off a pier and have lunch in Apalachicola. (Bring your own or local restaurant.)
Planned Birding stops on the way to the hotel:East Point-view some oystercatchers and other birds on the jetties and sandbars.Mashes Point in PanaceaBottoms Road just past Panacea (time permitting)
3:00 pm (EST) Check in at the Wildwood InnYou will need to make your own reservations. The hotel is located about 8 miles east of Panacea on U.S. Hwy 98. The phone number is 855-213-0582. The Seineyard restaurant located adjacent to the hotel and the hotel serves a free continental breakfast. There are several other dining options near the hotel. There is a campground next to the hotel for RVs. Tent camping is available at Newport Campground across from entrance to the refuge.

Saturday, Jan. 177:00 am EST Meet Pam in the hotel lobby for breakfast.
8:00 am EST Leave for St. Marks NWR It’s a 15-minute drive from there to the refuge to spend several hours birding the impoundments and trails. Be sure to bring snacks and drinks while birding.
Note: Check out time at the hotel is 11:00 am EST. If you plan to return to Panama City on Saturday you will need to arrange for a late departure or check out of the hotel before leaving for St. Mark’s.

Sunday, Jan. 18 (Optional)
If you would like to stay one or two nights extra for birding in other nearby locations, including the Wakulla Springs boat tour on Sunday, contact Pam for more information. She will be staying there from Thursday to Tuesday. Her number is 850-832-5835. Her email is aggie9296@aol.com

February Membership Meeting
2025-02-10 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Birding in Okaloosa County: Species & Locales
Presented by Jim Anderton
Jim Anderton is an Choctawhatchee Bay Audubon Society member. His presentation will start with a discussion of bird photography basics, to include equipment choices and shooting settings. The presentation will also cover three of the best birding sites in Okaloosa County, with photographs and details for common and rare species he has found at these locations. The photo of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird was taken by Jim on January 17th, 2025 in Fort Walton and may be found in the Macauley library.

2025 AUDUBON NATURE PHOTO EXHIBIT
2025-03-08 17:00 - 20:00
2025 AUDUBON NATURE PHOTO EXHIBIT AND MOVIE NIGHT
March 8, 2025
Photosubmissions are now closed.

THE EXHIBIT
Bay County Audubon, partnered with The Light Room, will hold the 2025 Nature Photo Exhibit at the FSU Panama City Holley Center on March 8, at 5:00 p.m. Here is your chance to give us your “Best Shot”. Submit 3 of your very favorite nature-themed photos! Join us for this unique event with friends and family for a ”Nature Photos Movie Night.” Photos will be displayed as a digital slideshow/movie on FSU’s high-definition, 12’X20′ LED wall. It will also be featured on our website and the Light Room.
THE PROGRAM
The evening will begin with a presentation by Scott Harris, wildlife photographer and author of the book “Raptor Quest.” Scott will talk about his journey across the USA finding birds of prey, such as owls, hawks, and eagles. He will share his breathtaking photos and engaging stories.
5 – 6 pm: Scott Harris “RaptorQuest,” with audience Q&A.
6 – 7 pm: “Nature Movie Night” show.
7 – 7:15 pm: Audience discussion and drawing for Door Prizes.
Our purpose in this Exhibition is to inspire community awareness of nature, by sharing your favorite nature photos, any nature subject “from birds to the total environment,” with everyone else in attendance, to promote the need for conservation in Bay County and its surrounding counties. When we share, we all become more aware of nature’s beauty.
This event is possible through the generosity of the Isaac W. Byrd Family Foundation and the Fyfe Family Foundation.

March Membership Meeting
2025-03-10 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
The Panama City Crayfish: A Status Account from the Inside.
Presented by Samantha Hermann and Patty Kelly
US Fish & Wildlife Service

Sam and Patty will explain efforts in progress that conserve our endemic crayfish. They will inform us on how it takes a village, the Bay County Conservancy, the local Panama City Parks, the Florida Department of Transportation, and Bay County to make “things” happen. Finally, they will discuss larger goals and how protecting the crayfish benefits the local community, including birds!

Spring Birding and Hike: Econfina Creek/Pitts Springs to Williford Springs
2025-03-22 08:00 - 13:00 | Pitt Springs, 6315 FL-20, Youngstown, FL, 32466, United States
We will meet at the parking area of Pitt Springs Recreation Area on Hwy 20 near the bridge over Econfina Creek at 8:00-8:15. This is a fairly easy one-mile hike over uneven trails with some elevation changes. Expect lots of beautiful wildflowers and hopefully, spring migrants and other area birds such as red-headed woodpeckers. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Ron Houser will have some hiking sticks. After we return we will eat lunch in the picnic area.

April Membership Meeting
2025-04-14 06:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
‘The Locals: Shorebirds of the Florida Panhandle’ presented by Collette Lauzau Panhandle Shorebird Program Director, Audubon Florida.
Nesting season is an exciting time for Florida’s shorebirds and seabirds, as they raise the next generation along our beaches. Join us to learn about these fascinating birds, the challenges they encounter, and the steps we can take to help them thrive.

Spring Migration Birding at St. George Island State Park
2025-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 | St. George Island, 1900 E Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, FL, 32328, United States
Migrants are usually present on the island during the Spring Migration. We will be birding in the youth camping area, located about 1 mile past the entrance gate on the left. Meet in the parking area by the restrooms at 9:00 Eastern Time (8:00 Central). Allow 2 hours to get there from Panama City. Bring snacks, drinks, and a lunch to eat at the picnic area. If you wish to carpool or follow us down, meet Ron Houser at the Panama City Mall in front of Dillard’s on the north side of the store facing 23rd St. at 6:00 am. We will depart for St. George Island at 6:10 sharp.

Earth Day 2025
2025-04-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W 10th St., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Earth Day 2025

Join BCAS and Other Local Conservation Groups

9:00am-1:00 pm
Oaks by the Bay Park in St. Andrews

Earth Day 2025
2025-04-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W 10th St., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
WELCOME TO EARTH DAY 2O25
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: ‘Oaks-by-the-Bay’ Park, 10th St. and Chestnut Ave., St. Andrews

1) Participants: ‘Earth-Day-Booths,’ ‘Saturday-Market-Vendors’ and all of you!

2) Tree-Give-Giveaway: ‘Florida Forest Service,’ 240-1 Gal., Species- ‘Red Maple, Crape Myrtle, Shumard Oak, Pecan, American Elm and Live Oak.’ i.e. ‘booth-site,’ #16.

3) ‘Singing and Dancing’/Performance:’ a) ‘Dancing:‘ the ‘Kasba-Dancers’ and ‘the-Parvanas,’ i.e. Belly-Dancers, and ‘Sunset-Hula’, b) Singing: ‘Gulf Tones Barbershop Chorus'(30 members). Performance Coordinator: Jessica Shirvan, location: ‘Park Pavilion,’ adjacent 10th st.

4) Earth-Day-Proclamation-Reading: 11:45 am, Mayor ‘Doc’ Rohan. Near ‘ entrance, west-of- Park-pavilion,’

5) Special-Booth-Events: Children’s Hobbies, ‘booth-site’ #2, maybe others, last year, also, ‘canvas painting.’

Birding at Laidlaw Preserve with Choctawhatchee Audubon
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00
Birding at Audubon Laidlaw Preserve near Vernon
We will be joined by members of Choctawhatchee Audubon Society to look for the resident birds and late migrants. Bring a picnic lunch, insect repellent and your binoculars. You can meet at the gate on Hwy 79 at 9:00am if you know where it is, or you can meet Ron Houser at Porter Park in Lynn Haven at 8:00. Park by the park’s restrooms by the bay. This park is located on the south side of the bridge over the bay in Lynn Haven. Easy walking. Neil Lamb will lead.
