Installation of Officers, Awards, and Ron Houser "Raps" about Raptors
2024-09-09 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | 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,

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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

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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.

May Membership Meeting
2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
“Year in Review”
Installation of Officers, Annual Awards, and Sponsor Recognition
A short program, to be announced.

September 8th Membership Meeting
2025-09-08 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
SEPTEMBER PROGRAM: Landscaping for wildlife using native plants.
Our first program will be given by Ron Houser, a long-time BCAS member and member of the Sweetbay Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Ron will explain the vital connection between native plants, insects and birds. He will show how you can create a more wildlife-friendly landscape in your yard using examples from his own yard. He will explain why non-native plants are not part of this 3-sided relationship. Loss of habitat is one big reason why birds are declining in numbers. We can all help mitigate this trend by creating a habitat that attracts birds. Insects are often seen as pests but over 95% of them are beneficial to the environment and are necessary for the protein birds need to reproduce.
Ron’s presentation will be preceded by a short social and installation of new officers.

Beginner Bird Walk. Panama City Garden Club
2025-09-13 07:30 - 10:30
Saturday, September 13 – Beginner Bird Walk. Panama City Garden Club 810
Garden Club Drive 7:30am. Bird Sit available. Binoculars & refreshments. Meet at
parking lot in front of building. The Field Trip leader is Gail Casteel.

October 13th Membership Meeting
2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Audubon Community Science: How volunteer data helps our birds and informs conservation policy. Presented by Norm Capra
Bird data reported by community scientists is central to Audubon’s legacy. The involvement of community scientists is fundamental to Audubon’s work in improving the lives of birds. The cornerstone is the Christmas Bird Count (CBC, photo above), begun in 1900, making it the longest-running community science program about birds. Audubon also collaborates with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada on The Great Backyard Bird Count, a global program for all who love birds. As a founding partner with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on eBird, Audubon is a leader in the community science field. Norm will discuss these and several other projects to which the Chapter and individual members can contribute.

Saturday, Oct. 18. Fall Migration Birding at Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas
2025-10-18 09:15 - 16:00
We hope to see some migrating birds, including hawks, and lots of shorebirds along the bay and Gulf front. Meet at 9:15 a.m Eastern time (8:15 Central) at Frank Pate Park by the rest rooms. This is near the lighthouse and boat ramp. Allow about 1 hour to get there from Panama City. We will also walk the boardwalks at Salinas Park on the southside of the bay. Expect easy walking along paved paths, grassy and sandy areas and boardwalks, mostly. Afterwards we will eat lunch in Port St. Joe, possibly Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, 309 Reid Ave. (the main street 1 block north of Hwy 98). But we will make that decision at the end of our birding. We should be back in Panama City by 3:30pm.

Tuesday, October 21st Birds and Brews.
2025-10-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Asbell Park, W Beach Dr & Caroline Blvd, Panama City, FL, 32401
Tuesday, October 21 Birds and Brews. Lake Caroline 4:00 p.m. Meet at the Asbell Park parking lot, off Beach Drive. We will take a leisurely walk around the small lake and bay shore looking for birds. Afterwards, we will drive to the Little Village in St. Andrews for good food, drink, and socializing. Accessibility is easy on paved roads.

November 10th Membership Meeting
2025-11-10 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Attracting Eastern Bluebirds to Your Yard
Pam Overmyer, current President of the Florida Bluebird Society and Past President of BCAS, will be presenting a talk on “Attracting Eastern Bluebirds to Your Yard” and updating us on her bluebird trail at a local park which she has monitored for more than 10 years. Pam is a great resource for all things bluebird! The meeting is open to the public and we will provide snacks and drinks.

Saturday, Nov. 15th. St. Andrews State Park Bird Walk-"Bird Sit" Available
2025-11-15 08:15 - 11:30 | St. Andrews State Park, Address: 4607 State Park Ln,, Panama City, FL, 32408, United States
Join us at 8:15 near Gator Lake. We will explore Gator Lake from the viewing deck. Some may choose to bird from the observation deck while others may choose to walk the Oak canopy trails around the lake and the adjacent wetlands across the main road. Next, we will drive to the nearby jetties to observe shore and seabirds from the boardwalks which also features benches for seated birding or just relaxing and enjoying the view.

2025 BCAS Christmas Party
2025-12-08 18:00 - 21:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Join us for our Annual Christmas Celebration and Gift Exchange!
Bring an appetizer or side dish to share with others. Pam Overmyer will provide ham and BCA will provide beverages. If you wish to participate in our “Dirty Santa” gift exchange, bring a gift (less than $20).
The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. Data packets for CBC team leaders will be available at 6:00 After dinner, Aimee Bright, Executive Director of Bay Education Foundation, Inc. will update us on the status and use of our $10,000 donation from BCAS. Our celebration will conclude with the “Dirty Santa” Gift Exchange.

Conservation Park Field Trip-Recscheduled to December 9th
2025-12-09 07:30 - 11:00 | 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413
Bird and plant walk at Panama City Beach Conservation Park 7:30 a.m. We will be joined by members of Choctawhatchee Audubon. Meet at the Trailhead Information center. Joint field trip with Choctawhatchee Audubon Society to Panama City Beach Conservation Park. Meet at the parking area by the information center to walk approximately 1.4 miles up the Baxley Homestead Trail to the large marsh. We hope to see the Vermillion Flycatcher that has wintered there for the last 4 years. Other species that might be seen: hairy woodpecker, blue-wing teals, white ibis, hawks, eagles and others. Bring water and snacks to eat along the way.Photograph of Vermilion Flycather by Angela Barros.

Work Day at Laidlaw Preserve Saturday, December 13
2025-12-13 08:00 - 12:00
The next work day at our Laidlaw Preserve in Washington County is Saturday, December 13. This beautiful 280-acre Florida Audubon preserve is located just north of Vernon and is managed by members of Bay County Audubon and Choctawhatchee Audubon Societies. We have one work day per year where we maintain trails with clippers and loppers. The boardwalk at the levee has been repaired so we can get to the gazebo for lunch on Pam’s Pond. Come join us if you can. We will meet at the gate on Hwy 79 at 9:00am but if you live in Panama City and don’t know where that is, meet me at Porter Park in Lynn Haven, by the bridge at 8:00 and you can follow me up there. Park by the restrooms on the north side of the park. Bring a picnic lunch, hand tools, gloves and a weed eater if you have one.

December 20th - 2025 Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20 07:00 - 21:00
It’s that wonderful time of year again, with the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) right around the corner! To those who’ve already checked in for your count areas, thank you, you’re amazing! For everyone else, it’s time to start building our teams and coordinating with property owners across Bay County. If you’re receiving this, you’ve either participated in a Bay County CBC within the past five years or shared your interest in joining. Thank you for continuing to support the CBC. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or brand new, there’s a place for everyone in this year’s count, and we’d love to have you with us.
Save the Dates!
Count Day: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Pre-Count Meeting: Tuesday, December 8, 2025 – 6:00 PM
St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City
We’ll kick things off with a short meeting at the start of our annual Holiday Party. If you can’t make it in person, no problem. I’m happy to connect one-on-one to answer questions or review your area.
Post-Count Gathering: Saturday, December 20, 2025
After a full day of birding, we’ll meet in the evening to share highlights, review data, and celebrate our top finds. Location details will be announced soon, and if you have venue suggestions, please let us know!
Count Information & Team Details

Team Packets: Team leaders will receive packets with maps and instructions at the pre-count meeting.
Digital Map: Our count circle is also available in KML format for use in Google Earth or other mapping apps.

Interested in Joining?

Email raya.pruner@gmail.com or call (352) 214-3262 to sign up or ask questions.
Returning Leaders: Please confirm if you’ll be leading your area again.
New Leaders: Interested in leading a team? We’d love to have you!
Feeder Watchers: Prefer to stay at home? Participate by counting birds from your yard or feeders; every observation counts!

January 12th Membership Meeting
2026-01-12 18:30 - 20:00 | St. Andrews State Park, Address: 4607 State Park Ln,, Panama City, FL, 32408, United States
Winter Birds at St. Mark’s NWR

Presented by Don Morrow
Join us as we host Don Morrow who will inform us about the waterfowl and other winter birds at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.Don is a Naturalist, and Volunteer at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. His talk is very timely because we will be going to St. Marks for our First 2026 field trip from January 16-January 18th.Don received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University. He has worked as a field biologist and as a naturalist for Morningside Nature Center in Gainesville and for the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. An avid birder since childhood, Morrow has led field trips locally for Birdsong Nature Center, Apalachee Audubon Society and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Before retiring in 2016, he worked for the Trust for Public Lands for thirty-three years and proudly purchased 100,000 acres for conservation, including one entire National Wildlife Refuge – Bayou Teche in Louisiana.
As usual, we will gather at 6:30 for social time, a short business meeting and announcements. The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.
