Bay County Audubon Society

Spring Migration Birding at St. George Island State Park
2025-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | 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 | FL
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 | FL
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 | FL
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 | FL
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 | FL
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.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip
2026-01-16 - 2026-01-18 | St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL, FL, 32355, United States
Pam Overnyer will be leading an overnight field trip to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 16-18, 2026. There will be birding stops in Port St. Joe, Apalachicola, and Panacea area before arriving at the Magnuson Hotel Wildwood Inn near Crawfordville to spend the night.
Please make your own travel or carpool arrangements and hotel reservations for this trip. Hotel Reservations (online or call 855-213-0582.) Hotel link https://www.magnusonhotels.com/…/magnuson-hotel…/
Itinerary:
Friday, Jan. 16
Meet 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 Panacea
Bottoms Road just past Panacea (time permitting)
3:00 pm (EST) Check in at the Wildwood Inn
You 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. 17
7:00 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
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. You can contact Pam for more information. She will be staying there from Wednesday to Tuesday. Her number is 850-832-5835. Her email is aggie9296@aol.com
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!

February 9th Membership Meeting
2026-02-09 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Florida Wildlife Corridor
The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s 131 imperiled animals. In addition to protecting wildlife, conserving these wild spaces is critical to our overall well-being—offering recreation opportunities, strengthening resilience against intensifying storms, and protecting water quality.
After a successful career in higher education and with a “seize the day” spirit, our speaker, Lynn Cherry created a small business which she recently sold and is now retired, Carpe Diem Community Solutions, to continue her quest in helping communities. Her extensive community-based experience in training, moderating and facilitating group discussion encompasses focus groups, board retreats, strategic long-range planning, visioning, and community forums. What began as a girl scout, Lynn now has a passion for Florida’s outdoors.
In 1995, she led the state acquisition process to acquire and support the development of Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach. These efforts lead to the first in the nation partnership between a state park and a community college. Lynn is the recipient of The Nature Conversancy Florida Chapter Grassroots Leader, Bay County Audubon Society Conservationist of the Year, Florida State Parks Citizen Support Organization of the Year, and the Florida State Parks Best in the District awards. Additionally, Lynn served for 20 years as a Board of Director for the Friends of Camp Helen State Park and is an Emeritus Board member. She presently serves on the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and the Florida State Parks Foundation Board of Directors. Lynn has a master’s degree from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.

Birding at Majette Park
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Majette Park back entrance and parking, 8058 John Pitts Rd, Panama City, FL, 32404, United States
Saturday, February 14 Field trip to Majette Park 8:00AM located on John Pitts Road
off U.S. Hwy 231. Pam Overmyer will lead us into the old Bay Dunes Golf Course, which
has been converted into a walking park and disc golf course. Meet at 7:20AM at the
Panama City Mall on the north side of Dillard’s parking lot (near 23 rd St.) to carpool or
caravan to the park, about 10 miles up Hwy 231. We will leave there at 7:30 sharp. You
can drive directly to the park if you know where it’s located. Instead of turning into the
main entrance to Majette Park, go a little further down John Pitts Road to the next small,
paved road to the right and park in the small parking area up the hill. That’s where we
will meet up at 8:00. Some of the paths are paved but some may be muddy, depending
on the weather. We will be walking on dirt and grass most of the time. We have
binoculars to lend. Bring rain gear, depending on the weather forecast. In recent years,
vermillion flycatchers have been seen there.

Field Trip to Majette Park February 14, 2026
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Majette Park back entrance and parking, 8058 John Pitts Rd, Panama City, FL, 32404, United States
Saturday, February 14, 2026 Field trip to Majette Park 8:00AM located on John Pitts Road
off U.S. Hwy 231. Pam Overmyer will lead us into the old Bay Dunes Golf Course, which
has been converted into a walking park and disc golf course. Meet at 7:20AM at the
Panama City Mall on the north side of Dillard’s parking lot (near 23 rd St.) to carpool or
caravan to the park, about 10 miles up Hwy 231. We will leave there at 7:30 sharp. You
can drive directly to the park if you know where it’s located. Instead of turning into the
main entrance to Majette Park, go a little further down John Pitts Road to the next small,
paved road to the right and park in the small parking area up the hill. That’s where we
will meet up at 8:00. Some of the paths are paved but some may be muddy, depending
on the weather. We will be walking on dirt and grass most of the time. We have
binoculars to lend. Bring rain gear, depending on the weather forecast. In recent years,
vermillion flycatchers have been seen there.

March 9th Membership Meeting
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Birding at 29 Below
Jim Anderton will speak about his February 2025 trip to the Sax-Zim bog and other locations in northern Minnesota. His talk will recap his experiences and excite us with his outstanding photography. Jim a member of Choctawhatchee Bay Audubon Society. He is an avid birder and coordinates their Annual Christimas Bird Count. Long known among serious birders as THE place to find the Great Gray, other Northern Owls and Ginches in winter. The Sax-Zim Bog is described a “magic mix” of habitats that attracts a unique array of species not found in other parts of the United States. The Great Gray Owl in the figure was photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog and appears on the Friends of The Sax-Zim Bog website.

Birding and Native Plant Walk at Florida Caverns State Park
2026-03-11 08:15 - 10:30 | Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, Florida, 32446, United States
Come with us to see a wide assortment of birds and native flowering plants, including columbines, trilliums, Indian pinks and Zephyr lilies. The park is recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael, but trails are open and very popular this time of year. Bring binoculars, cameras and hiking shoes. The trails are uneven and rocky in places. Bring a picnic lunch. Meet at the main parking area in front of the visitor center at 8:15AM. Allow one hour driving time from Panama City. There is a $5.00 admission fee per car.

Nature Connection 2026
2026-03-21 - 2026-03-28 | FL
Nature Connection 2026
our 4th Nature Connection
With Four Outstanding Nature Events

Dr. Douglas Tallamy
March 21, 2026
Dr. Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist, is much more than an insect expert. He is professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at The University of Delaware. He is a nationwide spokesperson promoting the use of native (local) plants instead of exotic species from other geographic areas thereby fighting invasive species which can displace local ecosystems. His presentation is entitled “Homegrown National Park”.
If everyone planted part of their yard with native plants, this area of millions of yards would be bigger than our National Parks! Doug’s big idea is to plant local species of flowers, bushes, and trees, which will attract and feed local insects, which will then nourish local caterpillars, bees, moths, butterflies, and birds as part of local natural ecosystems.

Dr. Tallamy in a natural landscape.

If your home has a yard, you need to hear Dr. Tallamy. He will discuss why and how you can change your yard into a natural landscape full of the web of life. Dr. Tallamy’s latest book is appropriately entitled “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard”. Help him help us learn how to make our yards more nature friendly by attending his presentation on the morning of March 21 at the Captain Anderson’s Event Center, close to Captain Anderson’s Restaurant. We thank Sweetbay Chapter Florida Native Plant Society in Panama City and Sandhills Native Nursery in Fountain for assisting with bringing Dr. Tallamy’s message to our locale.
For Tickets To Doug Tallamy’s Presentation and related events

Click here

March 26 from 5–7 p.m.
Scott Rashid, Owlist and Watercolorist
GALLERY OF ART 850 Opening Reception
Scott Rashid, owl expert, portrayed below, will be hosted by the GALLERY OF ART 850 at an Opening Reception March 26 from 5 – 7 pm. Located at 36 West Beach Drive next to the Mary Ola Miller Palm Preserve, and partnering with Bay County Audubon Society, the Gallery will provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and art aficionados to grasp Scott’s unique blend of Cubism and Realism in a watercolor medium.
Living in Estes Park, Colorado, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Scott paints what is his life work – helping and protecting birds as a naturalist, author, rehabilitator, and bander, then portraying them in all their startling beauty in his inimitable style fusing layers of color into one essence of Bird. Don’t miss this remarkable showing which will continue through May 2, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5 pm, at the Gallery of Art 850. All of his works of art at this exhibition will be for sale.

March 27, 2026 5p.m.-7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to submit nature photos for an opportunity to participate in our exciting new “immersive” photo experience without charge. After opening night the display will continue at the Center for the Arts for visitors to see until late April. To enter scan the QR code on the poster.

View Photo Exhibit

Scott Rashid
March 28th

Scott Rashid an ornithologist is an Owl expert. Scott has spent over 30 years working as a researcher, state and federal licensed bird bander (approaching 20,000 bandings), licensed bird rehabilitator, lecturer, educator, and author of 7 books primarily about species of owls and other birds, such as the American Kestrel and Northern Goshawk. He will also an accomplished and he will exhibit his incredible watercolor nature art work while here.
Scott is an energetic and passionate Naturalist who has kindly consented to a number of presentations at schools and special small group activities throughout the week before his “Grand Finale” event at the Holley Center on the 28t. For a complete schedule check you emails or click here.
At the FSU Holley Center, in the evening of March 28 Scott will present a multi-media compilation of his formidable knowledge of owls and other birds from from three decades of field work, with videos, photos, anecdotes and owl box camera images.

For Tickets To Scott Rashid’s Presentation and related events

Click here

Douglas Tallamy Presents: Homegrown National Park
2026-03-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Captain Anderson’s Event Center, 5550 N Lagoon Dr,, Panama City Beach, FL, 32408, United States
Nature Connection 2026

Dr. Douglas Tallamy
March 21, 2026
Dr. Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist, is much more than an insect expert. He is professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at The University of Delaware. He is a nationwide spokesperson promoting the use of native (local) plants instead of exotic species from other geographic areas thereby fighting invasive species which can displace local ecosystems. His presentation is entitled “Homegrown National Park”.
If everyone planted part of their yard with native plants, this area of millions of yards would be bigger than our National Parks! Doug’s big idea is to plant local species of flowers, bushes, and trees, which will attract and feed local insects, which will then nourish local caterpillars, bees, moths, butterflies, and birds as part of local natural ecosystems.
ThePprogram begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Captain Anderson Event Center.
8am – Plant Fair (ends at 11:30am)
9am – “Meet and Greet” Doug Tallamy, coffee and refreshments
9:40am – Student Acorn Planting Session with Dr. Tallamy
10am – Main Event: “Homegrown National Park” presentation by Doug Tallamy
11am – Audience Q&A w/ Doug Tallamy
Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Gallery of Art 850 Opening Reception for Scott Rashid, Nature Watercolorist
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Gallery of Art 850, Address: 36 W Beach Dr, , Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Opening Reception 5 – 7 pm
MARCH 26th, 2026
Scott Rashid, owl expert, portrayed below, will be hosted by the GALLERY OF ART 850 at the Opening Reception March 26 from 5 – 7 pm. Located at 36 West Beach Drive next to the Mary Ola Miller Palm Preserve, and partnering with Bay County Audubon Society, the Gallery will provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and art aficionados to grasp Scott’s unique blend of Cubism and Realism in a watercolor medium. Living in Estes Park, Colorado, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Scott paints what is his life work – helping and protecting birds as a naturalist, author, rehabilitator, and bander, then portraying them in all their startling beauty in his inimitable style fusing layers of color into one essence of Bird. Don’t miss this remarkable showing which will continue through May 2, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5 pm, at the Gallery of Art 850. All of his works of art at this exhibition will be for sale.

Nature Photo Immersive Experience
2026-03-27 17:00 | Panama City Center For the Arts, 19 E 4th St,, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
The Bay County Audubon Society and the Bay Arts Alliance, in partnership with The Public Eye, The Lightroom, and Innovations Federal Credit Union present: A Nature Photo Immersive Experience!

Scott Rashid, "The Owl Man"
2026-03-28 15:00 - 17:00 | FL
Scott Rashid, the “Owl Man”
Saturday March 28th 3 p.m.
FSU Holley Academic Center

Scott Rashid, an ornithologist is an Owl expert. He has spent over 30 years working as a researcher, state and federal-licensed bird bander (approaching 20,000 bandings), licensed bird rehabilitator, lecturer, educator, and author of 7 books primarily about species of owls and other birds, such as the American Kestrel and Northern Goshawk. At 3:00 p.m., March 28th at the Holley Center, Scott will present a multi-media compilation of his formidable body of knowledge of owls and other birds from from three decades of field work with videos, photos, anecdotes and owl box camera images. Scott is also an accomplished artist. His incredible watercolor nature art work will be on exhbit while he is here. The Opening reception for his art show is March 26th at the Gallery of Art 850.

For Tickets To Scott Rashid’s Presentation and related events

Click here

April 13th Membership Meeting
2026-04-13 18:30 - 20:00 | St Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Volunteer Program
Adam Lache
Please join Adam to learn about how the FWC volunteers program is committed to creating a sustainable and healthy future for Florida’s fish, wildlife, water, and habitat resources through science-based leadership, community engagement, and educational outreach. Learn how you can become involved with FWC initiatives including stewardship, habitat restoration, population studies, and so much more.
Adam Lache recently joined FWC as the new Northwest Volunteer Program Biologist. Adam will serve the Florida Panhandle region in coordinating volunteer conservation projects in collaboration with scientists, biologists, and land managers across the agency and beyond! Adam earned a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity at the University of Michigan and his M.S. degree from the University of Miami where he conducted research on spinner dolphin populations in the western North Atlantic.

Spring migration birding at St. George Island State Park
2026-04-16 08:00 - 14:00 | St. George Island, 1900 E Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, FL, 32328, United States
Spring migration birding at St. George Island State Park near Apalachicola. Migrants are usually present on our trips here. We will be birding in the youth camping area, which is about 1 mile past the park 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, so plan to leave by 6:00am. There is a park admission fee. Bring snacks, drinks and a lunch to eat at the picnic area. If you would like to carpool or follow us down, meet at the Panama City Mall in front of Dillard’s on the north side of the store facing 23 rd St. at 6:00am. We will leave there at 6:10 sharp.
Accessibility: Easy; on flat ground.
