Page 12 - Life_In_Naples_December_2018

Audubon of the Western Everglades:

The Birding Guru

by Mimi Wolok, Executive Director

ince its founding in 1961, Audubon
of the Western Everglades (formerly
S Collier County Audubon Society)
has offered guided day trips to premiere and
little-known birding and nature destinations.
All trips are open to the public, but they fill up galore; a private community with excellent
quickly. This 2018-19 season is no exception. preserves; grassy berm trails through the
To say both the birds and trips have been heart of swampland – wading bird and gator
colorful is an understatement. From Scrub country. And several birding hotspots in the
Jays landing on heads to Flamingoes right heart of urban Naples, at precisely the right
here in Naples! For over 20 years, AWE has moment to catch amazing birds.
offered swamp buggy rides into the seldom- For the first time in many years, AWE
seen and normally off-limits Florida Panther is also offering members an exciting birding
National Wildlife Refuge. AWE has per- trip to Costa Rica, March 29-April 4, 2019.
mission to take two groups on buggy rides. Through a professional travel agency special-
Space is limited, so register early. izing in birding and nature excursions, AWE
AWE is offering several new trips this will take its members to rainforest biological
season, from biking in Ding Darling Na- reserves and national parks to see birds like
tional Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island the critically endangered Turquoise Cotinga,
(January), to kayaking around the pristine Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Bare-Necked
Sand Dollar Island on Marco (May). For Umbrellabird and Red-Fronted Parrotlet.
the first time, we will visit the amazing Also for the first time in many years,
“OK” Slough State Forest in eastern Collier AWE is going to Florida’s Hidden Coast the
County — what Southwest Florida looked last weekend in June 2019 to one of the last
like before settlers changed the landscape — places to scallop in the Gulf and explore Old
and we will take a boat tour of the 10,000 Florida. Spaces will fill up quickly for this one.
Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Of course, we will still offer trusted bird- Our Mission: Protecting Southwest Florida’s
ing hotspots that Audubon knows best, using Wildlife and Natural Resources through
knowledgeable guides – at just the right time Advocacy and Education.
to catch the most birds: A little-known area
by Ave Maria that teems with waterfowl; a To sign up for a trip, donate or join
Lee County beach that attracts hoards of us as a member or volunteer, visit
migrating birds; a stormwater treatment area www.AudubonWE.org or contact us at
AudubonWE@live.com or (239) 643-7822.
in Hendry County with a Florida Scenic
Trail running through it and migrating birds Our events calendar is online.

12 Life in Naples | December 2018