Birding Trips

Birding trips are organized from October through April.

Detailed directions to most of the birding sites are found here. Specific information will be provided in emails to the Google Group.

Non-members are welcome to join us on birding trips.

You will be required to sign a Waiver before participating.

For reports of previous trips, look here.

(Printable copy of the calendar is here)

October 2025

October 15 (Wednesday) Bird Trip: Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook located at 19865 N US Highway 441, Micanopy (just South of McIntosh on U.S. Highway 441). Meet 8 AM at venue, parking is in front of an abandoned building. Walking on uneven grass paths. NO Restroom (use Circle K at intersection of Hwy 441 & Hwy 318).

October 18 (Saturday) Monthly Club Meeting: Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center at 9:00 AM. Program: “The importance of gardening for butterflies and the entire ecosystem including birds”, presented by Alycyn Culbertson from The Villages Butterfly Garden Club.

October 23 (Thursday) Bird Trip: Venetian Gardens, Leesburg. Leader Bob Cole. Meet 8:00 AM at venue south parking lot located on Lake Harris Drive. From S. 9th Street, turn onto Lake Shore Drive, then veer left onto Lake Harris Drive and park near the restroom located on the right. Do not use the north parking lot at Ski Beach Bar & Grill. Easy walking on paved path. Yes Restroom.

October 30 (Thursday) Bird Trip: Marshall Swamp Trailhead, 8282 SE Highway 314, Ocala. Leader Tami Reece from Marion Audubon. Meet 8:00 AM at venue. Walking on dirt path with tree roots. Yes Restroom.

November 2025

November 6 (Thursday) Bird Trip: Ocala Wetlands Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St, Ocala. Leader Susan Pepper. Meet 8:30 AM in the venue parking lot. Easy walking on paved path. Yes Restroom.

November 13 (Thursday) Bird Trip: Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area Public Boat Ramp, located off Emeralda Island Rd, Leesburg. Leader Alice Horst. Meet 8:30 AM just past venue entrance. Walking on a gravel road. No Restroom.

November 15 (Saturday) Monthly Club Meeting: Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center at 9:00 AM. Program “The Story Behind the Photo” presented by Village Birder, Paul Nistico.

November 20 (Thursday) Bird Trip: Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville. Leader: Tammy Martin. Meet 8:30 AM at venue. Parking Fee $5 per car. Walking on paved and gravel trails. Yes Restroom.

December 2025

December 5 (Friday) Bird Trip: Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. Leader Susan Pepper. Meet 8:15 AM at venue (gate opens at 8 AM). Watching bird feeders and walking on uneven grass paths. Yes Restroom.

December 10 (Wednesday) Bird Trip: Fort Island Gulf Beach, 16000 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. Leader Alice Horst. Meet 8 AM at venue in beach parking lot. Walking on sand and pavement. Restroom Port-A-Let only. Optional lunch at Shrimp Landing.

December 15 (Monday): North Shore Birding Festival event: “Waterfowl of The Villages.” Leaders: Alice Horst and Susan Pepper. 8:30 to 11:30 AM. Preregistration required, $40, maximum participants 15. See https://northshorebirdingfestival.com/ for details. Meet at Cattail Recreation Center Parking lot, 5227 Marsh Bend Trail, Wildwood, Fl, 34785. Rest room available. Lunch after, if desired (not included).

December 17 (Wednesday) Bird Trip: Hogeye Nature Preserve Walking Trail, 5227 Marsh Bend Trail, The Villages. Leader Bob Cole. Meet 8:30 AM at the path entrance next to Edna's on the Green. Easy walking on paved path. Yes Restroom.

December 20 (Saturday) Monthly Club Meeting: Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center at 9:00 AM. Program: Birding 101 presented by Village Birder Bob Smidt. Bring your own Binoculars. After the program the club will have extra binoculars and spotting scopes as demos on the boardwalk behind the Rec Center. If you need help with adjustments or general binocular questions, see Susan Pepper.

December 20 (Saturday) West Marion County Christmas Bird Count (CBC-FLWM). To volunteer contact Pat Larson with Marion Audubon, at email address plarson2657@hotmail.com.

December 22 (Monday) Emeralda Marsh Christmas Bird Count (CBC-FLEM). To volunteer contact Gigi DelPizzo with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, at email address G2cowgirl@yahoo.com.