Gainesville "Old Florida" Birding and Nature Festival

This is a one time registration fee per person required to participate in the festival. This ticket should be purchased at the same time as you register for your events. Festival registration comes with a welcome bag and an International Migratory Bird Day Celebration event Saturday, April 19, 2014 with light hors d'hourves.

Time: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Tour Leader: Rex Rowan
Tour Description: An hour south of Gainesville is the 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest, where you can get a taste of what Florida looked like before human beings got here. The Forest is home to abundant wildlife, including two endangered birds, the Florida Scrub-Jay – the only bird found in Florida and nowhere else – and the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. We’ll make an effort to see both.
Any restrictions: Expect to walk as much as half a mile, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and snacks. You may want to pack along some insect repellent as well.
Meeting place: Hampton Inn. Caravan leaves 7:00 a.m.

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to insure we're all together at start. Entrance fee to Zoo included in fee)
Leader: John Reed www.johnreedphoto.com
Description: A "hands-on" field workshop on shooting wildlife at a zoo so that you can't tell the photos were taken at a zoo. Learn how to shoot through fences without having them show in your photo, and glass too. Instruction, tips and lots of one-on-one help with whatever questions you may have. Get help with your camera and learn how to set your white balance, ISO and exposure for the subject before you. Suitable for all camera types and all experience levels. A small maximum class size insures ample time for ample personal attention needed by all.
Restrictions: None
What to Bring: camera, water, insect repellent, snack if desired
Where to meet: Santa Fe Zoo, maps to follow.

Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Leader: Brack Barker
Description: Our walking tour will occur in the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve near Rosewood, Fl. The route through the coastal scrub will allow the chance to observe the elusive Florida Scrub Jay and other denizens of the sand scrub habitat. Your guide is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist who will point out the local flora and fauna along this tour. We practice Leave No Trace principals, and approach nature with an ethic of hands off, passive interaction.
What to bring: wear comfortable and supportive walking shoes as the terrain can be soft sand in places; plenty of water and snacks/energy bars; sunscreen, hats, insect repellent; binoculars and cameras; and any required medications.
Where to meet: Otter Creek Post Office parking lot, intersection of SR 24 (Archer Road) and US 19, approximately 40 minutes from Gainesville. We'll then caravan to the trail head. Carpooling encouraged.

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tour Leader: Lars Anderson, Adventure Outpost
Description: This trip begins with a brief, fifteen minute float down the Silver river to it’s confluence with the Ocklawaha. Here, as the Silver’s cold, clear water blends with the warm, tannin stained waters of the Ocklawaha, the significance of the huge spring run to the Ocklawaha system is apparent. The change is so abrupt that you can hang your hands off each side of your boat and feel water that’s too warm for a comfortable swim on one side and too cold on the other.

Making our way down stream, the channel winds through a beautiful swamp of cypress, ash, tupelo, palm and maple, occasionally carrying us close to the high bluff which defines the swamp’s eastern edge. This abrupt rise was formed millions of years ago by an uplift fault. In fact, this whole section of the Ocklawaha follows an ancient fault line. The river itself, while not nearly as old as the faults, is exceptionally old by Florida standards. Scientists have found that the muck and peat which underlie the swamp is nearly 17,000 years old.

History buffs and those interested in Florida’s early inhabitants will be interested in the old village sites and tales of pioneer Florida. With its setting among cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and marshes, this is probably the best trip for visitors from foreign lands and northern climes who want to experience the real essence of subtropical Florida.
Meeting Place: Meet at the River, Maps will be provided.

Time: 10:00am
Leader: Danny Lyons, Tree Climbing Instructor, Canopy Climbers, LLC
Description: Let's Climb Trees! Ascend into a majestic Live oak canopy and experience the enchanting sights and sounds of arboreal "Old Florida." Enjoy a one-hour tree-climbing adventure, overlooking beautiful Newnan's Lake, equipped with your binoculars and camera to take in the natural beauty of Palm Point Park.

You can do this! Virtually anyone* can climb trees with our safe, tree-friendly arborist climbing system. We use ropes and saddles to sustainably climb into the treetops and explore the forest canopy.

Palm Point's surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of butterflies and local birds and is visited by migratory birds as well. Birds commonly seen at Palm Point include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Vireo, Egret, Ibis, Heron, Cormorant, Prothonotary Warblers, Wild Turkeys, Loons, and Summer Tanager. According to the Alachua Audubon, during Spring migration, "American Redstart and Cape May, Black-throated Blue, and Blackpoll Warblers are among the few fairly reliable species" at Palm Point.

What to Bring: Water, energy bar/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, eyewear/protection, camera, binoculars, any required medications and especially a cheerful sense of adventure.

What to Wear: Wear long pants and comfortable, breathable clothing, preferably made of stretchy fabric. Denim jeans are not recommended. Wear light hiking shoes. Please do not wear flip-flops or sandals.

Where to meet: Meet at the parking lot of Palm Point Park, no more or less than 5-10 minutes prior to your Event Time Slot.

*Participants must be 10 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants must sign Liability Waivers. We can often accommodate people with mobility or physical disabilities. Please contact Canopy Climbers prior to the event to let us know more about your individual needs and capabilities.

Time: 11:30am
Leader: Danny Lyons, Tree Climbing Instructor, Canopy Climbers, LLC
Description: Let's Climb Trees! Ascend into a majestic Live oak canopy and experience the enchanting sights and sounds of arboreal "Old Florida." Enjoy a one-hour tree-climbing adventure, overlooking beautiful Newnan's Lake, equipped with your binoculars and camera to take in the natural beauty of Palm Point Park.

You can do this! Virtually anyone* can climb trees with our safe, tree-friendly arborist climbing system. We use ropes and saddles to sustainably climb into the treetops and explore the forest canopy.

Palm Point's surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of butterflies and local birds and is visited by migratory birds as well. Birds commonly seen at Palm Point include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Vireo, Egret, Ibis, Heron, Cormorant, Prothonotary Warblers, Wild Turkeys, Loons, and Summer Tanager. According to the Alachua Audubon, during Spring migration, "American Redstart and Cape May, Black-throated Blue, and Blackpoll Warblers are among the few fairly reliable species" at Palm Point.

What to Bring: Water, energy bar/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, eyewear/protection, camera, binoculars, any required medications and especially a cheerful sense of adventure.

What to Wear: Wear long pants and comfortable, breathable clothing, preferably made of stretchy fabric. Denim jeans are not recommended. Wear light hiking shoes. Please do not wear flip-flops or sandals.

Where to meet: Meet at the parking lot of Palm Point Park, no more or less than 5-10 minutes prior to your Event Time Slot.

*Participants must be 10 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants must sign Liability Waivers. We can often accommodate people with mobility or physical disabilities. Please contact Canopy Climbers prior to the event to let us know more about your individual needs and capabilities.

Time: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Leader: Brack Barker
Description: Our visit to the Shell Mound Archaeological Site (north of Cedar Keys) and the Gulf of Mexico's estuary is a nature and history lovers delight. We'll begin our visit with an interpretive walk of the archaeological site where we'll discuss the original inhabitants of this coastal zone and learn of important plant species utilized by this extinct culture. The kayaking portion of around three hours, will take us through the estuary of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge among coastal islands where we can stop along the way on sandy beaches for breaks and to observe wildlife. Possible sightings may include white and brown pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, numerous shore birds, and maybe the local dolphins. Out around three hours on this round trip paddle. Your guide is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist and professional kayak guide/instructor, with field archaeological experience in Florida and Georgia working on pre-historical and historical sites. We practice Leave No Trace principals with a hands off, passive observation ethic.
What to bring: dress for paddling and the potential for getting wet; sun protection to include hats, sunglasses/straps, sunscreen; insect repellent; wear shoes that can get wet/muddy but NO flip flops or Crocs, oysters are sharp; change of clothes/towel for afterwards; plenty of water, at least a gallon per person; snacks/energy bars; camera and/or binoculars, have something water proof to put them in such as a dry bag or zip lock type baggy; and any required medications. Kayaks and all equipment is provided.
Where to meet: We'll meet at the launch site off CR 326 at the end of SW 78th Place, Cedar Key, Fl. 32625 (directions will be provided to those that register).
Special note: for those that only want to take the interpretive walk, no paddling, may join in for $10 per person, limit 15 people. Fee above includes paddling equipment.

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – please arrive 10 minutes ahead of time to insure we’re all ready on time.
Leader: John Reed www.johnreedphoto.com
Description: This classroom session is primarily to get you familiar with your camera. Some digital photography concepts such as exposure and white balance will be covered as well but the main purpose is to nconfused all those buttons, dials, and switches now loaded on digital cameras. Learn how to use all these controls to get your photos to come out as you like. In addition, batteries, memory cards, file types and file qualities will also be covered. There will be “hands-on” exercises too so you should bring your camera to class. Suitable for all camera types from basic to advanced even though the basic cameras may not have all the controls that are covered.
What to Bring: Camera, camera user’s manual
Where to meet: Hampton Inn Meeting Room

Time: 02:00pm
Leader: Danny Lyons, Tree Climbing Instructor, Canopy Climbers, LLC
Description: Let's Climb Trees! Ascend into a majestic Live oak canopy and experience the enchanting sights and sounds of arboreal "Old Florida." Enjoy a one-hour tree-climbing adventure, overlooking beautiful Newnan's Lake, equipped with your binoculars and camera to take in the natural beauty of Palm Point Park.

You can do this! Virtually anyone* can climb trees with our safe, tree-friendly arborist climbing system. We use ropes and saddles to sustainably climb into the treetops and explore the forest canopy.

Palm Point's surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of butterflies and local birds and is visited by migratory birds as well. Birds commonly seen at Palm Point include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Vireo, Egret, Ibis, Heron, Cormorant, Prothonotary Warblers, Wild Turkeys, Loons, and Summer Tanager. According to the Alachua Audubon, during Spring migration, "American Redstart and Cape May, Black-throated Blue, and Blackpoll Warblers are among the few fairly reliable species" at Palm Point.

What to Bring: Water, energy bar/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, eyewear/protection, camera, binoculars, any required medications and especially a cheerful sense of adventure.

What to Wear: Wear long pants and comfortable, breathable clothing, preferably made of stretchy fabric. Denim jeans are not recommended. Wear light hiking shoes. Please do not wear flip-flops or sandals.

Where to meet: Meet at the parking lot of Palm Point Park, no more or less than 5-10 minutes prior to your Event Time Slot.

*Participants must be 10 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants must sign Liability Waivers. We can often accommodate people with mobility or physical disabilities. Please contact Canopy Climbers prior to the event to let us know more about your individual needs and capabilities.

Date: Friday April 18, 2014
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Leader: Adam Kent, Alachua Audubon Society
Description: Explore six clues to bird identification: body type, field marks, bills, behavior, habitat and sound. What do these clues teach us about a bird’s identity? What else can we learn about birds from examining these clues? The Bird Detective approach is useful and fun for beginning birders of all ages. Adam Kent designed the program and wrote the guide for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Adam is the immediate Past President of the Florida Ornithological Society.
What to Bring: Optional: Birding books
Where to meet: Wild Birds Unlimited, 4212 Northwest 16th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 381-1997

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Leader: John Reed www.johnreedphoto.com
Description: This classroom session will cover the basic fundamentals of sound bird flight photography. Camera and lens types, shooting modes, focus methods, metering and more so you’re ready to go out and get those bird photos you want to hang on your wall. This class is geared toward DSLR cameras since they are best suited for this type of photography but everybody is welcome including all experience levels.
What to Bring: interest, curiosity, questions
Where to meet: Hampton Inn Meeting Room

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Leader: Bubba Scales, Owner, Wild Birds Unlimited Gainesville
Description: Join a binocular and birding pro in this useful workshop in his beautiful birding shop in town! He will have a large display of binoculars to go over brands, use and care, helpful knowledge in researching a purchase that can be high dollar.
What to Bring: Interest, curiosity, questions
Where to meet: Wild Birds Unlimited of Gainesville

Time: 8:00pm
Meeting Place: Hampton Inn Meeting Room
Description: The Florida Wildlife Corridor project is a collaborative vision to connect remaining natural lands, waters, working farms, forests and ranches from the Everglades to Georgia, protecting a functional ecological corridor for the health of people, wildlife and watersheds. In 2012, four explorers enter the Everglades and, 100 days later, reach the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition showed that the heart of Florida is still wild–and can still be saved. This film features a collection of stories and experiences woven together in a documentary format with stunning views of Florida nature. Produced by Elam Stoltzfus, featured on PBS TV, travel with them to discover the rivers, swamps, prairies, springs and forests, cattle ranchers and timberlands. A portion of the proceeds from this film showing will be donated to Conservation Trust for Florida, a local land trust.