Public Programs

2026/2027 Programs

September 13, 2026

Warblers! The Journey of a Lifetime by Alexander DeBear

Beautiful little songbirds called warblers have generated hemispheric passion among bird enthusiasts. Orange Audubon board member Alexander DeBear has made a deep dive into the ecology of these birds. From overseas night flights to crucial wintertime recovery, Alexander will unveil the spectacular lifestyles of these hardy birds. With Alex’s enthusiasm and great photos, this is a not-to-be missed talk.

October 11, 2026

Big Sit at Lake Jesup Park

This event replaces our regular monthly meeting. This is an annual, international event hosted by the New Haven (Connecticut) Bird Club. They compile the total count data. We sit inside a circle and count all the bird species we see or hear. Tent available for shade. All levels and ages of birders are welcome. Come for an hour or two or for the entire time. Bring your own binoculars, chair, water, and snacks.

7:00 to 11:00 am – Lake Jesup Park
5951 Sanford Avenue, Sanford, FL
Accessible parking space. No restrooms.

We welcome all those who would like to enjoy time in nature. This gathering is accessible for all, including those who have a disability, persons with a mobility challenge, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, persons who are neurodivergent, or persons with any other intellectual, developmental, or physical disability or concern.

Website: gis.audubon.org/birdability
Coordinator: Leslie Martin woodstork.martin@gmail.com

November 8, 2026

Natural Lands Management by Ron Chicone

Ron, biologist with Seminole County Natural Lands, will give the background and history of the natural lands program, including how lands were selected. He will explain how the lands are managed. He will include information on how the monthly bird surveys that Seminole Audubon volunteers do are helpful for community science and the data needed for conservation work. And he will explain how a bioblitz works and how that data is used.

December 13, 2026

Purple Martins at Lake Monroe by Jim Peters and Birding in Panama by Chuck Honaker

Jim Peters will provide the history of the gourds initiated by the Seminole Audubon Society on Lake Monroe. Using photos from his collection, he will explain the process for putting up and taking down the gourds, as well as a summary of the observations.

Then come along with us for a virtual trip to Panama to learn about Chuck Honaker’s tour experience and the birds seen on that trip, including a life list bird of the Harpy Eagle! Chuck will include selected photos of the many birds he saw.

January 10, 2027

Big Year Birding in Volusia County by Adam Hull

Adam Hull is an all-around naturalist from DeLand, currently holding the Park Service’s Specialist position at Hontoon Island State Park. During his career with the Florida Park Service, he has had the opportunity to grow as a land manager and interpreter of the natural world. He frequently leads bird surveys at parks around Central Florida. In 2020, he did a Volusia County Big Year, documenting 276 species.

February 14, 2027

Kestrels by Ken Meyer

Ken, Executive Director of Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI), will discuss the life cycle and habitat needs of Kestrels.

Ken received his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1987. Since 1996, he has served as an adjunct Associate Professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Ken co-founded Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) in Gainesville, FL, in 1997. During his 38+ years of conducting field research and producing management and conservation plans, Ken and his team studied the behavior and ecology of 16 species of birds of conservation concern from eastern Canada to Brazil.

March 14, 2027

Eastern Black Rails by BJ Quinton

With its speckled black and white back, deep blue chest and piercing red eyes, the Eastern Black Rail is a beautiful sight for those lucky enough to spot it. However, it is one of the most elusive birds, evading even the most skilled bird watchers. It lives in the dense vegetation of salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes. BJ will introduce you to this federally-threatened species and discuss its habitat and the threats it faces, such as climate change (especially sea level rise) and habitat fragmentation, as well as the survey protocol for detecting these hidden treasures.

BJ Quinton is a wildlife biologist with Environmental Science Associates (ESA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, both from the University of South Florida. With a passion for public outreach and education, he has performed educational programs for the Seminole Audubon Society, Zoo Tampa, and Pinellas County, and performs wildlife trainings at airports all over Florida, as well as California and Tennessee. Dealing with everything from gopher tortoises to Bald Eagles, BJ considers birds and bats to be his main areas of expertise.

April 2027

Enjoy Local Earth Month Events