ID Workshops

Saturday, January 23

Beach Birding Workshop

You see them at the beach all the time — running from the surf, loafing in the sand, perched on pilings, or flying over the water. If you think they’re nondescript grayish variations on the same theme, you’re only partially correct. Have fun learning identification and natural history of the common but often tricky-to-identify birds found on Florida’s East Coast beaches in the winter. What’s the difference between a tern and a gull or a sandpiper and a plover? How does a Willet fit into the mix? We’ll explore their variations and sort through some of the subtleties of shapes and behaviors in this look at these fascinating beach birds.

  • Price: $60
  • Date: Saturday, January 23
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Jamaica Room
  • Leaders: Adam and Gina Kent
  • Participant Limit: 30

Sunday, January 24

Waterfowl ID Workshop with David and Dee Simpson

About 20 species of waterfowl regularly occur on marshes, ponds, and lagoons of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge each winter.  How many have you seen?  How many can you identify?
 
Local experts and naturalists David and Dee Simpson will share their expertise and experience in a class room presentation followed by a short field trip where you can try out your new skills.  You will learn tips and tricks on how to identify ducks in flight and on the water and how to separate confusing brown females.  In addition to how to identify the species, you will learn when and where to find them on the refuge and how to pick out those rare species we do not see every year.

  • Price: $60
  • Date: Sunday, January 24
  • Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Type: Meet on site.
  • Arrival Details: Arrive at the Visitor Center before 7:30 to be let in.  The gate will be closed behind us.  1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL 32782
  • Leaders: David Simpson, DeeFairbanks Simpson,
  • Participant Limit: 20
  • Accessibility: Restrooms at visitor center.  Limited restrooms in the field. Some walking on possible mud and/or uneven surfaces.
  • Additional Site Information: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt-island