October 3: Thursday Evening Program: Bluebird Trails by Dr. Pam Overmyer
Bluebirds are some of the most well known birds in the U.S., but unfortunately their abundance is decreasing due to habitat loss and pesticides. One way for people to increase nesting success is to construct a bluebird “trail.” This presentation will discuss bluebird trails, what they are, and how to create one. Several years of monitoring data will be presented for two bluebird trails in Bay County. The presentation will be held in room 302 of the Student Services Center at the Northwest Florida State College Niceville campus. Socializing begins at 6:30 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public. Contact Dave Clausen at (907) 321-3701 for more information or visit their website at choctawhatcheeaudubon.org.
October 5: Saturday Bird Walk at Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island. Meet 7:30 AM in the NE corner of the Emerald Coast Convention Center parking lot, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Ft. Walton Beach. Malcolm Swan, 210-452-4899, will lead us through bayshore, barrier island woodland, and wetland habitats. Bring binoculars and/or camera, wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a hat.
October 26: Saturday Bird Walk at Camp Helen State Park. Meet 8:00-8:15 AM in the parking lot of Camp Helen, 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach. Emily Ellis, 850-818-2262, will be leading the group through the park to look for a variety of shorebirds including plovers, terns, and herons, as well as migrating songbirds such as warblers and buntings. Bring a picnic lunch, binoculars and/or camera, wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a hat.