Fall migration is more than just for the birds. Between dodging more pedestrians and cars on Venice Avenue and seeing more visitors at Rookery Park, it is clear that fall migration to the Venice area is well under way. It’s a wonderful time of the year for Venice Area Audubon as winter residents and visitors return to our area and we begin to anticipate the upcoming breeding season at Rookery Park. A special “welcome home” to those who’ve been away for the summer or on fall vacations! We look forward to seeing you at our next monthly program on Tuesday, November 14. 

Cooler, drier weather returned just in time for the start of field trips in October. Interesting sightings including Florida Scrub Jay, Merlin, American Kestrel, a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Red-eyed Vireo were noted on our walks of the season, resulting in life list additions for several of our birders. Hopefully the trend continues as we explore more parks, preserves, and beaches in the coming weeks.

Keep an eye on the Venice Area Audubon website Events list to stay abreast of field trip additions and/or changes. Please make a special note of the BirdingPlus field trips, offering opportunities to meet and learn from researchers and conservation leaders in addition to birding.

There’s still room on our trip to Audubon Corkscrew Swamp field trip in Naples on November 9. The cost is $25 per person for the daytrip, including admission to Corkscrew Swamp for the day, a guided tour, and a presentation by Dr. Shawn Clem, Director of Conservation.