Calendar

May
2
Wed
Florida’s Charismatic Microfauna @ Millhopper Library
May 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 

Florida’s Charismatic Microfauna

Presented by Paul Moler 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Although the vast majority of Florida’s wildlife species are invertebrates, most receive little attention. The important roles played by bees and butterflies are generally well known, but many other species toil away anonymously providing important ecosystem functions. Still others may not be major players but are nonetheless behaviorally or morphologically fascinating (“cool”). This program will introduce a select few of the less familiar members of our local fauna.

Sep
5
Wed
Birds and Mammals of North India @ Millhopper Library
Sep 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location map

 

Scott Flamand, retired science teacher from Buchholz High School and former president, current vice president of Alachua Audubon Society will tell about a recent trip with a nature guide through northern India. Scott was very excited to be able to take this trip and we will find this an outstanding presentation about what he saw and learned in northern India.

 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Nov
8
Thu
Climate-Wise Landscape, Practical Actions for a Sustainable Future @ Millhopper Library
Nov 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location map

 

Ginny Stibolt, a life-long gardener with a Master of Science degree in botany, will speak on topics from the book, Climate-Wise Landscaping: Practical Actions for a Sustainable Future by Sue Reed and herself. The book was published by New Society Press in 2018. The authors have taken an optimistic approach, with hundreds of actions that people can take to accomplish at least one of 3 objectives: 1) to help the landscape survive climate change, 2) to help wildlife survive climate change, and 3) to help mitigate climate change. Since moving to Florida in 2004, Ginny has written 4 peer-reviewed books on Florida gardening, all published by University Press of Florida. In addition, she has written hundreds of gardening and nature articles for various publications.

 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Dec
7
Fri
Holiday Social and Pot Luck
Dec 7 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Location map for Mill Pond Clubhouse

 

In place of the traditional Silent Auction, AAS will offer alternative fund raising activities. We will sell bird and nature-related books, CDs, and DVDs.  Donate to AAS by contributing bird and nature-related media that you no longer need, and consider purchasing new additions for your library collection.

 

You may call 372-0754 to have your items picked up or you may bring them with you to the social.

 

A UF birding club, GREBE (Gators for Really Excellent Birding Experiences) will be providing the entertainment, possibly a bird calling contest similar to the one we had last year. Demonstrate your bird calling skills. Prizes will be given out to the winners. Amaze your friends with your Barred Owl and Screech Owl imitations!

 

Pease join us, support Alachua Audubon and enjoy food and drink with your birding friends. The holiday party will be held at the Mill Pond Clubhouse. Directions: From Newberry Road, turn south on NW 48th Blvd (across from GNV Health and Fitness Center). Drive south about 2 blocks. Look for tennis courts on the right. The Clubhouse is next to the tennis courts on the right. Look for our Alachua Audubon signs!

 

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Holiday Social!

Jan
15
Tue
Birding BALI to BORNEO @ Millhopper Library
Jan 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location map

 

Southeast Asia has roughly 20,000 islands scattered throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and this talk provides an introduction to 2 of them, Bali and Borneo. Isolated, islands are hotbeds of speciation, and most birdwatching trips to the region focus on the endemics found throughout.

 

Join us as Chris Burney briefly gives a background of the islands with maps, and spend the bulk of the presentation covering the highlights with pics and illustrations from two months of travel.

 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Birding BALI to BORNEO @ Millhopper Library
Jan 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location map

 

Southeast Asia has roughly 20,000 islands scattered throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and this talk provides an introduction to 2 of them, Bali and Borneo. Isolated, islands are hotbeds of speciation, and most birdwatching trips to the region focus on the endemics found throughout.

 

Join us as Chris Burney briefly gives a background of the islands with maps, and spend the bulk of the presentation covering the highlights with pics and illustrations from two months of travel.

 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Jan
30
Wed
Planting for Life: How to Make your Yard your Bird Feeder @ Millhopper Library
Jan 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location map

 

By starting with planting the wrong plants in the wrong place, Ann Wiley learned well what it takes to create a safe living space for songbirds. Learn beautiful and effective landscaping principals that contribute to the survival of our feathered friends.

 

Social Time 6:30, program 7:00 p.m.

 

Mar
2
Sat
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Mar 2 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail

Register for this kid oriented event through the Friends of Paynes Prairie website by following this link.

 

Location map

 

We welcome you the first Saturday of each month October through April, to join us for a hike on La Chua Trail and learn about birds.  Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  Meet us in the La Chua Trail parking lot; the north entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, by 9:00 a.m.

Hikes are limited to 20 people.  Reserve your spot by clicking the registration button on this page.  

Hikes are free, but regular park admission fees apply.  Park admission at La Chua Trail is $4.00 per vehicle, cash only, or free with a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.

Binoculars are available for loan during the hike, but supplies are limited and preference given first to those with reservations.

No pets permitted.

This program is supported by Paynes Prairie and Alachua Audubon volunteers.

Apr
6
Sat
Journey of the Whooping Crane @ The Wooly
Apr 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location Map

 

Film screening and fundraiser for Alachua Audubon Society

 

Catch a glimpse of the whooping crane in this one-hour nature documentary.

The documentary, directed by Greg Pope and Rhett Turner, follows efforts to save the rare, endangered bird through remarkable footage and interviews filmed over the span of two years.

 

The directors will be holding a Q&A right after the screening to answer any and all questions regarding the journeys of the whooping crane and their film.

 

Make sure to get your tickets through: https://woolywhoopingcrane.brownpapertickets.com or at the door for $15!

Apr
10
Wed
Spring Celebration and Pot Luck Dinner
Apr 10 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Come join us on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 pm for Alachua Audubon’s annual pot luck dinner celebration and help us welcome our newest AAS Board Members.

 

This event will be held at Anne Casella’s house at 2245 NW 24th Ave, Gainesville, Florida 32605-2941

Look for the AAS signs!

 

Bring some food to share and a beverage of choice, and enjoy visiting with Alachua Audubon members and the Board of Directors. This will be a fun gathering and an opportunity to share our more recent spring migration observations!

 

The Alachua Audubon Society is a volunteer organization. Officers of Alachua Audubon Board of Directors are: President: Debbie Segal, Vice President: Scott Flamand, Secretary: Felicia Lee, and Treasurer: Trina Anderson. Returning board members are Emily Schwartz, Bob Simons, Anne Casella, Barbara Shea, Karen Brown, Katie Sieving, Charlene Leonard, Adam Zions, Steve Goodman, Michael Brock and Alan Shapiro.

 

We would like to welcome our newest board members Chris Burney. We would also like to thank the outgoing Board member Mike Manetz for his time and effort to make this a successful organization.

 

Please join us on April 11th as we celebrate Alachua Audubon and welcome our newest board members.

Oct
5
Sat
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail

Please register for this family oriented event through the Friends of Paynes Prairie website by following this link.

 

Location map

 

We welcome you the first Saturday of each month October through April, to join us for a hike on La Chua Trail and learn about birds.  Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  This birding hike is an out-and-back trip of approximately 1 mile in total length, in an open marsh habitat with a large diversity of plants and wildlife.  Meet us in the La Chua Trail parking lot; the north entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, by 9:00 a.m.

Hikes are limited to 20 people.  Reserve your spot by clicking the registration button on this page.  Registration for each hike will open approximately 30 days prior to the hike date.

Hikes are free, but regular park admission fees apply.  Park admission at La Chua Trail is $4.00 per vehicle, cash only, or free with a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.

Binoculars are available for loan during the hike, but supplies are limited and preference given first to those with reservations.

No pets permitted.

This program is supported by Paynes Prairie and Alachua Audubon volunteers.

Nov
2
Sat
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Nov 2 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail

Please register for this event through the Friends of Paynes Prairie website by following this link.

 

Location map

 

We welcome you the first Saturday of each month October through April, to join us for a hike on La Chua Trail and learn about birds.  Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  This birding hike is an out-and-back trip of approximately 1 mile in total length, in an open marsh habitat with a large diversity of plants and wildlife.  Meet us in the La Chua Trail parking lot; the north entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, by 9:00 a.m.

Hikes are limited to 20 people.  Reserve your spot by clicking the registration button on this page.  Registration for each hike will open approximately 30 days prior to the hike date.

Hikes are free, but regular park admission fees apply.  Park admission at La Chua Trail is $4.00 per vehicle, cash only, or free with a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.

Binoculars are available for loan during the hike, but supplies are limited and preference given first to those with reservations.

No pets permitted.

This program is supported by Paynes Prairie and Alachua Audubon volunteers.

Nov
5
Tue
Safari to Namibia and Beyond
Nov 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meeting location map

 

Adam and Gina Kent share photos and stories from their three-week trip through southern Africa. This presentation will highlight birds and other wildlife from five countries, three World Heritage sites, and countless beautiful landscapes.

 

Please note that due to Millhopper Library having changed their evening hours, our programs will now start at 6:30pm, and socializing will begin at 6:00pm.

 

Dec
3
Tue
Birding Alaska
Dec 3 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meeting location map

 

Alaska is a destination of unparalleled scenery and exciting birds and wildlife. Anne Casella will give a presentation based on her 12-day birding trip to Nome, Denali and Seward in June 2018.

 

Please note that due to Millhopper Library having changed their evening hours, our programs will now start at 6:30pm, and socializing will begin at 6:00pm.

 

Dec
6
Fri
Holiday Social and Pot Luck
Dec 6 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Location map for Mill Pond Clubhouse

 

Please join us, support Alachua Audubon and enjoy food and drink with your birding friends. The holiday party will be held at the Mill Pond Clubhouse. Bring a food or drink item to share.

 

Go through your shelves and look for gently used items such as books, CDs or DVDs about birds or nature that you would like to donate. Others will purchase these items by making a donation to Alachua Audubon.

 

Directions: From Newberry Road, turn south on NW 48th Blvd (across from GNV Health and Fitness Center). Drive south about 2 blocks. Look for tennis courts on the right. The Clubhouse is next to the tennis courts on the right. Look for our Alachua Audubon signs!

 

Parking is available on one side of NW. 48th Blvd. So please pull in behind someone parked along here.

 

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Holiday Social!

 

Dec
7
Sat
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail

Register for this kid oriented event through the Friends of Paynes Prairie website by following this link.

 

Location map

 

We welcome you the first Saturday of each month October through April, to join us for a hike on La Chua Trail and learn about birds.  Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  This birding hike is an out-and-back trip of approximately 1 mile in total length, in an open marsh habitat with a large diversity of plants and wildlife.  Meet us in the La Chua Trail parking lot; the north entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, by 9:00 a.m.

Hikes are limited to 20 people.  Reserve your spot by clicking the registration button on this page.  Registration for each hike will open approximately 30 days prior to the hike date.

Hikes are free, but regular park admission fees apply.  Park admission at La Chua Trail is $4.00 per vehicle, cash only, or free with a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.

Binoculars are available for loan during the hike, but supplies are limited and preference given first to those with reservations.

No pets permitted.

This program is supported by Paynes Prairie and Alachua Audubon volunteers.

Dec
15
Sun
Christmas Bird Count
Dec 15 all-day

Contact Andy Kratter (kratter@flmnh.ufl.edu; 352-226-2462) or Bob Carroll (gatorbob23@yahoo.com; 352-281-3616) if you’re interested in participating in this all-day event.

 

Please sign up early.

 

Difficulty: 3 (may involve elevation change, uneven terrain, and/or walking distances greater than two miles).

Jan
4
Sat
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail
Jan 4 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Family Birding at Paynes Prairie La Chua Trail

Register for this kid oriented event through the Friends of Paynes Prairie website by following this link.

 

Location map

 

We welcome you the first Saturday of each month October through April, to join us for a hike on La Chua Trail and learn about birds.  Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  Meet us in the La Chua Trail parking lot; the north entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, by 9:00 a.m.

Hikes are limited to 20 people.  Reserve your spot by clicking the registration button on this page.  

Hikes are free, but regular park admission fees apply.  Park admission at La Chua Trail is $4.00 per vehicle, cash only, or free with a Florida State Parks Annual Pass.

Binoculars are available for loan during the hike, but supplies are limited and preference given first to those with reservations.

No pets permitted.

This program is supported by Paynes Prairie and Alachua Audubon volunteers.

Jan
11
Sat
AAS 60th Anniversary Celebration
Jan 11 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

Please join us Saturday, January 11th, from 8 AM – noon as we celebrate 60 years of community education, conservation, partnerships, and birding!

Celebrations will include inaugural tours of the newly fledged Prairie Creek Banding Station (live birds in hand!), two birding walks led by local experts, “Einstein” the Great-Horned Owl ambassador from Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation, games, prizes, brief presentations, and refreshments! Family friendly!

 

Prairie Creek Lodge

Location map
7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, Florida 32641

Jan
15
Wed
Urban Mockingbird Song Diversity
Jan 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meeting location map

 

The Northern Mockingbird is our Florida State Bird and Floridians love hearing its rich repertoire of calls and songs. A UF researcher is studying this bird right here in our Northwest Gainesville neighborhoods! Is there more song diversity in urban or rural Mockingbirds? What has been learned?

 

Please note that due to Millhopper Library having changed their evening hours, our programs will now start at 6:30pm, and socializing will begin at 6:00pm.