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• Bay Street Park Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, October 03, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    300 Bay Street, Osprey, FL

  Register

  Migrating birds are often reported in this park early in the Fall.  This park has a record of 170 bird species sighted, including warblers, woodpeckers and waders.
  
  Park on the west endof shared parking lot.  Meet in the pavillion at 8:00 AM.  Rest rooms available.

  Hosts: Tom & Linda Litteral, tlitteral@comcast.net

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Shamrock Park Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, October 10, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice, FL

  Register

  We will take a stroll along the Intercostal Waterway and through Shamrock Park looking for song birds, woodpeckers and the endemic Florida Scrub Jay. Sea birds are sometimes seen along the Wateway.  Osprey are often seen in sight of the Waterway, as well as an occasional bald eagle. The main trails are paved and the side trails are packed sand. The bird walk generally involves about two miles walking.   However, it can be made longer or shorter to suit the birwalk participants.

  Meet by the Nature Center at 8:00 AM.  Restrooms available

  Hosts: Bill Fairbank, wgfairbank@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Book Club Zoom Discussion: Wesley the Owl

  • When
    Wednesday, October 14, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration)

  Register

  This month we're celebrating "Owl-o-Ween" with a charming real life story of an animal-human experience.  Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien recounts her unique relationship with a non-releasable barn owl named Wesley and the discoveries that emerged about the complexities of barn owls' lives.  Over the course of their years together, O'Brien comes to learn the special language that develops between Wesley and herself,  along with the owl's amazing intelligence and behaviors.  The book was a New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller.  

  Discussion Leader:  Jean Pichler

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

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• Scherer Thaxton Preserve Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, October 17, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    13125 Honore Ave., Osprey, FL

  Register

  We will walk around the lake and through the pine woods looking for woodpeckers, warblers, and other birds. This preserve adjoins Oscar Scherer State Park.  About 2 miles of walking over firm, sandy trails. 

  Meet in the parking lot

  Hosts: Bill Fairbank, wgfairbank@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Alligator Creek Fest

  • When
    Saturday, October 17, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    South Venice Yacht Club, 4425 Yacht Club Drive Venice, FL 34293

  Stop by our Venice Area Audubon Society table at the 7th Annual Alligator Creek Fest!  Browse the displays, take a kayak or e-bike tour, enjoy free BBQ, raffle and music!   

  This family-friendly community event is sponsored by Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. 

  
  

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• Monthly Program: 2026 Galapagos Islands Trip Highlights

  • When
    Tuesday, October 20, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  "Return to Galapagos" tonight with photos and stories recounting the May 2026 Venice Area Audubon trip to the Galapagos Islands.  Trip leader Eileen Gerle and other travelers will share their highlights and adventures as they recount observations and experiences on the quest for some of the islands' amazing birds and other wildlife.  

  From Sarasota County Forever, Jennifer Shafer will be available during the gathering time, 6:00-6:30 PM, to answer questions about Sarasota County's November ballot referendum to continue the County's Land Acquisition and Management Program.  Bring your questions about this important land preservation issue to discuss with Jennifer.

  6:00   Gathering and light refreshments

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Celery Fields Field Trip

  • When
    Friday, October 23, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, 6888 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

  Register

  A spectacular birding hotspot, with ducks, herons, egrets and a good chance at Purple Gallinules, bitterns, rails, hawks, and bald eagles, among other species.  About 2 miles of walking along hard packed trails.

  Meet at the picnic tables at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, 6888 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota at 8:30 AM.  Restrooms available in the parking lot.

  Host:  Eileen Gerle: egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning the field trip.

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Cedar Point Environmental Park Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, October 31, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    2300 Placida Road, Englewood, FL

  Register

  Cedar Point is one of the last remaining large tracts of undeveloped land on Lemon Bay in Charlotte County. There are a variety of habitats. Many species of animals inhabit pine flatwoods at Cedar Point, including bobcat, grey fox, yellow rat snake, pileated woodpecker, and bald eagle.  The mangrove swamps provide nesting site for wading birds including anhinga, black-crowned night heron and the great blue heron. The trails are packed sand. About 2 miles walking.

  Meet by the Nature Center at 8:00 AM.

  Host: Mike Weisensee, mike17554@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives

  • When
    Saturday, November 07, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Children ages 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult are invited to learn about the natural world all around us by looking for clues in nature. Big Naturalist and environmental educator Eileen Gerle leads this hour-long program that includes story time, a nature walk, and a craft.

  Please sign up for each month separately.  The themes are:

  • November 7  - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 5 - Sensing Nature
  • January 2 - Colors of Nature
  • February 6 - Recycling Fun

  Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

  PLEASE NOTE:  This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

  If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Lakeview Park Field Trip

  • When
    Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    7150 Lago Street, Sarasota, FL

  Register

  Lakeview Park in Sarasota borders Lake Sarasota and there are ponds and mature live oak trees on the property, so it is great for viewing herons, egrets, raptors, woodpeckers and songbirds.

  The park address is 7150 Lago Street. After turning into the park (use the entrance next to Oak Park School), drive all the way to the end of the road.

  Meet by the bathroom facilities at 8:00 am.

  Host:  Eileen Gerle, eileengerle@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Book Club Zoom Discussion: Hope Matters

  • When
    Wednesday, November 11, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration)

  Register

  Elin Kelsey's Hope Matters challenges readers to reframe their thinking from doom and gloom to hope by examining the efforts made by journalists and conservationists in highlighting positive impacts by determined individuals and groups who refuse to give in to despair.  In a time when the assault on the environment is particularly heightened, the author offers encouragment to continue to work toward positive change. 

  Discussion Leader:  Jean Pichler

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

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• Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center Field Trip

  • When
    Friday, November 13, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood, FL

  Register

  With 210 acred preserved along mangrove-lined Lemon Bay, the park is a nice place to learn about coastal habitats. The trail system extends through pine flatwoods with mature slash pines, mangrove forests, and wetlands where birds gather.

  Meet by the Nature Center at 8:00 AM.

  Host: Mike Weisensee, mike17554@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Monthly Program: Protecting and Rehabilitating Wild Birds in the Venice Area

  • When
    Tuesday, November 17, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  What perils face our local Venice-area wild bird populations, how can we better protect them, and what happens when birds need our help? Pam DeFouw, Executive Director of Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, will provide a brief history of Venice's Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida and how the Center is addressing the needs of wild birds in our area of southwest Florida.  Learn how to help our bird population both in emergency situations and over the long haul.

  6:00   Gathering and light refreshments

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Manasota Scrub Preserve Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, November 21, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood

  Register

  An excellent bird walk when migrating birds stop by this beautiful 154 acre preserve which is part of the Lemon Bay watershed.  About two miles walking along level trails. 

  Meet at 8:00 in the parking area.   No water or restrooms available.

  Hosts: Tom & Linda Litteral, tlitteral@comcast.net

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Red Bug Slough Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, December 05, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    5200 Beneva Rd., Sarasota

  Register

  Birding here in past years in spring has been great. We’ll look for waders, waterfowl, warblers and more. About 1.5  miles walking along level trails. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

  About 1.5 miles walking along level trails. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

  Host:  Bailey Cleveland, baileycleveland92@gmail.com.

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip. 

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: Sensing Nature

  • When
    Saturday, December 05, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Children ages 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult are invited to learn about the natural world all around us by looking for clues in nature. Big Naturalist and environmental educator Eileen Gerle leads this hour-long program that includes story time, a nature walk, and a craft.

  Please sign up for each month separately.  The themes are:

  • November 7  - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 5 - Sensing Nature
  • January 2 - Colors of Nature
  • February 6 - Recycling Fun

  Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

  PLEASE NOTE:  This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

  If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Book Club Zoom Discussion: How Flowers Made Our World

  • When
    Wednesday, December 09, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration)

  Register

  Bring on the flowers!  In How Flowers Made Our World, author David George Haskell makes the case that flowers are much more than mere decorations or celebratory bouquets.  Their "soft power" comes from their unique place in evolutionary history, the biology of flowers, and their role in human culture and economics.  

  Discussion Leader:  Jean Pichler

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

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• Monthly Program: Florida Bats!

  • When
    Tuesday, December 15, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Have you watched in awe as the bats depart from their houses nightly at the Venice Rookery?  Or perhaps you've been surprised to see bats in your neighborhood and wondered about them. What exactly do bats do all day and night?  Are they friends or foes in our ecosystems?  Join us for a discussion of one of our most misunderstood mammals: bats. We will learn the natural history, fun facts, and beneficial aspects of Florida’s native bats. Learn what bats are in our area and why we want them here!
  

  Presenter: Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County ecology and natural resources educator 

  6:00   Gathering and light refreshments

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• 2026 Christmas Bird Count

  • When
    Sunday, December 20, 2026
  • Location
    Venice-Englewood area

  The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the oldest community science project in the United States with the first count taking place on December 25, 1900.  The history of this event has grown tremendously since then and occurs annual between December 14 and January 5, utilizing thousands of volunteers throughout the country.  

  Venice Area Audubon Society, a long-time participant in this project, adds to the national bird count by surveying the local Venice-Englewood area annually on one designated morning.  Over 100 volunteers survey a 15-mile circumference circle extending from downtown Venice to I-75 to Manasota Key.  Volunteers proceed to specific locations to observe and record the species and number of birds sighted, then report the information to the VAAS Christmas Bird Count coordinator for submission to National Audubon. 

  Volunteer registration information to come in October 2026.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives

  • When
    Saturday, January 02, 2027
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Children ages 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult are invited to learn about the natural world all around us by looking for clues in nature. Big Naturalist and environmental educator Eileen Gerle leads this hour-long program that includes story time, a nature walk, and a craft.

  Please sign up for each month separately.  The themes are:

  • November 7  - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 5 - Sensing Nature
  • January 2 - Colors of Nature
  • February 6 - Recycling Fun

  Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

  PLEASE NOTE:  This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

  If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Book Club Zoom Discussion: Fastest Things on Wings

  • When
    Wednesday, January 13, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration)

  Register

  Terry Masear's biography includes many interesting details, not the least of which could include something like "licensed wildlife rehabber who has rescued and rehailitated over 10,000 hummingbirds".  Read  her first person story in Fastest Things on Wings as she recounts her encounters with the winged jewels that rewrote her purpose and helped develope the special relationship she holds with hummingbirds in Los Angeles and beyond.  

  Discussion Leader:  Jean Pichler

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

  Show details
• Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives

  • When
    Saturday, February 06, 2027
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Children ages 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult are invited to learn about the natural world all around us by looking for clues in nature. Big Naturalist and environmental educator Eileen Gerle leads this hour-long program that includes story time, a nature walk, and a craft.

  Please sign up for each month separately.  The themes are:

  • November 7  - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 5 - Sensing Nature
  • January 2 - Colors of Nature
  • February 6 - Recycling Fun

  Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

  PLEASE NOTE:  This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

  If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Monthly Program: Avian Anatomy

  • When
    Tuesday, February 16, 2027
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Birds are equipped with a unique anatomy enabling them to survive and thrive in a wide variety of climates and locations.  Tonight's program with Dr. Maria Passarelli, Avian Veterinarian, will highlight aspects of birds' anatomy that go beyond exterior features and offer fascinating information to expose how highly adapted birds are in the animal kingdom.

  6:00   Gathering and light refreshments

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Rookery Day 2027

  • When
    Saturday, February 20, 2027
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center and Park, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL

  Register

  Mark your calendar for Rookery Day, a fun, family-friendly morning at the Venice Audubon Center and Audubon Rookery Park.

  More details to come for:

  • guided walks
  • presentations
  • activities
  • volunteer opportunities

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• Monthly Program: Celebrating Our Volunteers

  • When
    Tuesday, March 16, 2027
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Celebrating Our Volunteers is tonight's theme as we honor and acknowledge the many people who bring Venice Area Audubon Society's activities, events, and programs to life.  This is a night for EVERYONE - volunteers and participants - to enjoy a fun-filled evening to say thank you and celebrate our Venice Area Audubon Society community,   Please plan to attend if able!

  6:00   Gathering and light refreshments

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Monthly Program: Program & Annual Meeting

  • When
    Tuesday, April 20, 2027
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Program information to be updated.

  6:00   Ice cream social

  6:30   Chapter business and announcements

  7:00   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

  Show details