Event Categories
Birding 102 - Wednesday Walks
Birding 102 walks take place every Wednesday during the season. They generally last 2-3 hours. We pick a different location each week, generally in Pasco. This program was started several years ago to meet the needs of newer birders, introducing them to the range of local habitats, and to the birds that may be found in them at various times of year. Over time this has morphed more into a group of friends who bird together on Wednesdays and is quite informal. We often stop for coffee afterwards when we are in a suitable location.
The locations for our 102 walks are not published online. Instead, those who want to be kept informed of the weekly location sign up for the activity and receive an email with the week’s Wednesday location on Monday. You can be included on the list by sending a request to [email protected].
Birding By Bike
Birding by Bike combines cycling and birding for a fun, active way to explore local parks, trails, and natural areas. These leisurely group rides are designed to stop frequently for bird observations, making them suitable for birders of all experience levels. Bring your bicycle, binoculars, water, and a helmet as we enjoy the outdoors while discovering the birds and wildlife found throughout Pasco County.
Starkey Park Monthly Bird Walk
Join us for our monthly bird walk at Starkey Wilderness Park, one of Pasco County’s premier birding destinations. These relaxed, guided walks are open to birders of all experience levels, from beginners looking to learn the basics to experienced birders hoping to add to their lists. We’ll explore a variety of habitats within the park while searching for resident and migratory birds, discussing identification tips, bird behavior, and the unique ecology of the area. Be sure to bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, water, and a sense of curiosity as we enjoy a morning of birding together.
Educational Programs
Our ‘season’ runs from October through April, during which time we meet in the Starkey Environmental Education Center on the first Saturday of each month at 11 am. We book speakers on a wide range of topics. Occasionally (most commonly for major holidays) we may need to move the meeting date, and this change will be posted in the Events Calendar, along with specifics of the talks for each month. Our monthly newsletter typically contains additional information beyond what is included in the online schedule. There is never a charge for these events and all are welcome.
Field Trips
Most of our field trips take place on Saturdays between October and April. We usually have two per month, one closer to home and one a bit further away. Details are posted on the Events Calendar. While we do not charge for trips, a few destinations may include entrance or parking fees, and some locations may incur highway tolls in order to reach them.
Once during each season we hold a weekend away, which gives us a chance to explore a more distant destination. This gives us more opportunity to see birds not typically available in our area, and does involve arranging either camping or hotel rooms. Where possible we’ll try to arrange a local guide to show us around on these more distant trips.
International Birding Trips
Over the past couple of years we have made arrangements through Holbrook Travel to take our chapter members on birding trips to Central and South America. We are planning to continue these trips for the foreseeable future, with a couple of destinations each year. In 2025 we sent two groups on “Introduction to Neotropical Birding” tours in Costa Rica, then in 2026 we had a trip to Colombia: “Birding the Central Andes”, and another trip to Costa Rica with a different itinerary: “Birding Southern Costa Rica”. In 2027 we already have a trip planned to Ecuador, and our Photography Club also has a trip planned to Costa Rica, with a focus more on photography. We maintain a list of those who want to stay informed of international travel opportunities with the chapter. To place your name on the list to receive information as it arises, please send your request to [email protected].
Winter Shorebird Survey
Every year, in the second week of February, the Florida Shorebird Alliance coordinates a survey of all shorebirds wintering in Florida. Pasco Audubon participates annually, conducting surveys at several sites in Pasco County. Our chapter also takes responsibility for surveying Fred Howard Park in Pinellas Co. and has covered this site for many years. These surveys give us an opportunity to understand how shorebirds use our beaches and provide data that are used to evaluate the ongoing health of our most vulnerable species: American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover, Piping Plover, Snowy Plover, Red Knot and Black Skimmer. These surveys do require shorebird identification skills, but if you are interested in participating, or to learn more, contact [email protected].
Photography Club
Our Photography Club brings together nature enthusiasts and photographers who enjoy capturing the beauty of birds, wildlife, plants, and natural landscapes. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, photographers of all skill levels are welcome. Club activities include field outings, photography workshops, photo-sharing sessions, and opportunities to learn new techniques while exploring some of the best natural areas in and around Pasco County.
West Pasco Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual community science event organized by the National Audubon Society and one of the longest-running wildlife surveys in the world. Each winter, volunteers work together to count and record bird species within designated count circles, providing valuable data that help track bird populations and conservation trends. Whether you’re an experienced birder or participating for the first time, everyone is welcome to join this rewarding day of birding and citizen science. The date for the West Pasco CBC varies from year-to-year and will be posted on the Event Calendar. For more information contact [email protected].