It is always the right time to go birding in Flagler County; however, for those of you in Flagler last month you may have heard about a little event called the Florida Birding & Photo Fest. This 4 day event held annually in April is centered on the majestic aerial creatures that live in and migrate to our spectacular area and the people who love to photograph them. Not a birder? You may be a convert by the time you leave this festival. This particular North Florida local is not a birder by trade or hobby but I was nothing short of amazed at all there is to learn about the animals that take flight above us. New to the festival were Jonathan and Susan Wood’s Raptor Project which featured roughly 20 dynamic raptors from diverse habitats, including that of Northern Florida. This exhibit, which was located indoors, was nothing short of exciting. Uncle Sam, an American Bald Eagle, sat on his perch in grand fashion and was so still that upon initial inspection one would not know that he was indeed a living breathing mammal. And then, he moved with a wing span that would be between 66 – 96 inches; however, Uncle Sam had been injured and one of his wings was permanently clipped rendering him unable to show off his expansive wings. Sam was only one of the many raptors that took stage during the show, but my favorite was the Eagle Owl, a large and dominating bird that only weighs a few ounces.
The program also features keynote speakers, field time and workshops to help master the art of bird photography … or just photography for that matter. Meeting renowned photographers is a given here and they are more than willing to sit and cha
t with you. And this particular festival is a great way to learn about different types of equipment to use out in the field and after. Look for this event in April 2012 and definitely stay in touch on VisitFlagler.org for this and other exciting events.
Looking for something to do now? Flagler County has 5 trails listed on the Great Florida Birding Trail and a myriad of birding opportunities countywide. Grab a beginner’s book and some binoculars for a fun and educational outing with your family. Locals can join the Flagler County Audubon Society as well! Want to get outdoors, but not spend the entire time with your eyes on the skies? Try out the Environmental Education Fair on Saturday, May 21 at the west end of the River to Sea Preserve for a day of fun, food and more! This 2nd Annual Event features nature walks led by naturalists, kayaking opportunities, music, pirates, games and much more!
That’s all for this Insider. Make sure you stay up-to-date with local events happening all summer long through our community calendar. Happy trails!
