Join the Phoebes at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch for the first official “Bird Like Girl Day”! Learn about migration and how to identify a raptor just by wing shape and movement, all the while getting to know other young, female birders and potentially spotting Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Bald Eagles, Short-Tailed and Cooper’s Hawks.
The Florida Keys Hawkwatch, which takes place at Curry Hammock States Park, is two-month long migration project dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of birds - particularly diurnal birds of prey - by committing to the long-term study of their migration through the Florida Keys.
This event is free and open to the public.
WHAT: Bird Like a Girl Day at the Florida Keys Hakwatch
WHEN: Sunday, October 14th, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Curry Hammock State Park - 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050.
Meet at the bathhouse in the campground (stilted building), on the second floor. All visitors must park in the Day-Use Area; from there you can walk to the campground. The bathhouse is ADA accessible and has bathrooms and water fountains. The park has an entrance fee, listed below:
$2.50 - Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass
$4.50 - Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle
$5.50 - Multi-occupant vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
WHAT TO BRING:
Binoculars - Migrating raptors are difficult to spot with the naked eye. Nearly all our spotting and identification is done with binoculars. We recommend that you bring 7x, 8x or 10x binoculars. Scopes will not be necessary and due to limited space, ask you not to bring them or any optics requiring tripods. Leica Store Miami will be providing loaner binoculars on a first-come, first-served basis! So get there early if you want to borrow a pair.
Camera – Although it is difficult to predict at what altitude migrating raptors will fly over the hawkwatch, we often see birds that are low enough to photograph with a decent zoom lens.
Sun protection – There is limited shade at the observation deck. We will be exposed to the sun during long periods. Bring a large-brim hat and consider lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Snacks!
Please note…there is limited space on the observation deck. Other than the steps of the stairway, there are no seats available. You may bring a portable, foldable stool. Do not bring folding chairs, beach chairs or lawn chairs please. Please keep your personal belongings in a small pack or bag and refrain from bringing large backpacks.
BONUS: Hawkmania, Friday-Saturday, October 12th - 13th
A group of Phoebes will start hawkwatching a day early at the Florida Keys Audubon Society’s annual Hawk Mania event in Key West.
Hawkmania kicks off Friday night with a panel discussion with bird-of-prey experts Jeff Bouton, Rafael Galvez and Mark Hedden. On Saturday, from 9 AM to 3 PM, there will be an all-day hawk watch at Higgs Beach as well as a 9:s0 AM songbird walk in the surrounding area. To read more about Hawk Mania and event details, visit www.keysaudubon.org