Why "Everglades" is in our name
The Everglades is our namesake. We carry its name because it's the place we're part of and the place we work to protect.
The Everglades once spread as a slow-moving river of grass from Lake Okeechobee south to Florida Bay, and Palm Beach County sits at its northern edge. The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, right here in our county, protects the most northern remnant of the historic Everglades.
So the parks, marshes, and treatment areas we visit aren't separate from the Everglades. They're part of the same system, and what happens here flows south. Every trip is a chance to see our namesake up close.
Wading bird numbers in the Everglades have dropped by about 90 percent since the early 1900s, largely because of changes to how water moves through the system.
Stormwater Treatment Areas are built wetlands that filter phosphorus out of water before it reaches the Everglades. They've also become some of the best birding in Florida.
A healthy Everglades refills the aquifer that supplies drinking water to millions of South Floridians.
From the neighborhood park to the national stage
Local
City and county parks, wetlands, and natural areas close to home, where many of us found our first birds.
Regional
Stormwater Treatment Areas and restored marshes you can only enter with a permitted group, plus trips into Broward and beyond.
State
State parks, forests, and wildlife management areas across Florida.
National
National wildlife refuges, national parks, and special trips farther afield.
By foot, by boat, by butt. You name it, we do it.
There's no one right way to go birding, so we try them all.
foot
Trail walks at a birder's pace.
car
Levee and treatment area driving tours.
bus
Big trips farther afield.
boat
Birds you can't reach from shore.
canoe
Quiet paddles through the marsh.
ear
Songs and calls, before you see a feather.
butt
Sit still and let the birds come to you.
Learn from the people who know these places best
We bring in experts so every trip teaches you something new, whether it's how a wetland cleans water for the Everglades or how to tell two sandpipers apart.
- Scientists & biologistsResearchers who help you see the whole picture, from the birds to the plants, insects, water, and habitat they depend on.
- Expert birders & naturalistsSeasoned field guides who help you find and identify birds by sight and sound, and notice everything else living alongside them.
- Land managersPartners from the agencies that care for these sites, showing how they're restored and protected.
- Conservation photographersPhotographers who use their work to tell the story of these places and the wildlife that lives there.
Meet our guides
Our trips are led by a crew of scientists, expert birders, naturalists, and photographers, backed by our Field Trip Crew and Audubon Everglades reps who keep every outing running smoothly.
We don't do it alone
Many of our trips happen because of the folks we partner with. They open gates, share their expertise, and help us get people into places they couldn't visit on their own.
Every trip is a vote of support for our natural areas.
- Showing up counts. When people visit and care about a place, it's easier to make the case for protecting it.
- Sightings become data. The birds we count go into eBird and help scientists track how populations are doing.
- Seeing it makes it personal. Once you've stood in a marsh full of birds, you're far more likely to speak up when that place needs protecting.
What to expect
Getting ready
- Every trip requires registration on Eventbrite. There are no walk-ins, and meeting details go only to registered participants.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
- Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes for uneven or wet ground.
- No binoculars? We often have a few loaner pairs, or check out one of our birding backpacks, with binoculars and a field guide, through the Palm Beach County Library System. Place a hold a few weeks ahead.
On the trip
- Groups are kept small for a better experience and to meet site permit limits.
- Pace varies. Some trips involve heat, uneven ground, or water.
- Trips go rain or shine. We'll email you if conditions turn unsafe.
- You'll agree to our waiver by checking a box when you register.
Questions
Do I need to be a member?
No. Most field trips are open to everyone. Check each listing for details.
I'm a beginner. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Our trips welcome birders of every level, and listings will say if an outing needs more stamina or experience.
Can I bring my kids?
Many trips are family-friendly, but some locations aren't a good fit for young children. Check the listing or ask us first.
Are trips accessible?
It depends on the location. Reach out before you register and we'll help you find a trip that works for you.
What if I need to cancel?
Please cancel through Eventbrite as soon as you can so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
What if I'm running late?
Contact your trip leader using the number in your confirmation email. Start times and carpools on permitted trips are fixed, so we may not be able to wait.
See you out there.
New trips are added all the time. Find one that fits your schedule and come explore with us.
See upcoming trips