Field Guide: Brain Garrett

Audubon Everglades in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), is pleased to offer this special “Flamingo Pursuit” in Stormwater Treatment Area 2 (STA 2) for an opportunity to see these iconic birds in the wild in Palm Beach County! Like all birding, the birds are in the wild and free to come and go as they please, so there is no guarantee to see the Flamingos on any specific date. Brian Garrett of SFWMD has recent reports of seeing 2-4 flamingos in this area. However, this STA is restricted access with heavy construction in progress throughout the area, and it is not open to the public. The trip will focus primarily on the area in which the Flamingos have been seen, where we hope to offer some great birding and photography opportunities. Thank you to the SFWMD for allowing us access for this unique chance to see these majestic birds. 

Please read the rules as they apply to everyone! 

REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY AND RESTRICTED TO ONLY 2021-2022 AE MEMBERS OR FRIENDS OF AE! Everyone in the car must be an active member of AE. Any person who arrives at STA-2 who is not an active member will be asked leave or they can choose and wait outside the entrance gate. 

PLEASE 4 persons per vehicle!

There will be 2 trips posted to allow all AE members the possibility of seeing these magnificent birds in the wild only register for one trip. Please only register for one field trip to allow other members a similar opportunity. The field trip coordinator has the right to restrict access. 

Registration is per vehicle and please car pool. Example Scott, Mary, Paula & Lisa ride together, they register for 1. Please indicate who will riding in your car and send an email to Paula@Auduboneverglades.org for verification. 

Please print out and complete a South Florida Water Management District Liability Release form (also available on the AE website under fieldtrips) for each person and bring it with you to the trip. 

DONATION proceeds from this event will go to the Florida Flamingo Working Group, a coalition of scientists and conservationists who share a mission to promote conservation and awareness of American Flamingos in Florida and throughout their range.

THIS TRIP IS RAIN OR SHINE! 

There is no waitlist.

If in need of assistance, please contact Paula Gatrell 561-248-9089

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flamingo-pursuit-tickets-311333114727?aff=erelpanelorg

Driving Directions from Starting locations: 

Directions – from Wellington – Tractor Supply 15731 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 approximately 50 miles / 1 hour):

Allow for FOG 

Closest port a potty at A1 FEB 

Head West on SR 80/US 441 N/ Southern Blvd Turn Left onFl-15 / SR 80West , Follow SR 80W for 28.5 miles Turn Left onto US-27 South, follow 27 South for 23.2 miles (You will pass the entrance to A1 FEB) Between mile markers 50 and 51, look for the bridge on the East side of the road Turn Left, cross the bridge to the entrance to STA 2. My GPS Coordinates: N 26 22 23.60 W 080 33 59.13

There are no bathrooms here.

DIRECTIONS – From Boca Raton (approximately 50 miles / 1 hour):Starting Location: Office Depot, 8095 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33434

Take Florida’s Turnpike south (toll road)Take Exit 71 for FL-869 S/Sawgrass Expy (toll road) toward Coral SpringsFollow Sawgrass Expressway for 20.7 milesTake I-75 North exit toward Naples (tricky exit — pay close attention)Merge onto I-595, then onto I-75 NorthTake exit 23 from I-75 onto US-27 North toward South BayFollow US-27 North 17.5 milesBetween mile markers 50 and 51, look for the bridge on the East side of the roadTurn Right, cross the bridge, turn left to the entrance gate

I have not verified these GPS coordinates to use on your phone or car navigation system: STA 2 GPS Decimal coordinates:26.370145,-80.564108Degrees/Mins/Secs Coordinates:26°22’12.5″N 80°33’50.8″W

Please review the trip information below and let us know as soon as possible:- If you cannot accept any of the rules or conditions- If you have any covid symtoms, allergies, health, or medical problems that might impact your participation or carpooling please stay healthy and home . The gates close and the trip begins at the published start time. The group enters and exits the STA together. The group will return to the main gate approximately 3 hours of the start time or earlier depending on the birds.

STA 2 RULES

AE entered into an agreement with SFWMD and must abide by their rules to be allowed to conduct these tours:

1. Liability Release: Each participant must complete and submit a separate South Florida Water Management District Liability Release. You will also find the form on the ASE website under the “Field Trips” tab. Download, print, complete and bring the completed release form with you on the day of the trip. 

2. This is a carpool driving tour with 4 people per auto. * If you arrive with less than 4 registered trip participants in your auto, you may asked to take additional people in your auto, or join others in another auto. 

3. Everyone enters and leaves the STA with the group; you may not separate from the group or leave early. You must stay with the group and cannot stop or stay in an area without the leader present. The gate is locked after we enter the STA.

BIRDING RULES

1. Listen and heed the instructions of the Field Trip Leader. Do not walk or position yourself ahead of the leader’s location.

2. Be respectful of your fellow trip participants

3. Take every precaution to avoid flushing the birds. Close doors gently, do not slam doors or otherwise create loud noise.

4. Do not get too close so as to scare the birds away. If you flush a bird, do not further pursue the bird and flush it again.