Holey Land & Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas Birding Driving Tour
Join Audubon Everglades and birding expert Dr. Corey Callaghan for a unique field trip that blends science, nature, and exploration of two premier WMAs in search of wintering raptors, wading birds, sparrows, and other specialties. The trip will involve a driving birding tour with stops between various spots.
About Holey Land and Rotenberger WMA
This vast protected area constitutes one of the largest intact properties of the Everglades ecosystem. A drivable levee system bordering these WMAs provides glimpses into the ecosystem and gives visitors opportunities to enjoy relatively uninterrupted viewing of Green Herons, Black-necked Stilts, and Purple Gallinules, along with occasional sightings of American Bitterns (winter) and resident King Rails.
Keep an eye skyward also; it is not uncommon to see Swallow-tailed and Snail Kites, Northern Harriers (winter), and Bald Eagles.
Whether you’re new to birding or already deep into your life list, this outing offers something for everyone—students, families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about Florida’s wild side.
- Date: November 14th, 2026
- Meeting time: 6:45AM
- Start and End Time: 7 AM to 11 AM
- Meeting Location: Parking lot for STA 3 & 4 https://maps.app.goo.gl/thFRiGbCoG8Xrm3z5. We will carpool from the parking location.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to experienced birders.
- Suggested Ages: Adults
- Distance: Mostly driving with several short walks from the vehicle.
- Special Requirements: Participants should bring binoculars and be prepared for potentially cool early morning conditions.
Good to Know:
- Registration is required. No walk-ins.
- Be on time so we can make the most of our time in the field. The field guide has the right to start field trip at the stated time and has no obligation to wait for late attendees.
- Rain or shine, unless there’s a hurricane.
- Photos may be taken for social media. Let us know if you’d rather not be included.
- Please cancel if you can’t make it—someone else may be waiting.
- Under 18? Bring an adult.
This is a great opportunity to get outside, learn from a leading ornithologist, and connect with people who love nature as much as you do.
Questions? Reach out: fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org
About Your Guide
Dr. Corey T. Callaghan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Davie, Florida. His research focuses on leveraging ‘big data’, often contributed through citizen science initiatives, to understand biodiversity in space and time, with an emphasis on how biodiversity responds to anthropogenic habitat modification. In his free time he can most often be found birding or iNatting. His favorite bird is a White Hawk!
https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-corey-t-callaghan/
