Audubon Explorer Program to begin | Environment

Clearwater, Florida -- Clearwater Audubon Society has 12 openings in its Audubon Explorer Program for students in grades 5 through 8, or ages 10 through 14.

They will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays: Feb. 16; March 9 and 23; April 13 and 27; and May 4.

Members will visit different Pinellas County parks where they will gain knowledge about birding and the environment. This program is offered by Moccasin Lake Nature Park in partnership with the Clearwater Audubon Society.

This program is geared to students and their parents who wish to learn more about the birds in Pinellas County who are full time residents or seasonal visitors. Birders of all levels of experience are welcome. There is no written final exam. Past participants in these programs have realized a positive result when applying for internships, counselor positions, and college.

Classes will be lead by experienced birders and/or naturalists. Participants will have opportunities to identify birds by sight, song and their choice of habitat. One goal is to identify as many different species as possible. Explorers receive a name badge with lanyard, a Pinellas County bird checklist, a journal for recordkeeping, and a reference binder with useful information. They are asked to bring binoculars.

Meeting locations vary to maximize the experience. Birds are most active in the early morning and meeting times will be set accordingly. Participants and their parents are cordially invited to attend meetings of the Clearwater Audubon Society at Moccasin Lake Nature Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, on the first Monday of every month; 7 p.m. Featured speakers include naturalists and photographers. Field trips are also open to the public.

To reserve a place in the program, or for more information, call (727) 215-7477.

Release courtesy City of Clearwater.