Exhibit Area at Titusville's Brevard Community College. Photo: Festival photographer.
There are so many things to see and do at the 15th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival in Titusville, Florida that almost anyone can find something they’ll enjoy. I look forward to this event every year because I learn so much and meet so many great people. Here’s a big picture overview of what you’ll find at the Festival coming on January 25 – 30, 2012.
Festival Headquarters and Exhibits
The Festival headquarters are at the Titusville Campus of Brevard Community College, in the Gymnatorium, which serves as the center where all the exhibits are housed. This is where you can leisurely stroll around and meet fellow birders and nature enthusiasts and do the following, just to name a few activities:
- Check out birding and nature field guide books of all kinds.
- Try out binoculars and spotting scopes from all the major manufacturers like Kowa, Eagle Optics, Alpen, Swarovski and Leica.
- Meet birding guides.
- See award-winning nature photography exhibits.
- Meet and talk to representatives from local and out-of-state conservation organizations.
- See the outstanding presentation on birds of prey by The Raptor Project, with live birds.
It’s a great event for kids too, with a number of classes and workshops geared toward children and teens.
Classroom Lectures / Presentations
Clay Taylor of Swarovski Optik talks digiscoping.
You can enjoy classroom lectures and presentations on all kinds of topic related to birding and nature as well as cameras, photography and optics. These classes are taught by nationally recognized birders, naturalists and photographers who are experts in their field.
Field Trips
Birding at Lake Monroe Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Lorne Malo.
Go into the field to explore nature with the help of an expert guide. You’ll go to places like the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Viera Wetlands, Charles H. Bronson State Forest, Little Econ State Forest, Lake Monroe Conservation Area, Smyrna Dunes Park, and many more natural areas. Choose from a variety of trips–some last for a few hours, others last from 5am to 5pm and cover lots of ground to maximize the number of bird and animal species seen.
There are field trips for photographers, digiscopers, and even for kayakers.
The Raptor Project
Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project during a stage presentation.
Daily Shows in the Exhibit Center. This is the largest traveling collection of birds of prey in the world. These are all birds with permanent handicaps that prevent them from surviving in the wild, so they’ve been trained to educate the public as ambassadors of their species.
Extreme Raptors Photoshoot Workshop
Master falconer Jonathan Wood and wildlife photographer Reinier Mungia will be leading a two hour Photoshoot Workshop with live Raptors. Check page 14 of the Festival program catalog for dates and times.
Art Show and Competition
Art Show & Competition at the Space Coast Birding Festival. Photo: Festival photographer.
Entries in several categories including photography, sculpture, painting, and mixed media will be on display and will be judged. More info on the Art Show and Competition at the Space Coast Birding Festival.
Silent Auction
Held during the Festival. Proceeds benefit the Festival. New or well-cared-for items accepted.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote speakers clockwise from upper left: Richard Crossley, Paul Baicich, James Currie, and Victor Emanuel.
Evening Keynote Presentations by outstanding members of the birding community are a great way to round out each day of birding activities. This year will feature Richard Crossley, Paul Baicich, James Currie and Victor Emanuel.
Pelagic Birding Boat Trip
The Pastime Princess.
See birds that spend most of their lives on the open ocean by taking a day-long trip into the Atlantic Ocean aboard the 100-foot fishing boat Pastime Princess. What an adventure! More info on the Pelagic Birding Trip.
Welcome Reception, Keynote Socials, Sunday Social
Noshing at a Festival Social event.
These socials are a great way to grab a quick bite and meet your friends and new acquaintances during the Festival. Check the Festival catalog for dates and times.
South Florida Birding: Lifers and Specialties
Visit the web site of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours for more info on the post-Festival birding tour in south Florida.
This is a field excursion held immediately after the Festival for anyone who didn’t get enough birding during the Festival! This trip involves birding in south Florida for several days in multiple locations. Check the Victor Emanuel Nature Tours web site for registration and details. 10% of the tour fee will support the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.
Information and Registration
For more info and to download a pdf Festival program catalog visit the web site of the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival.
Or you can contact the Festival directly by calling 800-460-2664 or 321-268-5224
I am required by the FTC to disclose that I receive compensation for writing about and promoting the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.
