From Orange Audubon
The Orange Audubon Society will host its annual Beginners’ Birdwatching Class this October, offering participants three opportunities to learn bird identification skills in some of Central Florida’s most diverse habitats. The class will run on October 11, 18, and 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with each session held at a different location.
The series begins at Orlando Wetlands, continues at Mead Botanical Garden, and concludes at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. While each site is a well-known destination for birders, the Lake Apopka stop provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the most important bird habitats in Florida.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, is recognized statewide as a premier birding site. The restoration of the lake and surrounding wetlands has transformed the area into a haven for hundreds of species, making it one of the top birding hotspots in the country. Each year, visitors can see everything from common wading birds and raptors to rare migratory species passing through during fall migration.
For beginners, the drive offers easy access to prime birdwatching locations without requiring extensive hiking. The winding 11-mile route provides open views of wetlands, canals, and upland habitats, where participants will practice identifying birds by shape, size, behavior, and habitat. The class's timing in October also increases the chance of spotting migrating species, giving attendees a broader understanding of seasonal bird movements.
The course fee covers all three sessions: $60 for Orange Audubon members, $75 for non-members, and $10 for youth ages 12 and under with a registered adult. Participants who miss a class can make it up during Orange Audubon’s winter series in February 2026.
By structuring the program across multiple locations, the Orange Audubon Society provides beginners with exposure to different habitats while highlighting Lake Apopka’s role as a conservation success story. Once plagued by pollution and decline, the lake is now a centerpiece of regional birding and environmental recovery.
Registration is at orangeaudubonfl.org/activities/field-trips/. If you have questions, contact Kathy at riglingkathy@gmail.com
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