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Viera Wetlands and Merritt Island Field Trips Announced

     Citrus County Audubon Society has scheduled two birding field trips on the Space Coast. These field trips are managed by CCAS Member Jim Meyer. The public is welcome to attend. Preregistration is not necessary and participants with all levels of birding skills are welcome. Due to the distance, most birders will travel over the night before.
     The field trip to Viera Wetlands is set for Monday, January 23, 2012. It begins at 1:00 pm and will last about 3-4 hours and will be mostly driving and easy walking.
     Viera Wetlands is a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists and is included in the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Many visitors are drawn by the site's breathtaking views and stunning abundance of wildlife.
     The field trip to Merritt Island will be the following day on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. It begins at 8:00 am, will be driving and easy walking and will last about 6-7 hours.
     Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of 140,000 acres and provides a wide variety of wildlife habitats. It attracts over 300 species of birds including 15 species listed as threatened or endangered. It also provides one of the few remaining habitats for the threatened Florida scrub jay, the only bird found exclusively in Florida.
     The Space Coast Birding Festival follows on Wednesday through Sunday of the same week and will be attended by several of the field trip participants. Visit CitrusCountyAudubon.com for more details and directions.

If you have any questions about this field trip please contact the Field Trip Manager,
Jim Meyer at jwm4072@hotmail.com 0r (321) 783-4328.

To get travel time and directions from your home to the Field Trip starting location

For Viera Wetlands
10001 Wickham Rd N, Melbourne, FL 32940
click this link-> Viera Wetlands

Note: There is a new easier entrance directly into the Wetlands.

For Merritt Island
click this link-> Merritt Island Causeway

Note: There is a new $5 fee to enter MINWR

On the left side enter your address and click Directions.
You might want to print out the step-by-step directions to bring along.

In the event of bad weather, notice of field trip cancellation will be emailed to subscribers of this CCAS Field Trip Email List no later than 2 hours before the trip start time.

Tips for an Enjoyable Bird Watching Outing

  • Check in with the trip leader when you arrive.
  • Try to stay within visual or radio contact with the trip leader.
  • Listen to the experienced birders--you will learn a lot.
  • Keep side conversations muted when others are actively watching and listening to birds.
  • Suggested items: binoculars, bird guide, note pad & pencil, bug spray, sunscreen, water (other items: light snack, camera, scope, FRS walkie-talkies on Channel 2)
  • Wear clothing in neutral colors that blend with the environment, long pants, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
  • Check out with the trip leader before you leave early.