January Refuge Programs

By Tom Dunkerton

• Beginning Bird Tours Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 9 am except 1/1, 1/26, 1/28 & 1/29. A Fee of $3.00 per person, children under age 16 are free. Cash preferred.  Join a Refuge volunteer for a guided three hour driving tour in the Refuge shuttle bus to learn how to identify many species of birds. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
• Eagle Program Every Wednesday and Friday in December at 1 pm except 1/13 & 1/27.  Enjoy a presentation about the American Bald Eagle and learn about the life history of this magnificent bird.  Call 321-861-5601 reservations
• Eagle Watch Along Black Point Drive Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm to 4 pm except  1/13 & 1/27.  Weather permitting, a Refuge volunteer will be stationed along Black Point Wildlife Drive between Signs 11 & 12.  A spotting scope will be available for viewing the eagle‚s nest.  Reservations are NOT required, drive to  Black Point Drive.
• All About Manatees Thursday, 1/5 at 1 pm.  Learn all about manatees with Refuge volunteers during a photo   presentation and hands on manatee artifacts.
• Ducks of the Refuge Sunday, 1/8 at 1 pm.  View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus to observe ducks in the wild.  Call 321-861-5601 for reservation
• All About Alligators Thursday, 1/12 at 1 pm.  Learn all about alligators through a photo presentation and hands on alligator artifacts. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
• Black Point Wildlife Drive Naturalist Program Friday, January 13 at 2 pm.  Weather permitting, meet  a refuge volunteer at Stop # 9 to learn about the wildlife of the area.  No reservations required.
• Oak Hammock Hike Monday, 1/16 at 9 am.  Take a 3/4 mile guided hike along the  hammock trails to learn about the plants and wildlife that inhabit the area.  Drinking water, insect repellant, closed walking shoes and long pants are recommended.  Meet at the refuge visitor center.  Loaner binoculars are available.
• Butterfly Survey Sunday, 1/22 at 9 am Volunteers and refuge staff will participate in a survey to identify butterflies in several habitats for the Butterfly Monitoring Network. No experience necessary.  Bring water, snack & insect repellant and wear closed shoes and long pants. Call 321-861-5601.
• Refuge Photography Club Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, Thursday, January 19 at 6 pm The speakers will present on how to plan birding and photo tours inexpensively!  For Information or to be added to the club‚s mailing list  contact volunteer Lucy Pruss at 321-508-6742 or Lucinda.Pruss@gmail.com or Nancy Corona at 321-861-0668.
• Hawk Presentation & Tour Sunday, 1/22 at 1 pm. View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus.  .321-861-5601
• 15th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival 1/25 to 1/30.  Learn about this world renowned festival by picking up a catalogue or visit the following website for more information: http://www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org
• Waterfowl Hunt Hunting occurs in most areas of the Refuge from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12  pm on Wed., Sat, Sun. & some holidays.  Hunting is prohibited on Black Point Drive.  See 2011-2012 Hunting Regulations for more information.