Braving 100% humidity and tropical temperatures, members of Phoebes Birding gathered on the morning of Sunday, October 13th at A.D. Barnes Park in Miami to count birds for the annual Big Sit.  2026 marks the fifth year the Phoebes have participated in this nationwide event, contributing quantitative data to ebird for the birds seen and heard within our 17-foot circle.  Over the years, we’ve come away with impressive numbers, with an all-time high of 49 species in 2022; this year proved a little less active bird-wise with a respectable count of 37 species spotted over a three hour period.

On the drizzly fall morning of September 20, a group of Phoebes gathered at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for one of our favorite migration-season outings: a visit to the Cape Florida Banding Station.

Even before reaching the station, the morning was already delivering birds. During our stroll through the park, we spotted several migrants moving through the vegetation, including an Ovenbird and a Common Yellowthroat — a fitting preview of what was to come.

At the banding station, experienced master bander Miriam Avello demonstrated and discussed the banding process, explaining how trained banders carefully examine, measure and band migratory birds before releasing them back into the surrounding tropical hardwood hammock. Her insights gave the group a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how banding contributes to our understanding of bird migration and conservation.

Strike, Spare, Split and Gutter! WHAT?

Yes! That’s what the Phoebes did Saturday, August 15th in Miami. As a respite from birding in the summer heat, 14 Phoebes swarmed Bird Bowl for an indoor, air-conditioned afternoon of entertainment, camaraderie, and just plain fun with no pressure or skills required to play. 

What made this activity a success, in my opinion, is that none of us are professional bowlers. At times we were loud and rowdy as we attempted to hurl a 7, 8, or 10-pound neon yellow, hot pink, or swirling vivid green globe down a 60-foot oiled bowling lane, hoping to knock down as many pins as possible. Strikes, Spares, Splits and Gutters! We did it all! 

It was amusing to watch everyone’s unique, energetic bowling styles. Methods included twerking, shuffling, shimmying, and sliding happy feet, while celebrations were expressed with fist bumps, high-fives, and thumbs-ups, along with joyful cheering and screaming. We flocked and rolled at Bird Bowl! All in all, Phoebes Bowling was a crowd pleaser and the consensus of the group is that we’ll do it again next year! 

On a warm March evening, the Phoebes gathered at the historic Doc Thomas House for a cozy Movie Night that felt equal parts bird club and dinner party. By 6 p.m., the tables were filling with a colorful spread of potluck dishes, everything from fresh salads to comfort-food favorites, shared among a wonderful group of nature-loving women.

As the sun set and the popcorn started popping, we settled in for the Hallmark rom-com Adventures in Love and Birding. The film was, quite literally, “for the birds,” a delightfully sappy storyline with just enough romance to keep us smiling. Birders in the room appreciated the mostly accurate identifications sprinkled throughout… though we couldn’t help but collectively groan (and laugh) at a few mistakes, one glaring mix-up: a “spotted owl” that was very clearly a burrowing owl. Points for effort, Hallmark.