Join the Phoebes for two nights of overnight camping at Long Pine Key campground in beautiful Everglades National Park! There will be an optional evening program at the campground amphitheater on Friday night at 7:30pm. After the program, we can walk around the campground listening for owls or other wildlife night sounds, venture further into the park to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness at night, or enjoy each other's company around a campfire.
Northern Flickers at Long Pine Key, ENP. Photo by Ana Lima
Saturday morning, we will rise early to bird the campground. LPK is an eBird hotspot boasting 100+ species seen in winter over the past 10 years. At this time of year, one can see all five woodpeckers that inhabit this area year-round or winter here. At least 15 species of warblers have been reported in winter, including wintering migrants. Brown-headed Nuthatches are permanent residents after successful reintroduction efforts by the park. We might even glimpse an American Robin, somewhat of a rarity in south Florida.
Later in the day, we can travel to Flamingo, where it's possible to see close to 200 species of birds including shorebirds not commonly seen elsewhere in south Florida. Or we can bird the areas near the campground.
In the evening we can stroll the campground for owls or recount the highlights of the day around a campfire.
Sunday morning we can look and listen for some of the stealthier wintering birds such as black rail, wrens and Wilson's snipe in the fields off of Research Road. There’s also a Vermilion Flycatcher that has been reported near the Beard Center. We can then have a relaxing breakfast at the campground before packing up.
This field trip is open to all female nature enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned birder or have never been on a bird walk or camping.
If you can't camp, you can still join us for the day activities. Park entry is $35 per car, valid for one week. National Parks Annual, Access, Senior, and Military/Veteran passes are also accepted to cover general entry.
WHAT: Overnight camping and activities for women birders and nature enthusiasts. Limited to 15 overnight campers. An additional 10 daytime guests are welcome.
WHERE: Everglades National Park Long Pine Key Campground (map). We’ll meet at the campsites (TBD) starting at 3:00 pm on Friday to set up. Because parking is limited at the sites, cars will need to park in the LPK parking area after unloading. There will be one to two vehicles to shuttle campers to and from their vehicles in the parking area. Please carpool if possible.
FEE: $25 USD payable via Venmo to @Ana-Lima-10 or bring cash upon arrival. Campers will also be required to sign a release form upon arrival.
WHEN: For Overnight Campers: Check in begins at 3:00 pm at a designated campsite (TBD)
CHECK IN: 3:00 PM, Friday, January 19, 2024
CHECK OUT: 10:00 AM, Sunday, January 21, 2024WHAT TO PACK: An open mind, a sense of humor and your natural curiosity! ALSO bring hat, sunscreen, binoculars (if you do not have binoculars we will provide optics on a first-come, first-served basis.)
CAMPING EQUIPMENT: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, pillow, folding chair, cooking stove, plate, cup, coffee mug, cutlery, battery powered lantern, flashlight, back up battery for cell phone, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, perhaps a warm sweater or hoody for the evening, a rain jacket and don’t forget your insect repellent. LPK has showers so bring change of clothing, towel, toiletries.
FOOD: Bring your own lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages including water for Friday and Saturday and breakfast Sunday morning. Bring a small cooler.
QUESTIONS? Email Miriam Avello miriam.y.avello@gmail.com 954-214-1807
Please indicate in the form below if you would like to camp overnight Friday, and/or Saturday nights; or attend daytime activities only on Friday/and/or Saturday.
Long Pine Key by Ana Lima
RSVP
Everglades National Park. Photo by Miriam Avello