Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival

*Some activities below have limited space and require reservations, these may be made by calling 305-852-4486. Participation in most field trips requires registration.

Field Trips

Opening Reception

An opening event will be held the Marathon Garden Club, with hors d'oevres, a silent auction, music by Valerie Wisecracker, and our keynote speakers.

We are pleased to announce that our keynote speakers will be photographers Dick Fortune & Sara Lopez. Dick's outlook and thirst for adventure has given him a different perspective when looking through the lens. He has an uncanny eye for raw beauty that is more fine art than photography. Sara's intuitive sense of what is beautiful when she looks through the lens allows her to capture her subject’s essence as they come alive in her images. Collectively their work is truly beautiful and exciting. Many of their images are a direct result of hard work and a deep understanding and love of nature. To be face to face with their subjects in remote wilderness areas, and to experience a few precious moments in the lives and struggles these animals lead is an opportunity that most of us can only dream about. As human populations increase and wildlife’s natural habitats decline,it is no wonder that many of nature’s species struggle to survive. Whether by collision with vehicles or boats, mercury poisoning and diseases or the destruction of their natural habitat, more and more species are having their existence threatened, as we continue to abuse and ignore the environment so essential to them & us. Dick & Sara promote positive photographic practices that respect and protect the wildlife that has become so dear to them by discouraging harassment, feeding or provocation of any kind. They have been recognized with numerous international and local photo awards: Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards Nature & Aerial categories 2005 & 2006; Florida Wildlife Magazine 2007; National Wildlife Magazine 2008; St. Augustine’s Alligator Farm Calendars for Conservation 2006, 2007 and 2008; Ding Darling Wildlife Society Photo Contest 2007 to name a few. Their photographic expertise, guest lectures and generous donation of their time and images truly support their ambition to promote conservation and awareness of our delicate natural resources focusing on wading birds and their habitats.

Field Trips