Hernando Audubon Meeting: Backyard Birdfeeding 101 will be the topic of a talk by Lucy Polak and Greg Williams, both from Wild Birds Unlimited, Tampa.

Hernando Audubon Meeting – Backyard Birdfeeding 101

The essential elements of attracting birds to a yard are food, water, shelter, and nesting opportunity. Different types of feeders offering a variety of food, ranging from seed and peanuts to suet and mealworms, will attract more birds to a backyard. The speakers will talk about the importance of offering water and nesting boxes. Bringing nature into a backyard allows a resident to watch and enjoy birds close up, as well as helping the birds in our ever more challenging environment. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. Contact Bev: 352-686-0460, bevalhansen@gmail.com

Hernando Audubon Birding Trips:

Hernando Audubon Birding Trip to Honeymoon Island State Park (Pinellas County): Wednesday, March 4. We expect to see waders, shorebirds, gulls, and terns, and perhaps a Bald Eagle nest. To carpool, meet at 6:15 a.m. at Publix on the east side of the US-19, just south of Spring Hill Drive, or meet at 7:15 a.m. in Dunedin on the Curlew Road (SR-586) causeway at the pull-off on the south side before the draw bridge. Park fee: $4 for lone driver or $8 for 2-8 people. For more information: call Bev, 352-686-0460 or bevalhansen@gmail.com. 

Hernando Audubon Birding Trip to Cross Bar Ranch (Pasco County): Friday, March 13. The highlight of this trip will be viewing Burrowing Owls and Florida Scrub-Jays, but we also expect to see many birds that prefer open pastureland. This property, located in northern Pasco County, is a good field for Pinellas County. Space is limited, and all the vehicles must have a 4-wheel drive. To make a reservation, contact Bev: 352-686-0460, bevalhansen@gmail.com

Hernando Audubon Birding Trip to Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary (Hernando County): Saturday, March 21, 8 a.m. Florida Audubon’s Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary is located at 24268 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. The 270 acres of protected wildlife habitat is surrounded by other publicly protected lands. Recently a Longleaf Pine Habitat Restoration project began on 140 acres. Expect to see woodpeckers and songbirds as spring bird migration begins. For more information: call Bev, 352-686-0460 or bevalhansen@gmail.com. 

Hernando Audubon Beginning Birding: Friday, March 27, 8 a.m. at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. Learn to identify birds at feeders and during a short walk. There will be binoculars and bird books available for use. For information, text Linda at 352-428-2629 or email lindalark85@gmail.com. 

Hernando Audubon Society meetings and activities are free and open to the public. For more details about these activities, check hernandoaudubon.org