South Shore birders can join free outings, monthly programs and butterfly-garden volunteering when Eagle Audubon's new season opens Monday, Oct. 19, in Sun City Center.

The Eagle Audubon Society, South Hillsborough County's chapter of the National Audubon Society, holds meetings the third Monday of each month from October through April at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1239 West Del Webb Blvd. Doors open at 1 p.m., with programs starting around 1:40 p.m., according to the group's season brochure. Visitors do not need to be members to attend.

The Monday, Oct. 19 opener features Mike Rounds speaking on spring migration along Lake Erie. Later programs cover submerged aquatic vegetation and water quality, the Everglade Snail Kite, biodiversity on the Sun City Center Nature Trails, global raptors and endangered shorebirds. The season closes April 19, 2027, with Kim Jones presenting a journey to Antarctica.

Beginner birding and field trips

Eagle Audubon President Steve Burkholder and Secretary Jan Burkholder lead Tuesday Birding sessions from November through February, except the second Tuesday of each month. The free outings run 9 to 11 a.m. and are open to non-members learning bird identification. Participants meet at the Kings Point North Clubhouse parking lot.

A "Birds & Brew" field trip to Bahia Beach Nature Preserve in Ruskin is listed for Feb. 16, 2027, at 3 p.m., led by John Stocksdale. Optional dining follows at Ybor Grille in Ruskin. Most field trips are free, though a $5 donation is suggested and park fees may apply.

The season also includes a First Day Hike at Little Manatee River State Park on Jan. 1, 2027, led by Julie Stocksdale, and a Christmas Bird Count in December.

Butterfly habitat in Ruskin

One of the chapter's longest-running projects sits just inside the entrance gate at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin. Eagle Audubon volunteers have maintained the Butterfly Habitat there since 1999, planting only Florida native species that serve as host and nectar sources for butterflies and other pollinators.

A volunteer crew works Friday mornings in the garden, and the group says no special plant or butterfly knowledge is needed. Species spotted at the habitat include the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing and Cloudless Sulfur.

Camp Bayou is open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free general admission. The preserve sits three miles south of State Road 674 at the end of 24th Street SE in Ruskin.

How to join

Membership runs through April 30, 2027, and costs $20 per person or $40 per couple. Residents can join online at eagleaudubonflorida.org or pay by cash or check at meetings.

Conservation Chair Dan Roberts coordinates habitat and education projects. Volunteers can reach the conservation committee at [email protected].

Upcoming dates

  • Monday, Oct. 19 — First monthly program, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Sun City Center, 1 p.m.
  • November — Tuesday Birding sessions begin (Tuesdays except the second Tuesday, 9–11 a.m.)
  • December — Christmas Bird Count (date to be announced)
  • Jan. 1, 2027 — First Day Hike, Little Manatee River State Park