Join Alachua Audubon Society to kick off the first fall weekend field trip of 2025!
Meet field trip leader Tim Hardin at Hague Dairy in the usual designated grassy parking area near the classroom (exact location via Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/dSFWvPxyw4y3hBim6) on the western side of the complex, demarcated with a sign labeled "Classroom parking", right across from the painted sign of a gator milking a cow.
Our efforts will focus on observing early migrant songbirds that will become scarce in subsequent months of fall migration, such as Yellow Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, and Bank Swallow. Last year's trip had a wide assortment of shorebirds, including western, though sightings will be dependent on lagoon conditions this year.
As always, trip participants are asked to respect and defer to the workers and cows in an effort to maintain our amicable relationship with the dairy staff.
Difficulty: 2, but variable based on rain, some uneven terrain, potential for extreme heat and sun exposure since there are no shade trees. There are good paths throughout. Since this is an active farm, there can be strong smells in some areas.
Here are some items to consider carrying on any field trip: binoculars (a must), water, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, rain gear for sudden downpours, notebook, camera, contact information.
Non-Members Are Always Welcome.