Exclusive Birding Event: Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Thanks to our partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we have secured a special use permit for this exclusive and restricted area. We are excited to announce that we have exclusive access to this Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located near Fellsmere on the east side of the St. Johns River in southern Brevard County. This trail, renowned for its abundant wildlife—especially in the cooler months—earned T.M. Goodwin a spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. It offers a unique opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species in their natural habitat. Extensive freshwater marshes here are managed for diverse wetland wildlife, and natural marshes previously altered by agricultural production are now being restored to support the long-term health of Florida’s fish and wildlife.

Event Details:

• Location: Wildlife Management Area (WMA), near Fellsmere, Brevard County
• Field Guide: David Simpson

Registration and Carpooling:

• Mandatory Registration: To ensure a smooth and organized experience, registration is required. We cannot accommodate walk-ins.
• Car Registration: If you have a group of four people you plan to carpool with, please register together as one car. Select the option for a full car during registration. If you don’t have a full car, please register in any available car that has open seats. This ensures we maximize carpooling and reduce the number of vehicles on-site. Your cooperation with this new process will help make the event more enjoyable and efficient for everyone involved.

Considerate Cancellations:

• Cancellation Policy: If you register but later find that you cannot attend, please cancel your ticket. This allows others the opportunity to participate, and we appreciate your cooperation.

Restroom Facilities:

• Locations: Restrooms are available at the boat ramp on the right, approximately a mile off Babcock, and at the larger boat ramp on the left at Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, about 5 miles in.

What to Bring:

• Essentials: Please come prepared with hydration, lunch, sunblock, bug spray, a hat, binoculars, or a camera.

Contributions:

• Optional Donations: For those who wish to contribute, David will accept cash contributions as a token of appreciation.

Birding Schedule:

• Timing: Birding will take place from approximately 08:00 AM to 1:15 PM.

Shared eBird List:

• Documentation: We will maintain a shared eBird list to document our bird sightings and contribute to citizen science. You will need an eBird account with a user ID and password to access and edit the list. Learn more at eBird. Our trip report from last year can be viewed here: Audubon Everglades Goodwin Trip 2023 11 27 – eBird Trip Report

Photography:

• Photo Sharing: Photographs are a wonderful way to capture the beauty of our birding adventures. We encourage photographers to take photos for personal enjoyment and to share them on social media. By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photo taken and used on our social media pages. If you prefer your photos not to be shared, please notify us in advance.

Safety Precautions:

• Wildlife Caution: This is a Stormwater Treatment Area that may have alligators, fire ants, steep drop-offs, and other critters. Please be careful and watch your step when exiting the car.
• Hunting Season: Hunting season runs from September to March. We will stay on the main grades for safety.

Questions:

• If you have any questions, please contact us at Fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org

We look forward to an exciting day of birding in this unique and exclusive location. Thank you for your cooperation and participation!

DIRECTIONS: From Palm Beach International Airport: Drive time is approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

1. Take I-95 North.
2. Continue to Co Rd 512 and take exit 156 in Indian River County (about 1 hour and 12 minutes, 83.5 miles).
3. Follow Co Rd 512, Co Rd 507, and Fellsmere Grade Rd to your destination in Brevard County (approximately 22 minutes, 13.5 miles).
4. You’ll arrive at Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, located at the end of the dirt road in Melbourne, FL 32904. Use GPS coordinates 27.8232442 and -80.7081916. Please note that we’ll be taking Fellsmere Grade Road, not T M Goodwin Road.

David Simpson has been a birder and naturalist for the last 40 years and is a life-long resident of central Florida.  He worked as a Park Service Specialist at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park for 12 years and has held several other similar jobs.  He started leading tours almost 30 years ago and has his own company, Birding with David Simpson, which provides custom guided tours of Florida and educational classes.  He has led tours at many festivals in Florida including the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Birds of a Feather Festival, Everglades Birding Festival, and many others.  You can find out more and read about his adventures at www.BirdingwithDavidSimpson.com