Guided Birding Driving Tour at STA-1E

Join SFWMD guides Brian Garrett , Sydney Kaufman and Audubon Everglades Field Guides Kyle Matera & LeaAnne DeRigne for a special opportunity to explore Stormwater Treatment Area 1 East (STA-1E), a vital part of Everglades restoration. This event is made possible through our partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

During the driving tour, participants will follow a caravan led by SFWMD employees along the levees, stopping at multiple locations to observe and photograph birds and wildlife. At each stop, sightings of secretive marsh birds, wading birds, raptors, waterfowl, and other species may be seen. Target species may include Roseate Spoonbills, Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Limpkins, Purple Gallinules, Northern Harriers, American White Pelicans, Wood Storks, Snail Kites, and occasionally rarities like Least Bitterns or Crested Caracaras..

About the Event

Guides will help participants identify birds and share insights into their behaviors, calls, and habitats. This is not a walking tour; all observation occurs from vehicles or at frequent stops. Participants should be prepared to exit cars at stops and return to their vehicles to continue the tour. This tour is for ages 12 and above. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Details

• Meeting Location: TBD (Meeting location and directions will be emailed the week of the event once confirmed)
• Check-In Time: 7:30 AM
• Start time: 7:45 AM
• End Time: 11:30 AM
• Restrooms: There are no bathrooms or porta-potties at STA 1E. The closest facilities are at a strip mall at B Road and Southern Blvd, where you'll find a 7-Eleven (15589 Southern Blvd) and Dunkin' Donuts (15689 Southern Blvd).
• Accessibility: Fully accessible from vehicles; some stops have levee edges for scope setup but do not require walking

Registration and Carpool Rules

• This is a carpool driving tour with 4 people per vehicle including the driver.
• Drivers: Register as “Driver.”
• Passengers: Register as “Passenger” and indicate your preferred driver if known.
• If you do not arrive with 4 registered participants in your vehicle, you may need to take additional passengers or join another car. Please coordinate before arrival to save time.
• Mandatory SFWMD Release: Email the completed form to fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org prior to the event. Failure to submit will prevent attendance.
• Cancellation: Notify us early if you cannot attend to allow others to participate
• No Walk-ins allowed on STA and driving tours, registration is mandatory.

Donation Ticket: Attendance at our STA field trips is always free. However, if you choose the Donation Ticket, your gift directly supports Audubon Everglades’ avian conservation and education programs. Every contribution helps us protect local habitats, expand outreach to schools and communities, and bring meaningful programs to life. Your generosity ensures we can continue connecting people with birds and the natural world while safeguarding critical habitats for future generations.

Tour Format & Safety

This is a driving tour with multiple stops guided by expert birders and biologists. Each vehicle will be issued a radio to ensure consistent communication during the tour. For the safety of all participants and to protect the integrity of the land, everyone must stay on the designated route at all times. Do not stray from the path or leave the caravan unless instructed by a trip leader.

Important Access Information

• This tour starts promptly at 7:45 AM and the gates will be closed. No exceptions can be made. Please allow enough travel time to be at the location by 7:30 AM.
• This tour takes place on unpaved, dirt roads. Roads can be muddy, uneven and can have large potholes.
• Vehicle Requirements: High clearance, good tires, and a full tank of gas. Please fuel up before arrival.
• Terrain: Minimal walking involved. Activities occur from or near vehicles.
• Trail Length: Approximately 6–10 miles of slow caravan driving with frequent stops.
• Accessibility: Birding may be conducted from the car for people with limited mobility.

Birding Rules

• Listen to and follow the instructions of the Field Trip Leader. Do not walk ahead of the leader.
• Be respectful of your fellow participants.
• Avoid flushing birds: close car doors gently, do not slam doors, and minimize loud noises.
• Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. If a bird is flushed, do not chase it.
• Please follow the ABA standards of ethical birding and photography

E-bird and Photography

• A shared eBird list will be provided
• By signing the Audubon Everglades consent form, you agree your photo may be taken and shared on AE’s social media
• Prefer not to be photographed? Let us know in advance
• Share your photos and tag us: @AudubonEverglades

What to Bring

• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Binoculars
• Camera or spotting scope
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Wide-brimmed hat

Important Reminders

• No drones, glass, alcohol, or littering
• Space is limited; please cancel if you cannot attend
• The caravan is led by SFWMD employees; all participants must exit the STA once the tour concludes.

We look forward to exploring STA-1 E, observing its extraordinary birds, and experiencing this essential wetland habitat together.

About STA-1 E

Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are large, constructed wetlands planted with native vegetation that create essential habitat for birds and wildlife. Shallow pools and dense vegetation attract wading birds, waterfowl, and secretive marsh species, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

STAs also benefit people by improving water quality. They filter excess nutrients (especially phosphorus) from stormwater before it flows into the Everglades, helping to restore and protect one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. In short, STAs sustain both wildlife and the clean water we all rely on, making them critical for South Florida’s environment and communities.