Roseate Spoonbill Nesting – Optics and Images (Birding by Chair & Camera)

**Roseate Spoonbill: Optics and Images**
Dozens of state-imperiled roseate spoonbills and tricolored herons join snowy and great egrets to nest each year at Stick Marsh Critical Wildlife Area (CWA). Stick Marsh includes two tree islands in the St. John’s Water Management Area’s Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir in Fellsmere. At sunset, thousands of wading birds fly into the islands to roost.
Stick Marsh CWA is adjacent to T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, a site along the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is easily viewed from shore. The islands are closed to entry year-round, and the in-water buffer is closed seasonally to protect nesting birds during the breeding season.
Roseate Spoonbills and their young can be view from land while looking across to the two Stick Marsh islands. Nesting season is a beautiful photography opportunity.

** We will meet in the dirt parking lot and walk across the bridge. For those with heavy photography equipment or special walking assistance/reduced mobility needs, you can park your vehicle across the bridge, near the viewing area. This space is limited to a few cars.**

**Birding by Chair & Camera (bring your own chair):**
This field trip will include the opportunity to explore use of optics and photography equipment while enjoying the view of the nesting birds. Participants will have the opportunity to try out several different styles, brands and types of binoculars. Birders can also learn about digi-scoping techniques and test out scope adapters. Photographers are encouraged to share tips while capturing images of the nesting birds. **Bring a folding chair**, a beverage, and your curiosity to learn about optics and equipment to observe and capture wildlife images.

Directions: This can be a confusing place to locate as multiple properties are all adjoined (TM Goodwin, Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, etc). Coming from the north, go PAST (south) St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park on Babcock Road. Cross the canal and turn right (west) on Fellsmere Grade Road. **Travel 6.5 miles until the road dead ends into a park lot next to a bridge.**

**** You will pass 2 boats ramps along the way. Both have restrooms and I strongly encourage you to use one of these, as the one near Fellsmere Recreation Area isn’t maintained and is absolutely disgusting. ****