Volunteer Training Day

Volunteer Training Day at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch (FKH)

• Sunday October 14, 2018 (this is also “Women’s Appreciation Day” at FKH)

WHO: All ages, interests and levels of expertise (beginners to advanced) are welcome at Curry Hammock State Park in the Keys (MM 56.2) to learn about raptor migration, how to identify falcons and hawks on the wing and how to monitor their movements. You will be joined by expert hawkwatchers from 10am through 4pm. All are encouraged to arrive by 10am for orientation; you are free to leave when you wish.

WHERE: Curry Hammock State Park – 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The park has an entrance fee (*see below for details). Meet at the bathhouse in the campground (stilted building), on the second floor. All visitors must park in the Day-use Area; from there you can walk to the campground. The bathhouse is ADA accessible and has bathrooms and water fountains.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Binoculars –Migrating raptors are difficult to spot with the naked eye. We do nearly all our spotting and identification with binoculars. We recommend that you bring 7x, 8x or 10x binoculars. Scopes will not be necessary and due to limited space we ask you not to bring them or any optics requiring tripods.
• Camera – Although it is difficult to predict at what altitude migrating raptors will fly over the hawkwatch, we often see birds that are low enough to photograph with a decent zoom lens.
• Sun protection – There is limited shade at our observation deck. We will be exposed to the sun during long periods. Bring a large-brim hat and consider lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• There is limited space at our observation deck. Other than the steps of the stairway, there are no seats available. You may bring a portable, foldable stool. Do not bring folding chairs, beach chairs or lawn chairs please. Please keep your personal belongings in a small pack or bag and refrain from bringing large backpacks.

RSVP with the date you will be attending and the number of people in your group to: taspublisher@gmail.com

*Curry Hammock State Park entrance fees: $2.50 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass; $4.50 Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle; $5.50 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.