Field Trip - West Palm Beach and Surrounds with Sue Killeen

Join us for a three-day trip to the West Palm Beach area Jan. 22-24, 2026, and experience what it is like to be on one of those expensive birding trips that excursion companies provide. Sue Killeen will lead this trip just like professional bird trip leader – early hours, somewhat long days, intensive birding, but extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.

The trip will start at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Dickinson SP) looking for Florida Scrub-jays. The group will also visit several local parks and conservation areas around Wellington and Boynton Beach FL areas and if time allows may take a trip over to Belle Grade Marina to hunt for a Tropical Kingbird.

We recommend that you seriously consider arriving the night of 21st because the trip will start at Dickinson SP when the gates open at 8:00 AM on the 22nd. It is about a 3.5-4 hour drive from St Augustine and ~1 hour from Wellington.

Lodgings and food: You will be responsible for making your own hotel arrangements and responsible for your food.

There are several hotels to pick from in Wellington. Sue is staying at the Royal Inn West Palm Beach (they are having a deal, so a basic double room for 3 nights is about $370). About 1 block east on 98 is the Pioneer Inn (a double for the 3 nights is about $417). Even though both are on a very busy Rt 98, each is quiet. Both hotels are older and neither have breakfasts but the rooms at the Royal Inn have large refrigerators and there is an efficiency option with a range. If you prefer a brand hotel there is a Hampton Inn and a Fairfield by Marriott about 5 miles from the Royal Inn.

There are Publix and Costco stores nearby along with a couple of WAWAs and Racetracs in the vicinity.

Passes to bring with you if you have them:

Florida State Park Pass

America the Beautiful Federal Park Pass

Brief/draft itinerary

THUR. AM: Bird around Jonathan Dickinson SP*

THUR. PM: Juniper Inlet area

FRI. AM: Peaceful Waters and Stormwater Treatment Area 1E

FRI. PM: Everglades Agricultural area & Sem-Chi (after 5pm to avoid the truck traffic) and Belle Grade Marina

SAT. AM: Green Cay and Wakodahatchee

*The group may also do a 1-hour river boat ride on the Loxahatchee River. Right now, it’s a first come first serve basis. ($27+tax).

This could be a lovely winter adventure for someone who has never been on one of those fancy birding excursions. Sue has a target of finding 100 species.

New birders are welcome to join this group; it will be a good opportunity to see many birds and learn how to identify them and maybe learn their songs and calls as well.

Limited to 12

This adventure is limited to 12 people.

Because we are limiting the number of participants, SJRA members will have a priority for spots. You can join the SJRA for as little as $15/year, which will help us continue and expand our work. To join the SJRA, follow this link: https://stjohnsaudubon.com/membership/

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