WHERE YOU
LEARN the I.D.INTENSE BIRDING
at a
RELAXED PACEBirding Adventures
Paddy Cunningham, Biologist
Expert Guide and Instructor
5181 SW 27th Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33312
birdpaddy@yahoo.com
(754) 201-1141 • 954-805-6810
HOME • Schedule • Bird Classes • About Us • Bird List • Reviews • Contact Us
• Everglades Fest • Florida Adventures •
PRIVATE GUIDING
with Paddy Cunningham
Click for detailed PDF brochure of
tours that target species or destinations.
Yellow-throated Warbler
BIRDWATCHING
AT ITS BEST
2024
"I had a fabulous time birding with you! As I told you- it was even better than my highest expectations. You led me to every target bird that was possible to find this time of year, you shared your knowledge of the area and the particularities of the various species we observed, and you were great fun. It was a relaxed and exciting day, both. Thank you Paddy."
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Nancy Schutt
View Nancy's 2024 Photos2023
“Just wanted to say thank you again for putting on an amazing birding fest. The Everglades Birding Festival was the best I have ever done. Especially the food. My only regret was not staying the full time. What made it so good was the love, care, and enthusiasm you and your colleagues all brought. And of course the marvelous species both plant and animals. Thanks again!”
Emily Gaman, Charleston, South Carolina“I was so happy to be part of your festival this year. I really learned a lot and the guides, participants and birds were terrific! I am sure I will never attend another birding festival where there was so much loving hands-on attention!”
Jennifer J. Kalb, Brooklyn, N.Y.“I returned to a gray and rainy Chicago; I am already missing the sunny days we enjoyed during the festival. Thank you for the fantastic experience-not only for guiding us so expertly but I learned so much about Florida and its different ecosystems. As we were flying north along the coast, I was thinking about the saucer and the ridges and watching for the canals. I am amazed at how much we saw and did in 4 days. I added 29 lifers--and the burrowing owl was so special.”
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Nancy Pinchar, Chicago, IL."It was great to see another professional put the art of birding together so well." —
Pete Dunn - Cape May Bird Observatory
"You treated us like Royalty and your energy and passion sparkled throughout our weekend." —
Valerie Brauer - Audubon of the Everglades, Field Trip Coordinator
"You were a big hit with the attendees of the South Regional American Birding Association Conference. We couldn't of done it without you." —
Chip, Assistant Coordinator of Events and Conferences A.B.A.
"How does she do that? (find the birds) She has been doing it all day." —
Everglades Bird Festival birder
Thank you again for the memorable, educational, totally fun birding experience you gave me and Janine yesterday. It was way beyond what we expected and we are both thrilled to add 12 birds to our life lists. You and James were a delight and so entertaining. We enjoyed ourselves and look forward to more birding adventures with you.
Birders from Colorado
EVERGLADES
BIRDING
FESTIVALJanuary
16-20, 2025
EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL
JAN. 16-20, 2025 IS NOW OPEN.
We are offering a NEW FIELD TRIP this year. Contact Event Coordinator, Paddy Cunningham at birdpaddy@yahoo.com for more information and a registration form.EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK (NORTH)
7:00a.m.-5:00 p.m. Visit the northern part of this International Biosphere starting with the famous Anhinga Trail to find Purple Gallinule, lots of alligators and possible American Bittern along the boardwalk.
The close by Gumbo Limbo trail can be a great place for winter warblers, flycatchers and overhead views Short-tailed Hawks. The breathtaking view from the Pa-hay-okee overlook out to the Shark River Slough will give you an amazing view of this unique ecosystem.
Lunch at West Lake can provide views of wintering waterfowl and the nearby mangrove trail, wintering warblers. Along the Mahogony Hammock boardwalk, see some of the biggest native trees in Florida, and a chance for Barred Owl and Black-throated Green Warblers, plus more.
In 2025, Become One with the River of Grass.
Journey through southern Florida searching for an array of beautiful and rare birds in ancient moss-covered Cypress Swamps, Everglades prairies that join the sky, and brilliant beaches that sparkle with flashes of roseate wings. Scan across the tips of sawgrass searching the horizon for hovering Snail Kites, transverse over alligator ponds and hear the squeal of the elusive Limpkin. Watch and listen and see.Imagine a place of peaceful relationship with nature, where the intense excitement of finding new birds merges with a serene sense of shared joy with fellow birders.
Increase your skills and knowledge base where expert instructors facilitate your participation in the birding experience and you learn the i.d.
Gain a deeper connection with the environment, becoming a Bird Seeker who joins the peaceful flow of the river of grass.
Target Birds
SNAIL KITE * LIMPKIN * WOOD STORK * PAINTEDBUNTING * ROSEATE SPOONBILL * SHORT-TAILED HAWK * PURPLE GALINULE * COMMON MYNA * CRESTED CARACARA * PARROTS * BURROWING OWL * RED-WHISKERED BULBUL * PRAIRIE WARBLERS * EGYPTIAN GOOSE*
TOP Florida Guides: Paddy Cunningham, Jim Eager, David Simpson.
Keynote Speaker & Guide: Richard Crossley
LEARN MORE
On the Festival website
Nancy Schutt's 2024 Photos
Red-shouldered Hawk
Cara Cara
Two Burrowing Owls2024
BIRDING ADVENTURES
WHERE YOU LEARN THE I.D.
Sun. March 3, 2024 — Birding by Habitat: where you can find birds: 2-4:30 pmBonnet House Birding
Bonnet House-Historic House & Gardens
Class Schedule
900 N. Birch Road, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33304.
The Bonnet House is a historic home on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It has a variety of plant habitats that make it great for birding such as mangroves, tropical hardwood hammock, freshwater pond, open areas and open gardens. It is along spring and fall migration routes and close to the beach for seabird flyovers.
> • Cost includes admission to the Bonnet House, so come early to enjoy the gardens.
• Bring binoculars, and your phone (**recommend downloading MERLIN app).
• Cost $25 member, $30 non-members, CONTACT LINDA at (954) 703-2606
Birding is the fastest growing leisure pursuit in the country. It is a lifetime of learning, enjoying natural areas, finding peaceful connections, camaraderie with fellow birders and exciting discoveries. These classes will give you the skills you need to become a better birder and will focus on common birds. Through a variety of field strategies covered through power point presentations, bird walks through the gardens, activities and numerous handouts YOU WILL LEARN THE I.D.
FOR FASTEST RESPONCE-contact me birdpaddy@yahoo.com .
For more info. call Paddy at (954) 805-6810
Make checks payable to Patricia Cunningham.
- 250 plus species in Florida per year
- Gain Life Birds
- Find Rare Birds
- Patient Instruction
- Expert Guiding
- Meet New Friends
- Visit Beautiful Natural Areas
- Learn New Skills
- Improve your ability to identify and locate birds
Palm Warbler
Paddy with two birders
*EXPERT GUIDING
*BIRDING INSTRUCTION
*INTENSE FIELD TRIPS
*RELAXED PACE
*PRIVATE TOURS
*GETAWAY WEEKENDS
*FLORIDA TRIPS
*TROPICAL ADVENTURES
OUR LAST TRIPS
SORRY BUT YOU ALREADY MISSED ... But, we'll be doing most of them again!
2019
Oct. 5 & 6- Florida Keys Hawk Watch Weekend Adventure
October 17-20th Florida Birding & Nature Festival, Brandon, Florida
October 26 & 27 Fairchild Tropical Garden Bird & Wildlife Weekend
Sun. Nov. 3- The Wonderful World of Birding-Bonnet House
Sun.-Dec. 1-Ascend to Better Birding-Part I-The Tools of the Trade
2017
October 29-Birding by Habitat-Bonnet House bird class & Richardson Park field trip
Sun., Nov. 12-Shorebirds Made Easier-Bonnet House bird class & Ft. Lauderdale Beach field trip
Sun., Nov. 19—Plantation Preserve Birding Audubon FREE walk 1:30-5:30 p.m.
December 10-Bird Behavior-A Key to Better I.D. Bonnet House bird class & Evergreen Cemetery trip
Sat. Dec. 16-Christmas Bird Count South Florida Audubon Society
Sat. Dec. 14-Christmas Bird Count South Florida Audubon Society
Sun. Jan. 5 Ascend to Better Birding-Part II-Ten steps to better identification bird class
Feb. 15-17-Florida Whirlwind SPARROW & Wintering Birds Search
March 1-Birding by Habitat
BELIZE TROPICAL ADVENTURE-March 22-28, 2019
Sat. April 18/Sun. April 19 Weekend Adventure Getaway
Jamaica Tropical Adventure June 13-18
2015
JAN. 15-19 EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL
Sept. 1-MEETING-Audubon of the Everglades-Birding by Season-Right Bird, Right Place, Right Time Pine Jog Nature Center, 7 pm
Sept. 7-BIRD DAY FESTIVAL-Flamingo Gardens-South Florida, A Birders Paradise and Aviary Walk in the gardens
Sept. 20-BIRD CLASS- Hawks Galore, Bonnet House
Oct. 2-4 WINGS & WILDFLOWERS NATURE FESTIVAL
Oct. 10 - Race 4 Birds-Young Birders & Mentors Birding Competition
Oct. 11 - BIRD CLASS Ascend to Better Birding-Flamingo Gardens
Oct. 17 & 18 - WEEKEND ADVENTURE TRIP Florida Keys Hawk Watch and Raptors Galore.
Nov. 1 - BIRD CLASS Bird Behavior-A Key to Better I.D.-Flamingo Gardens
Nov. 8-BIRD CLASS Ascend to Better Birding-Bonnet House
Nov. 21 - FIELD TRIP Plantation Preserve Wetland, Plantation co-sponsored TAS
Nov. 22 - BIRD CLASS Birding by Season-Right Bird, Right Place, Right Time, Flamingo Gardens
Dec. 5 - FIELD TRIP STA 5-Stormwater Treatment Area 5 & Snake Road Prairies
Dec. 12 - FIELD TRIP Indian River Exploration and Shorebirds with Audubon of the Everglades.
DEC. 19 - CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2013
EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL. LaQuinta Inn,Plantation, JAN 17-21
Feb. 3, Birding Class, Bonnet House
FLORIDA PANHANDLE-ST. MARKS, WAKULA SPRING & more, FEB 16-18
March 3-Bird Class Bonnet House
March 14-16-BIG O Birding Festival, Clewiston, Florida
COSTA RICA-Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, MARCH 24-30
April 20-Earth Day, Birch State Park
May 4-Spring Migration, Birch S.P.
September 2 - Flamingo Gardens Bird Day - Labor Day
September 3 - Audubon of the Everglades Meeting - Pine Jog Environmental Center, West Palm Beach, 7 p.m.
September 15 & 29 - Flamingo Gardens Birding Classes - 2-5 p.m.
9/15 - Ascend to Better Birding
9/29 - Bird Behavior
October 5 & 6 - Wings & Wildflowers Festival - Lake County, Florida, Sat & Sat 10 a.m.
October 13 - Fairchild Tropical Gardens Bird Festival - Bird Behavior, A Key to Better Identification
October 19 & 20 - Florida Keys Hawk Watch Adventure
November 2 - Bonnet House - Ascend to Better Birding . Call (954) 563-5393 for reservations.
November 9-11 - Central Florida Adventure - Merrit Island, Viera Ponds, Three Lakes WMA
November 23 - Plantation Preserve
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
2011
JANUARY 22
Ascend to Better Birding II -- 2-5 p.m.-Bonnet House
JANUARY 28 & 29
Space Coast Birding Festival - Birding by Ear & Habitat
FEBRUARY 18-20
Central Fl. Getaway - Merrit Island N.W.R., Viera Ponds, Three Lakes WMA & more
FEBRUARY25
Birding Workshop, Audubon of the Everglades, Pine Jog Env. Center
MARCH 24
Gardening for Butterflies and Birds, Bonnet House 9 am-12 noon
MARCH 28-31
Big "O" Birding Festival - Port Labelle Inn, S.T.A. 5, Slough trip, Warbler workshop, Advanced Birdin
April 21-22
West Coast Getaway - Sanibel Island, Six mile Cypress, Ft. Meyers Beach, Cecil Webb WMA
April 10 - Spring Migration - Deerfield Island & Gumbo Limbo Hammock
April 29 - May 1 - DRY TORTUGAS & FLORIDA KEYS-SPRING MIGRATION GETAWAY, Ft. Zachary Taylor SP, Big Pine Key NWR, North Key Largo, Dry Tortugas day trip
May 7 - Mother’s Day-Ladies Lets Go Birding
2018
Jan 11-15-EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL
Sun. Jan 21-Ascend to Better Birding-Part I-The Tools of the Trade-Bonnet House class-2:00-5:00 p.m.
January 26, 27, & 28-Space Coast Birding Festival, Titusville, Fl. Birding by Ear & Habitat workshops
Sun. Feb 11-Ascend to Better Birding-Part II-A 10 step approach to better identification bird class
February 17-19-North Florida Weekend Adventure-St. Mark's NWR, Wakulla S.P., Paynes Prairie S.P., Panacea, and more.
March 11-Birding by Ear Bonnet House bird class
March 26-28 Grand Bahamas Tropical Adventure
April 7, Pelagic Adventure Trip, Ft. Lauderdale, South Florida Audubon Society
April 8, Warblers Made Easier, Bonnet House Bird Class
Sat April 21/Sun April 22 Ft. DeSoto, Celery Field, Cecil Webb/Babcock Weekend Adventure Getaway
Sat., April 28 Richardson Park & Evergreen Cemetery Birding FREE Audubon walk
Jamaica Tropical Adventure June 15-19
2016
Jan. 10 - BIRD CLASS - Birding by Season, Right Bird, Right Place, Right Time, Bonnet House
Jan. 14-18 - SPECIAL EVENT - EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL
Feb. 5-7 - BIRDS OF A FEATHER FEST - Palm Coast, Fl. Speaker & Field Trip Leader
Feb. 13-15 - Big "O" Birding Festival - Speaker & Field Trip Leader, Labelle, Fl.
March 6 - BIRD CLASS - Birding by Ear & Habitat - Bonnet House
April 3-What Plant is it? - An Easy Guide to Identifying Native Plants, Bonnet House
April 23-24 - WEEKEND ADVENTURE TRIP - Ft. De Soto Park, Celery Fields, Cecil Webb/Babcock WMA
APRIL 30 - FIELD TRIP - Birch State Park & Evergreen Cemetery, co-sponsored by SFAS & TAS
May 1 - Gardening for Butterflies and Birds - Bonnet House
June 19-23 TROPICAL ADVENTURE - JAMAICA - Blue Mountains, Port Antonio hot spots.
September 8-9 -- Fl. Keys Hawks
2014
January 16-20 - Everglades Birding Festival - La Quinta Inn, Plantation
February 2 - Bonnet House - Bird Behavior
March 1 - Bonnet House - Bird and Butterfly Gardening
March 2 - South Dade Wetlands Day Trip - Sponsored by Audubon of the Everglades.
March 9-12 - Big O Birding Festival - La Belle, Florida
March 23-28 - Tropical Birding Adventure - Visit Tropical Paradise
April 26-27 - Ft. De Soto - Spring Migration Adventure
May 3 - Birch State Park & Evergreen Cemetery
JUNE 13-17 - JAMAICA Adventure
JULY 30-AUG.9 - COLUMBIA - Western & Central Andes
Sept. 14, 21 & Oct. 19 Flamingo Gardens Bird Classes, 2-5 p.m.
Oct. 10-11 FLORIDA KEYS HAWK WATCH & Ft. Zach Taylor – DETAILS
Nov. 2 Bird Class Bonnet House
NOV. 8 & 9 MERRIT ISLAND NWR
2012
Aug. 19-Ascend to Better Birding, Secret Woods
Aug. 18 or 25, Duda Farms,Shorebirds
Sept. 3-Bird Day-Flamingo Gardens
Sept. 23 Hawks Galore, Flamingo Gd.
EASTERN SHORE OF VA. KIPTOPEKE HAWK & BIRD WATCH, SEPT. 26-30
Oct 5 & 6-South Florida Birding Festival, Fairchild Gardens, Miami
FLORIDA KEYS HAWK GETAWAY - Ft. ZACKARY TAYLOR, OCT. 20-21
OCT. 28-OWLS, Flamingo Gardens
Nov. 3-Ascend to Better Birding, Bonnet House
CENTRAL FLORIDA-MINWR, 3 LAKES VIERA PONDS & more, NOV. 10-12
Dec. 2-Wading Birds & Waterfowl FG
Dec. 8-Plantation Preserve- 8 a.m.
2010
August 28 DUDA FARMS SHOREBIRDS & MORE
October 3, Adult Birding Class-Sawgrass Nat. Center
OCTOBER-16-17-HAWK WATCH WEEKEND GETAWAY-Grassy Key State Park-Card Sound Road, Key Largo Botanical Ft. Zachary SP
10/29-Owl Prowl Night & 11/13-Ascend to Better Birding, Bonnet House
NOVEMBER 19-21, 2010-MERRIT ISLAND CENTRAL FLORIDA WEEKEND GETAWAY
Up to 100 species plus, Merrit Island NWR, Viera Ponds, 3 Lakes WMA,
BIRDING ADVENTURES with PADDY CUNNINGHAM
Where “YOU Learn the I.D.”
www.birdadventure.com birdpaddy@yahoo.com
(754) 201-1141