Birding Adventures with Paddy Cunningham

05/12/2024

Teaching the Phoebes Women Birding Group at Evergreen Cemetery 4/28/24 in Ft. Lauderdale. Photos by Ana Lima

05/12/2024

Evergreen Cemetery with the Phoebes Womens Birding Group on 5/5/24 in Ft.Lauderdae. Lots of new birders joining, and a young birder Scout working on her bird merit badge. Highlights included awesome looks at a hunting Coopers Hawk and super close looks at our special Spot breasted Oriole.

04/02/2024

Nancy Schutt said "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."

02/29/2024

March 3, 2024 Common Birds of South Florida-Wading and Backyard Birds, 2:00-4:30 pm, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Learn to identify the common birds of south Florida, one of the TOP 10 birding destinations in the U.S. This class will focus on one of our specialties-Wading Birds. These birds commonly and easily seen everywhere on canal banks and wetlands, but all the white wading birds can be confusing. The class also focuses on commonly found birds in your yard and local parks. The class will include an informative power point, numerous hand outs and walk through the garden. Bring binoculars, and a field guide. Also, if possible, download the MERLIN app on your phone. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25 member, $30 non-members.

02/22/2024

Very excited to be a part of the Mountain Institute of Lifelong Learning held at Warren Wilson College along the Swannanoa River in the Appalachians near Asheville.
https://mountaininstitute.warren-wilson.edu/natural-science-writing-on-campus-courses/textiles-c2mzr-x4edb-bndw3-yr8cw
Ascend to Better Birding with give you field tested strategies and new technologies such as MERLIN and ebird to improve your ability to find and identify birds. Gain knowledge of silhouette, abundance, habitat, bird behavior, birding by season, birding by ear, and MUCH more in this comprehensive course. In depth studies of family groups such as hawks, wading birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and warblers will explored, along with a daily bird walk to apply your new skills.
Peggy Baker says, "Bird watching class at Warren Wilson this summer. Instructed by the legendary Paddy Cunningham".
Kate Graham of NYU,
"I loved your strategy for learning birds. It is so nice not to think that memorizing field marks is the backbone of successful ID. So many online birding courses, even those in the Lab of O’s Bird Academy, are hard for me to get thorough because they mainly focus on field markings and I am terrible at that kind of memorization. You taught me that other factors, such as habitat, commonality, behavior, etc. are essential keys to success. While I did know about those, I had never formally put them into a strategy for ID. A big THANK YOU for making ID so much more than memorization. It is an immense help!"

Ascend to Better Birding with give you field tested strategies and new technologies such as MERLIN and ebird to improve your ability to find and identify birds. Gain knowledge of silhouette, abundance, habitat, bird behavior, birding by season, birding by ear, and MUCH more in this comprehensive cou

01/30/2024

COMMON BIRDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
FEB. 4, 2024, Bonnet House, Museum and Gardens, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Learn to identify the common birds of south Florida, one of the TOP 10 birding destinations in the U.S. The class will focuses on commonly found birds in your yard and local parks. It will also focus on one of our specialties-Wading Birds. These birds commonly and easily seen everywhere on canal banks and wetlands, but all the white wading birds can be confusing. The class will include an informative power point, hand outs and a walk through the garden. Bring binoculars, and a field guide. Also, if possible, download the MERLIN app on your phone. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25 member, $30 non-members.

12/10/2023

EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL registration in its busiest time. AS of 12/10/23, the STA #1 and Palm Beach wetlands trip is full. You can be added to a waiting list or go on the South Florida Exotics trip with David Simpson.
The Corkscrew Swamp trip is ALMOST full with only 5 spots left.
REMEMBER the festival is limited to 60 birders to continue to offer the best birding experience in order to keep the guide to participant level low.
REGISTER TODAY.

11/12/2023

Rio Grande Birding Festival of days gone by. Jana and I on the Rio Grande. I got the White-collared Seedeater and my first Zone-tailed Hawk.

10/31/2023

Sat.-Nov. 4, 2023-Ascend to Better Birding-Part I-The Tools of the Trade, 9:00-11:30 am Bonnet House & Gardens What does it take to become a Birder? What tools are needed to get you ready for a lifetime of learning Learn how to better use your binoculars, bird checklist and bird field guidebook including field marks, glossary, and family organization. Learn about some of the latest birding apps such as e-bird, Audubon and Merlin to make identification easier using your smart phone. Find out about of the wonderful benefits of becoming a bird watcher, great local birding hot spots, and wonderful birding opportunities locally, in Florida and tropical adventures abroad. The workshop includes an informative power point presentation, numerous hand outs and a bird walk through the gardens. Bring binoculars, and a field guide. Also, if possible, download the MERLIN app on your phone. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25 members, $30 non-members.

10/22/2023

Review from Dan Foley
Thank you for all the information and thank you for being such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and helpful guide!!! During my six days in Florida I saw 51 birds, of which 21 were life birds, most of them with you. I definitely would like to go birding with you again during the winter. I’ll keep you posted.

10/06/2023

Sun. Oct. 8, 2023- The Wonderful World of Birding-Bonnet House-2:00-4:30 pm
Birding is the fastest growing leisure pursuits in the country. Find out about of the wonderful benefits of becoming a bird watcher, getting out in nature and meeting other passionate birders. A mixture of peaceful connection and thrilling discovery. Learn about great birding hot spots locally and throughout Florida. Find out about how to contact local birding groups and Florida resources that can get you started. Also, if possible, download the MERLIN on your phone. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25 members, $30 non-members.

04/30/2023

Phoebes Birding group field trip to Evergreen Cemetery on April 29 with 20 women. Great birds and fun had by all from beginners to advanced. We were thrilled with a rare Swainson's Warbler, life bird for most. Also, the elusive Yellow billed Cuckoo made it tough for us. Cooper's Hawk kept the 7 species of warblers nervous. First time leading for the Phoebes group. I hope to do more in the future. Loved it. Next walk May 13th at Markham Park 8-10:30.

04/30/2023

Pre-trip to find Miami exotics with Doug and Diane Iverson and friend before their Field Guides South Florida trip. Life birds Gray Kingbird, Mitred, Monk, Red-faced and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets. Also, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Eastern Screech Owl, Common Myna and Yellow crowned Night Heron and more. Crocodile too. Heading out on a birding trip to the tropics through Miami or Fort Lauderdale on a weekend? Let me know and we'll get you on some unique birds before you head south.

04/11/2023

QUOTED in the recent article
Watch the birdie! 10 places to see South Florida’s coolest birds and other wildlife
By Lois K. Solomon
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
•Apr 10, 2023 at 9:25 am
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/fl-fea-places-to-see-birds-broward-palm-20230410-srvarpowzzcgdgjdxd46ktbt7u-story.html

South Florida nature lovers offer tips on where to see the most colorful and diverse assortment of birds and other wildlife in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

03/05/2023

Birding with Jon Harstel out on Snake Road on 2/26 and were happy to find the FOTS Swallow-tailed Kite and Western Kingbird. SURPRISE we found a rare Vermilion Flycatcher. It was unreported for the checklist.

10/08/2022

Bonnet House class-NEW BIRD FOUND
Eastern Kingbird was seen during the Oct. 2nd class and was a new for their ebird list. Other birds seen during the class include Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Magnificent Frigatebird. Next class is Saturday, November 5 from 9 a,m,-12 noon on BIRDING BEHAVIOR-A Key to Better I.D. Call Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606.
Photo from ebird.org

10/03/2022

Bonnet House Class-New Species-Eastern Kingbird added to the Bonnet House bird list at todays class. Also seen was Magnificent Frigatebird and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
photo from ebird.org

09/29/2022

Bonnet House Birding Class ,
Sun. Oct. 2- The Wonderful World of Birding-Bonnet House-2:00-5:00 pm
Birding is the fastest growing leisure pursuits in the country. Find out about of the wonderful benefits of becoming a bird watcher, getting out in nature and meeting other passionate birders. A mixture of peaceful connection and thrilling discovery. Learn about great birding hot spots locally and throughout Florida. Find out about how to contact local birding groups and Florida resources that can get you started. Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring them. Cost-$30.
900 N Birch Road | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 954-703-2606

09/22/2022

Florida Ornithological Society annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale-Oct. 7-9, 2022. I'll be leading 2 field trips-Evergreen Cemetery, 10/8 looking for migrants and 10/9 out to the east Everglades and up Snake Road

02/12/2022

Bonnet House Class today. Some uncommon birds today. Great crested Flycatcher and Broadwing Hawk. Next class MARCH 6th 2-5 pm. Photo from identify.whatbird.com

01/10/2022

Bonnet House class today 1/9
"I had so much fun at your class today at Bonnet House! You were great! Thank you for a wonderful experience." Cynthia
Great views on a rare wintering Broadwing Hawk and Magnificent Frigatebird

01/05/2022

Common Birds of South Florida-Wading and Backyard Birds-January 9, 2022, 2:00-5:00 pm
Learn to identify the common birds of south Florida, one of the TOP 10 birding destinations in the U.S. This class will focus on one of our specialties-Wading Birds. These birds commonly and easily seen everywhere on canal banks and wetlands, but all the white wading birds can be confusing. The class also focuses on commonly found birds in your yard and local parks. The class will include an informative power point, numerous hand outs and birding activity. Bring binoculars, and a field guide. Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring it.
CONTACT LINDA at (954)703-2606.
Cost $20 Bonnet House Members & $25 Non-Members

Discover the World of Birds for Young Birders and Young at Heart-February 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m.-12 noon.
Photo by Jim Eager of Obsessive Compulsive Birding

04/19/2021

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.
Nicole & Janine from Colorado
Crested Caracara by Paul Waller

04/16/2021

We wanted to thank you again for the great day of birding. On afterthought I don’t think we payed you enough for all the time you put in, I’ll be sending more money to take care of the tip you richly deserve. Thanks again for a great day. Jim and Ann, California
Life Birds seen Red-whiskered Bulbul, Mitred Parakeet', Broadwing Hawk, Bronzed Cowbird, Eastern Towhee, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Indian Peafowl

04/07/2021

Sabby and Daniel, New Birders and EXCITED!!
"Thank you so much again for the wonderful day yesterday. Daniel and I had the best time learning from you, it was really the best introduction to birdwatching that we could have hoped for. "
"And thank you so much! There was a lot of information to take in on the first day, but I'm excited for it... it's going to be quite an adventure! "

03/24/2021

We were at Bulow Creek State park today to look at the oldest of oldest oak tree in the state of Florida and a Barred Owl came out to say hi to us it was absolutely incredible

10/31/2019

BIRD CLASSES SERIES with Biologist, Expert Birder & Instructor-Paddy Cunningham Bonnet House & Gardens, 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. To register for classes contact Linda at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25 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.
Sun. Nov. 3- The Wonderful World of Birding-Bonnet House-2:00-5:00 pm

Birding is the fastest growing leisure pursuits in the country. Find out about of the wonderful benefits of becoming a bird watcher, getting out in nature and meeting other passionate birders. A mixture of peaceful connection and thrilling discovery. Learn about great birding hot spots locally and throughout Florida. Find out about how to contact local birding groups and Florida resources that can get you started. Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring them. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25



Sun.-Dec. 1-Ascend to Better Birding-Part I-The Tools of the Trade, 2-5 pm
What does it take to become a Birder? What tools are needed to get you ready for a lifetime of learning Learn how to better use your binoculars, bird checklist and bird field guide book including field marks, glossary, and family organization. Learn about some of the latest birding apps such as e-bird, Audubon and Merlin to make identification easier using your smart phone. Find out about of the wonderful benefits of becoming a bird watcher, great local birding hot spots, and wonderful birding opportunities locally, in Florida and tropical adventures abroad. The workshop includes an informative power point presentation, numerous hand outs and a bird walk through the gardens. Bring binoculars, and a field guide (if possible can be provided upon request). Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring them. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25
Sun. Jan. 5 Ascend to Better Birding-Part II-Ten steps to better identification bird class-2:00-5:00 pm.

Learn a 10-step approach to increase your ability to identify birds such as family groups, behavior, silhouette, habitat, field marks, commonality, seasonality, birding by ear, plumage, use of checklist and apps. The class will include an informative power point, numerous handouts, workshop activity and a walk around the garden to look for birds. Bring binoculars, and a field guide (if possible can be provided upon request). Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring them. COST-$25 per session for adults. Bring binoculars, and a field guide (if possible can be provided upon request). CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25

Feb. 2-Common Birds of South Florida-Wading and Backyard Birds, 2-5 pm *****NEW PROGRAM

Learn to identify the common birds of south Florida, one of the TOP 10 birding destinations in the U.S. This class will focus on one of our specialties-Wading Birds. These birds commonly and easily seen everywhere on canal banks and wetlands, but all the white wading birds can be confusing. The class also focuses on commonly found birds in your yard and local parks. The class will include an informative power point, numerous hand outs and birding activity. Bring binoculars, and a field guide. Also, if you have bird apps on your phone bring it. CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25

March 1-Birding by Habitat, 2-5 pm
I say birds are creatures of habitat. One of the best ways to find the birds you seek is know what habitat where they can be found. Some birds are very specific like Scrub Jays and some more general like Northern Mockingbirds. Learn what birds are likely to be found in the incredible variety of Florida's natural habitats. The class will include an informative power point, numerous hand outs and a walk around the garden to look for birds in various habitats. Bring binoculars, and a field guide (if possible can be provided upon request). CONTACT LINDA at (954) 563-5393 EXT 137. Cost $25