Rookery Bay Festival of Birds

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s much anticipated Festival of Birds returned in January, offering an extended extravaganza of immersive field trips and workshops. Rookery Bay kicked off the 21st festival of its kind with a speech by WGCU host of With the Wild Things, Dr. Jerry Jackson. The following day, staff and volunteers geared up for watercolor workshops, swamp buggy rides, and guided hikes throughout the week, all showcasing Florida’s avian inhabitants. 

From Fakahatchee Strand Preserve’s swamp to Corkscrew’s backcountry, trekkers of every skill level were invited to participate in the exploration of Collier County’s diverse ecosystems. 

Attendees hiked, walked, and even waded through some of Florida’s most pristine birding hotspots, taking home memories that will last a lifetime. 

For those searching for a bit more warmth from the surprisingly chilly hikes, watercolor workshops and keynote speeches brought in the heat. Through his inspiring presentation reflecting on his 50-year career in ornithology and environmental advocacy, Dr. Jackson impeccably summarized Rookery Bay’s values of conservation and stewardship through education and volunteerism. “Volunteers are crucial,” he emphasized. “They are so important to saving our environment and keeping it on the right track.” 

Dr. Jackson reflected on his time testifying in pivotal environmental cases, “It was frustrating winning and losing all the time, but I learned something.” These legal battles shaped his perspective toward an alternative solution. “The best thing to do is volunteer at organizations like Rookery Bay and have a positive attitude toward the environment.” 

Throughout his speech, fascinating facts and engaging anecdotes drew the audience in further. From overseas trips protecting critical habitats to insights gained while monitoring local wildlife along Collier Canal, Dr. Jackson notes the incredible information available from simply observing birds. “Birding teaches us to notice the small details,” Dr. Jackson said, sharing the surprising habit of a blue-gray gnatcatcher sunning itself in a trance-like state. 

It's in those small details, such as the intricacy of an egret’s colored plumage, that Dr. Jackson and Rookery Bay seek to foster a connection between humans and nature. Through education, immersive experiences, and simply slowing down, people can begin to see their inherent relationship amongst the living world around them. 

Although the Festival of Birds has ended for this year, Rookery Bay Research Reserve continues to encourage locals and visitors to learn about, submerge themselves in, and help protect one of the nation’s most iconic estuaries. With monthly birding events, informative lectures, and creative classes, the festivities never stop at Rookery Bay. To sign up for a workshop, book a guided boating or kayak tour, or apply to volunteer, visit rookerybay.org.