Winter Birding Ecotour at Marine Discovery Center

The Marine Discovery Center will wrap up its seasonal Winter Birding Tours on Thursday, April 14.

MDC offers four monthly tours during the winter migratory season, providing avian enthusiasts the chance to view these birds here at this time of year. Guests are able to learn more about these species from naturalists and local Audubon chapter members on the tours. The tours offer transportation to Disappearing Island onboard MDC’s Discovery boat.

Cost per person for the three-hour tours will be $40 for adults; $37 for seniors (62+) and students; and $22 for children under 12. Children participating on these tours must be under adult supervision at all times.

The Discovery boat will leave at 9 a.m., from the North Causeway dock in New Smyrna Beach, heading north to Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet and will return back to the dock by noon. Guests will disembark at Disappearing Island and walk the shoreline to view such migratory species as red knots, black skimmers and a variety of plovers and sandpipers only seen in this area during the winter months.

These popular three-hour trips give birding enthusiasts of all levels time to explore with small groups of experienced birders. This is a perfect opportunity for novices to learn from the best birders in this area.

Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, viewing scopes, water and snacks, and to wear comfortable, water-tolerant shoes to walk along the shoreline.

The Discovery is a 40-passenger boat equipped with an emergency marine head (toilet). Stairs will be provided for guests to disembark at Disappearing Island.

To make reservations, call the Marine Discovery Center at 386-428-4828 or…

book now