2017 Birdapalooza will take flight January 20 through 22

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The Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza will take flight January 20 through 22. Registration is now open for a variety of activities during the festival, including tours of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore, a popular birding destination.

“The abundant wildlife found on the North Shore is a testament to the district’s restoration efforts,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “With support from Florida’s Legislature and a host of partners, today Lake Apopka is rebounding. By supporting community events like this, we are able to engage the community in our efforts to protect our natural resources.”

The festival is a celebration of the rich diversity of birds and other wildlife that make their home around Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth-largest lake. The area offers some of Florida’s premiere birding opportunities during the winter months.

Bird surveys show more than 360 different species of birds have been identified within the area, more species than can be found at any inland site in Florida.

Orange Audubon Society is working to document the growing economic impact of birding ecotourism to the communities around Lake Apopka,” said Deborah Green, with Orange Audubon Society and the festival’s committee chair. “Expanding the free, family-oriented Birdapalooza into a birding festival with keynote talks and trips guided by well-known birding guides helps us show the widespread interest in this globally Important Birding Area.”

Registration is required to take part in the festival’s guided field trips on January 20 and 22 at the Lake Apopka North Shore and other sites. The field trips will explore sparrows, waterfowl, raptors and other topics suited for enthusiastic birdwatchers and ornithologists. Online registration is available at www.orangeaudubonfl.org/birdapalooza.

Registration is not needed to participate in family-friendly activities on January 21. Activities include bird banding, live animal demonstrations, food, music and guided tours for children and adults on the district’s Lake Apopka Loop Trail and Orange County’s Magnolia Park. Several district staff will be on-site to assist with tours.

For more information about the Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza, visit www.birdapalooza.com.

To learn more about the Lake Apopka North Shore, visit www.sjrwmd.com/recreation.