Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 12 - 16, 2003 in Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife.

2003 Keynote Speakers

Andre Michaux Visits Spanish East Florida, Spring 1778

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Walter Kingsley Taylor
Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816
Dr. Taylor, in period dress, will retrace André Michaux’s steps through Florida. Taylor will highlight the Frenchman’s life, the plants he observed and collected and the historical places Michaux visited and mentioned in his Journal. Dr. Taylor’s recent book, André Michaux in Florida, will be available for sale and signing in addition to Dr. Taylor’s very popular books on Florida wildflowers. — ARTICLE
Nov 12, 6:00pm-7:30pm: BCC Auditorium; Free

Birdwatchers as Amateur Naturalists: Exploring the Possibilities

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Jim Davis
In the mid-1930s, birdwatching as a sport took off with the publication of user-friendly field guides that made species identification relatively easy—finding rarities, listing species seen and census taking quickly became prominent activities among birdwatchers. They are not, however, the only style of birding. Once a birder becomes proficient at recognizing birds and their habitats, a wealth of new opportunities open up for those with an acquisitive mind. In his keynote address, Dr. Jim Davis will explore various ways that birdwatching can inform us about the natural world. Jim espouses the view that more birders should take on the spirit of amateur naturalists by adopting an interpretive approach to their craft. As more professional ornithologists redirect their focus away from field research and into more high-tech endeavors, the input of birders as amateur naturalists becomes more critical for documenting changes in the habits wild birds. Jim is editor and publisher of the Interpretive Birding Bulletin.
For more information visit the IBB Web site at www.ibirding.com. — ARTICLE
Nov 13, 6:00pm-7:30pm: BCC Student Dining Hall; Free

Birds and the Undiscovered World

Keynote Presenter: Kenn Kaufman
Though the current information explosion might lead us to believe there is little left to discover, the ever-changing world of birds provides ample evidence to the contrary. Naturalist, author, birder and conservationist Kenn Kaufman has pursued birds in remote regions, but he contends that the natural unknown that they inhabit begins right outside our doors. Learn about the power of personal observation that connect people with mystery and adventure and help them comprehend the importance of preserving the natural world. Author of Birds of North America, Kingbird Highway, The Peterson Guide to Advanced Birding, Lives of North American Birds and Butterflies of North America, Kaufman is a field editor to Audubon magazine and regular contributor to every major birding magazine. www.kknature.com — ARTICLE
Nov 14, 6:00pm-7:30pm: BCC Auditorium; Free

Paddling Trails in Florida's Coastal Waters - The wonder and the politics

Keynote Presenter: David Gluckman
Environmental lawyer, lobbyist and author, David Gluckman, will present his views of sea kayaking in some of Florida's most beautiful coastal areas. With emphasis on the Big Bend Sea Grasses Historic Paddling trail, he will show slides and talk about his kayaking experiences and discuss the value of Florida's paddling trail system for personal enjoyment and nature-based tourism benefits. He'll also include a number of tips and opinions about paddling Florida's political and coastal waters. Copies of David’s book, Sea Kayaking in Florida may possibly be for sale. The author will be glad to sign any books for those who already have them. — ARTICLE
Nov 15, 6:00pm-7:30pm: BCC Auditorium; Free

Golden Wings

Keynote Presenter: Pete Dunne
Once upon a time, there was a boy who climbed Swede Hill and discovered a bird he thought was dead that burst to life at the touch of a finger – an event that transformed the earth.
But what about heaven?
On November 16, you are invited to join Master Storyteller Pete Dunne as he recounts and celebrates the life and achievements of his friend and one-time World Series of Birding team mate, Roger Tory Peterson. Perhaps nobody but Pete Dunne could weave so much fancy, so much insight into so rich a tapestry. Or, as Field Guide and Author Kenn Kaufman said of the story: ‘These words are golden".
Join the "Bard of Birding" (Wall Street Journal) and hear them firsthand. www.njaudubon.org/centers/cmbo — ARTICLE
Nov 16, 3:00pm-4:00pm: Ace of Hearts Ranch; Free

Coming in 2004 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DISCOVERING DIGITAL: DIGITAL DISCOVERIES Internationally noted bird photographer, Arther Morris, will present an illustrated lecture featuring more than 250 of his spectacular digital photos. Artie's work, which has long been noted for both its technical excellence and artistic design, is seen in countless publications above his most-fitting BIRDS AS ART credit line. After using film with great success for nearly two decades, Artie crossed the digital divide in November 2002 on a trip to his beloved Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico and has never looked back.

  Click here to send eMail inquiries about the Festival