Guided Birding Driving Tour at STA-1 West

Embark on an exhilarating birding adventure at STA 1 West with SFWMD guides Brian Garrett and Sydney Kaufman, and Audubon Everglades guide David Simpson. You’ll drive through this exclusive Stormwater Treatment Area, normally off-limits to the public. Located near the Sem Chi Rice Mill off Atlantic Mill Rd./Sem Chi Rd., this rare opportunity is made possible through our special partnership with the South Florida Water Management District. Target species may include waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors like Target species may include Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Roseate Spoonbills, Purple Gallinules, Limpkins, Northern Harriers, American White Pelicans, King Rails, Soras, and occasionally rarities such as Western Kingbirds, Lincoln’s Sparrows, Painted Buntings, or Smooth-billed Anis.

About the Event

Guides will help participants identify birds and share insights into their behaviors, calls, and habitats. This is not a walking tour; all observation occurs from vehicles or at frequent stops. Participants should be prepared to exit cars at stops and return to their vehicles to continue the tour. This tour is for ages 12 and above. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Details

• Meeting Location at STA: 26.677174, -80.450931
• Check-In Time: 7:30 AM
• Start time: 7:45 AM
• End Time: 11:30 AM
• Restrooms: There are no bathroom facilities or porta-potties available at the site unless they have been set up for hunters.
• Nearby Facilities:
• Publix Shopping Center at B Road and Southern Blvd:
• 7-Eleven/Shell Gas Station: 15589 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL
• Dunkin' Donuts: 15689 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL
• Accessibility: Fully accessible from vehicles; some stops have levee edges for scope setup but do not require walking

Registration and Carpool Rules

• This is a carpool driving tour with 4 people per vehicle including the driver.
• Drivers: Register as “Driver.”
• Passengers: Register as “Passenger” and indicate your preferred driver if known.
• If you do not arrive with 4 registered participants in your vehicle, you may need to take additional passengers or join another car. Please coordinate before arrival to save time.
• Mandatory SFWMD Release: Email the completed form to fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org prior to the event. Failure to submit will prevent attendance.
• Cancellation: Notify us early if you cannot attend to allow others to participate
• No Walk-ins allowed on STA and driving tours, registration is mandatory.

Donation Ticket Option
Participation on our STA tours is always free, but if you choose the Donation Ticket, your gift directly supports Audubon Everglades’ avian conservation and education programs. Every contribution helps us protect local habitats, provide outreach to schools and communities, and bring meaningful programs to life. Your generosity ensures that we can continue connecting people with birds and the natural world while safeguarding critical habitats for future generations.

Tour Format & Safety

This is a driving tour with multiple stops guided by expert birders and biologists. Each vehicle will be issued a radio to ensure consistent communication during the tour. For the safety of all participants and to protect the integrity of the land, everyone must stay on the designated route at all times. Do not stray from the path or leave the caravan unless instructed by a trip leader.

Important Access Information

• This tour starts promptly at 7:45 AM and the gates will be closed. No exceptions can be made. Please allow enough travel time to be at the location by 7:30 AM.
• This tour takes place on unpaved, dirt roads. Roads can be muddy, uneven and can have large potholes.
• Vehicle Requirements: High clearance, good tires, and a full tank of gas. Please fuel up before arrival.
• Terrain: Minimal walking involved. Activities occur from or near vehicles.
• Trail Length: Approximately 6–10 miles of slow caravan driving with frequent stops.
• Accessibility: Birding may be conducted from the car for people with limited mobility.

Birding Rules

• Listen to and follow the instructions of the Field Trip Leader. Do not walk ahead of the leader.
• Be respectful of your fellow participants.
• Avoid flushing birds: close car doors gently, do not slam doors, and minimize loud noises.
• Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. If a bird is flushed, do not chase it.
• Please follow the ABA standards of ethical birding and photography

E-bird and Photography

• A shared eBird list will be provided
• By signing the Audubon Everglades consent form, you agree your photo may be taken and shared on AE’s social media
• Prefer not to be photographed? Let us know in advance
• Share your photos and tag us: @AudubonEverglades

What to Bring

• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Binoculars
• Camera or spotting scope
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Wide-brimmed hat

Important Reminders

• No drones, glass, alcohol, or littering
• Space is limited; please cancel if you cannot attend
• The caravan is led by SFWMD employees; all participants must exit the STA once the tour concludes.

We look forward to exploring STA-1 West, observing its extraordinary birds, and experiencing this essential wetland habitat together.

About STA-1 West

Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are large, constructed wetlands planted with native vegetation that create essential habitat for birds and wildlife. They provide shallow pools and dense vegetation that attract wading birds, waterfowl, and secretive marsh species, offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

STAs also benefit people. They help store and supply water that flows into our rivers, lakes, and aquifers, supporting drinking water, fisheries, and healthy communities. In short, STAs sustain both wildlife and the water we rely on every day, making them critical for South Florida’s ecosystems and people.

Directions to STA-1 West

• Head west on SR-80/98/Southern Blvd.
• Turn left onto CR 880/E Canal Street S.
• After approximately 4.1 miles, turn south (left if coming from the east) onto Atlantic Mill Rd./Sem Chi Rd. (near the Sem Chi Rice Mill). There will be flashing yellow lights at the turn, but no street sign.
• The gated entrance to STA 1 West is almost immediately on your left, next to the Hunters Check-in Sign.