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About the event
Are you going on the Spencer Pride fundraising Caribbean cruise and are you a birder? If the answer is YES, please consider joining Rainbow Birders for a pre-cruise birding tour in Florida. Although it isn't the ideal time to go birding in the Everglades, this is the time that we will be in Florida and we can still get some pretty good birding in! Although the itinerary is subject to change based on birding conditions, we envision spending one day birding in the Everglades and one day birding in the Miami area. Potential birding sites include, but are not limited to, Everglades National Park Shark Valley, several parks on Key Biscayne, and Zoo Miami.
Dates
Jun 11, 2026 · 7:00 PM - Jun 13, 2026 · 8:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Location
Parking instructions
We will meet at the Holiday Inn Express Blue Lagoon in Miami, Florida (6750 NW 7th Street Miami, FL 33126; 305-261-9899). This is the same hotel that Spencer Pride cruise participants will also use. We encourage participants to schedule their flights to arrive in the late afternoon so we can go to dinner together, and if that is not possible, you really only need to arrive on June 11. We will have a briefing in the hotel lobby (unless otherwise notified) at 7 pm.
There is a free shuttle from the Miami International Airport, but you must call the Holiday Inn Express (305-261-9899) and let them know to pick you up at the airport.
Event highlights
Parking & Meeting Instructions
We will meet at the Holiday Inn Express Blue Lagoon in Miami, Florida (6750 NW 7th Street Miami, FL 33126; 305-261-9899). This is the same hotel that Spencer Pride cruise participants will also use. We encourage participants to schedule their flights to arrive in the late afternoon so we can go to dinner together, and if that is not possible, you really only need to arrive on June 11. We will have a briefing in the hotel lobby (unless otherwise notified) at 7 pm.
There is a free shuttle from the Miami International Airport, but you must call the Holiday Inn Express (305-261-9899) and let them know to pick you up at the airport.
Health & Safety
Birding conditions are likely to be hot and humid in Florida in June. Please dress accordingly (e.g. wicking clothing), wear a hat, bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and please consider bringing electrolytes to put in your water. You will also need sturdy shoes/boots as the trail conditions will vary.
An emergency contact (not participating in this activity) must be provided by all participants during registration.
Experience Rainbow Birders on the Road
Rainbow Birders strives to provide participants with the information you need to enjoy this trip fully! We will have a pre-trip Zoom (date & time TBD) to provide birding information, discuss logistics, and answer questions. A bird list will be provided and, when on the trip, we will go over the list daily – and pick our individual birds of the day.
We will leave early (6:30 am) to get as much birding done as possible before it gets too hot. There will be a fair amount of driving involved, but we have reserved a comfortable van and will make comfort stops as necessary.
The basic concept is to bird the Everglades on the first day and then bird in the Miami area on the second. Zoo Miami is our anticipated destination for lunch and all afternoon on the second day. We will take breaks for lunch and go out to dinner together.
Event Highlights
Opportunity to see species that we wouldn’t normally see in Indiana including Wood Stork, Anhinga, Common Myna, Gray Kingbird, Swallow-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, Egyptian Goose, Tricolored Heron, Boat-tailed Grackle, Magnificent Frigatebird, and more!
Destination Information
The Everglades National Park encompasses over 1.5 million acres and is a true refuge for all kinds of wildlife. It is the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the United States. Although we are primarily interested in birds, we will also enjoy experiencing all the other wildlife, including plants! Our current, and subject to change, itinerary has us experiencing the Everglades starting at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm.
Key Biscayne is the southernmost barrier island on the Atlantic coast, is only five miles from our hotel, and hosts Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Birding on Key Biscayne will allow us the opportunity to observe sea-related species such as shorebirds and the Magnificent Frigatebird.
Learn more at: https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southeast/key-biscayne/
With almost 750 acres and 4 miles of walkways, Zoo Miami is home to more than 2,000 animals representing 375 different species, 85 of which are birds from all over the world. Among other avian species, we should be able to get great looks (and pictures) of American Flamingos.
Learn more at: https://www.zoomiami.org/
You can get a jump on observing the American Flamingos on the live cam: https://www.earthcam.com/usa/florida/miami/flamingo/?cam=flamingo
Accomodations Information
Holiday Inn Express Blue Lagoon
6750 NW 7th Street
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 261-9899
Breakfast is included and starts at 6:00 am
A block of rooms has been reserved for “Rainbow Cruisers” at a discount rate ($249/night + taxes). When you reserve your room, please mention the “Rainbow Cruisers” block and indicate the dates of your stay.
All Are Welcome
All birding skill levels are welcome. If you can say "it's a bird!" you qualify.
Cost Information
The tour cost is $185 per participant. This includes van rental, gas, tolls, all admission costs, all parking fees, and water. Participants will pay for their meals (except breakfast which is included with the hotel), snacks, and accommodation.
Accessibility Information
Although parts of this tour are wheelchair accessible (i.e. Zoo Miami) most of it is not. For transportation we will be renting a van, which is not equipped with a wheelchair lift.
Tickets
Price: $185.00 + Applicable Fees and Taxes
Rainbow Birders Florida Excursion
$185.00
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Terms & Conditions
Our itinerary is subject to change based on weather and bird conditions. This is an all-weather event and will not be cancelled in the event of rain or other adverse weather conditions.
By registering, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily participating in this activity at your own risk. You are aware of risks associated traveling to and from our destination as well as participating in this activity, which may include physical or psychological injury, pain suffering, illness, permanent disability, and death. You understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from your own or others' negligence, conditions related to travel, or the condition of the activity destination. You assume all related risks, both known and unknown to you, for your participation in this activity as well as travel to and from this activity.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Spencer Pride, Inc. and its volunteers against any and all claims, suits, or actions of any kind whatsover for liability, damages, compensation, or otherwise brought by you or anyone on your behalf, including attorney's fees and any related costs, if litigated arises pursuant to any claims made by you or by anyone else acting on your behalf.
You acknowledge that you understand that you are releasing Spencer Pride, Inc. and its volunteers from any and all claims or causes of action.
Hosted by Spencer Pride
Joined Eventeny in February 2023
21 events
Spencer, Indiana, United States 
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