Education | Conservation | Advocacy

Manatee County

Audubon Society

The Felts Audubon Preserve

Open Houses

Held the 1st Saturday November – April 8am-12pm

  • November 4, 2023 Bird walk leader Kathy Doddridge
  • December 2,, 2023 Bird walk leaders Jerry & Billie Knight
  • January 6, 2024 Bird walk leader Joni Reeder
  • February 3, 2024 Bird walk leader Kathy Doddridge
  • March 2, 2024 Bird walk leader Aaron Virgin
  • April 6, 2024 Bird Walk leaders Jerry & Billie Knight

Join Us for our Conservation Days!

Held the last Saturday October – April 8am-12pm

  • October 28, 2023
  • November 25, 2023
  • December 30, 2023
  • January 27, 2024
  • February 24, 2024,
  • March 30, 2024
  • April 27, 2024
View Felts Audubon Preserve's Hotspot

This place is "For the Birds...and for Birders!"

While we come up with innovative ways to provide opportunities to educate the public on environmental issues, the land is being used by an abundance of different animals including many migratory birds. We have documented 194 avian species and 33 butterfly species at Felts Audubon Preserve! 

This Place is "For the Birds"...

Featured Birds: At Felts, the Manatee Audubon Society has documented sightings of 194 avian species, while more than 190 species have been recorded here by eBirders. Depending upon the season, birders may see: Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Indigo and Painted Bunting, thrushes, warblers, vireos, herons, egrets and ducks. Be sure to check out the Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes!

Insider’s Tip: The bird blind provides visitors an excellent opportunity for up-close viewing and photography of the wide array of species attracted to the blind’s many feeders. During migration and winter, the much-sought-after Indigo and Painted Bunting often visit the blind. The blind’s large windows may be carefully removed to afford unobstructed views. (Kindly replace the windows when departing, and move slowly and quietly within the blind and when entering and leaving, so as not to startle the birds).

View Felts Audubon Preserve's Hotspot

The Painted Bunting

The Painted Bunting is a signature bird at Felts Audubon Preserve. 

Enjoy this video captured by Claire Herzog at Felts Preserve in late December 2013.

Improvements continue, including managing footpaths, an enhanced bird blind for comfortable wildlife observation, and habitat restoration. A variety of habitats are found on our small preserve, including freshwater ponds, open fields, mixed conifer forests, hardwood hammocks, and bay swamps to attract a wide variety of wildlife, especially migratory and nesting birds and colorful butterflies. 

Take a walk on the wild side by visiting Felts Audubon Preserve today!

Thank You to Sweetbay Nursery

Every year, MCAS installs hundreds of plants for birds and wildlife that call Felts Preserve their home. This could never have been possible without Sweetbay Nursery. Please consider stopping by for all of your native plant needs and show support to an amazing business and organization that helps Florida stay a little more native. Give them a visit herehttps://sweetbaynursery.com/