The Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society is officially launching its highly anticipated mini-lecture series for the season. As local experts deeply rooted in the Southwest Florida community, the LeAne SUAREZ Group is pleased to share this update for our neighbors and nature enthusiasts.
The series begins on February 11 at 5:30 p.m., hosted at The Community House (2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel).
Expert Insights from the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Guest Speaker
The inaugural presentation features Alli Smith, a project coordinator with the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Smith will lead an in-depth session on two of the most essential tools for any modern birder: eBird and Merlin Bird ID.
Attendees will gain professional insight into:
-
Contributing to Science: How to accurately log sightings and contribute to global databases.
-
Behind the Tech: A look at how these apps function and use data to drive bird conservation efforts.
-
Conservation Impact: How personal observations help scientists protect wildlife worldwide.
Educational Goals of the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society
Alli Smith brings a wealth of knowledge back to the Sanibel-Captiva area, where she has previously worked extensively with shorebirds and burrowing owls. Holding a Bachelor of Science in wildlife science from SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Smith has dedicated her career to “participatory science.”
She currently manages the help desks for Merlin and eBird, bridging the gap between high-level data collection and local birding efforts in our community.
Event Details & Tickets
This lecture offers a rare opportunity to learn from a Cornell Lab expert right here on the islands.
-
When: February 11, 2026 | Doors open at 5:00 p.m. | Lecture starts at 5:30 p.m.
-
Where: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
-
Admission: $10 per ticket.
Tickets are limited. To secure your spot or to learn more about upcoming events in the series, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society website.
