ABOUT US

The Brownwood Birders began as a shared idea in the fall of 2014. CC Mazzeo-Cirezz and Judy Smith, as well as a half dozen interested individuals, gathered for an organizational meeting at Big Cypress Recreation picnic shelter. It was at this first meeting that the name Brownwood Birders was suggested by a member of the organizational team.  Early on it was decided that the BB’s would serve as a social outlet and a means to learn about the birds in our surroundings. CC organized and planned our weekly Tuesday ventures, scouting about for accessible locations. Judy Smith maintained the records, developed a weekly newsletter and worked on scheduling weekly events. As a small informal group we celebrated our friendships with occasional “birding picnics” at Lake Miona Picnic Shelter and annual holiday dinners. In 2016 Judy and Les Smith assumed leadership of the BB’s assisted with the birding expertise of Joan and Al Lippman. 

As The Villages expanded and word of mouth spread, the Brownwood Birders grew and in 2021 the leadership was passed to Stan Lavender and Wendy Milstein. Stan and Wendy led weekly walks and created a Facebook page and group email so those who wanted to join knew where to meet.  The club continued to grow.

On February 14, 2023 the Brownwood Birders became an official Villages' Club.  We welcome all and beginners are encouraged to join us. We meet every Tuesday. We alternate between 8:30am and 4:00pm depending on the season. The locations are announced on this site, our Facebook page, and by email. Our monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 9:00am in the Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center, 4505 Okahumpka Run.

A Villages ID Card or Guest ID card is needed to attend our monthly meetings.  Everyone is welcome to join us on our walks.

 

Club dues are $10 per person annually and are due in January of each year. Membership is not required to join us on any outings!

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Photo By Donald Easley