Birding
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Costa Rica Birding Getaway
$750A Week at The Nest, Costa Rica Birding Getaway
Pura Vida! Escape to Costa Rica for a five-night stay at Casa Oropendola, a fully equipped cabin at The Nest Nature Center, tucked inside a private rainforest reserve in northern Costa Rica. This package includes one full-day guided birding tour with a local guide from Lifer Nature Tours, featuring the chance to seek out King Vulture and other tropical specialties. Guests can also enjoy the reserve's toucan feeders, hummingbird feeders, and manakin display areas, all from a comfortable base surrounded by rich birdlife and lush habitat.
Restrictions
Valid for one five-night stay at Casa Oropendola and one full-day guided birding tour. Dates must be mutually agreed upon with Lifer Nature Tours. Lodging is limited to available dates and blackout periods may apply. Airfare, ground transportation, meals, and additional tours are not included unless otherwise arranged. Winner is responsible for passport, travel documents, and any travel related expenses. Must be redeemed by November 30, 2027.
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IN Birding Trail Adventure
$350Indiana Birding Trail Triple Guided Adventure
Discover Indiana's birding diversity with a guided triple adventure along the Indiana Birding Trail. Featuring 70 publicly accessible birding locations across the state, the trail highlights some of Indiana's best state parks, fish and wildlife areas, and county parks, organized by region to showcase the distinct habitats and birdlife that make each part of the state unique
This experience includes three separate guided outings, one each in northern, central, and southern Indiana, with three experienced guides. The winner and up to four guests will enjoy about 2 to 3 hours of birding per outing, with locations selected from Indiana Birding Trail sites in each region
• Northern Indiana: Bird with Brad Bumgardner of Indiana Audubon, who will guide the northern Indiana Birding Trail experience.
• Central Indiana: Explore central Indiana with Wes Homoya, an Indiana Audubon Bird Guide Ambassador and longtime Indiana Dunes Birding Festival guide known for leading popular field trips
• Southern Indiana: Discover southern Indiana with Wendy Wonderley, an Indiana Audubon board member and experienced trip leader who has birded on every continent and leads both domestic and international birding experiences
To explore the range of sites that could be visited, see the Indiana Birding Trail website: indianabirdingtrail.com
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Glamping Among Golden-cheeks
$600Glamping among Golden-cheeks in Texas Hill Country
Step into the Texas Hill Country for a two-night escape that blends comfort, quiet, and just the right amount of wild. This stay at Walden Retreats offers a front-row seat to one of the most unique landscapes in the country, where oak-juniper woodlands meet open sky.
You will stay in a luxury safari-style tent overlooking the Pedernales River, complete with a private wraparound deck, outdoor shower, king bed, and full bathroom.
This is the only region in the world where the Golden-cheeked Warbler nests, a small songbird that depends entirely on this region's juniper forests. In spring, its buzzy song carries through the hills. Year-round, the landscape supports a mix of Hill Country specialties and migrating birds moving through Central Texas.
Keep an eye out for Hill Country specialties and migrating birds throughout the year.
Includes
- Two-night stay for two at Walden Retreats in Texas Hill Country
- Luxury safari-style tent accommodations
- Booking assistance through Raise Away
Notes
- Valid for 12 months to book, travel within 24 months
- Subject to availability, with best options outside peak season
- Room accommodates two adults
- Some properties may charge resort, parking, or deposit fees
- Transportation, guiding, and meals not included
112
San Diego Birding Fest 2027
$195San Diego Bird Festival 2027 Package
Head to California for the 2027 San Diego Bird Festival, held February 17 to 21, 2027. This package includes festival registration, one land based field trip, and one pelagic trip. Offered by the San Diego Bird Alliance, this is a great chance for any birder to enjoy guided festival experiences in one of the country's top birding regions. Programs may be substituted for others of equal or lesser value, excluding food and merchandise. Redemption window is October 25 through November 1, 2026, by contacting Jen Hajj at jhajj@sandiegobirdalliance.org
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Squirrel Buster Nut Feeder
$42The Squirrel Buster Nut feeder has a 1.3 lb capacity designed for a variety of nuts including shelled peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, and also makes a great feeder for dried fruits.
The Nut feeder is squirrel proof! When a squirrel climbs on to the feeder, its weight automatically closes the feeding ports. It is also weight adjustable, so you can fine-tune your feeder to exclude some larger birds.
119
Goose Pond FWA VIP Experience
$575Goose Pond FWA Ultimate VIP Birding Experience
Settle in for a two night Goose Pond getaway that combines comfort, expert guidance, and one of Indiana's most exciting birding landscapes. This special package includes a two night stay at Pleasant Grove Farms, giving the winning bidder and guests time to enjoy the area at a slower pace while exploring the rich birdlife and habitats of Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area.
On one day, enjoy a private half day guided birding tour with David Rupp of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours, offering expert insight into one of Indiana's premier birding destinations. On another day, take part in a private property manager tour of Goose Pond, providing a behind the scenes look at the area's management, wildlife value, and seasonal highlights.
From sweeping wetlands and grasslands to waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and other surprises, Goose Pond always has something worth seeing. And if timing is right, this experience may even offer a chance to learn more about one of the area's most intriguing residents, nesting Barn Owls, a species that adds a little extra magic to an already unforgettable visit.
What it includes:
• Two night stay at Pleasant Grove Farms courtesy the Friends of Goose Pond and Pleasant Grove Farms
• Private half day guided birding tour with David Rupp of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours
• Private property manager tour of Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area
Restrictions: Dates and details must be arranged with the donors, are subject to availability and seasonal conditions, and the package is nontransferable and not redeemable. for cash.
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Kankakee Sands Birds & More
$155Bison, Birds, and Prairies: A Private Kankakee Sands Birding Adventure with Matt Kalwasinski
Join Matt Kalwasinski, vice president of the Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society, for a 5-hour private birding tour at Kankakee Sands, one of Indiana's premier grassland habitats. You and up to four guests will explore this restored prairie, home to bison, Henslow's Sparrows, Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and more, while learning about the vital conservation efforts that sustain this ecosystem.
Matt, a seasoned birding guide since the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival's inaugural year, will tailor the experience to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable day in the field. This exclusive adventure is redeemable through May 2026-place your bid for a chance to experience the wild beauty of Kankakee Sands!
Learn more about Kankakee Sands on the Indiana Birding Trail.
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Arizona Hummingbird Tour
$1195Southeast Arizona Monsoon Hummingbird Tour Experience (August 2026)
Experience one of North America's most spectacular birding events with a spot on the East West Birding Tours SE Arizona Monsoon Hummers Tour, August 7-11, 2026.
Timed with the summer monsoon, this tour offers incredible opportunities to observe a dazzling diversity of hummingbirds, along with other specialty species unique to the Sky Islands of Arizona. Expect close encounters, expert guides, and unforgettable moments in one of the continent's premier birding destinations.
This package includes one (1) single-occupancy spot on the tour with East West Birding Tours, led by renowned guides Ken and Allee.
Additional details:
- Tour dates: August 7-11, 2026
- Includes one single-occupancy space
- Winner is responsible for airfare and incidental expenses
- Discount available for a second participant
- Full terms available upon request
136
Eagle Creek Birding Bundle
$120Eagle Creek Park Birding Experience + Enjoying Indiana Birds Book Bundle
Discover one of Indianapolis's greatest natural treasures through the eyes of an expert, then bring the experience home.
This one-of-a-kind bundle includes a 2-hour guided birding walk for up to 4 people at Eagle Creek Park led by Indiana Audubon member and naturalist Andy Belt. One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, Eagle Creek spans 3,900 acres of diverse woodland, meadows, wetlands, and a 1,300-acre reservoir, making it a premier destination on the Indiana Birding Trail, and a recognized Midwest birding hotspot.
The bundle also includes a copy of Enjoying Indiana Birds by Bud Starling, with illustrations by Donna McCarty. This beloved classic is an enthusiastic celebration of Indiana's birds and nature, following 122 species month by month.
Scheduling is flexible - the guided walk is valid for up to one year and can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time in May 2026. Does not include park admission.
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Ambassador Photography Session
$195Private Aurora and Ambassador Raptor Photography Session for 4
Enjoy a private raptor photography experience for up to four people with Humane Indiana Wildlife. This special session features Aurora, the ambassador saw-whet owl rescued at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in 2024, along with other ambassador birds and offers a rare chance to photograph these incredible animals up close in a controlled setting.
Species may include a Peregrine Falcon, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Barred Owl, and Screech Owl, depending on animal availability. Humane Indiana Wildlife staff will help guide the experience and share information about each bird's story, natural history, and role in education and conservation.
Whether you're a serious photographer or just want unforgettable images and an even better story, this is a one of a kind opportunity to spend time with some truly remarkable birds.
Experience for up to 4 people. Scheduled in advance at a mutually agreed upon time. Bird species are subject to availability based on animal care needs.
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Cerulean Warb Birding for Four
$225Cerulean Warbler BirdScape Birding Adventure for Four
Step into the heart of southern Indiana's forests for a private, guided birding experience in search of one of North America's most sought-after songbirds, the Cerulean Warbler.
Hosted within the BirdScape in the rolling hills of Brown County, this experience offers a rare and nearly guaranteed opportunity to encounter Cerulean Warblers during the breeding season. Along the way, you will enjoy a rich mix of forest songbirds and a deeper look at what makes this landscape so important.
This is more than a bird walk. You will be guided by Edward Oehlman, Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape Coordinator, and Matt Williams, Conservation Director for the Sam Shine Foundation. Together, they bring hands-on habitat management experience, conservation leadership, and a deep knowledge of the species that call these forests home.
If timing allows, the group may also observe active research in the field, including banding, tagging, or nest monitoring.
Designed for up to four participants, this private experience offers a level of access, expertise, and connection to the landscape that is hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you are a dedicated birder or simply want to experience one of Indiana's most special places, this is a memorable day in the field.
171
Ecuador Birding Adventure
$345Ecuador Cloud Forest Quest: 2 days of birding bliss
Enjoy two unforgettable days of birding in Ecuador's west slope cloud forest near Mindo for two people, generously donated by Nelson Apolo, with Ecuador Nature Tours.
This experience includes guiding and transportation during guiding. and offers the chance to explore one of the world's great birding regions with an expert local guide.
Lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included.
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Pacific Coast Escape for Two
$1400Pacific Coast Wildlife Escape for Two | Whale Watching & Seabirds
Step out onto the edge of the Pacific for a three-night coastal escape shaped by open water, fresh air, and the rhythm of life along the California coast. Spend your days exploring scenic shorelines, relaxing by the ocean, and heading out on the water for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Preferred stay in the Monterey area, with accommodations at well-reviewed coastal properties such as Carmel Bay View Inn or Wave Street Inn, or comparable hotels nearby.
Monterey Bay is one of the richest marine ecosystems in North America, where deep ocean water rises close to shore, bringing life to the surface year-round. Your included whale-watching cruise puts you right in the middle of it. Over the course of this three-hour trip, you may encounter humpback whales, gray whales, or even the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life are often part of the show.
And if you glance beyond the whales, the bird life tells its own story. This experience includes a copy of Peterson's Reference Guide to Seawatching.
This stretch of ocean is known for its seabirds, and even a standard whale cruise can feel like a light pelagic trip. You may see shearwaters gliding low over the waves, flocks of Common Murres and auklets resting on the water, Brown Pelicans cruising the shoreline, and, with a bit of luck, a Black-footed Albatross sweeping across the horizon.
Back on land, mornings along the coast bring Brandt's Cormorants on rocky outcrops, gulls riding the wind, and shorebirds moving with the tide.
Includes a three-night stay for two in the Monterey or San Diego area, along with a three-hour whale-watching cruise for two. Guests may upgrade their room, extend their stay, or add additional travelers for a fee.
Details:
- Book within 12 months, travel within 24 months
- Subject to availability, with best options outside peak season
- Room accommodates two adults
- Whale-watching cruise departs from Monterey or San Diego (we recommend Monterey!)
- Some properties may charge resort or parking fees
- Transportation not included
186
Bird Sounds Bundle
$165BirdWeather PUC & Cornell Bird Songs Book
Hear every bird around you - then put a name to the song. The BirdWeather PUC continuously listens for bird sounds and automatically uploads detections in real time, so you always know who's singing even when you can't see them. Pair it with Cornell's Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song to deepen your ear for the field. Together, high-tech listening and classic reference make this bundle a dream for anyone serious about bird song identification.
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Private Chicago Birding Trip
$175Private Chicago Birding Trip for 4
Explore the best of Chicagoland birding with a private half day outing for up to four people, guided by Red Hill Birding. From lakefront migration hotspots to quiet forest preserves and unexpected urban gems, this customized trip offers a chance to experience the region's impressive birdlife with an expert guide.
Red Hill Birding is known for thoughtful, high quality birding experiences that welcome both seasoned birders and curious beginners. Whether your group is hoping to catch migration action, build birding skills, or simply enjoy a memorable day outside, this trip will be tailored to your interests, timing, and pace.
Includes:
- Private 4 hour guided birding trip for up to 4 people by Red Hill Birding
- Customized route planned based on winner's interests and recent bird activity and season.
Valid for one year from auction date. Date and location must be mutually agreed upon with the donor. Bird sightings are never guaranteed, but a great outing certainly is.
203
Birding Go Bag
$295Birding Go Bag
This bag is ready for your birding adventures. Your new Thule Enroute 23 L Backpack comes pre-loaded with handy essentials. The BirdWeather PUC continuously identifies and logs every bird song around you while you explore - aiding conservation efforts and ecological studies. The Northern American Warblers Foldable Guide will come in handy, and you'll be prepared for anything that comes your way with a spare t-shirt (You'll love this fun 2025 design from The Urban Birding Festival), a cozy Diana of the Dunes Dare hoodie, and even a protective cap and beanie from Hawke Optics so you're ready for your nature adventure.
To top it off, this bundle includes:
-A camp mug, Amish Country Peanut Butter Spread, Playing Cards and 2 Coozies
-A Chipotle Gift Card ($25)
-and a CamelBak 3L Crux Reservoir
-and even a 1000 piece Audubon puzzle if you do have to wait out some inclement weather!
So, is there any reason you aren't out birding yet?