Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Watch for Upcoming Article in Florida Today! By Deborah Longman-Marien, SCAS President

There will be an article in Florida Today on November 19th, in the Spaces Section about birdfeeders. Jason Frederick and I were interviewed for this article. If there is a comment section on line, why don't you write in about how much enjoyment you get from having bird feeders, your successes, what birds you see, and perhaps on your enjoying meeting new people, seeing and learning about birds and nature at Audubon events.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Florida Nature Tours Support of Conservation, Scientific and Birding Organizations by Wes Biggs

Florida Nature Tours and all of its leaders have been long time supporters of organizations that advocate bird protection, conservation, scientific research and the promotion of the hobby and sport of birding.  For our 2012 season we will make a donation of $100.00 from the price of each trip booked in the name of every Dry Tortugas tour participant to the birding/conservation organization of their choice.

We will also be donating a Dry Tortugas tour to each of the three following birding festivals to help raise money for various conservation programs.
  • The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife festival in Titusville, Florida, January 25-30, 2012, www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org, 321-268-5224. We will be sharing a booth with one of our leaders, David Simpson of Birding With David Simpson. A number of our Florida Nature Tours trip leaders will be leading field trips at the festival.
  • The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in Harlingen, Texas November 9-13, 2011, www.rgvbf.com,956-357-3457. Be sure to stop by our booth & say hi.
  • The Midwest Birding Symposium in Lakeside, Ohio September 15-18, 2011, www.birdwatchersdigst.com/mwb2011/main2011.php, 800-879-2473.  Congratulations to this year’s winner: Claudia Anders of Ohio.
Florida Nature Tours recognizes and rewards those individuals who have made important contributions to the conservation and study of birds. To that end we have created The Herb Kale Award. In the spirit of respect and gratitude for what the following five people have done for all of us we are giving each of them a free trip to the Dry Tortugas this spring:

Bruce Anderson of Orlando, Florida
Michael Brothers of Ponce Inlet, Florida
Andy Kratter of Gainesville, Florida
Ann Paul of Tampa, Florida
Father Tom Pincelli of Brownsville, Texas

You can find out more about Florida Nature Tours on their web site: www.floridanaturetours.net

Sams House at Pine Island November 2011 Events


NEW HOURS!!! Starting this month, we will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Guided Hike - Saturday, November 5th, 10:00 a.m.
Join Land Manager, Scott Taylor, on a guided hike through the Pine Island Conservation Area. Participants will get a special sneak peek of new the new trail being constructed that will connect Sams House with the trails off Pine Island road.

Introductory Volunteer Training - Thursday, November 10th, 6:00 p.m.
This is a must for volunteers. Participants will meet other volunteers, learn about volunteer opportunities at Sams, and get an overview of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and the Pine Island Conservation Area.

Garden Workday - Friday, November 11th, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about native plants and help beautify our gardens. A great opportunity for students to earn volunteer hours. Led by Shari Blissett-Clark.

“Lunch Under the Oaks: Ancient Medicine in Florida” - Friday, November 11th at noon
Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic under the oaks after a morning spent in the garden. Dr. Rachel Wentz will present: Ancient Medicine in Florida: Examining the Evidence for Medicine at the 7,000-year-old site of Windover”. For thousands of years, humans have been utilizing their natural environment for the purpose of treating the sick. This presentation will examine the evidence for medicine at the Windover site, an Archaic site from Florida that produced the well-preserved remains of 168 individuals. Weʼll explore the objects that accompanied them to the grave and the skeletons themselves for evidence that people were treating the sick and prolonging life in one of Floridaʼs ancient populations.



Mark your Calendars for the Sams Open House on Saturday, December 10th!


CNAH Announcement: Southeastern US Species Move Toward Endangered Species Act Protection

(Visit the Center for North American Herpetology at http://www.cnah.org for additional information.)

WASHINGTON— In response to a 2010 scientific petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and other groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today found that protection of 374 freshwater species in twelve southeastern states may be warranted under the Endangered Species Act. The decision was made in accordance with a historic settlement agreement reached this summer between the Center and the government to push 757 of the country’s least protected, but most imperiled, species toward Endangered Species Act protection.

"With today’s finding that 374 southeastern freshwater species will be considered for Endangered Species Act protection, it’s clear the Fish and Wildlife Service is finally taking action to help hundreds of American species that desperately need a lifeline," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director with the Center. "Like so many species in our ever-more crowded world, these 374 species face a multitude of threats to their survival — habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and pressure from invasive species."

The 374 include 89 species of crayfish and other crustaceans; 81 plants; 78 mollusks; 51 butterflies, moths, caddisflies and other insects; 43 fish; 13 amphibians; 12 reptiles and turtles, four mammals and three birds. They are found in twelve states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Included among the 374 species are the Florida sandhill crane, Streamside Salamander, Alabama Map Turtle, beautiful crayfish, clam-shell orchid, cobblestone tiger beetle, frecklebelly madtom and the Canoe Creek pigtoe.

"The Southeast is home to more freshwater species than anywhere else in the world. Tragically, the region has already lost many of them to extinction," Greenwald said. "Endangered Species Act protection for these remaining species will help stem the tide of extinction and herald the beginning of a new era of species protection in the Southeast."

As documented in the petition, southeastern freshwater species are threatened by many forces that have altered, and continue to alter, the region’s waterways, such as dams, pollution, sprawl, poor agricultural practices, invasive species and a warming climate.

"Protecting these species will also protect rivers and streams that are a source of drinking water and recreation for Southeast communities," said Greenwald. "Endangered Species Act protection will not just save these species from extinction but benefit millions of people."

Groups that joined the Center on the petition included Alabama Rivers Alliance, Clinch Coalition, Dogwood Alliance, Gulf Restoration Network, Tennessee Forests Council and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.

Additional Information
For a copy of today’s finding, more information on our campaign to address the Southeast freshwater extinction crisis, a copy of the petition, a list of species by state and a slideshow of a sample of the species, please visit:

http://biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/1000_species/the_southeast_freshwater_extinction_crisis/index.html

For more information on our landmark settlement agreement, please visit:

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/species_agreement/index.htm

Watch the Only Known Footage of Imperial Woodpecker (from the Cornell Lab eNews)

In a new study published in The Auk, Cornell Lab scientists have analyzed the only known footage of the Imperial Woodpecker. It was the Ivory-billed Woodpecker's closest relative and is now probably extinct. Filmed in 1956 by William L. Rhein in Mexico, the footage shows a female Imperial Woodpecker hitching up the trunks of Durango pines, her extraordinary crest of feathers curving overhead, shaking as she chips at the bark with her bill. See the footage and read more.

Cocoa CBC by Dave Freeland

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas Bird Counts in the country is centered in Cocoa, Brevard County, and we welcome birders from all parts of Florida to participate. The date this year is Saturday, December 17, and we will have experts and beginners alike participating on the 14 teams that cover our 15-mile-diameter count circle that reaches from West Cocoa to Port Canaveral and from North Merritt Island to Viera.

This will mark the 61st consecutive year for the count started in 1951 by famed Florida birder/conservationist Allan Cruickshank. Cocoa has twice held national record highs for species recorded on any CBC. Our participants come from the Florida Keys, Gulf Coast and northern counties as well as out-of-staters from as far away as New York.

To join in, contact me (Dave Freeland vgswallow@cfl.rr.com) by e-mail at best convenience. We also require volunteers to help with the post-count dinner. Please contact Dee Fairbanks Simpson (deefairbanks@mac.com) if you would like to help with that.

Birds Matter Online Educational Videos

Dear Friends,

I hope you'll like and you'll find interesting my last documentary on birds. It lasts about 5 minutes. The title is "Beaks and Legs". It’s the second chapter of the series “Birds Matter”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80UYavUyq0 (Spanish with English subtitles).

If you didn’t watch the first chapter, “Feathers”, it is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHUt5pwiMRI

You could follow the news in facebook too: http://www.facebook.com/cosasdepajaros
Thank you very much for your attention.

Yours sincerely,
Dani Morcillo (Spain)

(Editors note: These are very interesting, recommended viewing. To see the subtitles in YouTube, click the "Interactive Transcript" button.)

Action Needed: Tell the White House to Help Bats

Some parts of the United States have almost no bats left - they've been killed by an epidemic called White-nose Syndrome (WNS). Please help  Bat Conservation International (BCI) tell the White House to fund the fight against WNS.

WNS continues to spread each year, with dire consequences for North American bats. BCI wants President Obama to include WNS funding in his Fiscal Year 2013 budget. With current economic constraints, however, he needs to hear from the public about the devastating impacts of WNS. BCI is using the White House's new "We the People" petition tool to make the request. White House staff will review their request, but only if they obtain 25,000 signatures by November 25!

The November 25 deadline is just around the corner! Click here to sign. 

If you already have a whitehouse.gov account, click "Sign In" at the bottom of the petition page, enter your information and then click "Sign this Petition." If you are new to the whitehouse.gov webpage, click "Create an Account" at the bottom of the petition page. After you enter your information, an automated email will be sent to verify your new account. Once you have set-up your account, click the above link again and then click "Sign this Petition." When you sign-up for a whitehouse.gov account you can select whether or not you want to receive emails from the Administration. We know it is not easy to register on this site, but remember, you only need to do it once.

After signing, spread the word by asking your friends and family to sign on, too.

(Editor's note: In related news, the cause of WNS has been discovered. Click here to read the details.)

More FeederWatchers Needed to Track Generations of Birds

Ithaca, NY—When thousands of Americans begin tallying birds at their backyard feeders next month for Project FeederWatch, they will launch the 25th season for this popular citizen-science program. The information reported online from across the continent helps scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology track changes in the numbers of birds and the distribution of species. Anyone with an interest in birds and nature is invited to learn more about the project and become a “citizen scientist.” The new season of FeederWatch begins November 12, but participants can come on board at any time at www.FeederWatch.org.    

Because most birds reproduce yearly, FeederWatch data cover nearly 25 generations of birds. Keeping tabs on 25 human generations would mean covering about 500 years! Many mysteries and surprises have been revealed since the program began in 1987. Some species, like Northern Cardinals and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, are expanding their ranges to the north, probably the result of a changing climate and the alteration of habitat. The Evening Grosbeak, once a familiar feeder bird in winter, has disappeared from much of its former range. Meanwhile, an invasive species, the Eurasian Collared-Dove, has spread from Florida to Alaska in less than a decade and is quickly becoming one of the more familiar birds at feeders across the country.

“None of these important changes in the distribution and abundance of birds would be understood without the help of our dedicated FeederWatchers,” said project leader David Bonter. “By watching and keeping track of the birds in your own neighborhood, you really can make a difference.” More than 50,000 people have participated in FeederWatch, and new participants are welcome to join at any time. “The more people watching, the more we can learn about the birds that brighten the winter landscape,” said Bonter.

To learn more about joining Project FeederWatch and to sign up, visit www.FeederWatch.org or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher’s Handbook with tips on how to successfully attract birds, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, a calendar, complete instructions, and Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings.

Introducing the Florida Shorebird Alliance

The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) is a statewide partnership of government and non-government organizations committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida through coordinated and collaborative work that helps identify and address important needs with regard to research, management, education, outreach, and public policy. SCAS is happy to announce they will be our featured speaker in January. If you want to prep yourself and learn all about their exciting work before the meeting, please check out their web sites:

The Florida Shorebird Alliance: http://www.FLShorebirdAlliance.org
Online monitoring database, the Florida Shorebird Database: http://www.FLShorebirdDatabase.org

Satellite Beach Recreation Department Upcoming Events

See the Satellite Beach Recreation Department web site for additional information on any upcoming events.

Satellite Beach Off-Leash Dog Park
The 1 ½ acre park is located at the SB Sports & Recreation Park (next to the SB Library) for your dog to play unleashed.  New visitors must bring their dog’s shot records (as provided by your vet’s office) and have rabies tag on the dog’s collar.  The park is open weekdays 8-11am & 4-7pm and weekends 8am-7pm The cost is  $2.50 for up to 2 people and/or up to 3 dogs to enter, $3.50 if you exceed the 2/3 rule.  The Satellite Beach Dog Park phone number is (321) 777-8004.

Hightower Beach Park
Located at the north end of Satellite Beach, this environmentally sensitive park has restrooms, a handicapped dune crossover and a nature boardwalk through pristine dunes.

Samsons Island Nature Park
Samsons Island, owned by the City of Satellite Beach, is located within the city’s boundaries on a 52-acre island in the Banana River.  Managed as a passive nature park, activities on the island include bird watching, nature observation & water activities such as fishing.  The park can be used between dusk to dawn for camping or evening outings, but a permit must first be obtained from the SB Recreation Dept. The park’s success is largely due to the efforts of many volunteers who maintain trails and campsites.  To find out about the City’s volunteer programs for individuals, families & groups call 773-6458.  There is a free boat trip & park tour available Sundays @ 1pm, leaving from the SB Fire dock

Samsons Island Volunteer Program
Samsons Island Nature Park is a 52 acre island owned by the City of Satellite Beach located in the Indian River Lagoon.  Since 1991, city volunteers and staff have worked diligently to re-vegetate this spoil island so local flora and fauna can enjoy a small piece of open land.  The Samsons Island volunteer program recruits individuals, families and local organizations to lend a hand with park duties that suit their ability level. You can volunteer any Sunday, 1-4pm during our regular park work day.  Those interested in volunteering on Samsons Island can contact Kerry Stoms, Satellite Beach Recreation Dept. Director, at 773-6458 or kstoms@satellitebeach.org

Beachlovers (and trash haters)
Beachlovers & Trash Haters are gathering at Pelican Beach Park, north dune crossover at 8am on the second Saturday monthly.  The informal trash bash is spearheaded by Judy De La Rosa.  Keep Brevard Beautiful will supply trash bags and gloves, volunteers should bring their own drinking water.  No need to rsvp, just show up!  Contact Judy at 960-0436 or judy@mitchrealty.com with questions.

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society
The STPS continues to hold their meetings in the Melbourne Beach Community Center on the first Thursday of each month.  The meeting starts at 7:30pm and usually includes a guest speaker. The public is welcome to attend.  For more information call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 676-1701.

Marine Environmental Club
If you enjoyed Marine Biology Camp or have a great interest in marine activities, keep the excitement going with our Marine Environmental Club this school year!   Youth  7-13 yrs old can join Ms. Tiffany in monthly meetings that feature local experts in marine or environmental fields and marine activities!  The club meets from 7-8pm January 25,  February 29, March 21, and April 25 at the DRS Community Center Meeting Room 1089 S. Patrick dr Satellite Beach 773-6458     Cost:   $20/child

Satellite Beach is a recycling-conscious community!
Check out the recycle area behind the David R. Schechter Community Center, 1089 S. Patrick Drive.  There are bins for glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and paper  products. Inside the lobby, we regularly collect items that can be used by others such as eyeglasses (recycled by the SB Lions Club), coffee mugs (recycled by the SB Woman’s Club for Daily Bread), greeting card fronts, bottle caps (recycled by Brevard Montessori School, SB) and cell phones for soldiers. View the full list of recycling opportunities @ www.satellitebeachrecreation.

Call for Mini-Grant Applicants - Funds support neighborhood events about birds and nature

Ithaca, NY--The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” project is accepting applications for mini-grants to fund neighborhood events that promote an appreciation for birds and nature. Grants average $250-$500.

Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants could be used to support a bird-activity day at a local museum, afterschool program, library, or community center, or fund art and gardening activities at clubs, businesses, schools, senior centers, or neighborhoods. Events or projects could feature activities involving birds, community service, art, greening, and science. Participants  are encouraged to collect simple information about common birds and report to the Cornell Lab.

To learn more, download a flyer, and apply for a mini-grant, visit www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required.

Deadline to apply is December 15, 2011.

Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants watch birds in their neighborhoods and report what they see. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of green spaces, including parks and gardens.

Contact: Karen Purcell, Project Leader, (607) 254-2455, urbanbirds@cornell.edu

Join Audubon in Support of the Northern Everglades: Comment Period Extended

For fifty years, Florida Audubon has worked with ranchers to protect important wildlife habitat and water resources in the Northern Everglades. These efforts now culminate in a proposal to establish a unique partnership between ranch landowners and the public creating a new National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area protecting and restoring the Everglades Headwaters.

Over 100,000 acres of conservation easements and 50,000 acres of land purchases are now proposed for acquisition in the area north of Lake Okeechobee and south of Kissimmee. The Everglades need you to speak up on behalf of this proposal to support the testimony of Eric Draper and the efforts of Audubon's Everglades Conservation Team! The comment period was extended until November 25, 2011. Please share this important opportunity with your friends and other nature-lovers in Florida.

Click here to take action and for additional information.