Cocoa Christmas Bird Count Final Results

From co-compiler Dave Freeland: Initial reports are virtually complete for Saturday's Cocoa Christmas Bird Count, totaling 159 countable species plus 6 exotics/subspecies and 2 count-week species. One additional report is still to be received, but these totals are likely to stand. Best species reported were Common Goldeneye, Black-necked Stilt, Western Kingbird, Carolina Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler and Pine Siskin plus a count-week-only Short-tailed Hawk.

Also, a note of thanks -- which I know echoes the sentiments of my co-compilers, Dee Fairbanks Simpson and Mitchell Harris -- for your diligent work on behalf of the 61st Cocoa CBC.  One checklist is yet to come in but, when it does, I believe it will confirm the excellent work done by all of our teams on Saturday.  Thank the Lord for a rain-free day, though that's not always most conducive for top-level birding; it takes good team leaders and the good eyes & ears of many observers to make that happen.  A complete list of species & numbers will be sent to all who participated as soon as it is compiled.

From co-compiler Dee Fairbanks Simpson: I posted pictures from the count to my blog, for those interested: http://deemotivation.blogspot.com/2011/12/event-update-cocoa-christmas-count.html

Final Results:

• Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: 158
• Mute Swan (exotic): 8
• Swan Goose (exotic): 1
• Greylag Goose (exotic): 4
• Canada Goose: 2
• Muscovy Duck: 46
• Wood Duck: 2
• American Wigeon: 2
• Mallard: 88
• Mallard X Muscovy Duck (hybrid): 1
• Mallard X Mottled Duck (hybrid): 26
• Mottled Duck: 200
• Teal sp: 11
• Blue-winged Teal: 170
• Northern Shoveler: 16
• 0 Northern Pintail: 5
• Redhead: 62
• Ring-necked Duck: 19
• Greater Scaup: 6
• Lesser Scaup: 155
• Common Goldeneye: 1
• Bufflehead: 15
• Hooded Merganser: 95
• Red-breasted Merganser: 26
• Common Peafowl (exotic): 45
• Common Loon: 24
• Pied-billed Grebe: 135
• Horned Grebe: 50
• Northern Gannet: 61
• American White Pelican: 200
• Brown Pelican: 800
• Double-crested Cormorant: 7300
• Anhinga: 300
• American Bittern: 1
• Least Bittern: 3
• Great Blue Heron: 217
• Great Egret: 418
• Snowy Egret: 650
• Little Blue Heron: 137
• Tricolored Heron: 675
• Reddish Egret: 8
• Cattle Egret: 450
• Dowitcher sp: 2
• Wilson'92s Snipe: 7
• Laughing Gull: 11
• Bonaparte'92s Gull: 1
• Ring-billed Gull: 8500
• Herring Gull: 400
• Lesser Black-backed Gull: 125
• Great Black-backed Gull: 42
• Caspian Tern: 26
• Forster'92s Tern: 19
• Royal Tern: 425
• Sandwich Tern: 50
• Black Skimmer: 100
• Rock Pigeon: 800
• Eurasian Collared-Dove: 225
• White-winged Dove: 30
• Mourning Dove: 1000
• Common Ground-Dove: 38
• Parrot  sp. (exotic): 1
• Eastern Screech-Owl: 18
• Great Horned Owl: 8
• Barred Owl: 1
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 12
• Archilochus hummingbird sp: 5
• Belted Kingfisher: 91
• Red-bellied Woodpecker: 120
• 0 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 
• Downy Woodpecker: 35
• Northern Flicker: 1
• Pileated Woodpecker: 24
• Empidonax flycatcher sp: 2
• Eastern Phoebe: 68
• Western Kingbird: 2
• Loggerhead Shrike: 57
• White-eyed Vireo: 11
• Blue-headed Vireo: 14
• Blue Jay: 109
• Florida Scrub-Jay: 18
• Fish Crow: 3300
• Tree Swallow: 11
• Barn Swallow: 1
• Carolina Chickadee: 1
• Green Heron: 17
• Black-crowned Night-Heron: 48
• White Ibis: 4200
• Glossy Ibis: 475
• Roseate Spoonbill: 99
• Wood Stork: 357
• Black Vulture: 600
• Turkey Vulture: 500
• Osprey: 225
• Bald Eagle (13 adult  21 imm): 34
• Northern Harrier: 5
• Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6
• Cooper'92s Hawk: 12
• Red-shouldered Hawk: 82
•  Short-tailed Hawk: cw
• Red-tailed Hawk: 13
• Crested Caracara: 5
• American Kestrel: 61
• Merlin: 1
• Peregrine Falcon: 2
• Clapper Rail: 2
• King Rail: 7
• Virginia Rail: 1
• Sora: 30
• Common Gallinule: 135
• American Coot: 269
• Limpkin: 3
• Sandhill Crane: 46
• Black-bellied Plover: 100
• Semipalmated Plover: 20
• Killdeer: 136
• Black-necked Stilt: 3
• Spotted Sandpiper: 11
• Greater Yellowlegs: 43
• Willet: 35
• Lesser Yellowlegs: 23
• Ruddy Turnstone: 135
• Sanderling: 125
• Western Sandpiper: 1
• Least Sandpiper: 80
• Dunlin: 300
• Short-billed Dowitcher: 8
• Tufted Titmouse: 8
• Carolina Wren: 66
• Peregrine Falcon: 2
• Sedge Wren: 6
• Marsh Wren: 3
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 24
• Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 45
• Eastern Bluebird: 3
• Hermit Thrush: 1
• American Robin: 1500
• Gray Catbird: 192
• Northern Mockingbird: 177
• Brown Thrasher: 3
• European Starling: 500
• Cedar Waxwing: 51
• Orange-crowned Warbler: 11
• Northern Parula: 1
• Cape May Warbler: 1
• Yellow-rumped Warbler: 4400
• Yellow-throated Warbler: 9
• Pine Warbler: 23
• Prairie Warbler: 7
• Palm Warbler: 800
• Bay-breasted Warbler: 1
• Black-and-white Warbler: 7
•  Worm-eating Warbler: cw
• Ovenbird: 3
• Northern Waterthrush: 3
• Common Yellowthroat: 77
• Tanager sp: 1
• Eastern Towhee: 17
• Chipping Sparrow: 18
• Savannah Sparrow: 55
• Grasshopper Sparrow: 2
• Swamp Sparrow: 57
• Northern Cardinal: 160
• Painted Bunting: 77
• Red-winged Blackbird: 1000
• Eastern Meadowlark: 3
• Common Grackle: 700
• Boat-tailed Grackle: 1600
• Brown-headed Cowbird: 425
• House Finch: 2
• Pine Siskin: 2
• American Goldfinch: 20
• House Sparrow: 130

Satellite Beach Recreation Department Upcoming Events

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 Feb. 29, March 21, and April 25 at the DRS Community Center 1089 S Patrick Dr Satellite Beach  Call 773-6458 for more information.

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

Hightower Beach Park in Satellite Beach

Your family might wish to discover the educational boardwalk located at Hightower Beach Park, HWY AIA.  Signage along the boardwalk provides information on whales, turtles, birds, our famous worm rock and much more.  The message empowers those reading it to make a difference in the lives of each animal and gives instructions on how simple actions and result in big changes.   

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!  Questions? Contact Judy at 960-0436 or judy@mitchrealty.com

Field Trip to Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge

The Conradina chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is hosting a field trip to Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge Sunday, January 15, 2012 starting at 9:00 a.m. Join us when we visit the Cruickshank Sanctuary and explore the scrub habitat that prevails at this 140 acre property that is managed by the Brevard County EEL Program. The Florida scrub-jay population has increased substantially in recent years to approximately 30 jays residing there currently.
Cruickshank Sanctuary is located at 360 Barnes Boulevard, 0.4 miles west of US-1. Come prepared to walk slowly for up to 2 miles on sandy paths. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water for your personal use.

PARC Announces 2012 Year of the Lizard Photography Contest

PARC is seeking close-up, digital photos of lizards, preferably in their natural habitats or within an educational or conservation context. One winner will be selected each month to be the featured photo as part of the Year-of-the-Lizard online (printable) calendar. Runner-up photos also will be included in the calendar. Additionally, all submitted images will be considered for use in the Year of the Lizard monthly newsletter and website as well as other PARC-related conservation, outreach, and educational efforts. Give us your best shot!

Photos will be judged on quality (resolution, lighting, composition) as well as the general appeal of the subject of the photo. The lizard(s) should be the focus of submitted photos. Photos also should capture the coloration, markings, and overall “personality” of the lizard(s), and should be accompanied by a conservation message related to the photo that highlights a conservation issue for the lizard(s) or its/their habitat.  Multiple photos may be submitted.

Photos selected for a given month of the calendar will be selected by the 20th of the previous month (i.e., the winning photo for January will be selected on December 20th, and so on each month); however, photos will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered for future months. Winners will be notified of their photo’s selection via email and will be asked to provide a brief personal biography.

Please visit www.yearofthelizard.org for the photo contest entry form that MUST be submitted with photos, and for additional details regarding the photos contest, requirements, and Terms of Use.

More information and details on the Year of the Lizard is now posted at www.yearofthelizard.org. Please bookmark this address and keep checking back. Additional questions? Please email: PARCphotocontest@gmail.com.

Thank you for your participation.

January Refuge Programs

By Tom Dunkerton

• Beginning Bird Tours Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 9 am except 1/1, 1/26, 1/28 & 1/29. A Fee of $3.00 per person, children under age 16 are free. Cash preferred.  Join a Refuge volunteer for a guided three hour driving tour in the Refuge shuttle bus to learn how to identify many species of birds. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
• Eagle Program Every Wednesday and Friday in December at 1 pm except 1/13 & 1/27.  Enjoy a presentation about the American Bald Eagle and learn about the life history of this magnificent bird.  Call 321-861-5601 reservations
• Eagle Watch Along Black Point Drive Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm to 4 pm except  1/13 & 1/27.  Weather permitting, a Refuge volunteer will be stationed along Black Point Wildlife Drive between Signs 11 & 12.  A spotting scope will be available for viewing the eagle‚s nest.  Reservations are NOT required, drive to  Black Point Drive.
• All About Manatees Thursday, 1/5 at 1 pm.  Learn all about manatees with Refuge volunteers during a photo   presentation and hands on manatee artifacts.
• Ducks of the Refuge Sunday, 1/8 at 1 pm.  View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus to observe ducks in the wild.  Call 321-861-5601 for reservation
• All About Alligators Thursday, 1/12 at 1 pm.  Learn all about alligators through a photo presentation and hands on alligator artifacts. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
• Black Point Wildlife Drive Naturalist Program Friday, January 13 at 2 pm.  Weather permitting, meet  a refuge volunteer at Stop # 9 to learn about the wildlife of the area.  No reservations required.
• Oak Hammock Hike Monday, 1/16 at 9 am.  Take a 3/4 mile guided hike along the  hammock trails to learn about the plants and wildlife that inhabit the area.  Drinking water, insect repellant, closed walking shoes and long pants are recommended.  Meet at the refuge visitor center.  Loaner binoculars are available.
• Butterfly Survey Sunday, 1/22 at 9 am Volunteers and refuge staff will participate in a survey to identify butterflies in several habitats for the Butterfly Monitoring Network. No experience necessary.  Bring water, snack & insect repellant and wear closed shoes and long pants. Call 321-861-5601.
• Refuge Photography Club Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, Thursday, January 19 at 6 pm The speakers will present on how to plan birding and photo tours inexpensively!  For Information or to be added to the club‚s mailing list  contact volunteer Lucy Pruss at 321-508-6742 or Lucinda.Pruss@gmail.com or Nancy Corona at 321-861-0668.
• Hawk Presentation & Tour Sunday, 1/22 at 1 pm. View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus.  .321-861-5601
• 15th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival 1/25 to 1/30.  Learn about this world renowned festival by picking up a catalogue or visit the following website for more information: http://www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org
• Waterfowl Hunt Hunting occurs in most areas of the Refuge from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12  pm on Wed., Sat, Sun. & some holidays.  Hunting is prohibited on Black Point Drive.  See 2011-2012 Hunting Regulations for more information.

Rallying Support for Florida's Special Places

(Reprinted from the Audubon Advocate)

Sandhill Lakes of the Panhandle A year has passed since Audubon announced the beginning of the Florida’s Special Places campaign – a project designed to get people to enjoy Florida’s conservation lands and waters. Anticipating that a stingy legislature would cut funding from public lands programs, Audubon is encouraging people to use our special places or lose them. By getting people into the parks with family and friends and then sharing those experiences through photos and online posts, a new wave of public lands advocates is arriving – just in the nick of time.  Audubon kicked off the Special Places campaign in the precious Sandhill Lakes region of the Florida Panhandle. The sugar-sand hills and crystal blue lakes in this region were the first of scores of projects to make Audubon’s list of special places. Hundreds of people told their own online stories of Florida’s incredible natural beauty and public lands. From awe-inspiring wildlife to family memories and picture-perfect sunsets, Florida’s Special Places connect people with nature. Devil's Millhopper in Gainesville Last winter Audubon and others responded to state proposals to close 53 state parks. In just a few days the Florida’s Special Places Facebook page and the Audubon of Florida News blog were bursting with comments in support of these cherished public lands. Led by former Florida Audubon President Clay Henderson and journalist Lucy Tobias, Audubon launched a tour of 53 Parks in 53 Days. Advocates held rallies and celebrated the importance of these special places to our families and neighborhoods. After significant media attention and public response, Governor Scott backed away from the proposal. The grassroots advocates who showed such determination earlier in the year were soon tested again when a proposal was announced to build golf courses in state parks. Using the Florida’s Special Places network, Audubon worked with local chapters and other conservation groups to rally opposition until that plan was also withdrawn. Audubon staff and volunteers hosted and guided numerous events connecting people with and increasing public engagement for Florida’s Special Places. Some highlights from 2011: Hosted the Northwest Florida Water Festival introducing more than 100 people to the waterways of the Panhandle.  Guided a sunset cruise through the famed bird islands of Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. Led chapter bird walks and field trips getting thousands of people outside watching wildlife and enjoying Florida’s Special Places. Attracted flocks of visitors to the Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the Western Everglades – Special Places showpieces.

Barrier Island Center to host Birds of a Feather Program

By Heidi Grooms, Sanctuary Steward, Barrier Island Center

The Barrier Island Center invites young birders to attend a special presentation, Little Hatchlings "Birds of a Feather" on Thursday, January 19th at 10 a.m.

Learn all about bird migration and take a hike to look for bird food and resting places. Then use your creative skills to make a migration station for birds to stop off and have a bite to eat. For ages 2-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bring water. Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation.

Visit the Barrier Island Center online at www.barrierislandcenter.com.

Funding to Fight WNS

(Reprinted from Bat Conservation International's Newsletter)


The newly released federal budget for 2012 contains good news for bats. Congress is directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to spend $4 million for the fight against White-nose Syndrome, the rapidly spreading disease that has killed millions of bats across eastern North America since 2006. The direction was included in the Interior Appropriations segment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed and sent to President Obama for his signature.

The last time Congress designated funds for WNS was in 2010, when it appropriated $1.9 million to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year, Bat Conservation International and others in the bat-conservation community had requested $11.1 million for six federal agencies that respond to WNS. Click here to learn more.

January Events at Sam's House at Pine Island

Hello and Happy Holidays Sam's Friends!

The following are the events for January.  In addition to our regular Nature Walks and House and Cabin tours, this month we have a guest presentation.  Joe Zayas, who has been an EEL Program volunteer for over 20 years, will be leading a Medicinal Plant Hike on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m.  You'll be surprised to discover all the amazing uses for the plants around us.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Open House this past Saturday.  The event was a resounding success!  A special thank you to the Spade and Trowel Garden Club who decorated the house and cabin in holiday flare and sold handmade crafts and baked goods to benefit Sams.  These talented women raised over $600, which will be used to purchase educational supplies for future programs.

The event would not have been possible, of course, without volunteers.  A HUGE thank you to Joe Zayas, Bob Gross, Jim and Nancy Escoffier, Virginia and Ivan Moore, April Westmoreland, Fred Woelk, Dianne Kinser, Frank Fisher, Bill Quinter, Elaine Williams, and Martha Pressaro for helping everything run smoothly.  Check out our Facebook Page to see photos from the Open House.

Hope to see you all soon!

Katrina

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Sams House at Pine Island

January Events

6195 North Tropical Trail Merritt Island, FL 32953 321.449.4720 www.facebook.com/samshousepineisland

www.eelbrevard.com

Open Thursday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

I resolve to check out a local organization...
Native Plant Society - Monday, January 9th 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Public Library at 540 E. Fee Avenue.
“From the Pleistocene to the Pioneers: The History of Pine Island and the Sams House” will be presented by Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell.


I resolve to exercise more...
Nature Walk - Friday, January 13th 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Burn calories while exploring the majestic palm hammock on our 1/2 mile nature trail. Recent sightings range from woodstorks to orchids. Led by Land Manager Scott Taylor.

I resolve to learn something new...
Medicinal Plant Hike - Saturday, January 14th 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Discover ancient and modern uses for the plants around us. Led by Joe Zayas, a volunteer with over 20 years of experience.


I resolve to explore our local history...
House and Cabin Tour - Saturday January 21st 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell will delve into the history of the 1875 Sams Cabin and the 1888 Sams House.