There will be two public hearings on Feb. 11 and Feb 12 concerning the proposal to develop launch pads at Shiloh. New Smyrna Beach High School will host the first forum on Feb. 11, and the Titusville campus of Eastern Florida State College the second on Feb. 12. Both are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting with an open house workshop followed by an FAA overview of the environmental study process and a public comment period. Public comments may also be submitted by mail, e-mail and fax through Feb. 21.
PLEASE make plans to attend one of them and let your voice be heard that we are concerned about the massive impact this will have on the Mosquito Lagoon and MINWR. Here is the story that was posted to Florida Today - please share this and get the word out so that we can have a huge crowd to voice our opinions.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Important Announcements from SCAS Board of Directors
- Want to keep up to date on all things Space Coast Audubon Society and know it as soon as it happens? Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SpaceCoastAudubon/info and enter your email address and you can join our email list. Get up to date news, sightings, events, and more.
- Are you on Facebook? So are we, like us at www.facebook.com/pages/Space-Coast-Audubon/125683777485043
- Do you love wildlife photography? Do you want to show off your photos? Do you want to see other great local photographer’s work? Check us out at www.flickr.com/groups/spacecoastaudubonsociety
- Meetup.com. We’re on it, and it’s a great place to find out about recently added field trips. Just enter Space Coast Audubon, and sign up. It’s easy, and very convenient, and so far 48 members are taking advantage of this free service. Go to www.meetup.com/Space-Coast-Audubon-Meetup
- Board of Directors opening. Board positions are important, and do involve work. So, if you have strong feelings about our chapter, and can play an active role, now may be the time. We have a great board, and they work well together. Please contact our President, Mark Wallace. For a list of board members visit our website at www.spacecoastaudubon.org and click on “Contact Us”
- Our chapter needs a new newsletter editor and web designer. Dee Fairbanks Simpson has been a huge asset to this chapter while taking on these positions and her professional life at the same time. Dee and David have moved to the Indian River county border and this makes keeping in touch with Brevard county happenings difficult. We would like as many people as possible with some experience in newsletter publishing and/or web design to help take over this project.
- We also need some article writers. What is the purpose of a newsletter with out any content? Have you been on a birding trip lately and would like to share it? Got a story about a great bird? Please, let us know.
- The chapter also needs the assistance of teachers or retired teachers that would like to help out our education department. Non-teachers are needed as well, so please contact us if you are interested.
- There will be a wildlife handling course in February. If you are interested, please contact Jason Frederick at heyyoukidd@yahoo.com or 321-449-9678 to sign up for it. Because of county and agency financial cuts, volunteers are needed to rescue and transport injured birds to the Florida Wildlife Hospital. A person from the Florida Wildlife Hospital will be on hand for the training.
- We’ve received some wonderful news from Amazon.com this month! They have a new charitable giving program that Space Coast Audubon is eligible for. Amazon will now donate 0.5% of a customer’s purchase to a charity of the customer’s choice. This is even better than matching donations because it doesn’t require you to make a contribution. There is no cost to you at all! If you would like to donate money to Space Coast Audubon this way, all you have to do is go to “smile.amazon.com” and select Space Coast Audubon as your charity of choice. Then, when you shop with Amazon, go to “smile.amazon.com” instead of “amazon.com” and shop as usual. The best way to remember to do this is to go to “smile.amazon.com” and create a bookmark. We’d really like to encourage you to do this. We’re working on building a boardwalk at the Port Canaveral locks. We think this will be a great attraction for birders, nature lovers, school children and tourists alike. We’ve been working on getting the boardwalk built for over ten years and we’re getting close. This is a no cost way for you to help with the boardwalk and all of our other activities.
Audubon's Groundbreaking Science on Climate and Birds
Lynn Tennefoss, Audubon VP, State Programs and Chapter Services
As many of you have heard, Audubon scientists have been working on a detailed scientific study which clearly illuminates the risk that climate change poses to North America’s birds. We already know climate change is a very serious threat to our birds; the results of this study will show which birds are most threatened by climate change and where.
The research results will be submitted to peer-review science journals over the first half of 2014. The scientific publishing process doesn’t always move quickly, so it’s hard to pin down the date just yet. Depending on the review process, publication could come as early as February, or it could be as late as June.
Numerous studies by the world’s top climate scientists and biologists indicate that climate change poses an extremely dire threat to birds and biodiversity--the greatest threat since humans have been on the planet, as David Yarnold said in his column this fall in Audubon magazine (www.audubonmagazine.org/articles/climate/audubon-view-0). Here are four links with more information:
In the first half of 2014, Audubon is submitting a paper for publication that quantifies the specific risk to North America’s birds in a greater level of detail and clarity than has been available so far; we’ll know which birds are most threated by climate change and where.
With that knowledge in hand, it’ll be our responsibility to figure out what to do about it--how to protect our birds today and tomorrow as climate changes. But then, we already know the basics: We’ve got to protect the habitats birds need, and we’ve got to do everything we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This new information about the threat climate change poses to birds will add urgency and clarity to our work in a way that few other things have before.
We are very excited about this report and the opportunities it offers to galvanize Audubon’s work around protecting birds and habitat from climate change.
As many of you have heard, Audubon scientists have been working on a detailed scientific study which clearly illuminates the risk that climate change poses to North America’s birds. We already know climate change is a very serious threat to our birds; the results of this study will show which birds are most threatened by climate change and where.
The research results will be submitted to peer-review science journals over the first half of 2014. The scientific publishing process doesn’t always move quickly, so it’s hard to pin down the date just yet. Depending on the review process, publication could come as early as February, or it could be as late as June.
Numerous studies by the world’s top climate scientists and biologists indicate that climate change poses an extremely dire threat to birds and biodiversity--the greatest threat since humans have been on the planet, as David Yarnold said in his column this fall in Audubon magazine (www.audubonmagazine.org/articles/climate/audubon-view-0). Here are four links with more information:
- www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/ecosystems.html#Extinction
- www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/v3/n7/full/nclimate1887.html
- www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/may/13/animals-species-climate-change
- eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/83/1/thomascd1.pdf
In the first half of 2014, Audubon is submitting a paper for publication that quantifies the specific risk to North America’s birds in a greater level of detail and clarity than has been available so far; we’ll know which birds are most threated by climate change and where.
With that knowledge in hand, it’ll be our responsibility to figure out what to do about it--how to protect our birds today and tomorrow as climate changes. But then, we already know the basics: We’ve got to protect the habitats birds need, and we’ve got to do everything we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This new information about the threat climate change poses to birds will add urgency and clarity to our work in a way that few other things have before.
We are very excited about this report and the opportunities it offers to galvanize Audubon’s work around protecting birds and habitat from climate change.
Introducing Merlin Bird ID: A New Kind of Birding App
Reprinted from the Cornell Lab eNews
Information overload is the bane of the beginning bird watcher—as anyone knows who has ever flipped through 40 species of sparrows in a field guide. What if an app could quickly tell you which birds are most likely based on your location, date, and a brief description? Not just which birds theoretically could occur near you, but which birds are actually reported most often by other birders. That’s what Merlin Bird ID does. And it's free—because we want to make bird watching easier for everyone.
Merlin Bird ID covers 285 of the most common birds of North America (with more on the way). In addition to help with ID, it contains expert tips, more than 1,400 gorgeous photos, and sounds for each species. It’s available now for iPhone and other iOS7 devices, and it's coming soon for Android.
Information overload is the bane of the beginning bird watcher—as anyone knows who has ever flipped through 40 species of sparrows in a field guide. What if an app could quickly tell you which birds are most likely based on your location, date, and a brief description? Not just which birds theoretically could occur near you, but which birds are actually reported most often by other birders. That’s what Merlin Bird ID does. And it's free—because we want to make bird watching easier for everyone.
Merlin Bird ID covers 285 of the most common birds of North America (with more on the way). In addition to help with ID, it contains expert tips, more than 1,400 gorgeous photos, and sounds for each species. It’s available now for iPhone and other iOS7 devices, and it's coming soon for Android.
Your Actions at Work
Reprinted from the January Audubon Advisory
Last month, the Department of Interior announced a misguided new rule that would allow the wind industry to get 30-year permits to kill Bald and Golden Eagles. Although we had worked with the wind industry to come up with a better solution that would protect eagles while allowing wind energy to be developed, the Interior Department ignored our collaborative, negotiated solution. We asked you to write to Secretary Sally Jewell, urging her to reverse this terrible eagle-killing rule, and boy, did you ever. Over 26,800 of you have sent letters. Keep them coming! If you haven't already, you can take action at www.audubonaction.org/SaveEagles. We are exploring all options to get this decision reversed and we'll keep you updated on our progress.
Last month, the Department of Interior announced a misguided new rule that would allow the wind industry to get 30-year permits to kill Bald and Golden Eagles. Although we had worked with the wind industry to come up with a better solution that would protect eagles while allowing wind energy to be developed, the Interior Department ignored our collaborative, negotiated solution. We asked you to write to Secretary Sally Jewell, urging her to reverse this terrible eagle-killing rule, and boy, did you ever. Over 26,800 of you have sent letters. Keep them coming! If you haven't already, you can take action at www.audubonaction.org/SaveEagles. We are exploring all options to get this decision reversed and we'll keep you updated on our progress.
Audubon Florida: Water for the Environment
Eric Draper, Eric Draper, Audubon Florida Executive Director
With all the discussion about water this year I want to take a minute of your time to call attention to the considerable effort that the Audubon family is putting into water policy and protecting specific waterways. I have asked our staff to compile a short list of priority efforts – please see the attached document. This is in addition to everything that local Audubon organizations are doing and the products of coalitions we are in such as the Florida Conservation Coalition, the Florida Forever Coalition, and the Everglades Coalition.
Also in this document you will find our water policy declaration as it was approved at the 2013 Audubon Assembly. Each year our chapter leaders set and the board approves our priority workplan. Please feel free to share these materials at your next chapter meeting or community gathering.
The document can be found on our website: http://fl.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/audubon_waterforthe_environment_december2013_0.pdf
With all the discussion about water this year I want to take a minute of your time to call attention to the considerable effort that the Audubon family is putting into water policy and protecting specific waterways. I have asked our staff to compile a short list of priority efforts – please see the attached document. This is in addition to everything that local Audubon organizations are doing and the products of coalitions we are in such as the Florida Conservation Coalition, the Florida Forever Coalition, and the Everglades Coalition.
Also in this document you will find our water policy declaration as it was approved at the 2013 Audubon Assembly. Each year our chapter leaders set and the board approves our priority workplan. Please feel free to share these materials at your next chapter meeting or community gathering.
The document can be found on our website: http://fl.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/audubon_waterforthe_environment_december2013_0.pdf
Stay Connected and Informed with Audubon Bill Tracker
Reprinted from the Audubon Advocate
To get the latest on the legislation Audubon is tracking this Session, be sure to bookmark our 2014 Bill Tracker web page (http://fl.audubonaction.org/site/R?i=5tsjCQmKXNCxEHkzZVu8QA). Check back often, the page will be updated constantly from now until the end of the 2014 Florida Legislative Session. For the very latest breaking news, follow Audubon Florida's Capitol Policy Team on Twitter:
To get the latest on the legislation Audubon is tracking this Session, be sure to bookmark our 2014 Bill Tracker web page (http://fl.audubonaction.org/site/R?i=5tsjCQmKXNCxEHkzZVu8QA). Check back often, the page will be updated constantly from now until the end of the 2014 Florida Legislative Session. For the very latest breaking news, follow Audubon Florida's Capitol Policy Team on Twitter:
- Eric Draper: @EricDraper
- Mary Jean Yon: @MailiTatu
- Jane Graham: @EvergladesJane
- Audubon Florida:@AudubonFL
Calling All Young Birders: Birding Scavenger Hunt
In conjunction with the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival in Titusville on Saturday, January 25th, Space Coast Audubon Society & Young Birders of Brevard will be presenting a birding scavenger hunt.
Stop by the Space Coast Audubon Society booth, pick up a bird checklist and search for bird photos randomly placed at assorted booths throughout the exhibit hall. Have fun and see how many birds you can locate and identify. Check off the bird and write the booth number on your list and return your completed checklist to the Space Coast Audubon Society booth. Each family will receive a gift for their participation. Limit to 20 families.
Stop by the Space Coast Audubon Society booth, pick up a bird checklist and search for bird photos randomly placed at assorted booths throughout the exhibit hall. Have fun and see how many birds you can locate and identify. Check off the bird and write the booth number on your list and return your completed checklist to the Space Coast Audubon Society booth. Each family will receive a gift for their participation. Limit to 20 families.
MI Refuge CBC Info By Ned Steel
First, a big thank you to Nancy Corona & the Refuge staff for making another smooth CBC possible. With much of our Count Circle being within the NASA Security Area, it would be impossible to conduct this count without help-providing us with badged drivers, government vehicles, access to otherwise closed areas & coordination with NASA & Refuge Security etc. It’s a pleasure to work with Nancy & all the other Refuge staff.
We observed 154 species, which is about average for recent MI Refuge counts.
Some notable bird sightings on our Count this year: (I don’t have a writeup on the Stilts yet-only one team reported this)
Thanks to all!
We observed 154 species, which is about average for recent MI Refuge counts.
Some notable bird sightings on our Count this year: (I don’t have a writeup on the Stilts yet-only one team reported this)
- Cinnamon Teal
- Black-bellied Whistling Duck
- White-winged Dove
- Wilson’s Phalarope
- Common Goldeneye
- Greater Scaup
- Long-billed Dowitcher
- Black-necked Stilt
- Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Thanks to all!
Interesting Wildlife and Conservation Links
- Bald Eagles Are Mysteriously Dying in Utah, But No One Knows Why
- Host Your Own Great Backyard Bird Count Event
- Summer 2014 Hog Island Camp Sessions
- Petition: Help Us Protect the Arctic from a Dangerous Chemical That Killed Over 2,000 Birds
- Bottlenose dolphins off US coast hit by measles-like virus
- Biggest new animal discoveries of 2013 (photos)
- Would you believe that crows can sled?
- Identifying Florida’s Wrens
Monday, January 6, 2014
Join Space Coast Audubon Society January 17th for: Owls of North America
- WHO: Space Coast Audubon Society (SCAS)
- WHERE: Rockledge Presbyterian Church, 921 Rockledge Dr, Rockledge, FL.
- WHEN: January 17, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Our meeting this month will be unique as we will be featuring dual presenters that will include live owls. Susan Boorse & Sam Fried will be presenting "Owls of North America". Owls are some of the most mysterious and little seen family of birds in North America. The owls hold our fascination, as they have for thousands of years. Learn about all 19 species that inhabit our continent and listen to their eerie calls.
Susan Boorse is an Environmental Program Supervisor for Brevard County Parks & Recreation at Rotary Park Nature Center on Merritt Island. Her love of owls started as a teenager and has blossomed into the majority of her programming. Susan obtained State and Federal Permits that enabled her to have and use live owls in her presentations. Dora an Eastern Screech-Owl and Boots a Great Horned Owl are both rehab birds and are not releasable back into the wild. They are on display, most times, at Rotary Park Nature Center whenever Susan is there.
Sam Fried has just recently moved to the Space Coast and will soon become involved with Space Coast Audubon. Sam has had numerous photographs and featured articles published in a variety of birding and golf magazines as well as the Insight Guide on Birding in North America for the Discovery Channel. He is the founder of Flights of Fancy Adventures offering small group, low cost, trips throughout the Americas and now Africa. He is past president of Hartford Audubon Society.
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