Switching Gears to Protect Ocean Wildlife By Cameron Jaggard, Pew Environment Group

Western Atlantic bluefin tuna migrate thousands of miles annually as they crisscross the ocean. Their travels expose them to intense commercial fishing pressure that has depleted the population of reproductively mature adults by 82 percent since 1970. Because the Gulf of Mexico is the only known spawning ground for this majestic fish, building greater protections for bluefin in those waters is absolutely critical.

Commercial fishermen in the Gulf set surface longlines that stretch on average 30 miles and dangle more than 700 baited hooks. This fishing method targets healthy populations of yellowfin tuna and swordfish, but also incidentally catches and kills more than 80 other types of vulnerable ocean wildlife including bluefin tuna, endangered leatherback sea turtles, blue marlin, sailfish and sharks. The capture of these unwanted species is known as bycatch.

Switching to more selective fishing methods, already approved for use in the Gulf, could eliminate this decades-old problem. Green sticks and buoy gear are two novel alternatives that some commercial fishermen have already adapted for use in the mid-Atlantic, the east coast of Florida, and, to a lesser extent, the Gulf of Mexico. These gears require fewer hooks and allow any unwanted catch to be released within minutes. This significantly reduces the number of non-target animals caught and killed while fishing for yellowfin tuna and swordfish.

The Pew Environment Group and its partners are working to transition the surface longline fishing fleet to these more selective fishing methods and calling on the federal government to prohibit the use of this indiscriminate gear in the Gulf of Mexico. Please visit www.PewEnvironment.org/GulfTuna to learn more about switching gears and email cjaggard@pewtrusts.org to find out how to take action.

Editors note: Please join us for Cameron's presentation at our December general meeting!

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.

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.

Find us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/samshousepineisland

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.

Space Coast Audubon Society's Bird-A-Thon by Jason Frederick

We are going to hold 2 Bird-A-Thons to support a new project that we are participating in, the Florida Keys HawkWatch. The first one will be held October 22, 2011. Our second one will be held February 18, 2012.

Objective: The winning team will be the team which records the most species of
birds either by sight or sound within Brevard County during the 12 hour period
from 6a.m. until 6p.m. the event day.

Rules

• Teams may consist of two, three or four members and only bird speciesseen or heard by at least two team members can be counted. Only birds seen or heard by team members within Brevard County can be counted.
• The competition will start at Steak and Shake Restuarant in Merritt Island. Teams should be prepared to leave the starting point, at 6 a.m. and must return at 6p.m.  One species will be deducted from the teams score for each minute late returning to check in.
• There is no cost for entry, but team members are requested to obtain some sponsorship or a pledge of so many cents per species. A sponsorship of $10 per team member or a pledge of 10 cents per bird species seen, would be very gratefully received. All money raised will be used by Space Coast Audubon Society to further the Florida Keys HawkWatch
• The team captain will forward results to Jason Frederick at the end of the day for compilation for teams and the Chapter total.

Space Coast Audubon Society 2006 Birdathon Team Captain Expectations

• The team captain will provide transportation for his or her team. Team members should help cover the cost of gasoline on a voluntary basis. Each vehicle will constitute a separate team.
• The team captain will propose a route to area for the team and will make final decisions on routes during the day. Routes are limited to Brevard County only.
• The team captains will decide upon a name for the team.
• The team captain will oversee the compilation of the species identified during the day, although the filling out of the form may be delegated to another team member.
• The team must stay together during the day. No splitting up.
• The team captain will forward results to Jason Frederick at the end of the day for compilation for team total.

Rules for reporting bird species

• Wild bird species seen or heard during the day will be checked off on the bird list provided to team captains.
• Only one bird checklist is needed per team.
• The objective is to count as many wild bird species as possible, but feral domestic species may also be counted. Birds in captivity are not countable.  Birds at bird feeders are countable.
• You do not need to record the number of birds seen, only the number of species.
• Birds not on the list may be added at the end, but you must know the species for it to count (ie parakeet cannot count but monk parakeet does count).
• Rare or unusual sightings should undergo peer review and the name of the person (s) seeing the bird should be written on the form.

Space Coast Audubon Society’s Birdathon Participant Expectations

• Participants will solicit sponsors who will make contributions either based on the number of bird species identified or a fixed amount.
• Participants will pick up one or more pledge signup forms and a supply of Birdathon flyers.
• Participants will read the flyers so the can explain to prospective donors how the Birdathon works and what the funds collected will be used for.
• The participant will fill out the pledge signup form for the donor or have the donor clearly print the information on the form and give the donor a copy of the Birdathon flyer.
• After the day of the Birdathon, each participant will contact those who have made pledges, inform them of the Birdathon results and collect the check for their pledge. Certificates will be supplied which participants can fill out and hand to the donor. This will recognize them for their donation and serve as their receipt for the IRS.
• Checks should be made to the Space Coast Audubon Society.

Good luck!! If you have any questions contact Jason Frederick @ 321-449-9678 or by email at heyyoukidd@yahoo.com

If you would like to participate, reply back to me and I will either email you the
information needed to take part.

Satellite Beach Recreation Department Upcoming Events by Lynn Gornto

Samsons Island Adopt a Park 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 to local flora and fauna can enjoy a small piece of open land.  The City's Adopt a Park program recruits individuals, families and local organizations to lend a hand with park duties that suit their ability level.  Individuals and families can volunteer on the island on a schedule that suits them, while organizations are asked to commit to work parties at least twice a year.  Those interested in volunteering on Samsons Island can contact Kerry Stoms, SB Rec. Dept. Director, at 773-6458 or kstoms@satellitebeach.org

Marine Environmental Club    7 - 8pm    Cost:   $30/child
If you enjoyed Marine Biology Camp this summer or have a great interest in marine activities, then keep that excitement going with our Marine Environmental Club this school year!  Kids 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  Nov. 30, Jan. 25, Feb. 29, March 21, and April 25 at the DRS Community Center Meeting Room.   1089 S Patrick Dr Satellite Beach 773-6458

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.

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.

Close Encounters of the Bird Kind

New contest spotlights bird interactions 

thaca, NY—The Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is launching a contest to capture memorable encounters with birds. The goal is to show some of the ways birds interact with each other, with humans, or with other creatures.

Entries can be in the form of a story, a photo, artwork, video, poetry, sculpture or any other creative art. Participants just need to show birds interacting in fun, interesting, or captivating ways.

"For example, you might see a House Sparrow trying to grab a sandwich at the park," says project leader Karen Purcell. "Maybe a crow is teasing your dog or hummingbirds are dueling over who gets dibs on the nectar feeder. That's the sort of close encounter we'd like to see."

Prizes include binoculars, bird feeders, sound CDs, books, and much more. The first 50 entrants receive a copy of the Cornell Lab's “Doves and Pigeons” poster by Julie Zickefoose. Selected entries will also be featured in the 2012 Celebrate Urban Birds calendar.  How to enter:

1. Email entries to urbanbirds@cornell.edu. If you submit a video, post it on YouTube and send the link. 
2. Write "CloseEncounter_yourfirstname yourlastname_yourstate" in the subject line.
3. Include both your mailing address and the location where you saw the bird(s) in your email.
4. Explain why you submitted your entry and what it shows.  
5. One entry per person, please.
6. Read the terms of agreement.     

Deadline for entries is November 15, 2011

Visit the Celebrate Urban Birds website for more information.

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

Media Contact: Pat Leonard, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Hosting Screening of Documentary Feather Wars

Monday, October 24, 2011 – Special Event!

In lieu of the regular scheduled PIPS General Meeting on this date, we be holding a special fund-raising event for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. PIPS will host the screening of the documentary “Feather Wars” at the Majestic Theater in Vero Beach.

Feather Wars is a film documentary about the history of Pelican Island and the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903. The 30-minute video was written and directed by Tom Lowe and produced by his Orlando, Florida company, Eagle Productions, for the PBS Channel. Mr. Lowe has also produced other Florida-themed documentaries such as “The Sponge Divers of Tarpon Springs”, “River Into the New World” and “Zora’s Roots – The Zora Neale Hurston Story”. Mr. Lowe also writes mystery/thriller novels that are Florida-based.

We believe this is the first unrestricted public screening of the documentary, which has yet to air on PBS. The event will be held at the Majestic Theater of Vero Beach, 940 14th Lane. PIPS is the Citizen Support Organization for the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and proceeds from this event will support the refuge.

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 7:30 PM, with the screening at 8:15 PM. Advanced reservations are $15/person for PIPS members or $20/person, non-member (to include a membership – individual/family, as appropriate) and can be made with a credit card on our website – see PayPal payment buttons below. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20/person or $25/person for non-members, to include a PIPS membership.

If you are making a reservation using our PayPal service and are not a PIPS member, please click on the “Note to Seller – Add” option in the checkout process if you would like to add name(s) to your new PIPS membership. Also include the mailing address of where you would like your newsletter sent, if different from your credit card billing address. Or better yet, just let us know that you would rather receive the electronic/email version ONLY of our newsletter!

You may also pay for your reservation by check by sending it to us – look for our mailing address under the “About Us” menu above. If you are paying by check and are not a PIPS member, please print out and submit our Membership Application with your payment, which is available for download on the Membership page under the “Get Involved” menu above.

If paying by check, please mail your payment no later than Thursday, October 20, 2011. The day of the event, we will accept cash, check or credit card at the door.

For more information please email us at info@firstrefuge.org or call 772-202-0697. For more information about the Majestic Theater, please call them at 772-770-0774.

Public Comments Invited for Everglades Headwaters Proposal By Vince Lamb

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to conserve the natural resources and preserve the rural way of life in the Everglades Headwaters – the Kissimmee River Valley south of the Orlando area.  A proposal is moving forward to purchase conservation easements on 100,000 acres and to purchase outright 50,000 acres – the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area.

Funding for these purchases is available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund with monies derived primarily from the sale of offshore oil leases.  Public support is critical to ensure that the Everglades Headwaters receives approval in competition with proposals from other areas of the U.S.  When the proposal was first announced, loud opposition was expressed by some airboaters, hunters and fisherman who would prefer that the land remain in private ownership.  At recent public hearings, the ranching community has expressed their support.  The Nature Conservancy has endorsed the proposal and is a partner in the effort.

More information is available at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters/.  A Questions document at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/evergladesheadwaters/pdf/EvergladesQuestions.pdf provides answers to common questions about the proposal in two pages.

The email address to provide your comments is EvergladesHeadwatersProposal@fws.gov.  If you prefer to mail a paper copy of your comments, the postal address is listed on the main page of the website.

If you support this proposal, please send your comments including your name, address and phone number.  The demonstrated public support is an critical factor when the key decision will be reached.  You have the opportunity to play a part in the creation of this new refuge that protects the Everglades Headwaters.  Do not let this slip away due to public apathy.

Florida Bluebird Society Sponsors a Statewide Bluebird Blitz

The second annual Statewide Bluebird Blitz will take place on Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19, 2011.

What is a Bluebird Blitz?
The Statewide Bluebird Blitz is a concentrated effort by as many volunteers as possible going out all over the state of Florida on specific dates to locate as many Eastern Bluebirds as possible.

Why a Bluebird Blitz?
There is much general information available about bluebirds, but what applies in other parts of the country may not hold true in Florida. The Florida Bluebird Society is gathering data on where and when bluebirds can be found in the state. The fall Blitz, Nov. 18-19, 2011, will help us determine where Bluebirds find food and habitat during non-breeding season. We will also conduct a Spring Blitz April 13-14, 2012.

Participation is simple.

• Go outside on Friday Nov. 18 and/or Saturday Nov 19, 2011, and look for bluebirds
• Record as much as you are able about the bluebirds you see. Location, behavior, sex, age, etc. We also want to know where you looked and did not find any bluebirds.
• Download, complete, and submit the Blitz Report form that is on the Florida Bluebird Society web site, floridabluebirdsociety.com.

THAT’S IT! Together we can make a difference in the conservation and protection of Florida’s bluebirds!

The Florida Bluebird Society was organized two years ago with a mission of conservation and protection of Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting bird species through educational programs and the collection and dissemination of pertinent and relevant information.