A History of the Indian River Audubon Society 1950-1969

By Bettie R. Moody

The knowledge, good fellowship, and admirable conservation achievements we enjoy today as members of the Indian River Audubon Society began because of an inconspicuous newspaper article. Mrs. G.T. Von Colditz read it in 1950; it said that Mr. Merritt Farrar, executive secretary of the Florida Audubon Society, and his wife were coming to Brevard on a Saturday field trip and invited interested persons to join them. Mrs. Von Colditz attended and sparked the later coming together of nature lovers to discuss different kinds of birds they happened to see during the previous month. After about six months, field trips were organized and led by Mr. Foster White of Merritt Island.

An early Limpkin, however, notes:

It would not be possible to fix a definite date when the local group of nature lovers in Brevard County first thought of organizing a club.  For some years, there were, perhaps, not more than a dozen interested persons in the County, who, at irregular intervals would tramp around the County and enjoy the wonderful wild life, (sic) for which Florida is so justly famous.  The old “regulars” in those days were, perhaps, Foster White, Sam Harper, and a few winter visitors, like Ed Ford, Emeritus Curator of Ornithology of the Chicago Academy of Sciences.  Later, we felt the obligation to try and interest other people, but for a long time, we were still just a “group”, without any organization.

Other pioneers were Mr. and Mrs. Graeme Howard, Mr. James O’Neil, first editor of the Limpkin, Mr. Hunley Abbott, Mrs. Myrtle Maxwell, Mrs. H. F. Gartner, Mr. A. H. Hastings, Mr. C. E. Richards, Mr. Floyd Miller, and later Mr Alonso Ellis, Mr. F. J. Hopkinson, Mr. William Hueston, Mr. Johnny Johnson, and Mr. G. Chandler Young.  Usually, their wives and husbands also belonged to the Indian River Audubon Club which soon became associated with, but not a chapter of, the Florida Audubon Society – mainly because of the pleasant and helpful relations with Mr. And Mrs. Farrar.  He often spoke to the group, illustrating his talks with moving pictures, and he arranged for people from Florida Audubon headquarters to teach youth groups in the local schools.  In fact, one Limpkin states that the growth of junior Audubon groups among the three towns – Cocoa, Rockledge, and Merritt Island – was phenomenal from 1956 to 1957, with Mr. Grame Howard serving as the chairman of the Junior Audubon Club Committee.

But before this point, the history of the Indian River Audubon Club took an interesting turn.  The club disassociated itself from the Florida Audubon Society and in December, 1953, it re-organized as a branch of the National Audubon Society.  The officers went to a great deal of trouble to amend the constitution and by-laws to conform to the general plans and purposes of the N.A.S.  Not until January 13, 1966, did the Club officially become a chapter of the Florida Audubon Society.  One wonders why.  The Limpkin, Vol. 1, No. 5, states, “His (Mr. Farrar’s) retirement from the Florida Audubon Society in 1952 was one of the impelling reasons why our club decided to become a Branch of the National Audubon.”  One gathers that the retirement of their esteemed Mr. Farrar was not entirely voluntary.  Furthermore, Mr. Grame Howard went to New York City and saw to it that the Indian River Audubon Club became affiliated with the National Audubon Society instead of the Florida Audubon Society.

In the early days, there were several exciting projects for which we owe a debt of thanks:  the establishment of Hall’s Island as a wildlife sanctuary, the establishment of Cocoa as an “Inviolate Bird Sanctuary” through the Cocoa City Council in 1956, and finally the successful fight to keep an oil refinery from being built on north Merritt Island.  All of these projects have their own story.  The group heard developers were going to invade Hall’s Island where a great number of pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, spoonbills, and even flamingoes roosted in the mangroves.  Mr. Jim O’Neil, Foster White, and Bill Hueston persuaded the state to designate Hall’s Island as a bird sanctuary and later, following trips to Tallahassee by Helen and Allan Cruikshank and Bill Hueston, it was dedicated to the county as long as it was used in conformity with the state’s stipulations.

In May, 1956, the club petitioned in addition to Cocoa, that Titusville, Rockledge, Eau Gallie, and Melbourne be designated as bird sanctuaries; as a result of cooperative efforts between the Federation of Garden Clubs and the Indian River Audubon Society, South Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach later became sanctuaries.  Nearly a decade later, in 1965, our society in cooperation with the Garden Clubs of Central Florida go the legislature to declare Indian River Drive from Williams Point to Bonneventure and official scenic drive, as well as Florida Tropical Trail on Merritt Island.  The club was enlarging; membership increased from fifteen to seventy and then to ninety under Mr. Hueston’s leadership.

Moreover, the club was well-organized.  Programs for the coming year were enumerated well in advance in the first Limpkin of the year, and understandably such all-time favorites as “Helen Cruickshank’s Slides” or “Flowers and Ellis on Hawks” hit every calendar.  After joining the National Audubon Society in 1953, the society began enjoying the Screen Tour Programs each winter, the Audubon Journal, and support in their conservation work.  Shortly, after joining National, one Limpkin notes:

We were especially fortunate in having Allan D. Cruickshank and his wife, Helen, move in upon us as Neighbors, and their cooperation and unselfish help at all times has been an inspiration.  They are both nationally known for a wide variety of skills and performances with the National Audubon Society – photography, writing, lecturing, and conducting tours and camps.  Their presence, as friends and members of our little local Society, has put new life into it, and gratitude into all our hearts.

Helen Cruickshank emerged, indeed, as a real fighter when the county commissioners became enthusiastic about the prospect of an oil refinery on north Merritt Island, just after Port Canaveral was opened.  Although public opinion was against it, several of the commissioners went to the west coast of the United States to see for themselves that there would be no ill effects from shipping in crude oil and refining it.  The plant officials showed them a refinery that did truly create no smog problems:  the combination of twelve foot waves braking in front of it and a mountain range behind it created air currents that lifted and wafted away the fumes.  Through persistent correspondence and personal contact with the Secretary of the Interior and other politicians, Mrs. Cruickshank helped defeat this industrial move.

Apparently, the field trips led by Foster White were the apex in the development of the society.  Heavily attended, they embraced such areas as the St. John’s River marsh, the Humpback Bridge area, North Banana River Drive across from Sykes Creek, and Sebastian Inlet.  Old timers report that along Humpback Bridge on Merritt Island there were many ducks, gallinules, and rails, and that for years an eagle’s nest, inhabited by a great horned owl, attracted birders to north Banana Drive.  The tree which held that nest was only recently cut down.

Pictures of exotic birds were bought to monthly meetings, and members visited Myrtle Maxwell’s home one fall to see painted buntings.  (She was the first to get them, and friends learned she attracted them with millet.)  The Thousand Islands area was then “an excellent and beautiful place for birding” reminisced Foster White.  Much of it has since been filled for a golf course, high school, housing tract, and sewage treatment plant.

Financially, the Audubon Society in its inceptive days appears as frugally inclined as we are today.  One Limpkin lamented that the rising costs of mimeographing prohibited publication of the Limpkin and requested special donations from members who wished to continue receiving it.  Confided one member, “Sometimes our treasury report was 27 cents, our bills were $3.00, and we had to pass the hat.”

One avenue for income was the Screen Tour Lectures, as they were then called.  The series truly became remunerative when Mr. F. J. Hopkinson began to devote his energies to it in 1957.  If he were not the best birder in the society, he was certainly the most astute business manager; he has a talent for selecting dates and lecturers especially suitable for Brevard County residents.  His eye for detail noted duplication of a program for three years in the series.  “No one has commented on it to date, although some steady customers may have noticed,” he wrote the lecture department scheduler.

“Any money we have in the bank from the lecture series is because of Hoppy,” claims Foster White.  It seems his technique was to mail each member tickets “which he expected you to sell.”  The story goes that a few members resented unsolicited tickets but that the majority of the members sold them.  A treasury record from April 4, 1963, reveals another reason for his making the series a lucrative project:  he advertised tirelessly.  The record reads, “Posters, folder, mailing pieces:  $69.20.  Other promotional expenses incurred, $105.00.”

One year he lowered the prices and complained of some difficulty with the press.  Yet for one date – January 13, 1963 – combined box office take was $261.00.  Over a period of 15 years, the Film Lecture series has produced a profit of $2150.80 for the chapter.  A financial history of the Wildlife Film Lectures is as follows:

            Year               Expenses                  Receipts                   Profit (Loss)

            1954               $   900.38                  $ 891.80                  $         (8.58)

            1955                    833.78                      904.50                             70.72

            1956                    763.73                      810.73                             47.00

            1957                    659.97                      725.50                             65.53

            1958                    492.65                      488.00                              (4.65)

            1959                    633.91                      760.50                          126.59

            1960                    667.66                      786.25                          118.59

            1961                    782.25                    1028.00                          245.75

            1962                    923.95                    1160.50                          236.55

            1963                 1023.15                    1480.75                          457.60

            1964                 1288.02                    1348.75                             60.73

            1965                    940.45                    1359.95                          419.50

            1966                 1041.51                    1050.50                               8.99

            1967                 1157.06                    1144.74                           (12.32)

            1968                 1131.75                    1202.35                             70.60

            1969                 1081.70                    1329.90                  $      248.20

                                                                                         Total         $   2150.80

                                                                                         Average           134.42

Although the Christmas Bird Count has not yielded any financial returns, it has brought more national fame and publicity to the club than any other activity.  In May, 1965, Representatives Rountree and Pruitt introduced in the House of Representatives a resolution commending all members of the Indian River Audubon Society for its record of leading the nation for the tenth consecutive year in the Annual Bird County of the United States and for setting a record high total count of two hundred four species of birds in 1964, the highest total of species of birds at that time ever registered on one occasion in the history of the United States.  The counts began informally on December 27, 1951, when the Cruickshank’s, who were looking for retirement property, visited Brevard County and joined Dr. Joseph C. Howell of the University of Tennessee on a census.  They turned up a total of one hundred twenty-eight species and listed their find under “Audubon,” since they were unaware of the local club’s existence.  In 1952, their total of one hundred thirty species appeared under “Cocoa”; that particular year Helen and Allan went alone.  On December 27, 1953, Foster White, Samuel A. Harper, and Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Lewis of Virginia (who still participate in the counts) joined the Cruickshank’s and Dr. Howell for a tally of one hundred forty-seven species.  It was the first official Indian River Audubon Society Count.  On December 27, 1954, they recorded one hundred sixty-seven different kinds of birds.

The box score of the I.R.A.S. teams for the championship years is:

                                    Total Number

            Year               of Species    

            1955               184

            1956               186

            1957               193

            1958               194

            1959               196

            1960               200 (46 expert observers combed almost every acre in the 15 mile-diameter circle)

            1961               191

            1962               197

            1963               195

            1964               204

            1965               197

            1966               206 (Cocoa and San Diego tie)

            1967               197 (San Diego 209)

            1968               203 (San Diego 217)

A total of two hundred sixty-nine different species have been observed in this area during the Christmas Count periods.

Reports from various areas in the USA and Canada reach Allan Cruickshank, who is national editor for the Christmas Bird Count issue of Audubon Field Notes.  The Christmas Bird Counts were started by the National Audubon Society in 1900.  That year, only 25 reports were submitted and only 27 people participated.  Since then, interest has skyrocketed.  In 1959, over 600 reports were submitted and over 10,000 people from all sections of the USA and Canada participated.  It is interesting to note that the 1967 participants numbers over 15,000 and that the report published were 839.

It has not been possible to compile a comprehensive list of all chapter officers since the organization of the club, inasmuch as the early records are sketchy.  In 1952, there must have been an unofficial group of leaders, for one note from Sam Harper addressed to Myrtle Maxwell contains a reluctant acceptance of the presidency for 1953.  She, Peggy Howard, and Mrs. Emy Harper appear to have been “The Nominating Committee” for the first officers:

1953 – 54

                           President                                                 Samuel Harper

                           Vice-President                                       Mrs. Harold Hendry

                           Secretary/Treasurer                              Mrs. Alice Duff

                           Notification Secretary                           Mrs. Jennie Punshon

1954 – 55

                           President                                                 Hunley Abbott

                           Secretary/Treasurer                              Mrs. Alice Duff

1955 – 56

                           President                                                 A. H. Hastings

                           Secretary/Treasurer                              Mrs. Alice Duff

1956 – 57

                           President                                                 William F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Mrs. Graeme Howard

                           Corresponding Secretary                    James A. O’Neil

                           Treasurer                                                Foster White

                           Historian                                                  Samuel Harper

            The following season, 1957 – 58, Lon Ellis became assistant editor of the Limpkin, Mrs. F. J. Hopkinson replaced Mrs. Howard as vice-president and Mrs. Malcom Grimes was appointed recording secretary.  The other officers remained the same.

1959 – 60

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       G. Chandler Young

                           Corresponding Secretary                    Mrs. H. C. Flowers

                           Recording Secretary                             None

                           Treasurer                                                Foster White

                           Historian                                                  Samuel Harper

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1960 – 61

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Theodore Main

                           Secretary                                                 W. H. Walters

                           Treasurer                                                Foster White

                           Historian                                                  Samuel Harper

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1961 – 62

                           Same as for 1960 – 61

1962 – 63

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Lloyd Hornbostle

                           Secretary                                                 Mrs. Louella Grimes

                           Treasurer                                                Foster White

                           Historian                                                  Samuel Harper

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1963 – 64

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Lloyd Hornbostle

                           Secretary                                                 Robert E. Weldon

                           Treasurer                                                Foster White

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1964 – 65

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Lloyd Hornbostle

                           Secretary                                                 Mrs. Joyce Burnside

                           Treasurer                                                William H. Walters

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1965-66

                           President                                                 W. F. Hueston

                           Vice-President                                       Ken West

                           Secretary                                                 Mrs. Louise Gibbons

                           Treasurer                                                William H. Walters

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

            During the latter part of 1965, the president, Mr. Hueston, suffered a stroke and could no longer participate in chapter activities. Vice-President Ken West took over as presiding officer of the club and continued in that capacity through the 1966-67 season.

1966-67

                           President                                                 Ken West

                           Honorary President                               W.F. Hueston

                           Secretary                                                 Mrs. Louise Gibbons

                           Treasurer                                                William H. Walters

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Lon Ellis

1967-68

                           President                                                 Karl F. Eichhorn, Jr.

                           First Vice-President                               Lon Ellis

                           Second Vice-President                        Arthur Underwood

                           Secretary                                                 Robert Bush

                           Treasurer                                                Mrs. Frances Stone

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Betty Ann Eichhorn

1968-69

                           Same as for 1967-68

1969-70

                           President                                                 Karl F. Eichhorn, Jr.

                           First Vice-President                               Lon Ellis

                           Second Vice-President                        Hale Wyle

                           Secretary                                                 Mrs. Mary Ash

                           Treasurer                                                Robert H. Moody

                           Limpkin Editor                                        Betty Ann Eichhorn

It seems apropos that in the heart of the missile land, even bird watchers utilize a digital computer to keep records. I.R.A.S. instituted a computerized membership in January 1968; in fact, it is probable we are the only chapter in the country to have such a system. It has been of considerable help as we reached the goal of 50% membership increase during 1967-68. Net gain of 115 memberships were made in 1968-69, and we currently carry approximately 425 members on the rolls.

Last summer, a season event and information folder – the first produced by this chapter – was prepared. Shortly after that, I.R.A.S. shoulder patches were designed and sold to members who wear them on field trips. Then in May, 1969, the chapter filed incorporation papers with the secretary of state to formalize our non-profit status in preparation for development of a nature education center. An undeveloped tract of eighteen acres on Merritt Island was recently leased from the owners and should be in use by members, guests, and youth groups by this fall. Contributions to its fund now total $128.50.

That progress is accompanied by leadership is implicit.  One of the first actions of Karl Eichhorn as president was to appoint a board of directors composed of twelve senior members of the organization, plus eight standing committees appointed in accordance with F.A.S. by-laws. During the summer of 1967, a set of chapter by-laws modeled after those of the F.A.S. was prepared and adopted by the members at the November business meeting.

Perhaps, the most significant contributions by the I.R.A.S. in 1968-69 have been in the field of conservation. Many letters and public speeches were produced to protect estuarine resources in Brevard County and throughout the state. Efforts reached a climax at the special Brevard County Commission Hearing concerning a massive fill in the Indian River proposed by Ed Ball. Sixteen members spoke against the proposal and several created posters which were photographed and published by the newspapers. Militancy seemed on the rise, for members shortly picketed a dredge filling in a large section of Sykes Creek for a shopping center.

Now the hard core members of the Indian River Audubon Society are actively planning for the annual convention of the Florida Audubon Society, which we will host at the Ramada Inn in Cocoa Beach, Florida, January 1970.

“Younger blood is running the organization now,” mused one senior citizen. “And that’s good. The older people were getting too old to meet committee responsibilities or even go on occasional field trips.” Yet the following quote from a 1959 Limpkin during the heat of political campaigning makes these senior citizens seem not so distant, or detached, or decrepit:

I would like to mention for those who were not here that the society waged the battle to save our streams and rivers from erroneous bulkheading. This bulkheading could have destroyed our river shorelines and valuable marshlands on which our wild life depends. Not to mention the beauty that would be lost. So thanks to Helen and Allan Cruickshank, Mrs. W. T. Stewart, Foster and Lois White, Lon Ellis, and all the many others who diligently fought to preserve those natural beauties and resources which a few self-minded people were trying to destroy. We must always keep our minds eye to the future. Think when we elect our candidates to public office and find out if they will conserve the people’s natural wealth instead of squandering it which has been the record of the past.

Bird Count Saturday May 12 by Matt Heyden

Details for Meet, Greet, Eat and Count

Saturday, May 12th, 2012

This is Space Coast Audubon’s participation plan for the North American Migration Count.
Matt Heyden will be the coordinator for Brevard County for this spring count. If you would like to participate in the count and/or the picnic, please contact him at 321-264-8909or mheyden716@aol.com. His address is 516 Lake Dr. Titusville, Fl. 32780

At this point in time, all areas are open. No one has claimed any areas, so call now to reserve your favorite! You can count for as long or as short a time as you wish. You can even include feeder counts. The form just asks you to keep track of how long you bird, whether by foot , car, or boat and climatic conditions.

The picnic location for this spring count is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor’s center. We will be there from 1PM to 2 PM. We’ll be meeting, greeting and eating in the parking lot. Folks can turn in their tally sheets at that time, or if they wish to continue their count, they can email or mail the sheets to Matt before May 22. Everyone should bring their own lunch.

Do come…because this is the opportunity to make new friends and talk bird sightings. We have over 1,000 members just in this county.

Some guidelines:

• Anyone can participate. You can bird alone if you know what you’re doing. You can bird with someone else, or if you are completely new to this, Matt will try to place you with someone in your region.
• We’re trying to cover this entire huge county, so there is lots to do, and everyone is both welcome and needed.
• This is important. If it weren’t important….we wouldn’t be doing this. These data are vital to bird conservation studies.
• Our education chair person, Lora Losi has strongly suggested that we bring along young non-birders, to expose them to the fun side of what we do.
• Make it fun. This isn’t a competition. We’re doing it for the birds

Groundbreaking Video Feed Shows Rare Glimpse Into Heron Nest

From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Two heron hatchlings see their first morning light on April 28.Ithaca, NY--In a first for technology and for bird watching, thousands of people watched live this weekend as a tiny Great Blue Heron emerged from an egg in between its father’s gigantic feet.

With high-definition and nighttime cams streaming 24/7 from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods in Ithaca, New York, viewers around the world are now able to follow the surprising lives of herons, including rare views still little known to science.

“From the very first night, viewers witnessed little-known events, such as herons courting and mating by moonlight,” said Dr. John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “They’ve watched live as the herons defended their nest, uttering rarely heard, spine-chilling defensive screams as Great Horned Owls attacked in early morning hours. Even the professionals are gaining new insights from these live cams.”

The nest has survived several Great Horned Owl attacks, as well as a snowstorm that would have buried the nest in snow if not for the parent steadfastly sitting on the eggs.

More than half a million people from 166 countries have watched the heron cam since March 27. With around-the-clock coverage, viewers Tweet and post screenshots and video clips to help scientists document notable events.

“We’ve entered an exciting new age for understanding and sharing in the daily lives of birds,” said Fitzpatrick. “Live cams, whether they feature hummingbirds, eagles, or herons, are incredibly popular. What’s most amazing is that these live videos are equally riveting for scientists, schoolchildren, families, and people of all walks of life.”

On April 30, the nest had four hatchlings. The last egg is due to hatch any time.

To watch the heron nest live, visit www.AllAboutBirds.org/CornellHerons

Magazine Gallery Features Audubon’s Iconic Birds

Reprinted from Audubon Chapter Leader Update

John James Audubon spent the better part of six decades making environmental strides long before conservation was trendy. He banded birds, catalogued and drew hundreds of species, even offered early warnings about the dangers of mistreating our planet. Celebrate his birthday with Audubon magazine’s online gallery featuring iconic works by the man who lent his name to a movement—and our publication.
http://www.audubonmagazine.org/multimedia/audubons-iconic-birds

Audubon Assembly 2012

Save the Date!

• Date: Oct. 25-27, 2012
• Location: Hyatt Regency Sarasota on Sarasota Bay
• Keynote Speaker: Cynthia Barnett, Author of Mirage and the Blue Revolution

Our staff is hard at work preparing this year's programs and events. Please stay tuned in the coming months for additional information, including registration material, Assembly theme announcement, field trip details, prices, and guest speakers.

Thanks to Sarasota Audubon Society for their help with field trips and local logistics.  Don't miss what is sure to be the best Assembly yet, mark October 25-27 on your calendars right now!

See you in October.

Jay Watch - Training Dates and Locations

New to Jay Watch?
Learn to identify juvenile and adult Florida Scrub-jays in their nesting habitat.Learn about jay behavior and how to census their family groups. Make a difference for Scrub-jays by collecting important data for agency biologists and land managers!

2012 Jay Watch Training Sessions
Welcome aboard! Bring friends and family to learn about one of Florida's most imperiled habitats, Florida scrub, and our state's only endemic bird species, the Florida Scrub-jay.

Jay Watch training sessions are for new volunteers and for previous volunteers who want a refresher on survey protocol, bird behavior, or identification of juvenile and adult jays.

General Information on Training
Each session will consist of two segments:

1. An overview of Florida Scrub-jay biology, nesting behavior, identification, and a walk-through of the survey protocol.  
2. A short vehicle ride to Scrub-jay habitat (4WD vehicles will be provided where needed) and hands-on practice with observing jays and recording data. 

2012 Jay Watch Training Schedule

• Polk County - Saturday, May 12th, 8 am to 12 noon
  where: FL Leadership Training Center, 5000 Fire Tower Rd., Haines City
• Marion County - Saturday, May 19th, 8 am to 12 noon
  where: 49th Avenue Trailhead, 12555 SW 49th Avenue, Ocala
• Volusia County - Saturday, June 2nd, 8 am to 12 noon
  where: Lyonia Preserve - Environmental Learning Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona 
• Highlands County - Tuesday, June 5th, 8 am to 12 noon
  where: Flamingo Villas/Lake Wales NWR, 11849 County Road 700, Sebring 
• Martin County - Wednesday, June 6th, 8 am to 12 noon
  where: Education Center, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 S.E. Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound

For more information contact Marianne Korosy, Jay Watch Coordinator. To register for a training, send name(s), email address, and phone number to:

Marianne Korosy, Jay Watch Coordinator, Audubon Florida
mkorosy@audubon.org
727-742-1683

Tell Washington to Reject Weakening Protections for Bald and Golden Eagles By Steve Holmer, American Bird Conservancy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed a rule change that will result in more eagles being killed at wind energy projects. They have proposed providing wind companies permits that would legally allow developers to kill majestic Bald and Golden Eagles throughout the United States for 30 years.

Please join ABC in telling Congress and the Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw this dangerous proposed rule change and protect these iconic birds for future generations of Americans.

Click here to take action: http://bit.ly/I0zkZ3

It wasn’t that long ago that Bald Eagle numbers plummeted to just 800 breeding birds, placing them on the Endangered Species List and putting their very existence in doubt. Majestic Golden Eagles, also suffered declines, and continue to struggle today in the face of ongoing threats.

The federal government currently allows corporations to get permits to avoid prosecution for killing limited numbers of eagles as part of their normal operations if they also promise to offset this damage. These permits must be renewed every five years, giving the government regular opportunity to assess an industry’s operations. However, at the request of wind energy industry lobbyists, the federal government has now proposed making the permits good for 30 years! That means 30 years without the possibility for public review of the permit.

This will lead to more dead eagles, more costly lawsuits, and more Americans who will wonder why some private businesses are getting a free pass to kill some of our nation’s most remarkable birds.
Click here to take action: http://bit.ly/I0zkZ3

For the Herp Enthusiasts: Snake Survey by Rosemary Webb

Who knew? On a statewide birding list I read, someone described a close encounter with an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake while birdwatching. Eventually, the following appeared. So, for you budding herp enthusiasts out there, here's a link to the 2012 national _snake_ count:

Since the conversation has turned to snakes, some readers might be interested in participating in the Center for Snake Conservation's snake survey May 12-20. Go to www.snakecount.snakeconservation.org to sign up and get more information.

I am just passing this along, and have not participated, nor do I know anything else about this except what's on the above-listed website.

May Events at Sams House at Pine Island by Katrina Morrell, Education Coordinator Sams House at PICA

Hello Sams Friends!

We've had a wonderful month so far learning all about gardening, butterflies, and bees - oh my!  Next month, we'll switch our focus to Endangered Species as we celebrate National Endangered Species Month.  Speakers will introduce us to beach mice, North Atlantic right whales, bald eagles, and bats.

We have some special activities for children and families planned as well.  On May 5th, families can learn about the animals of the Indian River Lagoon and help decorate a trash can for our lagoon overlook.  The Young Birders of Brevard will visit Sams on Saturday, May 12th and invite everyone to join them in celebrating International Migratory Bird Day.  In recognition of National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 19th, we'll give a gift to the first 10 kids to visit between the ages of 2 and 17.

The gate at Pine Island Road should re-open in mid June - fingers crossed!  In the meantime, we ask those who come to the south entrance at Sams House to fish to please only do so during our open hours.  Thanks for your patience!

Hope to see you all soon!

Sams House at Pine Island

May Events - Endangered Species Month

6195 North Tropical Trail Merritt Island, FL 32953 321.449.4720

www.facebook.com/samshousepineisland and www.eelbrevard.com

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

“The Beach Mouse That Helps Protect Your House” - Friday, May 4th, 2 pm - 3:30 pm
Donna Oddy with Innovative Health Applications will discuss the southeastern beach mouse, a federally threatened species that lives in coastal dunes, strand, and scrub. This mouse once ranged from New Smyrna Beach south to Miami but now is known to live only on the three federal lands in Brevard County, with the exception of two relict populations. Space is limited, call to reserve a spot.

“Lagoon Art” - Saturday May 5th, 10 a.m. - noon
Bring the family for a fun morning learning about the animals of the Indian River Lagoon. We’ll also decorate a trash can for our lagoon overlook. Snacks provided. Space is limited, call to reserve a spot.

“Beneficial Bats” - Saturday, May 12th, 10 am - noon
Meet some live bats being cared for by Shari Blisett-Clark with the Florida Bat Conservancy. Shari will explain the importance of bats and some of the threats they face. Space is limited, call to reserve a spot.

“Young Birders of Brevard” - Saturday, May 12th, 2 pm - 3:30 pm
Join 9 year old birder Gabe Cenker in celebrating International Migratory Bird Day with a birding adventure along our trails. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring binoculars, if you have them. To learn more about Young Birders of Brevard, check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-Birders-of-Brevard/336295429746977

“North Atlantic Right Whales” - Saturday, May 19th, 10 am - 11:30 am
Julie Albert with the Marine Resources Council will present a family-friendly presentation on the endangered Northern Right whale. Space is limited, call to reserve a spot.

“The Bald Eagle in Florida” - Saturday, May 26th, 10 am - 11:30 am
Al McKinley with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge will give a presentation on our national bird, followed by a short hike to an eagle nest viewing area. Space is limited, call to reserve a spot.

Guided Nature Hikes:

• Friday, May 11th, 2 pm - 3:30 pm
• Thursday, May 17th, 1 pm - 2:30 pm
• Friday May 25th, 2 pm - 3:30 pm

Give-away offer!! Saturday May 19th is National Kids to Parks Day First 10 visitors between the ages of 2-17 will receive a gift!

1888 House and 1875 Cabin Tours, every Thursday, 3 pm - 3:30 pm

FNPS Native Plant Sale

Please join the Florida Native Plant Society on Saturday, April 21 st for our Annual Earth Day Native Plant Sale! We’ll have over 40 species of native plants for your home landscape, including butterfly plants,
wildflowers, and groundcovers; a plant for every plot!

The sale will begin at 10am at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville.
Please call 321-264-5185 for driving directions.

Recognition of EEL Program Award by Vince Lamb, Friends of Ulumay

At the meeting on May 1, 2012, the County Commissioners will formally recognize the EEL Program for receiving the Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award from the Natural Areas Association.  This award is presented annually in recognition of excellence and achievement in managing the natural resources of reserves, parks, wilderness and other protected areas. It is given in honor of Carl N. Becker, former NAA president and conservation leader whose skills benefited natural area conservation locally, regionally and nationally.

The award identifies the EEL Program as one of the true leaders of the conservation and restoration of natural areas. This exceptional program manages more than 20,000 acres of conservation land in Brevard County, provides outdoor recreational activities and operates three education centers.  Although the program requires only a tiny portion of the county budget, funding challenges continue to cloud its future.

Please consider attending this session to recognize our award-winning land conservation program.  The meeting will start at 9:00 AM at the Commission Chamber at Viera Government Center.

TAKE ACTION: Defend Florida's Iconic Silver Springs

Reprinted from the Audubon of Florida Advocate newsletter



Defend Silver Springs; send a letter to Governor Scott right now!

Silver Springs, an iconic symbol of natural Florida and a nationally known tourist destination since the mid-1800s, could become the next Florida springs casualty.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is in the early stages of evaluating permit applications submitted by Adena Springs Ranch. Developers want to turn 30,000 acres of relatively undisturbed springshed land into a dense “cattle finishing” operation and slaughterhouse. The size of this project is approximately the same acreage as the City of Ocala. Further, the 13.2 million gallons of water this massive industrial cattle operation wants to draw from the aquifer near Silver Springs is just about the same as the water use for all of the existing development in Ocala.

With flow down by more than 50% over historic amounts and nutrients feeding the growth of algae, the system is already dangerously compromised. Take Action: urge Governor Rick Scott and the members of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Management District to deny permits related to the Adena Springs Ranch project.

A steep decline in springflow began in the 1980s. By 2011, flow had fallen to only half the historic average. By April 1, 2012, the flow in Silver Springs was at the lowest volume ever recorded – only 282 Cubic Feet Per Second – only 37% of the average historic flow.

While water quantity – expressed by the rate of flow from the spring - has been decreasing, largely due to increased pumping from wells in the areas that have provided groundwater recharge for the spring, the quality of water flowing from the spring has been rapidly declining as well. Nitrates, produced by fertilizers applied to the surface of the land, waste percolating into the aquifer from septic tank drainfields and sewage treatment plant effluent – are the chief cause of the springs’ current flow of dirty water. Flow reduction exacerbates the problem by increasing the concentration. Nitrates cause the unnatural growth of algae – green slime – that forms layers on native aquatic plants such as eelgrass, and kills those plants by shading out sunlight.

While much of the springshed that supplies water through recharge of the aquifer to Silver Springs has been covered by urban development drawing out water and adding pollution, a large strip of land near the springs and adjacent to the Ocklawaha River has thus far remained undeveloped and contributes clean water.

The thousands of cattle that will be processed on this land will add to the nutrient load soaking into the ground. This proposal has the potential to double the damage already suffered by Silver Springs. While cattle ranching throughout Florida at the intensities normally practiced is for the most part an environmentally benign land use, the Adena Springs Ranch is a different proposition entirely.

Given the status of Silver Springs and the risk that this project will serve as its final death blow, common sense and sound scientific analysis would suggest that the Water Management District would move decisively to protect the public interest by firmly rejecting the permits. Unfortunately, in the regulatory environment now present in Florida, we cannot count on that.

If Floridians want to save what is left of our natural heritage at Silver Springs, it is time to say “NO” to this proposal. Please use our easy email function to urge Governor Rick Scott and the members of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Management District to deny permits related to the Adena Springs Ranch project.

Thank you and please share.

Celebrate Spring With Citizen Science: YardMap and NestWatch

Reprinted from Cornell Lab newsletter

With May flowers—and birds—well on their way back to us, it's a great time to think about a new season of citizen science. Our newest project, YardMap, is perfect for people who enjoy gardening and bird watching. Using simple point-and-click tools, you can map out the parts of your yard while keeping track of the birds that visit it. The data you provide help our scientists understand how neighborhoods function as bird habitat. For those who want to take a closer look at nesting robins, wrens, chickadees, swallows, and other backyard birds, NestWatch offers a structured, supportive way to help, with tons of advice on attracting nesters and finding nests: Explore :

YardMap:
http://cornell.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b35ddb671faf4a16c0ce32406&id=7866c1dca2&e=d865a97cb3

NestWatch:
http://cornell.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b35ddb671faf4a16c0ce32406&id=f10979b504&e=d865a97cb3

Leading U.S. Bird Conservation Group Says Lake Apopka Airport Expansion Could be Disastrous

Reprinted from the American Bird Conservancy

(Washington, D.C. March 27, 2012) American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the nation’s leading bird conservation organization, has called on the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRMD) to reject the West Orange Airport Authority proposal to expand an existing airport adjacent to Lake Apopka, saying the proposal could have disastrous consequences for the area’s birds.

“The expansion would negatively impact millions of birds, be a significant loss for the growing thousands of Americans who travel to the area each year and contribute to the local economy by their bird watching activities, and would imperil taxpayers’ substantial investment in managing water resources for the benefit of Florida’s citizens and wildlife,” said ABC Vice President for Conservation Advocacy, Darin Schroeder in a letter to Lad Daniels, Governing Board Member and Hans G. Tanzler , Executive Director of SJRWD.

In their proposal, the West Orange Airport Authority asks SJRWMD for 600 acres of wildlife habitat in exchange for 90 acres they currently own to expand the regional airport. The ABC letter says that aside from the discrepancy in land value equivalence, this exchange could threaten the way the district currently manages its land for water quality and wildlife. West Orange Airport Authority will be seeking federal stimulus money to develop and expand this airport, meaning the Federal Aviation Administration will mandate buffer areas around the airport based on the types of aircrafts flying in and out. At airports serving turbine-powered aircraft (such as in this proposed expansion), a 10,000 foot radius excluding “hazardous wildlife attractants” is mandated. At Lake Apopka, this radius would extend over the impoundments currently managed for and used by wading birds, shorebirds, and ducks.

In 1998, ABC designated the Lake Apopka Restoration Area as a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA) for its importance to federally endangered species that include a pair of resident endangered Whooping Cranes, Wood Storks, and Florida Scrub-Jays, all of which have a limited population range, as well as to hundreds of thousands of birds that migrate through or winter at this location. This includes many WatchList species such as the Mottled Duck, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Western, Semipalmated, White-rumped, and Stilt Sandpipers. Lake Apopka is also an important breeding site for Black-necked Stilts – in 2011 there were at least 52 nesting pairs.

For 14 years, SJRWMD has collected year-round data on the birds of Lake Apopka Restoration Area. With hundreds of thousands (up to a million) birds per day using the area, these data more than supports its IBA designation, and illustrates the importance of conserving this natural resource for wildlife.

Further, the Federal Aviation Administration is subject to Executive Order 13186, which delineates the responsibilities of federal agencies to protect migratory birds and avoid or minimize adverse impacts on migratory birds when conducting agency actions; and to restore and enhance the habitat of migratory birds, as practicable.

“Should the Federal Aviation Administration access federal stimulus funds for the airport expansion, it would clearly violate the agency’s obligations under the President’s Executive Order,” Schroeder said.

New BirdLog App Transforms Bird Watching

Reprinted from Cornell Lab eNews

Ithaca, NY—A satisfying day of bird watching used to be followed by tedious time spent transferring observations from notebook to computer. No more. Now there's BirdLog, a data entry app for iPhone and Android smartphones.

For the first time, bird watchers can use their smartphones to instantly report the birds they see, from wherever they see them. With  one click, sightings go straight to the eBird citizen-science program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. eBird takes in more than a million bird reports each month from anywhere in the world. These reports are used by a global community of educators, land managers, ornithologists, and conservation biologists. BirdLog was developed by Birds In The Hand, creators of the popular BirdsEye bird-finding app, which is also based on eBird reports.

"Bird watchers have waited for in-the-field data entry for years,” says eBird leader Marshall Iliff. “BirdLog's simple interface not only makes it easy; it maximizes the usefulness of sightings for birding, science, and conservation.”

Fully integrated with the eBird online reporting system, BirdLog allows users to select from thousands of existing eBird Hotspots and personal bird-watching locations, or to use the built-in GPS services of the phone to allow easy and accurate creation of new locations. Users can create lists in BirdLog even if there is no cell coverage at their location.

"We hear phrases like 'revolutionize birding' all too frequently,” notes eBird’s Chris Wood. “But BirdLog will actually do it! BirdLog will fundamentally change the way we go birding, making it easier than ever for birders to share observations among themselves and with the science and conservation community.”

BirdLog North America and BirdLog Worldwide are available via the iTunes app store or at the Google Play app store for Android devices. A portion of the proceeds goes to fund research and conservation work at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

NAMC - Spring 2012 - May 12 by Matt Heyden

Brevard Audubon Members:  Here's the info for the count coming up next month.  I will be the county compiler again, and we could use some more participation on this one.  This is fun to do.  It's important citizen science to document exactly who is where when.  All areas of Brevard are unclaimed at this point.  Pick your favorite birding places, and call me at 264-8909 to claim it.  We'll have a picnic at the Merritt Island Visitor center at 1 PM.  Please help out, as this is important to document migration through our county.

Christmas Count Roundups by Dave Freeland

I thought you might be interested in the following gleanings from the report of the inimitable Bill Pranty, master of the Florida Christmas Bird Counts.

Cocoa did better than most other Florida counts, as usual, thanks to your skills and persistence.  Our 159 countable species tied with Alafia Banks for fourth in the state, trailing only West Pasco (171), North Pinellas (168) and Zellwood-Mount Dora (165).  As for total taxonomic forms, Cocoa's 168 trailed only West Pasco (174) and North Pinellas' 169.

We had the only (2) Muscovy Duck X Mallards on any count and the only (2) empidonax flycatchers reported.  We also reported 2 of Florida's 3 Pine Siskins and 155,000 of its 182,003 Lesser Scaups.

In addition, Cocoa had Florida's 2011 high counts of Common Peafowl (45), Double-crested Cormorant (7300), Tricolored Heron (675), White Ibis (4200), Laughing Gull (11,000), Ring-billed Gull (8500), archilochus hummingbird (5), Belted Kingfisher (91), Yellow-rumped Warbler (4400) and Painted Bunting (77).  Nice work!

Our neighboring Brevard County CBCs ran into tougher times.  South Brevard tallied 150 species and Merritt Island just 141.

Our Bay-breasted Warbler, unfortunately, didn't make the cut of the editor's pen.  Too many observers, it seems, including those responsible for accepting or rejecting CBC submissions, don't know the vagaries of Bay-breast identification, apparently relying on field guides and museum skins of differently aged birds to strike the bird seen at Georgiana Cemetery, Merritt Island.  Such is life in birding.

Don't forget this year's Cocoa count date -- December 15.  Thanks, as always, for your helpful contribution to science.

Get a New View of Bird Life with NestWatch

Reprinted from the Cornell Lab newsletter

Ithaca, NY—Across the continent, birds are in a flutter of wooing and nest-building. Perhaps there’s an American Robin building her mud and grass bowl on your porch light or a Northern Mockingbird weaving a twiggy nest in your shrubs. If you find a nest nearby, you have a front-row seat to the daily drama of bird life. It’s also a perfect opportunity to become part of the NestWatch project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NestWatch has been tracking trends in the nesting success of hundreds of species of birds across the country for more than 40 years.

“It’s only when many thousands of volunteers are collecting data over a vast area that scientists can fully measure the impacts of environmental change and land-use on breeding birds,” says Jason Martin, NestWatch project leader. “Take climate change, for example. We need a massive amount of data to investigate the potential impacts that altered climatic patterns may have on breeding birds. If birds start nesting sooner, as some species are doing, they may eventually become out of sync with their food supplies.”

As a NestWatch participant, you’ll visit one or more nests or nest boxes every 3 to 4 days and report what you see at www.NestWatch.org—when the first eggs are laid, total number of eggs and young, and when the hatchlings take their first faltering flights.  After signing up, you’ll first do a bit of online training to understand how best to observe nesting birds without disturbing them. You’ll learn the best time to check nests and how to avoid accidentally leading predators to them.

You’ll also get some tips on how to find nests. “Look for birds carrying bits of grass, twigs, feathers, and other nesting material and remember where they go,” says Martin. “Males sing to mark their territories so if you see male birds singing, there’s probably a nest nearby.”

Participation in NestWatch is open to anyone who is interested in birds and nature and is free, although a small donation is suggested to help support the program. Signing up is easy via the NestWatch website www.nestwatch.org. There are online tutorials to help you along the way and a chance to share your experiences with others on Facebook. It’s a great way to connect with other bird watchers and with nature in your own backyard.

Contacts:
Jason Martin, NestWatch project leader, (607) 254-2450, jmm677@cornell.edu
Pat Leonard, Communications, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornelle.edu

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.

2 Days, 27 Life Birds by Dee Fairbanks Simpson

So, sometimes my boss will call me up and start a conversation by saying, "You are so pretty… your hair looks soooo good today…" Given that we are on the phone and she is in Colorado, I know that when she starts a conversation like that, the project she is about to ask me to do is not going to be fun. I call these my "flattery gets you everywhere cause I'm just that stupid and vain" projects.

I have been on a "flattery gets you everywhere cause I'm just that stupid and vain" project for about 3 months now, and on one of the rougher days, the project manager (who is also a birder) offered me a bribe - "Stick with it, and when you come out to California, I'll take you birding."

I replied, "Will you take me to see a California Condor?" She said she would, and that is really all that has kept me going the last few months.

So finally, the time came… last week I headed out to California. Work was not good, mostly my failing, which made it all the harder to get through. Finally Friday rolled around. The manager, as promised, picked me up, and took me birding for the whole weekend. I actually got my first life bird of the trip from her kitchen, and things just got better from there.

In addition to two life critters (sea lions and sea otters) I came back from the trip with 27 life birds: Allen's hummingbird, Brewer's blackbird, wrentit, brown towhee, Say's phoebe, California quail, whimbrel, Brandt's cormorant, black turnstone, golden plover, white-tailed kite, semi-palmated plover, Herman's gull, long-tailed duck, pacific loon, surf scoter, snow goose, ross's goose, white-fronted goose, tri-colored blackbird, bushtit, black oystercatcher, pelagic cormorant, California condor, golden-crowned sparrow, and Oregon junco. A few of those I had seen before, but never photographed. If you want to see all the pictures, you can see them on my web site:

http://deemotivation.blogspot.com/2012/03/unofficial-deemotivation-event-birding.html

Believe it or not, my photographic life list is up to 274 now. I am hoping that my next project will be in India as my co-worker there is also a birder and photographer...

SCAS Elections by Vicky Hamilton

Space Coast Audubon Society’s Annual Elections of Officers for the Board of Directors will be held at our April 20th General Meeting 7:30 p.m. We are pleased to announce that our current officers have agreed to serve another term. Slate of Nominees include:

• President - Deborah Longman-Marien
• Vice President – Dee Fairbanks Simpson
• Treasurer – Judith Thurman
• Secretary – Rosemary Webb

While SCAS has over 1,000 members, only a couple of dozen people contribute to the operation of the chapter which greatly limits items that we can accomplish or activities that we can offer.

If you are interested in running as an officer or in volunteering on one of our committees, you may contact Vicky Hamilton at vlh@bluegrass.net or 321-720-2993;  or contact Matt Heyden or Lora Losi at mheyden716@aol.com.  We are always receptive to new helpers on committees such as membership, conservation, education, field trips, programs, publicity and other areas.  No experience is necessary.  It is a good way  to get involved and to meet other members.  Please contact one of us (or any board member) if you can contribute a talent, skill, knowledge or time.

SCAS nominating committee includes:  Vicky Hamilton, Matt Heyden and Lora Losi.