By Ned Steel
Jim Pedersen was a long-time member of the Space Coast Audubon Society
He is the immediate past President of the Merritt Island Wildlife Association. We support and contribute to the MINWR. With Jim's leadership, we have grown to be the largest Refuge Friends Group in the US.
Jim taught Science at Titusville High, Astronaut High and Brevard Community College for more than 30 years.
In addition to being the MIWA President, Jim was also a Refuge Volunteer for many years. He and I led Beginning Birding and various other Nature Tours several times a week at the MI Refuge for about 10 years.
He was Camp Director for the Youth Conservation Corps at the Refuge in the late 1970's.
Jim and I and several other Teachers taught a Summer Environmental Education/Conservation Course at Astronaut High for about 15 years. Jim wrote the annual State Grant Applications each year that secured this Education Grant for us.
For 20+ years, Jim has been involved with the Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program at the Canaveral National Seashore
At Jim's Church Service, Dr. Fred Johnson delivered the Eulogy. Dr. Johnson said that many, many of us gathered there that day would say that Jim Pedersen was their Best Friend-he was that kind of person. Jim Pedersen was my Best Friend.
For more inspiration, go on facebook and check this out. "Remembering Mr. Pedersen" https://www.facebook.com/events/208139255947254/
He was loved by so many.
Ned
Sunday, March 4, 2012
New Research Reveals Crucial Habitat Design Needed for Endangered Florida Scrub-Jay Survival
Reprinted from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Florida Scrub-Jay photo by Louise HuntIthaca, NY—A team of researchers has found a key to the habitat puzzle for improving long-term survival of the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay.
New research published online today in The Royal Society’s journal Biology Letters shows that clustered habitat networks are needed to maintain the genetic diversity of Florida Scrub-Jays, a species at risk of extinction with just over 5,000 birds left in the world.
The new research reveals, for the first time, a direct connection between genetic variation of Florida Scrub-Jay groups and geographic distances separating patches of their favored scrub-oak habitat. Researchers analyzed DNA samples of Florida Scrub-Jays and evaluated how genetic differences between them were affected by the gaps of habitat in between them. They found that if habitat patches were separated by more than 2 to 3 miles from one another, the distance was too far to permit free interbreeding—thereby resulting in more inbreeding within isolated groups. Inbreeding reduces genetic fitness, and raises the risk that an isolated population will blink out.
“We now know how to configure the stepping stones of scrub-oak habitat so they can link together Florida Scrub-Jay populations and maintain sufficient genetic diversity to promote long-term survival of the species," says Dr. John Fitzpatrick, co-author of the research and executive director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “These research findings will be critical to a revision of the recovery plan for endangered Florida Scrub-Jays.”
Fitzpatrick says the findings lay out, for the first time, a precise prescription for sustaining fragmented populations of an endangered species, and could be a model for other examples around the country. For Florida Scrub-Jays, that prescription is to maintain or restore networks of the bird’s scrub-oak habitat so that individual preserves would be located within 2 to 3 miles of each other. Fitzpatrick says that because the Florida Scrub-Jay population is broken up into 10 distinct genetic units, these habitat networks would only need to be established locally within the 10 regions of individual populations, not across the bird’s entire range in Florida.
"We are now revising the Florida Scrub-Jay Recovery Plan to create the geometry of habitat preserves needed within each of the 10 units of the Florida-Scrub Jay population,” says Fitzpatrick, who is also a team leader for the group of government and university biologists working on submitting a revised Florida Scrub-Jay recovery plan to the US Fish and Wildlife Service by year’s end.
The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird found exclusively in Florida. It was added to the federal Endangered Species List in 1987, with a dwindling population down to less than 10 percent of its pre-settlement numbers. The high, dry, sandy scrub-oak patches where the bird lives and breeds exclusively have been prime real estate for Florida developers and for citrus farms. Today, only about 5 percent of the original scrub-oak habitat remains.
“The pizza is gone,” Fitzpatrick says. “We’re just trying to save the crumbs, so we can keep the Florida Scrub-Jay and a host of other scrub animals and plants in existence.”
Online access to the paper requires a subscription to Biology Letters. A .pdf of the paper is available upon request, but cannot be posted online or distributed in any way. To read an abstract of the paper, visit
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2011.1244.
Florida Scrub-Jay photo by Louise HuntIthaca, NY—A team of researchers has found a key to the habitat puzzle for improving long-term survival of the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay.
New research published online today in The Royal Society’s journal Biology Letters shows that clustered habitat networks are needed to maintain the genetic diversity of Florida Scrub-Jays, a species at risk of extinction with just over 5,000 birds left in the world.
The new research reveals, for the first time, a direct connection between genetic variation of Florida Scrub-Jay groups and geographic distances separating patches of their favored scrub-oak habitat. Researchers analyzed DNA samples of Florida Scrub-Jays and evaluated how genetic differences between them were affected by the gaps of habitat in between them. They found that if habitat patches were separated by more than 2 to 3 miles from one another, the distance was too far to permit free interbreeding—thereby resulting in more inbreeding within isolated groups. Inbreeding reduces genetic fitness, and raises the risk that an isolated population will blink out.
“We now know how to configure the stepping stones of scrub-oak habitat so they can link together Florida Scrub-Jay populations and maintain sufficient genetic diversity to promote long-term survival of the species," says Dr. John Fitzpatrick, co-author of the research and executive director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “These research findings will be critical to a revision of the recovery plan for endangered Florida Scrub-Jays.”
Fitzpatrick says the findings lay out, for the first time, a precise prescription for sustaining fragmented populations of an endangered species, and could be a model for other examples around the country. For Florida Scrub-Jays, that prescription is to maintain or restore networks of the bird’s scrub-oak habitat so that individual preserves would be located within 2 to 3 miles of each other. Fitzpatrick says that because the Florida Scrub-Jay population is broken up into 10 distinct genetic units, these habitat networks would only need to be established locally within the 10 regions of individual populations, not across the bird’s entire range in Florida.
"We are now revising the Florida Scrub-Jay Recovery Plan to create the geometry of habitat preserves needed within each of the 10 units of the Florida-Scrub Jay population,” says Fitzpatrick, who is also a team leader for the group of government and university biologists working on submitting a revised Florida Scrub-Jay recovery plan to the US Fish and Wildlife Service by year’s end.
The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird found exclusively in Florida. It was added to the federal Endangered Species List in 1987, with a dwindling population down to less than 10 percent of its pre-settlement numbers. The high, dry, sandy scrub-oak patches where the bird lives and breeds exclusively have been prime real estate for Florida developers and for citrus farms. Today, only about 5 percent of the original scrub-oak habitat remains.
“The pizza is gone,” Fitzpatrick says. “We’re just trying to save the crumbs, so we can keep the Florida Scrub-Jay and a host of other scrub animals and plants in existence.”
Online access to the paper requires a subscription to Biology Letters. A .pdf of the paper is available upon request, but cannot be posted online or distributed in any way. To read an abstract of the paper, visit
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2011.1244.
Capture the Sounds of Nature at Recording Workshop - Register now for Cornell Lab of Ornithology course
Ithaca, NY— The annual Sound Recording Workshop offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology immerses students in field recording and shows them techniques used by the pros to capture bird sounds. The next workshop is taking place June 16 through 23 at San Francisco State University's Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the Tahoe National Forest.
“This workshop is appropriate for all who have an interest in recording wildlife sounds,” says audio curator Greg Budney. “Whether you are a seasoned researcher or someone who’s never recorded a bird before, we give you the knowledge and skills to make wildlife recordings for education, research, and conservation or just for your own enjoyment.”
Through daily field recording sessions, lectures, and demonstrations, participants learn how to get the most out of their field recording equipment and take advantage of every recording opportunity. They also receive an introduction to sound analysis software that converts sound waves into visual images so they can “see” a bird’s sounds, revealing details that the human ear alone cannot detect.
Alumni of the program have gone on to record natural sounds around the world and contribute recordings to the Cornell Lab's Macaulay Library archive—the largest archive of bird and animal sounds in the world.
The Sound Recording Workshop fee of $985 covers tuition, class materials, local transportation, food, lodging, and the loan of a recording system for the course to the first six registrants who request it. A deposit is requested to reserve a space in the workshop, which is limited to 20 students. Registration and a $100 down-payment are due by May 15.
To register or get more information: Kelly Smith at (607) 254-6323 or kls66@cornell.edu.
“This workshop is appropriate for all who have an interest in recording wildlife sounds,” says audio curator Greg Budney. “Whether you are a seasoned researcher or someone who’s never recorded a bird before, we give you the knowledge and skills to make wildlife recordings for education, research, and conservation or just for your own enjoyment.”
Through daily field recording sessions, lectures, and demonstrations, participants learn how to get the most out of their field recording equipment and take advantage of every recording opportunity. They also receive an introduction to sound analysis software that converts sound waves into visual images so they can “see” a bird’s sounds, revealing details that the human ear alone cannot detect.
Alumni of the program have gone on to record natural sounds around the world and contribute recordings to the Cornell Lab's Macaulay Library archive—the largest archive of bird and animal sounds in the world.
The Sound Recording Workshop fee of $985 covers tuition, class materials, local transportation, food, lodging, and the loan of a recording system for the course to the first six registrants who request it. A deposit is requested to reserve a space in the workshop, which is limited to 20 students. Registration and a $100 down-payment are due by May 15.
To register or get more information: Kelly Smith at (607) 254-6323 or kls66@cornell.edu.
The Great American Cleanup Trash Bash 2012
The Great American Cleanup Trash Bash 2012 will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012. In this event, is a friendly spirit competition prevails to recruit volunteers and reduce the most litter.
Contact Barb Venuto for more information at: 321-631-0501, ext. 203, or 321-480-9273 (cell), or bvenutokbb@yahoo.com http://keepbrevardbeautiful.com/events_trashbash.html.
Contact Barb Venuto for more information at: 321-631-0501, ext. 203, or 321-480-9273 (cell), or bvenutokbb@yahoo.com http://keepbrevardbeautiful.com/events_trashbash.html.
New Window Tape Can Significantly Reduce Bird Collisions at Homes
Reprinted from the American Bird Conservancy news
A new, translucent adhesive tape, which tests show can significantly reduce bird collisions with glass windows and doors, is now available to the public. The product is being sold by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and production of ABC; BirdTape is made possible through the generous support of the Rusinow Family Foundation.
Birds can't see glass and don't understand the architectural cues, such as window frames, mullions, and handles, that alert people to the hazard. Experts estimate that up to one billion birds may die each year from resulting collisions. Unlike some sources of bird mortality that predominantly kill weaker individuals, there is no distinction among victims of glass. Because glass is equally dangerous for strong, healthy, breeding adults, it can have a particularly serious impact on populations. Studies have shown that even small windows can be dangerous to birds that are accustomed to flying through gaps between trees and shrubs.
To learn more about ABC Bird Tape, go to: www.abcbirdtape.org. ABC has produced a video that demonstrates how to install the bird tape.
A new, translucent adhesive tape, which tests show can significantly reduce bird collisions with glass windows and doors, is now available to the public. The product is being sold by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and production of ABC; BirdTape is made possible through the generous support of the Rusinow Family Foundation.
Birds can't see glass and don't understand the architectural cues, such as window frames, mullions, and handles, that alert people to the hazard. Experts estimate that up to one billion birds may die each year from resulting collisions. Unlike some sources of bird mortality that predominantly kill weaker individuals, there is no distinction among victims of glass. Because glass is equally dangerous for strong, healthy, breeding adults, it can have a particularly serious impact on populations. Studies have shown that even small windows can be dangerous to birds that are accustomed to flying through gaps between trees and shrubs.
To learn more about ABC Bird Tape, go to: www.abcbirdtape.org. ABC has produced a video that demonstrates how to install the bird tape.
2012 Great American Arctic Birding Challenge
Reprinted From Audubon Chapter Services newsletter
Birds that breed in the Arctic have ranges that reach all 50 states and 6 continents. How many can you find in your state?
The Challenge: From March 1-June 1, try to beat the reigning record of 91 species! All you have to do is form a great team, record the Arctic birds you find, and submit your checklist.
Find detailed challenge instructions here: http://bit.ly/yQpGfM
Birds that breed in the Arctic have ranges that reach all 50 states and 6 continents. How many can you find in your state?
The Challenge: From March 1-June 1, try to beat the reigning record of 91 species! All you have to do is form a great team, record the Arctic birds you find, and submit your checklist.
Find detailed challenge instructions here: http://bit.ly/yQpGfM
Extremely Belated South Brevard Count Results
by Dee Fairbanks Simpson
This is an extremely belated thanks an update on the South Brevard Christmas Count. First, thanks so much to all of the volunteers who made it happen. Special thanks to Roy Book for handling the count in previous years, and for helping me through my first year. Special thanks also to the kind folks at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State park for providing vehicles and assistance with access to the park. And of course, thanks to all of the folks who counted.
Without further ado, here is the final tally (around 155 species, not sure if/what will be rejected by the official state compiler):
Canada Goose: 1
Graylag Goose: 1
Muscovey : 25
Wood Duck: 1
American Wigeon: 3
Mallard: 8
Mottled Duck: 193
Blue-Winged Teal: 48
Northern Shoveler: 12
Green-Winged Teal (American): 669
Ring-Necked Duck: 30
Lesser Scaup: 10
Hooded Merganser: 290
Red-Breasted Merganser: 18
Peafowl: 7
Wild Turkey: 74
Northern Bobwhite: 2
Common Loon: 4
Pied-Billed Grebe: 43
Horned Grebe: 2
Northern Gannet: 20
American White Pelican: 261
Brown Pelican: 351
Double Crested Cormorant: 1,013
Anhinga: 87
Magnificent Frigatebird: 4
American Bittern: 2
Great Blue Heron (Blue): 135
Great Egret: 167
Snowy Egret: 126
Little Blue Heron: 91
Tricolored Heron: 62
Reddish Egret: 3
Cattle Egret: 239
Green Heron: 11
Black-Crowned Night Heron: 29
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron: 2
White Ibis: 475
Glossy Ibis: 5
Roseate Spoonbill: 37
Wood Stork: 90
Black Vulture: 581
Turkey Vulture: 397
Osprey: 136
Bald Eagle (ad): 7
Bald Eagle (im): 8
Bald Eagle (uk): 2
Northern Harrier: 20
Sharp-Shinned Hawk: 2
Cooper's Hawk: 6
Red-Shouldered Hawk: 52
Broad-Winged Hawk: 2
Red-Tailed Hawk: 10
Crested Caracara: 4
American Kestrel: 138
King Rail: 1
Sora: 4
Common Moorhen: 62
American Coot: 187
Limpkin: 14
Sandhill Crane: 133
Black-Bellied Plover: 55
Killdeer: 203
American Oystercatcher: 6
Spotted Sandpiper: 4
Greater Yellowlegs: 108
Willet: 78
Lesser Yellowlegs: 57
Ruddy Turnstone: 78
Sanderling: 294
Least Sandpiper: 39
Dunlin: 406
Short-Billed Dowitcher: 452
Wilson's Snipe: 33
American Woodcock: 2
Laughing Gull: 286
Bonaparte's Gull: 1
Ring-Billed Gull: 740
Herring Gull: 6
Lesser Black-Backed Gull: 1
Great Black-Backed Gull: 22
Caspian Tern: 24
Forster's Tern: 22
Royal Tern: 228
Black Skimmer: 155
Rock Pigeon: 72
Eurasian Collared Dove: 134
White-Winged Dove: 196
Mourning Dove: 516
Common Ground Dove: 52
Barn Owl: 5
Eastern Screech Owl: 17
Great Horned Owl: 11
Barred Owl: 7
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: 2
Belted Kingfisher: 59
Red-Headed Woodpecker: 1
Red-Bellied Woodpecker: 146
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker: 15
Downy Woodpecker: 29
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker: 5
Northern (Yel-sh.) Flicker: 3
Pileated Woodpecker: 16
Eastern Phoebe: 97
Loggerhead Shrike: 42
White-Eyed Vireo: 21
Blue-Headed Vireo: 9
Blue Jay: 101
Florida Scrub-Jay: 43
American Crow: 9
Fish Crow: 321
Tree Swallow: 4,233
Brown-Headed Nuthatch: 9
Carolina Wren: 95
House Wren: 51
Sedge Wren: 4
Marsh Wren: 2
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet: 17
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher: 36
Eastern Bluebird: 4
American Robin: 7,918
Gray Catbird: 156
Northern Mockingbird: 131
European Starling: 256
Orange-Crowned Warbler: 3
Northern Parula: 3
Yellow-Rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: 1,297
Yellow-Throated Warbler: 4
Pine Warbler: 118
Prairie Warbler: 6
Palm Warbler: 230
Black-and-White Warbler: 7
Common Yellowthroat: 50
Eastern Towhee: 59
Bachman's Sparrow: 3
Chipping Sparrow: 10
Vesper Sparrow: 2
Savannah Sparrow: 113
Grasshopper Sparrow: 5
Song Sparrow: 1
Swamp Sparrow: 6
Northern Cardinal: 133
Indigo Bunting: 1
Painted Bunting: 19
Red-Winged Blackbird: 268
Eastern Meadowlark: 38
Common Grackle: 347
Boat-Tailed Grackle: 596
Brown-Headed Cowbird: 19
American Goldfinch: 2
House Sparrow: 38
Egyptian Goose: 1
Protonitary Warbler: 1
Barn Swallow: 9
Domestic Duck: 2
American Avocet: 2
Crow sp.: 4
Vulture sp.: 21
This is an extremely belated thanks an update on the South Brevard Christmas Count. First, thanks so much to all of the volunteers who made it happen. Special thanks to Roy Book for handling the count in previous years, and for helping me through my first year. Special thanks also to the kind folks at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State park for providing vehicles and assistance with access to the park. And of course, thanks to all of the folks who counted.
Without further ado, here is the final tally (around 155 species, not sure if/what will be rejected by the official state compiler):
Canada Goose: 1
Graylag Goose: 1
Muscovey : 25
Wood Duck: 1
American Wigeon: 3
Mallard: 8
Mottled Duck: 193
Blue-Winged Teal: 48
Northern Shoveler: 12
Green-Winged Teal (American): 669
Ring-Necked Duck: 30
Lesser Scaup: 10
Hooded Merganser: 290
Red-Breasted Merganser: 18
Peafowl: 7
Wild Turkey: 74
Northern Bobwhite: 2
Common Loon: 4
Pied-Billed Grebe: 43
Horned Grebe: 2
Northern Gannet: 20
American White Pelican: 261
Brown Pelican: 351
Double Crested Cormorant: 1,013
Anhinga: 87
Magnificent Frigatebird: 4
American Bittern: 2
Great Blue Heron (Blue): 135
Great Egret: 167
Snowy Egret: 126
Little Blue Heron: 91
Tricolored Heron: 62
Reddish Egret: 3
Cattle Egret: 239
Green Heron: 11
Black-Crowned Night Heron: 29
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron: 2
White Ibis: 475
Glossy Ibis: 5
Roseate Spoonbill: 37
Wood Stork: 90
Black Vulture: 581
Turkey Vulture: 397
Osprey: 136
Bald Eagle (ad): 7
Bald Eagle (im): 8
Bald Eagle (uk): 2
Northern Harrier: 20
Sharp-Shinned Hawk: 2
Cooper's Hawk: 6
Red-Shouldered Hawk: 52
Broad-Winged Hawk: 2
Red-Tailed Hawk: 10
Crested Caracara: 4
American Kestrel: 138
King Rail: 1
Sora: 4
Common Moorhen: 62
American Coot: 187
Limpkin: 14
Sandhill Crane: 133
Black-Bellied Plover: 55
Killdeer: 203
American Oystercatcher: 6
Spotted Sandpiper: 4
Greater Yellowlegs: 108
Willet: 78
Lesser Yellowlegs: 57
Ruddy Turnstone: 78
Sanderling: 294
Least Sandpiper: 39
Dunlin: 406
Short-Billed Dowitcher: 452
Wilson's Snipe: 33
American Woodcock: 2
Laughing Gull: 286
Bonaparte's Gull: 1
Ring-Billed Gull: 740
Herring Gull: 6
Lesser Black-Backed Gull: 1
Great Black-Backed Gull: 22
Caspian Tern: 24
Forster's Tern: 22
Royal Tern: 228
Black Skimmer: 155
Rock Pigeon: 72
Eurasian Collared Dove: 134
White-Winged Dove: 196
Mourning Dove: 516
Common Ground Dove: 52
Barn Owl: 5
Eastern Screech Owl: 17
Great Horned Owl: 11
Barred Owl: 7
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: 2
Belted Kingfisher: 59
Red-Headed Woodpecker: 1
Red-Bellied Woodpecker: 146
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker: 15
Downy Woodpecker: 29
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker: 5
Northern (Yel-sh.) Flicker: 3
Pileated Woodpecker: 16
Eastern Phoebe: 97
Loggerhead Shrike: 42
White-Eyed Vireo: 21
Blue-Headed Vireo: 9
Blue Jay: 101
Florida Scrub-Jay: 43
American Crow: 9
Fish Crow: 321
Tree Swallow: 4,233
Brown-Headed Nuthatch: 9
Carolina Wren: 95
House Wren: 51
Sedge Wren: 4
Marsh Wren: 2
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet: 17
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher: 36
Eastern Bluebird: 4
American Robin: 7,918
Gray Catbird: 156
Northern Mockingbird: 131
European Starling: 256
Orange-Crowned Warbler: 3
Northern Parula: 3
Yellow-Rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: 1,297
Yellow-Throated Warbler: 4
Pine Warbler: 118
Prairie Warbler: 6
Palm Warbler: 230
Black-and-White Warbler: 7
Common Yellowthroat: 50
Eastern Towhee: 59
Bachman's Sparrow: 3
Chipping Sparrow: 10
Vesper Sparrow: 2
Savannah Sparrow: 113
Grasshopper Sparrow: 5
Song Sparrow: 1
Swamp Sparrow: 6
Northern Cardinal: 133
Indigo Bunting: 1
Painted Bunting: 19
Red-Winged Blackbird: 268
Eastern Meadowlark: 38
Common Grackle: 347
Boat-Tailed Grackle: 596
Brown-Headed Cowbird: 19
American Goldfinch: 2
House Sparrow: 38
Egyptian Goose: 1
Protonitary Warbler: 1
Barn Swallow: 9
Domestic Duck: 2
American Avocet: 2
Crow sp.: 4
Vulture sp.: 21
Remembering Friend and SCAS Member Susan Bird
By Pat Meyer
Susan Bird was president of Indian River Audubon from 1991-1993. Her husband, Ralph, was president from 1996-1998.
Susan was a woman of many talents. She was an avid quilter and belonged to quilting clubs.
She worked in real estate for many years.
She worked on a committee to beautify Rockledge.
She organized many Audubon birding trips, including trips to Venezuela, Tobago Trinidad, Peru, Belize, and many trips to Mexico. In 1984, one of our first trips was to Ft. Jefferson in the Tortugas, we boated from Key West.
She also organized a wonderful trip from her house with snacks and we got on a bus to Orlando to see the movie "Winged Migration".
Her mother was the SCAS hostess for some years.
Susan help out at the Cocoa Christmas count potluck supper this year, but passed away a few weeks later. She looked so good at Christmas.
They had a wonderful tribute to her at Susan Nesbitt's house on Tropical Trail; over 100 attended in the back yard on the river. Many spoke of remembrances of Susan.
Susan Bird was president of Indian River Audubon from 1991-1993. Her husband, Ralph, was president from 1996-1998.
Susan was a woman of many talents. She was an avid quilter and belonged to quilting clubs.
She worked in real estate for many years.
She worked on a committee to beautify Rockledge.
She organized many Audubon birding trips, including trips to Venezuela, Tobago Trinidad, Peru, Belize, and many trips to Mexico. In 1984, one of our first trips was to Ft. Jefferson in the Tortugas, we boated from Key West.
She also organized a wonderful trip from her house with snacks and we got on a bus to Orlando to see the movie "Winged Migration".
Her mother was the SCAS hostess for some years.
Susan help out at the Cocoa Christmas count potluck supper this year, but passed away a few weeks later. She looked so good at Christmas.
They had a wonderful tribute to her at Susan Nesbitt's house on Tropical Trail; over 100 attended in the back yard on the river. Many spoke of remembrances of Susan.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Cocoa Christmas Bird Count Final Results
From co-compiler Dave Freeland: Initial reports are virtually complete for Saturday's Cocoa Christmas Bird Count, totaling 159 countable species plus 6 exotics/subspecies and 2 count-week species. One additional report is still to be received, but these totals are likely to stand. Best species reported were Common Goldeneye, Black-necked Stilt, Western Kingbird, Carolina Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler and Pine Siskin plus a count-week-only Short-tailed Hawk.
Also, a note of thanks -- which I know echoes the sentiments of my co-compilers, Dee Fairbanks Simpson and Mitchell Harris -- for your diligent work on behalf of the 61st Cocoa CBC. One checklist is yet to come in but, when it does, I believe it will confirm the excellent work done by all of our teams on Saturday. Thank the Lord for a rain-free day, though that's not always most conducive for top-level birding; it takes good team leaders and the good eyes & ears of many observers to make that happen. A complete list of species & numbers will be sent to all who participated as soon as it is compiled.
From co-compiler Dee Fairbanks Simpson: I posted pictures from the count to my blog, for those interested: http://deemotivation.blogspot.com/2011/12/event-update-cocoa-christmas-count.html
Final Results:
Also, a note of thanks -- which I know echoes the sentiments of my co-compilers, Dee Fairbanks Simpson and Mitchell Harris -- for your diligent work on behalf of the 61st Cocoa CBC. One checklist is yet to come in but, when it does, I believe it will confirm the excellent work done by all of our teams on Saturday. Thank the Lord for a rain-free day, though that's not always most conducive for top-level birding; it takes good team leaders and the good eyes & ears of many observers to make that happen. A complete list of species & numbers will be sent to all who participated as soon as it is compiled.
From co-compiler Dee Fairbanks Simpson: I posted pictures from the count to my blog, for those interested: http://deemotivation.blogspot.com/2011/12/event-update-cocoa-christmas-count.html
Final Results:
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: 158
- Mute Swan (exotic): 8
- Swan Goose (exotic): 1
- Greylag Goose (exotic): 4
- Canada Goose: 2
- Muscovy Duck: 46
- Wood Duck: 2
- American Wigeon: 2
- Mallard: 88
- Mallard X Muscovy Duck (hybrid): 1
- Mallard X Mottled Duck (hybrid): 26
- Mottled Duck: 200
- Teal sp: 11
- Blue-winged Teal: 170
- Northern Shoveler: 16
- 0 Northern Pintail: 5
- Redhead: 62
- Ring-necked Duck: 19
- Greater Scaup: 6
- Lesser Scaup: 155
- Common Goldeneye: 1
- Bufflehead: 15
- Hooded Merganser: 95
- Red-breasted Merganser: 26
- Common Peafowl (exotic): 45
- Common Loon: 24
- Pied-billed Grebe: 135
- Horned Grebe: 50
- Northern Gannet: 61
- American White Pelican: 200
- Brown Pelican: 800
- Double-crested Cormorant: 7300
- Anhinga: 300
- American Bittern: 1
- Least Bittern: 3
- Great Blue Heron: 217
- Great Egret: 418
- Snowy Egret: 650
- Little Blue Heron: 137
- Tricolored Heron: 675
- Reddish Egret: 8
- Cattle Egret: 450
- Dowitcher sp: 2
- Wilson'92s Snipe: 7
- Laughing Gull: 11
- Bonaparte'92s Gull: 1
- Ring-billed Gull: 8500
- Herring Gull: 400
- Lesser Black-backed Gull: 125
- Great Black-backed Gull: 42
- Caspian Tern: 26
- Forster'92s Tern: 19
- Royal Tern: 425
- Sandwich Tern: 50
- Black Skimmer: 100
- Rock Pigeon: 800
- Eurasian Collared-Dove: 225
- White-winged Dove: 30
- Mourning Dove: 1000
- Common Ground-Dove: 38
- Parrot sp. (exotic): 1
- Eastern Screech-Owl: 18
- Great Horned Owl: 8
- Barred Owl: 1
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 12
- Archilochus hummingbird sp: 5
- Belted Kingfisher: 91
- Red-bellied Woodpecker: 120
- 0 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
- Downy Woodpecker: 35
- Northern Flicker: 1
- Pileated Woodpecker: 24
- Empidonax flycatcher sp: 2
- Eastern Phoebe: 68
- Western Kingbird: 2
- Loggerhead Shrike: 57
- White-eyed Vireo: 11
- Blue-headed Vireo: 14
- Blue Jay: 109
- Florida Scrub-Jay: 18
- Fish Crow: 3300
- Tree Swallow: 11
- Barn Swallow: 1
- Carolina Chickadee: 1
- Green Heron: 17
- Black-crowned Night-Heron: 48
- White Ibis: 4200
- Glossy Ibis: 475
- Roseate Spoonbill: 99
- Wood Stork: 357
- Black Vulture: 600
- Turkey Vulture: 500
- Osprey: 225
- Bald Eagle (13 adult 21 imm): 34
- Northern Harrier: 5
- Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6
- Cooper'92s Hawk: 12
- Red-shouldered Hawk: 82
- Short-tailed Hawk: cw
- Red-tailed Hawk: 13
- Crested Caracara: 5
- American Kestrel: 61
- Merlin: 1
- Peregrine Falcon: 2
- Clapper Rail: 2
- King Rail: 7
- Virginia Rail: 1
- Sora: 30
- Common Gallinule: 135
- American Coot: 269
- Limpkin: 3
- Sandhill Crane: 46
- Black-bellied Plover: 100
- Semipalmated Plover: 20
- Killdeer: 136
- Black-necked Stilt: 3
- Spotted Sandpiper: 11
- Greater Yellowlegs: 43
- Willet: 35
- Lesser Yellowlegs: 23
- Ruddy Turnstone: 135
- Sanderling: 125
- Western Sandpiper: 1
- Least Sandpiper: 80
- Dunlin: 300
- Short-billed Dowitcher: 8
- Tufted Titmouse: 8
- Carolina Wren: 66
- Peregrine Falcon: 2
- Sedge Wren: 6
- Marsh Wren: 3
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 24
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 45
- Eastern Bluebird: 3
- Hermit Thrush: 1
- American Robin: 1500
- Gray Catbird: 192
- Northern Mockingbird: 177
- Brown Thrasher: 3
- European Starling: 500
- Cedar Waxwing: 51
- Orange-crowned Warbler: 11
- Northern Parula: 1
- Cape May Warbler: 1
- Yellow-rumped Warbler: 4400
- Yellow-throated Warbler: 9
- Pine Warbler: 23
- Prairie Warbler: 7
- Palm Warbler: 800
- Bay-breasted Warbler: 1
- Black-and-white Warbler: 7
- Worm-eating Warbler: cw
- Ovenbird: 3
- Northern Waterthrush: 3
- Common Yellowthroat: 77
- Tanager sp: 1
- Eastern Towhee: 17
- Chipping Sparrow: 18
- Savannah Sparrow: 55
- Grasshopper Sparrow: 2
- Swamp Sparrow: 57
- Northern Cardinal: 160
- Painted Bunting: 77
- Red-winged Blackbird: 1000
- Eastern Meadowlark: 3
- Common Grackle: 700
- Boat-tailed Grackle: 1600
- Brown-headed Cowbird: 425
- House Finch: 2
- Pine Siskin: 2
- American Goldfinch: 20
- House Sparrow: 130
Satellite Beach Recreation Department Upcoming Events
Marine Environmental Club
If you enjoyed Marine Biology Camp or have a great interest in marine activities, keep the excitement going with our Marine Environmental Club this school year! Youth 7-13 yrs. old can join Ms. Tiffany in monthly meetings that feature local experts in marine or environmental fields and marine activities! The club meets from 7-8pm Feb. 29, March 21, and April 25 at the DRS Community Center 1089 S Patrick Dr Satellite Beach Call 773-6458 for more information.
Samsons Island Volunteer Program
Samsons Island Nature Park is a 52 acre island owned by the City of Satellite Beach located in the Indian River Lagoon. Since 1991, city volunteers and staff have worked diligently to re-vegetate this spoil island so local flora and fauna can enjoy a small piece of open land. The Samsons Island volunteer program recruits individuals, families and local organizations to lend a hand with park duties that suit their ability level. You can volunteer any Sunday, 1-4pm during our regular park work day. Those interested in volunteering on Samsons Island can contact Kerry Stoms, Satellite Beach Recreation Dept. Director, at 773-6458 or kstoms@satellitebeach.org
Hightower Beach Park in Satellite Beach
Your family might wish to discover the educational boardwalk located at Hightower Beach Park, HWY AIA. Signage along the boardwalk provides information on whales, turtles, birds, our famous worm rock and much more. The message empowers those reading it to make a difference in the lives of each animal and gives instructions on how simple actions and result in big changes.
Beachlovers (and trash haters)
Beachlovers & Trash Haters are gathering at Pelican Beach Park, north dune crossover at 8am on the second Saturday monthly. The informal trash bash is spearheaded by Judy De La Rosa. Keep Brevard Beautiful will supply trash bags and gloves, volunteers should bring their own drinking water. No need to rsvp, just show up! Questions? Contact Judy at 960-0436 or judy@mitchrealty.com
Field Trip to Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge
The Conradina chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is hosting a field trip to Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge Sunday, January 15, 2012 starting at 9:00 a.m. Join us when we visit the Cruickshank Sanctuary and explore the scrub habitat that prevails at this 140 acre property that is managed by the Brevard County EEL Program. The Florida scrub-jay population has increased substantially in recent years to approximately 30 jays residing there currently.
Cruickshank Sanctuary is located at 360 Barnes Boulevard, 0.4 miles west of US-1. Come prepared to walk slowly for up to 2 miles on sandy paths. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water for your personal use.
Cruickshank Sanctuary is located at 360 Barnes Boulevard, 0.4 miles west of US-1. Come prepared to walk slowly for up to 2 miles on sandy paths. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water for your personal use.
PARC Announces 2012 Year of the Lizard Photography Contest
PARC is seeking close-up, digital photos of lizards, preferably in their natural habitats or within an educational or conservation context. One winner will be selected each month to be the featured photo as part of the Year-of-the-Lizard online (printable) calendar. Runner-up photos also will be included in the calendar. Additionally, all submitted images will be considered for use in the Year of the Lizard monthly newsletter and website as well as other PARC-related conservation, outreach, and educational efforts. Give us your best shot!
Photos will be judged on quality (resolution, lighting, composition) as well as the general appeal of the subject of the photo. The lizard(s) should be the focus of submitted photos. Photos also should capture the coloration, markings, and overall “personality” of the lizard(s), and should be accompanied by a conservation message related to the photo that highlights a conservation issue for the lizard(s) or its/their habitat. Multiple photos may be submitted.
Photos selected for a given month of the calendar will be selected by the 20th of the previous month (i.e., the winning photo for January will be selected on December 20th, and so on each month); however, photos will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered for future months. Winners will be notified of their photo’s selection via email and will be asked to provide a brief personal biography.
Please visit www.yearofthelizard.org for the photo contest entry form that MUST be submitted with photos, and for additional details regarding the photos contest, requirements, and Terms of Use.
More information and details on the Year of the Lizard is now posted at www.yearofthelizard.org. Please bookmark this address and keep checking back. Additional questions? Please email: PARCphotocontest@gmail.com.
Thank you for your participation.
Photos will be judged on quality (resolution, lighting, composition) as well as the general appeal of the subject of the photo. The lizard(s) should be the focus of submitted photos. Photos also should capture the coloration, markings, and overall “personality” of the lizard(s), and should be accompanied by a conservation message related to the photo that highlights a conservation issue for the lizard(s) or its/their habitat. Multiple photos may be submitted.
Photos selected for a given month of the calendar will be selected by the 20th of the previous month (i.e., the winning photo for January will be selected on December 20th, and so on each month); however, photos will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered for future months. Winners will be notified of their photo’s selection via email and will be asked to provide a brief personal biography.
Please visit www.yearofthelizard.org for the photo contest entry form that MUST be submitted with photos, and for additional details regarding the photos contest, requirements, and Terms of Use.
More information and details on the Year of the Lizard is now posted at www.yearofthelizard.org. Please bookmark this address and keep checking back. Additional questions? Please email: PARCphotocontest@gmail.com.
Thank you for your participation.
January Refuge Programs
By Tom Dunkerton
- Beginning Bird Tours Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 9 am except 1/1, 1/26, 1/28 & 1/29. A Fee of $3.00 per person, children under age 16 are free. Cash preferred. Join a Refuge volunteer for a guided three hour driving tour in the Refuge shuttle bus to learn how to identify many species of birds. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
- Eagle Program Every Wednesday and Friday in December at 1 pm except 1/13 & 1/27. Enjoy a presentation about the American Bald Eagle and learn about the life history of this magnificent bird. Call 321-861-5601 reservations
- Eagle Watch Along Black Point Drive Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm to 4 pm except 1/13 & 1/27. Weather permitting, a Refuge volunteer will be stationed along Black Point Wildlife Drive between Signs 11 & 12. A spotting scope will be available for viewing the eagle‚s nest. Reservations are NOT required, drive to Black Point Drive.
- All About Manatees Thursday, 1/5 at 1 pm. Learn all about manatees with Refuge volunteers during a photo presentation and hands on manatee artifacts.
- Ducks of the Refuge Sunday, 1/8 at 1 pm. View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus to observe ducks in the wild. Call 321-861-5601 for reservation
- All About Alligators Thursday, 1/12 at 1 pm. Learn all about alligators through a photo presentation and hands on alligator artifacts. Call 321-861-5601 reservations.
- Black Point Wildlife Drive Naturalist Program Friday, January 13 at 2 pm. Weather permitting, meet a refuge volunteer at Stop # 9 to learn about the wildlife of the area. No reservations required.
- Oak Hammock Hike Monday, 1/16 at 9 am. Take a 3/4 mile guided hike along the hammock trails to learn about the plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. Drinking water, insect repellant, closed walking shoes and long pants are recommended. Meet at the refuge visitor center. Loaner binoculars are available.
- Butterfly Survey Sunday, 1/22 at 9 am Volunteers and refuge staff will participate in a survey to identify butterflies in several habitats for the Butterfly Monitoring Network. No experience necessary. Bring water, snack & insect repellant and wear closed shoes and long pants. Call 321-861-5601.
- Refuge Photography Club Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, Thursday, January 19 at 6 pm The speakers will present on how to plan birding and photo tours inexpensively! For Information or to be added to the club‚s mailing list contact volunteer Lucy Pruss at 321-508-6742 or Lucinda.Pruss@gmail.com or Nancy Corona at 321-861-0668.
- Hawk Presentation & Tour Sunday, 1/22 at 1 pm. View a photo presentation followed by a driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus. .321-861-5601
- 15th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival 1/25 to 1/30. Learn about this world renowned festival by picking up a catalogue or visit the following website for more information: http://www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org
- Waterfowl Hunt Hunting occurs in most areas of the Refuge from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 pm on Wed., Sat, Sun. & some holidays. Hunting is prohibited on Black Point Drive. See 2011-2012 Hunting Regulations for more information.
Rallying Support for Florida's Special Places
(Reprinted from the Audubon Advocate)
A year has passed since Audubon announced the beginning of the Florida’s Special Places campaign – a project designed to get people to enjoy Florida’s conservation lands and waters. Anticipating that a stingy legislature would cut funding from public lands programs, Audubon is encouraging people to use our special places or lose them. By getting people into the parks with family and friends and then sharing those experiences through photos and online posts, a new wave of public lands advocates is arriving – just in the nick of time. Audubon kicked off the Special Places campaign in the precious Sandhill Lakes region of the Florida Panhandle. The sugar-sand hills and crystal blue lakes in this region were the first of scores of projects to make Audubon’s list of special places. Hundreds of people told their own online stories of Florida’s incredible natural beauty and public lands. From awe-inspiring wildlife to family memories and picture-perfect sunsets, Florida’s Special Places connect people with nature.
Last winter Audubon and others responded to state proposals to close 53 state parks. In just a few days the Florida’s Special Places Facebook page and the Audubon of Florida News blog were bursting with comments in support of these cherished public lands. Led by former Florida Audubon President Clay Henderson and journalist Lucy Tobias, Audubon launched a tour of 53 Parks in 53 Days. Advocates held rallies and celebrated the importance of these special places to our families and neighborhoods. After significant media attention and public response, Governor Scott backed away from the proposal. The grassroots advocates who showed such determination earlier in the year were soon tested again when a proposal was announced to build golf courses in state parks. Using the Florida’s Special Places network, Audubon worked with local chapters and other conservation groups to rally opposition until that plan was also withdrawn. Audubon staff and volunteers hosted and guided numerous events connecting people with and increasing public engagement for Florida’s Special Places. Some highlights from 2011:
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Barrier Island Center to host Birds of a Feather Program
By Heidi Grooms, Sanctuary Steward, Barrier Island Center
The Barrier Island Center invites young birders to attend a special presentation, Little Hatchlings "Birds of a Feather" on Thursday, January 19th at 10 a.m.
Learn all about bird migration and take a hike to look for bird food and resting places. Then use your creative skills to make a migration station for birds to stop off and have a bite to eat. For ages 2-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bring water. Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation.
Visit the Barrier Island Center online at www.barrierislandcenter.com.
The Barrier Island Center invites young birders to attend a special presentation, Little Hatchlings "Birds of a Feather" on Thursday, January 19th at 10 a.m.
Learn all about bird migration and take a hike to look for bird food and resting places. Then use your creative skills to make a migration station for birds to stop off and have a bite to eat. For ages 2-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bring water. Call 321.723.3556 to make your reservation.
Visit the Barrier Island Center online at www.barrierislandcenter.com.
Funding to Fight WNS
(Reprinted from Bat Conservation International's Newsletter)
The newly released federal budget for 2012 contains good news for bats. Congress is directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to spend $4 million for the fight against White-nose Syndrome, the rapidly spreading disease that has killed millions of bats across eastern North America since 2006. The direction was included in the Interior Appropriations segment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed and sent to President Obama for his signature.
The last time Congress designated funds for WNS was in 2010, when it appropriated $1.9 million to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year, Bat Conservation International and others in the bat-conservation community had requested $11.1 million for six federal agencies that respond to WNS. Click here to learn more.
The newly released federal budget for 2012 contains good news for bats. Congress is directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to spend $4 million for the fight against White-nose Syndrome, the rapidly spreading disease that has killed millions of bats across eastern North America since 2006. The direction was included in the Interior Appropriations segment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed and sent to President Obama for his signature.
The last time Congress designated funds for WNS was in 2010, when it appropriated $1.9 million to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year, Bat Conservation International and others in the bat-conservation community had requested $11.1 million for six federal agencies that respond to WNS. Click here to learn more.
January Events at Sam's House at Pine Island
Hello and Happy Holidays Sam's Friends!
The following are the events for January. In addition to our regular Nature Walks and House and Cabin tours, this month we have a guest presentation. Joe Zayas, who has been an EEL Program volunteer for over 20 years, will be leading a Medicinal Plant Hike on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. You'll be surprised to discover all the amazing uses for the plants around us.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Open House this past Saturday. The event was a resounding success! A special thank you to the Spade and Trowel Garden Club who decorated the house and cabin in holiday flare and sold handmade crafts and baked goods to benefit Sams. These talented women raised over $600, which will be used to purchase educational supplies for future programs.
The event would not have been possible, of course, without volunteers. A HUGE thank you to Joe Zayas, Bob Gross, Jim and Nancy Escoffier, Virginia and Ivan Moore, April Westmoreland, Fred Woelk, Dianne Kinser, Frank Fisher, Bill Quinter, Elaine Williams, and Martha Pressaro for helping everything run smoothly. Check out our Facebook Page to see photos from the Open House.
Hope to see you all soon!
Katrina
I resolve to check out a local organization...
Native Plant Society - Monday, January 9th 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Public Library at 540 E. Fee Avenue.
“From the Pleistocene to the Pioneers: The History of Pine Island and the Sams House” will be presented by Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell.
I resolve to exercise more...
Nature Walk - Friday, January 13th 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Burn calories while exploring the majestic palm hammock on our 1/2 mile nature trail. Recent sightings range from woodstorks to orchids. Led by Land Manager Scott Taylor.
I resolve to learn something new...
Medicinal Plant Hike - Saturday, January 14th 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Discover ancient and modern uses for the plants around us. Led by Joe Zayas, a volunteer with over 20 years of experience.
I resolve to explore our local history...
House and Cabin Tour - Saturday January 21st 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell will delve into the history of the 1875 Sams Cabin and the 1888 Sams House.
The following are the events for January. In addition to our regular Nature Walks and House and Cabin tours, this month we have a guest presentation. Joe Zayas, who has been an EEL Program volunteer for over 20 years, will be leading a Medicinal Plant Hike on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. You'll be surprised to discover all the amazing uses for the plants around us.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Open House this past Saturday. The event was a resounding success! A special thank you to the Spade and Trowel Garden Club who decorated the house and cabin in holiday flare and sold handmade crafts and baked goods to benefit Sams. These talented women raised over $600, which will be used to purchase educational supplies for future programs.
The event would not have been possible, of course, without volunteers. A HUGE thank you to Joe Zayas, Bob Gross, Jim and Nancy Escoffier, Virginia and Ivan Moore, April Westmoreland, Fred Woelk, Dianne Kinser, Frank Fisher, Bill Quinter, Elaine Williams, and Martha Pressaro for helping everything run smoothly. Check out our Facebook Page to see photos from the Open House.
Hope to see you all soon!
Katrina
Sams House at Pine Island
January Events
6195 North Tropical Trail Merritt Island, FL 32953 321.449.4720 www.facebook.com/samshousepineisland
Open Thursday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I resolve to check out a local organization...
Native Plant Society - Monday, January 9th 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Public Library at 540 E. Fee Avenue.
“From the Pleistocene to the Pioneers: The History of Pine Island and the Sams House” will be presented by Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell.
I resolve to exercise more...
Nature Walk - Friday, January 13th 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Burn calories while exploring the majestic palm hammock on our 1/2 mile nature trail. Recent sightings range from woodstorks to orchids. Led by Land Manager Scott Taylor.
I resolve to learn something new...
Medicinal Plant Hike - Saturday, January 14th 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Discover ancient and modern uses for the plants around us. Led by Joe Zayas, a volunteer with over 20 years of experience.
I resolve to explore our local history...
House and Cabin Tour - Saturday January 21st 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Education Coordinator Katrina Morrell will delve into the history of the 1875 Sams Cabin and the 1888 Sams House.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas Bird Count Stories
This month's Audubon Chapter Services Newsletter included the following:
"Those who participate in the Christmas Bird Count are part of a wonderful tradition, enjoying the treasure of each species tallied, and all in the service of science. Gary Langham, Vice President & Chief Scientist of Audubon, details his family’s experience on a recent CBC and asks you to share with us your CBC stories. Gary’s article, just released in American Birds, Summary of the 111th CBC, is available here: http://bit.ly/uLBCRO. Please let us know what the CBC means to you by sharing an anecdote or two, or even a photo. Send them to cbc@audubon.org. Throughout this year’s Christmas Bird Count, we will be featuring these stories and photos on our website and in our e-communications."
Here is the anecdote that I submitted:
"Back in 2002, I was new to Audubon. At a meeting in November, a guy came to the Space Coast Audubon to ask for volunteers for the Merritt Island CBC. I had no idea what a bird count was, but I thought the guy was the most handsome guy I'd ever seen in my life, so I signed up in hopes of seeing him again. Well, I got put on a team (not his) with "hard core" birders, which until that point I did not even know existed. They wouldn't stop to let me go pee, and since I was completely unskilled at going in the woods, I had to hold it for hours. I thought these people were completely insane, and to make matters worse, I didn't see that really cute again that day.
Time has a way of marching on though... I eventually did see that guy again (and again), we've been married for 6 years, and now I am the co-compliler of the Cocoa Christmas Count, and the compiler of the South Brevard Christmas Count. And my greatest accomplishment is that I can now successfully pee in the woods."
What are your favorite war stories from the counts? Please your stories as a reply to this post, I'm sure we would all love to hear them!
Christmas Bird Count Reminders: Volunteers Needed!
This is just a reminder that we have two bird counts coming up that we need volunteers for:
- Cocoa Christmas Bird Count, December 17: We still need volunteers for the post-count dinner. If you can bring food and help with set up and take down, please send mail to Dee Fairbanks Simpson. If you would like to participate in the count, please send mail to Dave Freeland.
- South Brevard Christmas Count, January 2, 2012: We still need a LOT of count volunteers, we still have some areas uncovered this year. Please contact Dee Fairbanks Simpson as soon as possible if you can participate in this count. If you have access to a 4-wheel drive vehicle, even better.
The CBCs are the largest Citizen Scientist project, and are vitally important to the continued monitoring and conservation of birds. Your continued help and support are sincerely appreciated.
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