A Tale of Two Moths by Dee Fairbanks Simpson

On the Friday of our last meeting, I went outside at lunch time and found the biggest moth I've ever seen in my life hanging on the side of my house, I seriously thought it was a bat at first. I got a bunch of pictures of it, and didn't think much more of it. However, at the meeting that night, Jim Meyer happened to mention that he too had seen a huge moth that day too. We were comparing notes, and even though Jim saw his in Titusville, and I saw mine in Fellsmere, it sure sounded like we were seeing at least the same type of moth. Here are our pictures for comparison (click on photo to enlarge):

Jim's Moth

Dee's Moth

Let us know in the comments if you know what kind of critters we have here!

Join SCAS For Our October Meeting

Join Space Coast Audubon for our October general meeting with special guest speaker, Katrina Morell. From the pleistocene to pioneers, Pine Island Conservation Area has a long history.  Come learn about Pine Island's past and get a sneak peak at the new Pine Island Management and Education Center/Sams House, run by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program.  The oldest standing home in Brevard County has been restored and converted into a museum with interactive exhibits and over six miles of nature trails.  The presentation will be conducted by Katrina Morrell, Education Coordinator and Center Manager.

Please join us at the Rockledge Presbyterian Church on the evening of October 21 at 7:30 for this exciting presentation!

Beach-nesting or Rooftop-nesting Birds

Hi everyone,

If you are aware of nesting locations of shorebirds and seabirds (on beaches or rooftops), please enter them in the statewide Florida Shorebird Database: www.flshorebirddatabase.org<http://www.flshorebirddatabase.org>.
We are conducting a statewide census and would appreciate any information you may have for your part of the state. Please forward this to anyone who may be able to help, and feel free to call/email me with any questions.

Thanks,

Naomi Avissar
Shorebird Partnership Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Habitat and Species Conservation
3900 Drane Field Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
Tel: (863) 370-6305* or (863) 647-4000 x1183

Check out Florida Shorebird Alliance: http://flshorebirdalliance.org/

Video Production Project by Jason Frederick

I would like to invite anybody, no matter their talent level, who would like to participate in making movies and Power Point Presentations for chapter meetings, educational presentations for schools, and other uses. I have several ideas for presentations and welcome other people's input as well.

Some of my ideas are for presentations on:

• Scrub Jays
• Gopher Tortoises
• Bird Migration in Brevard County
• Birds of Brevard County
• Butterflies

and about 100 more.

I would like to put together a team to work on these projects. What I need from you is:

• Photos
• Videos
• Music
• Time
• Effort
• Creativity
• Voices for voice overs
• Any thing you can spare.

I have software that can combine photos, videos, and music to make a movie or we can make Power Point Presentations. I am not expecting National Geographic quality presentations, but they are going to be great. If you would like to help out, please email me at heyyoukidd@yahoo.com or call me at 321-449-9678. You do not have to be Ansel Adams, just have the willingness to help.

Florida Keys HawkWatch by Jim Eager

The Florida Keys HawkWatch(FKH) is a collaborative effort of Rafael Galvez, with Tropical Audubon Society(TAS) and Jim Eager, with Space Coast Audubon Society(SCAS) with assistance from Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA).

The FKH count is conducted at Curry Hammock SP on Little Crawl Key just NE of Marathon in the beautiful Florida Keys.  This hawkwatch monitors 13 species of raptors on their fall migration to their wintering grounds.  FKH hosts the largest migration of Peregrine Falcons in North America.  On October 11, 2008 FKH had the amazing fortune of breaking the world record for the most Peregrine Falcons seen in 1 day anywhere in the world with an astonishing 638.  The hawk watch was started in 1999 and ran until 2008 when funding was lost.  Due to the loss of funding there was no hawk watch in 2009.  HMANA resurrected the hawk watch for the 2010 season.  They agreed to run it for one year and then they count on local ownership to step up and continue running the site but will continue to offer any assistance that is needed.  Due to the loss of funding and with the economy the way it is the former coordinator exhausted all resources in an attempt to maintain funding.  During the 2011 Space Coast Birding and Nature Festival I brought up the subject to an optics rep for a major sport optics company.

For 10 years the hawk watch was funded by the scientific community and the optics rep suggested we go in a different direction and approach it from a recreational standpoint.  We have been able to obtain funding from a major sports optics company, Florida Keys Birding Festival, Tropical Audubon, Space Coast Audubon and Florida Keys Audubon.  In addition we were awarded the Helen & Allan Cruickshank research award from Florida Ornithological Society(FOS).  Letters were sent out to all the Florida Audubon Society chapters in an attempt acquire more funding.  Funding is needed for stipends for 2 paid observers, mileage, housing for observers.  This will be an ongoing challenge year after year to acquire funding.  It is a pleasure to have SCAS as a partner and supporter and look forward to a promising relationship.  All SCAS members and friends are invited to come witness firsthand the amazing sight of raptor migration. The FKH will be conducted from September 15-November 13, 2011.

A Message From: 1000 Friends of Florida & the Future Is Now Foundation

Green Planning, Sustainability & Economic Vitality for Florida Communities

No-cost on-line events and services are now-available to assist Florida agencies, organizations and communities. “Smart Planning for a Green Future” is the theme, encompassing green planning, clean energy, sustainable economic development and more. Live on-line events are being hosted monthly with state and national experts. A Virtual Resource Center and state conference are also included. Sponsored by: 1000 Friends of Florida & the Future Is Now Foundation. For details and to hold your space for upcoming events: http://www.energysmartplanning.org./Webinars.html

• Sustainability & Energy Planning for Communities September 22, 2011 2:00 – 4:00 PM
• Transportation Alternatives for Energy Efficiency October 4 - 6, 2011 (tentative dates)
• Smart Planning for Communities: Tapping Green Energy Strategies for High Power Returns Held August 11, 2011   (Replay coming)

Sustainability & Energy Planning for Communities

• September 22, 2011 2:00 – 4:00 PM
• Brief: Communities across the country have been surveyed for their sustainability projects and strategies. Learn from the experience of others in or relevant to Florida communities. Also benefit from strategic guidance on how to plan for and implement clean, green communities. Access powerful-new-resources for local- support.
• Presenters:
• Jared Lang, Program Manager, Green Government Initiative, National Association of Counties
• Tammy Zborel, Senior Associate, Sustainability Program, Center for Research and Innovation, National League of Cities
• Alexander Dane, Project Leader, Strategic Energy Planning, National Renewable Energy Laboratories/US Department of Energy
• Tad McGilliard, Director of Sustainability, International City-County Management Association

Transportation Alternatives for Energy Efficiency

• October 4 - 6, 2011 (tentative dates)
• Brief: Many options exist for making communities more energy efficient though transportation choices … from land use planning and development practices to public transportation and operational systems to alternative fuel vehicles and a whole lot more. Find out what your community can do to tap significant efficiencies (and related benefits) for now and the long haul.

Smart Planning for Communities: Tapping Green Energy Strategies for High Power Returns 

• Aired live August 11, 2011  … replay to be available soon     
• 2 CM AICP credits
• Brief: Discover the realm of possibilities for communities through the integral relationships between smart planning, green energy, sustainability and jobs/economic vitality.  Learn about landmark practices, approaches and models that can be replicated in Florida communities.
• Presenters:
• Mitchell Silver, AICP, PP - President, American Planning Association & City of Raleigh, NC Chief Planning & Economic Development Officer and Director, Department of City Planning
• Paula Thomas, City of Raleigh, Manager, Office of Sustainability, City of Raleigh, NC
• Randall Reid, County Manager, Alachua County FL & Sustainability Committee Chair, International City-County Management Association
• Sean McLendon, Manager, Sustainability Program, Alachua County

 Additional events in the series will be announced throughout the year, along with the Virtual Conference & Expo planned for the Spring 2012.

The on-line sessions are designed to provide training, technical assistance and educational support to: local governments, community planners, environmental & planning officials, economic development agencies, professions & trades that serve communities, utilities, educational institutions, nonprofits, community leaders and others.
Continuing education credits for planners (AICP – CM) are available or being applied for regarding most sessions in the series. Other credits also may apply.
Further details about these and other Web-events and services of the initiative are at: www.EnergySmartPlanning.org.

We welcome your “spreading the word” with others in your agency, organization and community. All who would like to attend may do so. Sponsored by: 1000 Friends of Florida and the Future Is Now Foundation. Follow-us on Facebook and Twitter and sign onto our Home page for notices of future events. Email: support@energysmartplanning.org.

CNAH (Center for North American Herpetology) Announcement: New Book Available Gratis

A Runaway Train in the Making; The Exootic Amphibians, Reptiles, Turtles and Crocodilians of Florida by Walter E. Meshaka, Jr., 2011. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 6 (Monograph 1): 1-101

From the Introduction: As of 2004, 40 exotic species of herpetofauna occurred in established populations in Florida (Meshaka et al. 2004a), and two years later, Meshaka (2006) reviewed the inclusion of six more species. Yet another species appeared as established in 2007. In light of a wealth of new published information since Meshaka et al. (2004a) went to press and a continuing accumulation of new exotic species and colonies of existing exotic species, it became apparent that an update of Meshaka et al. (2004a) was warranted. Thus, this new edition is both a snapshot in time and a progress report, providing a summary of Florida’s exotic herpetofaunal phenomenon. Its goal remains unchanged: to convey to an audience of budding naturalists, land managers, professional biologists, and those at regulatory institutions what is currently known and unknown about the established ecology and colonization dynamics of each established species. This will better enable interested individuals to understand the colonization process and will provide them useful information with which to make wise management decisions.

CNAH Note: This book is highly recommended; Walter Meshaka is the leading authority on North America's exotic herpetofauna. He maintains a North American exotic web site that is updated daily at http://www.cnah.org/ex_nameslist.asp

Florida Keys Hawkwatch by Jim Eager

Thanks to all that have gone to Florida Keys Hawkwatch Facebook page and hit LIKE.  We were aiming for 100 LIKES by the end of August and now have 110.  Also, if you're interested check out our blog at floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com and keep up with the goings on during the season.  You can also go to www.hawkcount.org and also keep up.  Look forward to seeing folks from around the Space Coast that want to witness an exciting raptor migration.  I'm sure I've mentioned this but the hawkwatch has the largest migration of Peregrine Falcons anywhere in North America.

North American Migratory Count

Saturday, September 17th, 2011 will be the Fall migration count. Space Coast Audubon will again participate and we’ll have another picnic afterwards. We call this: Meet, Greet, Eat and Count, and here are the details:

Matt Heyden will be the coordinator for Brevard County. If you would like to participate in the count and/or the picnic, please contact him at 321-264-8909 or mheyden716@aol.com. His address is 516 Lake Dr. Titusville, Fl. 32780

At this point in time, most areas are open. 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 count is The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center. We will be there from 12:30 to 1:30 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 September 19. Everyone should bring their own lunch , and bring a chair. Do come, because this is the opportunity to make new friends and talk bird sightings.

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.

Stormwater...When it Rains…It Drains

Stormwater...When it Rains…It Drains with Elizabeth Melvin, Wednesday, September 21st at 6:00 PM at Cocoa Beach Library.

Elizabeth Melvin from Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office will offer all you need to know about stormwater pollution and water quality. She will provide an overview of how water quality is affected by stormwater run-off, Learn how you can become a steward of the Indian River Lagoon. The library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. 868-1104.

Margot Trafford
Adult Program Coordinator
868-1104

Oct. 15 Wildflower Symposium - You are Invited!

Please join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at Wekiwa Springs State Park's Youth Camp for a day of education and fun. This year's event features morning presentations then hand's-on afternoon workshops on such topics as nature photography, landscaping with wildflowers, propagation for home gardeners and more. There's also a wildflower walk with the ever-popular Dr. Walter K. Taylor, a plant and seed sale, door prizes and a silent auction.

Each participant will choose one afternoon workshop. Space is limited - purchase your ticket early to ensure your workshop choice.

Cost is $20 for FWF members and $30 for non-members. Become a member of the Foundation by visiting www.flawildflowers.org/membership.php


Download the full schedule at http://www.flawildflowers.org

Bird Man Walking (reprinted from Audubon Chapter Networker)

Inspired by a chance meeting in Tennessee during the 1970s with A Walk Across America author, Peter Jenkins, Brad Storey made a decision that one day he would put on a backpack and set out on a journey of his own.

Nearly thirty-five years later and recently retired, Brad told his family he was going to use his new-found time to walk across America with his dog, Xena. As a family, they agreed that walking for a cause would make his journey even more meaningful. Given Brad’s love for birdwatching, he immediately contacted the National Audubon Society and offered to help raise money for Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Program.

As a devoted birdwatcher, Brad has spent a lifetime inspiring friends and family to learn about birds and the threats they face due to habitat loss from climate change and development. So, starting this September, in Brunswick, GA, Brad and Xena take his message about protecting critical bird habitat across America--mile by mile, flyway by flyway.

From Brunswick, GA they will head west to Montgomery, Alabama and continue west along the Gulf Coast before heading to California. They will be stopping at Audubon Centers and Important Bird Areas along the way. Be sure to follow their progress on Brad’s Facebook Fanpage: Bird Man Walking to see where they’ll be walking, or visit his blog: http://birdmanwalking.wordpress.com/

Brad and Xena are inviting Chapter Members to JOIN them for any part of the walk and enjoy the birds along the way. The family has invited anyone who wants to meet up with Brad during his journey to contact his daughter, Lucy, at lstorey@southuniversity.edu or 412-377-9367.

If you can’t walk with Brad and Xena, but would like to support their effort to protect the most important places in America for birds, please consider making a donation to Audubon’s Important Bird Area’s Program at the following Audubon site: http://audubonaction.org/bradstorey.

Space Coast Audubon Fieldtrip to Viera Wetlands

Today we saw the usual mottled, blue winged teal and black bellied whistling ducks.  One of the ducks spotted in cell # 4 was obviously different from the other ducks so after getting out the scope and examining it closer,  Roy Book was able to ID it as a Fulvous Whistling Duck.

Here are some of the other birds seen today:

• Pied billed grebes
• Anhinga
• Black Terns
• Wilson’s Phalarope
• Black Necked Stilts
• Greater Yellow Legs
• Short billed dowitcher
• Western SP
• Least SP
• Solitary SP
• Stilt SP
• Pectoral SP
• Killdeer
• Semipalmated Plovers
• Kingfishers
• Bald Eagle
• Cara Cara
• Osprey
• Turkey Vulture
• Barn Swallows
• Common Ground Dove
• Sandhill cranes
• Wood storks
• Ibis – white,  glossy
• Herons - GB, LB, Grn, tri-colored
• Juvenile black crowned night heron
• Snowy, cattle & Great Egret
• Common moorhen
• Coots
• Red Bellied Woodpecker
• Shrike
• Mockingbirds
• Fish Crow
• Boat tailed grackles
• Red winged blackbirds
• Otter crossing road with a fish in its mouth

Vicky Hamilton

SCAS Field Trip Coordinator