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.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
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.
Reward Offered For Sighting of South Florida Rainbow Snake
(Reprinted from a CNAH email alert)
Feds May Have Prematurely Declared Species Extinct; Reward Intended to Spur Rediscovery, Protection
TAMPA, Florida — The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Snake Conservation announced today that they are offering a $500.00 reward for the first person to document the existence of the South Florida Rainbow Snake. Both conservation organizations believe that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month prematurely declared the species extinct without conducting targeted surveys and despite several unconfirmed sightings.
"Declaring the South Florida Rainbow Snake extinct without adequate search effort is scientifically irresponsible," said Cameron Young, executive director of the Center for Snake Conservation. "We hope that by offering a reward, we can rediscover this amazing reptile and implement conservation measures to ensure its survival into the future."
The South Florida Rainbow Snake is a harmless aquatic snake that feeds exclusively on the American eel. It is known from just three specimens, the last of which was collected in 1952 near Fisheating Creek in Glades County, Fla. In early October, the Service declared the snake extinct, thereby denying it protections under the Endangered Species Act. The Service made its determination without conducting any focused surveys for the reclusive reptile and despite anecdotal evidence of snakes eating eels in the Fisheating Creek area.
"It’s heart-wrenching to think the South Florida Rainbow Snake could be lost forever," said Collette Adkins Giese, a Center for Biological Diversity attorney focused on the protection of imperiled reptiles and amphibians. "But if we can find these snakes, they’d be very likely to get protection under the Endangered Species Act — the most powerful tool in the country for saving plants and animals from extinction."
The Service announced the extinction of the South Florida Rainbow Snake in response to a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the snake and more than 400 other aquatic species in the southeastern United States. If rediscovered, the Rainbow Snake would receive an in-depth scientific review along with 374 species from the petition (including 114 in Florida), which the Service found may warrant protection under Act.
Background
The South Florida Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma seminola) is a subspecies of Rainbow Snake known only from a single population in Fisheating Creek, which flows into the western side of Lake Okeechobee. Fisheating Creek remains relatively pristine and could still support the snakes. But potential habitat in other parts of Florida has been severely degraded by channelization and pollution, especially agricultural runoff. The snake is believed to be nearly entirely aquatic and active only at night, making detection difficult without extensive and specialized survey effort, although there were multiple unconfirmed sightings of the snake in the late 1980s. It’s a beautiful animal, with three red stripes along its iridescent bluish-black back and a belly that is yellow and red with black spots on each scale. Adult snakes can be over four feet long.
Snakes and other reptiles are among the most imperiled vertebrate species on the planet. Globally, nearly one-quarter of all evaluated reptile species are endangered or vulnerable to extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 2011 Red List. Also, scientists currently lack sufficient information to assess the status of nearly 20 percent of the world’s reptiles. Many species are disappearing faster than scientists can study them.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 320,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
The Center for Snake Conservation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the conservation of snakes and their natural ecosystems and implement positive change in human attitudes towards snakes.
Feds May Have Prematurely Declared Species Extinct; Reward Intended to Spur Rediscovery, Protection
TAMPA, Florida — The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Snake Conservation announced today that they are offering a $500.00 reward for the first person to document the existence of the South Florida Rainbow Snake. Both conservation organizations believe that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month prematurely declared the species extinct without conducting targeted surveys and despite several unconfirmed sightings.
"Declaring the South Florida Rainbow Snake extinct without adequate search effort is scientifically irresponsible," said Cameron Young, executive director of the Center for Snake Conservation. "We hope that by offering a reward, we can rediscover this amazing reptile and implement conservation measures to ensure its survival into the future."
The South Florida Rainbow Snake is a harmless aquatic snake that feeds exclusively on the American eel. It is known from just three specimens, the last of which was collected in 1952 near Fisheating Creek in Glades County, Fla. In early October, the Service declared the snake extinct, thereby denying it protections under the Endangered Species Act. The Service made its determination without conducting any focused surveys for the reclusive reptile and despite anecdotal evidence of snakes eating eels in the Fisheating Creek area.
"It’s heart-wrenching to think the South Florida Rainbow Snake could be lost forever," said Collette Adkins Giese, a Center for Biological Diversity attorney focused on the protection of imperiled reptiles and amphibians. "But if we can find these snakes, they’d be very likely to get protection under the Endangered Species Act — the most powerful tool in the country for saving plants and animals from extinction."
The Service announced the extinction of the South Florida Rainbow Snake in response to a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the snake and more than 400 other aquatic species in the southeastern United States. If rediscovered, the Rainbow Snake would receive an in-depth scientific review along with 374 species from the petition (including 114 in Florida), which the Service found may warrant protection under Act.
Background
The South Florida Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma seminola) is a subspecies of Rainbow Snake known only from a single population in Fisheating Creek, which flows into the western side of Lake Okeechobee. Fisheating Creek remains relatively pristine and could still support the snakes. But potential habitat in other parts of Florida has been severely degraded by channelization and pollution, especially agricultural runoff. The snake is believed to be nearly entirely aquatic and active only at night, making detection difficult without extensive and specialized survey effort, although there were multiple unconfirmed sightings of the snake in the late 1980s. It’s a beautiful animal, with three red stripes along its iridescent bluish-black back and a belly that is yellow and red with black spots on each scale. Adult snakes can be over four feet long.
Snakes and other reptiles are among the most imperiled vertebrate species on the planet. Globally, nearly one-quarter of all evaluated reptile species are endangered or vulnerable to extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 2011 Red List. Also, scientists currently lack sufficient information to assess the status of nearly 20 percent of the world’s reptiles. Many species are disappearing faster than scientists can study them.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 320,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
The Center for Snake Conservation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the conservation of snakes and their natural ecosystems and implement positive change in human attitudes towards snakes.
FWF Launches Research Literature Database
(Reprinted from the Florida Wildflower Foundation's News From the Field)
The Florida Wildflower Foundation launched an online research literature database of Florida wildflowers on Monday that draws together findings on more than 260 species.
“This new tool provides research sources that can be used to protect and preserve our native wildflower species,” said Lisa Roberts, the foundation’s executive director. “Because many Florida species also occur elsewhere in the Southeastern U.S., we expect wide interest in the database throughout the region.”
The collection, found at FlaWildflowers.org/Literature.php, is intended to give researchers, botanists, the nursery industry, conservation scientists, instructors and wildflower enthusiasts a resource that lets them easily find data on specific species. They will be able to tailor searches in a variety of ways, including using key words, authors’ names, and article topic.
Each data entry provides a brief synopsis of the study or article featured, along with links to records in national databases, including the USDA library and scientific journals.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation intends to keep expanding the database, which currently contains fewer than 10 percent of the state’s native plants. To recommend articles or make other suggestions, email literature@FlaWildflowers.org.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Maitland, Fla. Through programs that promote the use, availability and advantages of native wildflowers, the Foundation is helping to curb water use in landscapes, support pollinators that put food on our tables, reduce water and air pollution, provide wildlife habitat, and maintain a healthy environment for all. To learn more about its work, visit FlaWildflowers.org.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation launched an online research literature database of Florida wildflowers on Monday that draws together findings on more than 260 species.
“This new tool provides research sources that can be used to protect and preserve our native wildflower species,” said Lisa Roberts, the foundation’s executive director. “Because many Florida species also occur elsewhere in the Southeastern U.S., we expect wide interest in the database throughout the region.”
The collection, found at FlaWildflowers.org/Literature.php, is intended to give researchers, botanists, the nursery industry, conservation scientists, instructors and wildflower enthusiasts a resource that lets them easily find data on specific species. They will be able to tailor searches in a variety of ways, including using key words, authors’ names, and article topic.
Each data entry provides a brief synopsis of the study or article featured, along with links to records in national databases, including the USDA library and scientific journals.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation intends to keep expanding the database, which currently contains fewer than 10 percent of the state’s native plants. To recommend articles or make other suggestions, email literature@FlaWildflowers.org.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Maitland, Fla. Through programs that promote the use, availability and advantages of native wildflowers, the Foundation is helping to curb water use in landscapes, support pollinators that put food on our tables, reduce water and air pollution, provide wildlife habitat, and maintain a healthy environment for all. To learn more about its work, visit FlaWildflowers.org.
Interesting Blog by Marta Curti
I am sure that many of your members are general bird lovers, like me, and are interested in birding news no matter where it happens! So, I just wanted to share a very fun and informative blog with you. Different from most birding blogs, it contains entries on birding "hotspots" around the world, book reviews on wonderful books about birds, birding, and/or bird conservation that you may otherwise not have heard of, trip reports, conservation news (like a recently discovered Stygian Owl nest in Belize) and even links to some of the latest scientific articles, like a recent post on an adult Crested Eagle feeding a young Harpy Eagle in Panama!
The link to the blog is http://whitehawkbirding.com/en/blog.html. Please feel free to share this link with anyone you think might be interested.
Happy Birding!
The link to the blog is http://whitehawkbirding.com/en/blog.html. Please feel free to share this link with anyone you think might be interested.
Happy Birding!
CBC Participants: Loggerhead Shrikes Wearing Leg Bands Observations Requested
Dear Florida birders and Christmas Bird Count participants:
If you see a Loggerhead Shrike wearing leg bands, Wildlife Preservation Canada needs to know the details. Please report to: admin@wildlifepreservation.ca or 1‐800‐956‐6608
Recently, keen-eyed birders in Delaware and Virginia have reported two Canadian born shrikes. A photo of the Delaware bird with 4 colored leg bands can be seen in the attached pdf file. This file has many details about the extensive research in Ontario directed at the recovery of this endangered bird. If you are reporting a banded Loggerhead you should read this file.
Some of the banded birds are wearing geolocators fastened with a harness. These top priority birds have only 2 leg bands, red on one leg and silver on the other.
The geolocators will reveal where these endangered, migratory birds spend the winter. It is critical that we locate these birds so that we can retrieve the data. Note that the geolocator and the leg bands can be hard to see so please take a careful look. Photos are a great help, even grainy images can be useful.
Thank you,
Dan Bone, 705 887-4691
Volunteer- Wildlife Preservation Canada ( and die-hard Christmas Bird Count participant.)
If you see a Loggerhead Shrike wearing leg bands, Wildlife Preservation Canada needs to know the details. Please report to: admin@wildlifepreservation.ca or 1‐800‐956‐6608
Recently, keen-eyed birders in Delaware and Virginia have reported two Canadian born shrikes. A photo of the Delaware bird with 4 colored leg bands can be seen in the attached pdf file. This file has many details about the extensive research in Ontario directed at the recovery of this endangered bird. If you are reporting a banded Loggerhead you should read this file.
Some of the banded birds are wearing geolocators fastened with a harness. These top priority birds have only 2 leg bands, red on one leg and silver on the other.
The geolocators will reveal where these endangered, migratory birds spend the winter. It is critical that we locate these birds so that we can retrieve the data. Note that the geolocator and the leg bands can be hard to see so please take a careful look. Photos are a great help, even grainy images can be useful.
Thank you,
Dan Bone, 705 887-4691
Volunteer- Wildlife Preservation Canada ( and die-hard Christmas Bird Count participant.)
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