Tuesday, January 22, 2013
New Young Birders Network Aims to Fledge Teen Birders
From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Online info hub connects young birders with peers and resources across country
Teen birders now have a place to go online to connect with peers and drill down into a wealth of birding resources, as well as explore college and career opportunities. The Young Birders Network (www.youngbirdersnetwork.net), launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Ohio’s Black Swamp Bird Observatory, serves as a hub for the many young birding clubs sprouting up across the country, while providing an online community for teens to share information and learn more about birding.
"Teen birders are often unsure of how to turn their hobby into a meaningful career," said Cornell University biology junior Hope Batcheller, who is also a Young Birders Network coordinator. "This site answers many of their frequently asked questions."
The Young Birders Network aggregates everything a teen needs to plug into their local birding scene, meet their birding peers, and delve deeper into the world of birding:
A directory of young birding clubs, blogs and Facebook groups, events, and conferences across the country;
Articles and links to resources about the many ways a passion for birding can turn into a college major and career, from ornithology and conservation biology to art and computer science; and,
A custom eBird portal for easy online management of birding checklists and access to all the birding tools eBird offers.
Articles on the Young Birders Network home page are written by a mix of middle school and high school students, Cornell University students, and eBird and Black Swamp Observatory professionals, creating a forum for teens to interact with college and adult birders. And for teens who don’t find a birding club near them, the Young Birders Network offers a toolkit for starting their own club.
"Since Black Swamp Bird Observatory launched the Ohio Young Birders Club in 2006, much of our efforts have focused on providing information and assistance to other groups interested in starting a similar program for youth," said Kimberly Kaufman, executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. "The opportunity to work with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on the Young Birders Network (YBN) is a dream come true. Our combined knowledge, enthusiasm, and additional resources will allow us to encourage, educate, and empower more young people than we could have ever reached on our own. These are exciting times for anyone with an interest in getting more young people outside and connected with birds!"
"I certainly wish I had a central resource hub like this during high school. Until now there was really nowhere to find all this information about young birder happenings in one place," said Batcheller. "I’m excited to share this site with new birders and introduce them to the awesome world of birding and ornithology."
The Alarming Truth About Florida's Wading Birds
Jonathan Webber, Conservation Campaign Manager Audubon of Florida
Audubon Florida has released their 2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Fact Sheet:(http://audubonoffloridanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Audubon_Everglades_WadingBirds_JAN2013.pdf)
The South Florida Water Management District’s annual South Florida Wading Bird Report (http://bit.ly/ZcUStU) provides an overview of wading bird nesting efforts across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. An indicator of ecosystem health, wading bird populations are a central component of evaluating Everglades restoration efforts. Numerous ecologists contribute data from all corners of the ecosystem, which is compiled to evaluate overall nesting effort with notes on long and short-term trends.
Audubon’s 2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Fact Sheet outlines their summary of a few report components, including a status of nesting Roseate Spoonbills in Florida Bay and Wood Storks at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provided by Audubon scientists. January to December 2012 was the third consecutive year of relatively poor nesting effort across the Everglades, with success better in some regions and among certain species than others.
Restoration projects currently under construction or in the planning phase are urgently needed to reverse ecological declines in the Everglades and enable wading birds to return historical nesting locations and to nest in greater abundance.
Stay engaged with Audubon’s Everglades Conservation Team and help protect one of Florida’s gems, our famed River of Grass.
Download Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/ZcUKdQ
Audubon Florida has released their 2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Fact Sheet:(http://audubonoffloridanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Audubon_Everglades_WadingBirds_JAN2013.pdf)
The South Florida Water Management District’s annual South Florida Wading Bird Report (http://bit.ly/ZcUStU) provides an overview of wading bird nesting efforts across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. An indicator of ecosystem health, wading bird populations are a central component of evaluating Everglades restoration efforts. Numerous ecologists contribute data from all corners of the ecosystem, which is compiled to evaluate overall nesting effort with notes on long and short-term trends.
Audubon’s 2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Fact Sheet outlines their summary of a few report components, including a status of nesting Roseate Spoonbills in Florida Bay and Wood Storks at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provided by Audubon scientists. January to December 2012 was the third consecutive year of relatively poor nesting effort across the Everglades, with success better in some regions and among certain species than others.
Restoration projects currently under construction or in the planning phase are urgently needed to reverse ecological declines in the Everglades and enable wading birds to return historical nesting locations and to nest in greater abundance.
Stay engaged with Audubon’s Everglades Conservation Team and help protect one of Florida’s gems, our famed River of Grass.
Download Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/ZcUKdQ
Join SCAS for: David Simpson Presents the Second Florida Breeding Bird Atlas Project
Please join us at the Rockledge Presbyterian Church on the evening of December 21 at 7:30 for this interesting and informative meeting!
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all general meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. in Calvin Hall at the Rockledge Presbyterian Church, 921 Rockledge Drive (on the corner of Orange Ave) Rockledge, FL.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Join SCAS For Our January Meeting!
Join Space Coast Audubon Society on the evening of January 18, at 7:30 when we welcome Tom Hoctor from the University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and the Conservation Trust for Florida. Tom will give us a presentation about the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) is a part of the Florida Greenways Program and identifies the opportunities to protect functionally connected landscapes of conservation significance across the state, with the highest FEGN priorities named Critical Linkages. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is an outreach and education campaign to promote this vision of an ecologically-connected network of public and private conservation lands, which was conceived by Carlton Ward from the Legacy Institute for Nature and Culture and developed in collaboration with Tom Hoctor from the University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and the Conservation Trust for Florida.
In 2012, after two years in planning, the project debuted in the form of a 1000-mile, 100 day expedition from Florida Bay in Everglades National Park up the peninsula to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia. The trek was carried out by four Florida-based conservationists: photojournalist Carlton Ward, Jr., biologist Joe Guthrie, nature filmmaker Elam Stoltzus, and conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt. Their route mimicked the path a wide-ranging animal like a panther or a bear might use to move through the landscape, by sticking to large natural and rural landscapes and utilizing existing highway wildlife crossings or underpasses. The expedition touched virtually all of the large publicly-owned conservation landmarks on the Florida peninsula, such as Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve, Ocala National Forest, and Osceola National Forest.
But a large proportion of the south-central Florida peninsula is held by private landowners, and their participation in conservation programs is vital to protecting focal species habitat and water quality and quantity in the upper reaches of the Everglades and St. Johns River watersheds. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition visited and highlighted these properties, seeking to advance the conversation between the agricultural interests and the conservation community. There is an urgent need to build support for funding voluntary programs that can help compensate landowners for putting their land into conservation including Florida Forever, which is Florida’s premier conservation land acquisition program that has been lagging in the last several years due to severe budget cuts.
To help do this the group invited politicians, policy makers, and stakeholders to hike or paddle with them. The group used a variety of outreach tools, like social media, weekly videos and radio reports from the field, and blogs to communicate with the audience their trek attracted. A film about the expedition by Elam Stoltzfus will air on PBS in April 2013 in Florida and in June 2013 nationally, and the education and outreach effort will continue through publications, presentations, and social media.
For more information, go to http://www.floridawildlifecorridor.org/.
The Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) is a part of the Florida Greenways Program and identifies the opportunities to protect functionally connected landscapes of conservation significance across the state, with the highest FEGN priorities named Critical Linkages. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is an outreach and education campaign to promote this vision of an ecologically-connected network of public and private conservation lands, which was conceived by Carlton Ward from the Legacy Institute for Nature and Culture and developed in collaboration with Tom Hoctor from the University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and the Conservation Trust for Florida.
In 2012, after two years in planning, the project debuted in the form of a 1000-mile, 100 day expedition from Florida Bay in Everglades National Park up the peninsula to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia. The trek was carried out by four Florida-based conservationists: photojournalist Carlton Ward, Jr., biologist Joe Guthrie, nature filmmaker Elam Stoltzus, and conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt. Their route mimicked the path a wide-ranging animal like a panther or a bear might use to move through the landscape, by sticking to large natural and rural landscapes and utilizing existing highway wildlife crossings or underpasses. The expedition touched virtually all of the large publicly-owned conservation landmarks on the Florida peninsula, such as Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve, Ocala National Forest, and Osceola National Forest.
But a large proportion of the south-central Florida peninsula is held by private landowners, and their participation in conservation programs is vital to protecting focal species habitat and water quality and quantity in the upper reaches of the Everglades and St. Johns River watersheds. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition visited and highlighted these properties, seeking to advance the conversation between the agricultural interests and the conservation community. There is an urgent need to build support for funding voluntary programs that can help compensate landowners for putting their land into conservation including Florida Forever, which is Florida’s premier conservation land acquisition program that has been lagging in the last several years due to severe budget cuts.
To help do this the group invited politicians, policy makers, and stakeholders to hike or paddle with them. The group used a variety of outreach tools, like social media, weekly videos and radio reports from the field, and blogs to communicate with the audience their trek attracted. A film about the expedition by Elam Stoltzfus will air on PBS in April 2013 in Florida and in June 2013 nationally, and the education and outreach effort will continue through publications, presentations, and social media.
For more information, go to http://www.floridawildlifecorridor.org/.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Satellite Beach Recreation Department January Events
Wed Jan 16 - Affordable Surf Fishing Clinic A-to-Z - 8am-12:30pm
Here’s an excellent opportunity for you to increase the affordability and ease of every surf fishing trip you take the rest of your life. This $40 clinic will not only cover the surf fishing fundamentals and skills needed to improve one’s catching, it will also detail the areas were you can save money and time while pursuing this outdoor activity. John Detmer & Rodney Smith will share the knowledge needed to catch pompano, whiting, drum, flounder, mackerel, and a host of other surf species. Attendees will receive a Surf Fishing Tackle bag.
Location: Pelican Beach Clubhouse 1495 Hwy A1A Satellite Beach
Registration: Contact John 777-5554 jdetmer@cfl.rr.com or Rodney Smith at rodney@coastalanglermagazine.com
Beachlovers (and trash haters)
Beachlovers & Trash Haters are gathering at Pelican Beach Park, at the crossover behind the restroom at 8am on the second Saturday monthly. Keep Brevard Beautiful will supply trash bags and gloves, volunteers should bring their own drinking water. No need to rsvp, just show up! Questions? Call Judy, 960-0436 or judy@mitchrealty.com
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, 773-6458 kstoms@satellitebeach.org
Boating Classes
A listing of Boating Education classes for adults can be viewed at http://bananariversps.org/Education.aspx
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Join SCAS for: Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk
Bob Montanaro's interest in Ospreys led to a three-year project documenting the lives of these birds of prey at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge---the nation’s first wildlife refuge established by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. The presentation, "Ospreys of Pelican Island: An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk", is a portrayal of a typical Osprey nesting season pieced together from several years of observations and photography. Additionally, the program showcases encounters with other wildlife in the Refuge---everything from River Otters and a family of Pileated Woodpeckers to fighting Red-Shouldered Hawks! For more information, visit www.ospreywatch.org
Bob Montanaro is the administrative assistant for the Pelican Island Audubon Society where he handles all aspects of the day-to-day running of the chapter. Bob has recently finished his newest program, "Critters, Cows, & Cowboys: A Photographic Exploration into the Wildlife and Work of Treasure Hammock Ranch", about cattle ranching and wildlife on a Florida cattle ranch. For more information, visit www.lunarcabin.com.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Fertilizer Ordinance Hearing at Brevard County Commission
By Maureen Rupe
Proposed Fertilizer Ordinance Hearing
No Need to Speak. Just Wear a Sticker to Identify you as a Supporter of the More Restrictive Ordinance Passed by the Planning & Zoning Board. Stickers will be available at the door.
Talking Points:
Proposed Fertilizer Ordinance Hearing
- When: Tuesday, December 11, 2012
- Time Certain: 1:30 pm
- Location: Brevard County Commission’s Chambers, County Complex Bldg. C, Viera, FL 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way - Building C, Viera, FL 32940
No Need to Speak. Just Wear a Sticker to Identify you as a Supporter of the More Restrictive Ordinance Passed by the Planning & Zoning Board. Stickers will be available at the door.
Talking Points:
- Only allow Fertilizers containing at least 50% slow release nitrogen. No Fertilizers in Brevard containing phosphorus unless soil testing proves that it is needed.
- Ban Fertilizers application within 15 feet of a waterway.
- Ban fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen in the rainy season from June 1st through September 30th. Use Fertilizers containing iron instead.
- Here is the link to the county website information about the commission meeting and topic: brevardcountyfl.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.ASPX
- Here is a link to the recent Florida Today article http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20121202/NEWS01/312020050/Will-fertilizing-your-lawn-soon-breaking-law-?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Snowbirds
By Rosemary Badger, Naturalist, Environmental Learning Center, www.DiscoverELC.org
As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!
About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida, some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.
At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).
Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.
Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.
So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.
Hope to see you soon!As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!
About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida, some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.
At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).
Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.
Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.
So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.
Hope to see you soon!
As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!
About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida, some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.
At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).
Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.
Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.
So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.
Hope to see you soon!As winter approaches, expect the arrival of snowbirds, both feathered and human. Snowbirds are northern birds that migrate to or through Florida during the winter. This term also applies to northern-climate humans that spend winter in southern climates. So, prepare for the influx in both bird and human populations!
About 75% of the 650 species of birds in North America migrate. Migration, an annual event, is a response to food availability, habitat or weather. Some birds have an internal clock that prepares them for migrating. In Florida, some birds stay a couple of months until breeding and nesting grounds up north thaw, some birds rest here before heading to South or Central America, others nest here staying about 6 months before heading north. Here are a few of our favorite snowbirds.
At the ELC, we are always excited to spot the first white pelicans of the season. These birds have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet with white plumage and distinctive black wingtips. American White Pelicans begin nesting in early April in remote lakes of inland North America. In Florida, the white pelican shows up along coastal waters and large lakes mid-October through March. One local spot for these birds is Pelican Island within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian. You can walk the Centennial Trail to an observation tower overlooking the island. Or, for the more adventuresome, you can kayak to the boundaries of the island, or take a pontoon boat trip. The ELC offers both of these trips in "snowbird" season (visit www.DiscoverELC.org for a complete schedule).
Twice a year we have opportunities to see purple martins. The male is cloaked in black purple feathers and sings the most beautiful song. These insectivores migrate to South America passing through Florida September-October. During this migration, flocks of thousands of martins can be spotted. While in South America these birds molt an entirely new plumage of feathers. Starting to return to the eastern coast of North America in January, some pairs remain here, while others continue along as far north as Canada. Unfortunately the eastern coast species has become totally dependent on man made cavities, such as purple martin houses. The purple martin house at the ELC is set up in February.
Florida hosts many bald eagles year round, but many head to northern sites in the spring. Males and females form life-long bonds and return to the same breeding territory year after year - usually in late September or early October in Florida. They reuse the same nest if the site is still there. Bald eagles use forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging, mainly for fish.
So, if you are ready to look for snowbirds grab your binoculars, your bird guides and head out into nature. You can even sign up for one of our many pontoon boat trips.
Hope to see you soon!
Space Coast Audubon Field Trip Report
By Phyllis Mansfield
Lora and Matt beautifully arranged the field trip to Blue Heron Water Treatment Facility this morning for 10 birders. A bonus was Matt and his vehicle to transport scopes and tired walkers! 44 species were seen during the morning and the highlights were probably the 3 AMERICAN BITTERNS. Marilyn spotted a SORA RAIL, and we were to hear a couple more. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were calling and showing off their unmistakable color. BLUE-WINGED TEAL were present and a lovely flock of AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN soared overhead. NORTHERN HARRIER and RED-SHOULDERED HAWK are dependable here while a MERLIN was an added bonus. I counted 6 GREEN HERON, only 1 WOOD STORK. 3 CASPIAN TERNS, plenty of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and YELLOW-RUMPS and good numbers of PALM WARBLERS. SAVANNAH SPARROWS were scarce with only a few SWAMP SPARROWS.
The finale was lunch with Matt and Lora while we watched PAINTED BUNTINGS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, TUFTED TITMOUSE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BLUE JAYS and NORTHERN CARDINALS.
Great morning and much thanks go to Lora and Matt.
Lora and Matt beautifully arranged the field trip to Blue Heron Water Treatment Facility this morning for 10 birders. A bonus was Matt and his vehicle to transport scopes and tired walkers! 44 species were seen during the morning and the highlights were probably the 3 AMERICAN BITTERNS. Marilyn spotted a SORA RAIL, and we were to hear a couple more. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were calling and showing off their unmistakable color. BLUE-WINGED TEAL were present and a lovely flock of AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN soared overhead. NORTHERN HARRIER and RED-SHOULDERED HAWK are dependable here while a MERLIN was an added bonus. I counted 6 GREEN HERON, only 1 WOOD STORK. 3 CASPIAN TERNS, plenty of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and YELLOW-RUMPS and good numbers of PALM WARBLERS. SAVANNAH SPARROWS were scarce with only a few SWAMP SPARROWS.
The finale was lunch with Matt and Lora while we watched PAINTED BUNTINGS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, TUFTED TITMOUSE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BLUE JAYS and NORTHERN CARDINALS.
Great morning and much thanks go to Lora and Matt.
December Events at Sams House at Pine Island - Celebrating Families!
By Katrina Morrell, CIT, CIP, Education Coordinator Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area
Pioneer Picnic and Nature Crafts - Saturday, December 1st, noon to 2 pm
Bring the family and a picnic lunch while “Sister” and “Sarah” Sams delight you with pioneer tales and old-fashioned nature crafts.
John H. Sams: A Pioneer Story - Saturday, December 8th, 3 pm to 3:30 pm
Get the inside scoop on the heritage and life of Merritt Island pioneer John Sams. Mr. Sams was the first Superintendent of Brevard County Schools and built the oldest standing home in Brevard County, the 1875 Sams cabin.
Sounds of the Night Marshmallow Roast - Saturday, December 15th, 4 pm to 6 pm
Discover what animals make the sounds you at hear at night with a special family friendly slideshow, then listen for those sounds while roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
Pioneer Pathways Hike - Friday, December 21st and Saturday, December 29th, 10 am to 11:30 am
Learn what life was like for early pioneers and what plants and animals they used in this informative 1/2 mile nature hike.
Family Nature Hike - Saturday, December 22nd, 10 am to 11:30 am
Enjoy some family bonding time while exploring the beauty of Pine Island. This short nature hike is good for all ages.
Family Tree Craft - Thursday, December 27th, 10 am to 11 am
Using our template and your family pictures, we’ll create a family tree worthy of framing!
Florida History Expedition - Friday, December 28th 10 am to noon
Perfect for elementary-school aged children and their families. We’ll travel back in time to Florida’s beginnings, sift for Ice Age fossils, learn how to throw a spear, and discover what pioneer life was like.
1875 Cabin and 1888 House Tours - every Thursday, 3:00 - 3:30 pm
Pioneer Picnic and Nature Crafts - Saturday, December 1st, noon to 2 pm
Bring the family and a picnic lunch while “Sister” and “Sarah” Sams delight you with pioneer tales and old-fashioned nature crafts.
John H. Sams: A Pioneer Story - Saturday, December 8th, 3 pm to 3:30 pm
Get the inside scoop on the heritage and life of Merritt Island pioneer John Sams. Mr. Sams was the first Superintendent of Brevard County Schools and built the oldest standing home in Brevard County, the 1875 Sams cabin.
Sounds of the Night Marshmallow Roast - Saturday, December 15th, 4 pm to 6 pm
Discover what animals make the sounds you at hear at night with a special family friendly slideshow, then listen for those sounds while roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
Pioneer Pathways Hike - Friday, December 21st and Saturday, December 29th, 10 am to 11:30 am
Learn what life was like for early pioneers and what plants and animals they used in this informative 1/2 mile nature hike.
Family Nature Hike - Saturday, December 22nd, 10 am to 11:30 am
Enjoy some family bonding time while exploring the beauty of Pine Island. This short nature hike is good for all ages.
Family Tree Craft - Thursday, December 27th, 10 am to 11 am
Using our template and your family pictures, we’ll create a family tree worthy of framing!
Florida History Expedition - Friday, December 28th 10 am to noon
Perfect for elementary-school aged children and their families. We’ll travel back in time to Florida’s beginnings, sift for Ice Age fossils, learn how to throw a spear, and discover what pioneer life was like.
1875 Cabin and 1888 House Tours - every Thursday, 3:00 - 3:30 pm
Make this Holiday Season Count for Conservation!
Reprinted from the Audubon Advocate
Bring Legacy campaign petitions to your next holiday gathering.
In Florida, the holiday season for many people means enjoying time with family outside. Whether it's walking along the beach searching for shells or camping at one of our amazing state parks, you've no doubt experienced how amazing Florida's natural areas are during our beautiful fall season.
Thanks to volunteers across the state, the Florida Water and Land Legacy campaign continues to gather momentum. Over 27 Audubon chapters have endorsed the campaign as organizations. Congratulations to Alachua Audubon for remaining in the top 4 petition gathering organizations for the third week in a row!
What's their secret? Sharing the job. Leaders participating include Helen Warren, John Killian, Emily Schwartz, Debra Segal and Kathy Fanning. Duval Audubon popped up into 4th place this week listing Pete Johnson as the primary gatherer and Dave Kandz put St. Petersburg Audubon on the list last week.
Individual stars include Paula Wehr from Halifax River Audubon, John Hood from Clearwater Audubon (in the top ten for 2 weeks) and Carl Veaux from Audubon of Southwest Florida.
But we still need your help to gather signatures. All you need to do is gather at least 15 signatures from your friends, neighbors, and co-workers during the holiday season.
So pick up your package of petitions today. Be sure to check out the short training video and get ready to make a difference for Florida's environment! There are people all over the state with supplies so to find a stash near you - contact Jason Brady at jason@floridawaterlandlegacy.org.
Here are a few ideas for how to get your signatures:
As you get together for family gatherings and office parties, bring along some petitions and gather from the people you know.
Are you heading to a Turkey Trot or other outdoor event next week? Gather a few signatures while you're registering (or while relaxing with your post-race snacks and beverages!) Many cities are hosting Thanksgiving Day races. Here are just a few: Miami, Tampa/Pinellas, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Coral, and Naples.
Knock on a few doors in your neighborhood and ask you neighbors to sign! Many people bring goodies to neighbors during the holiday season, so use it as an opportunity to gather signatures too.
If you need petitions, please let the campaign know ASAP or contact (850) 629-4656.
Audubon and the Florida Water and Land Legacy campaign thank you for all your support. Keep up the incredible work!
Christmas Bird Count: Exciting News!
Reprinted From Audubon Chapter Services Newsletter
The Christmas Bird Count is coming! This year’s count period is Dec 14, 2012 to January 5, 2013, and we want to thank you in advance for all you do as Chapter leaders to make this Count happen. Chapters nationwide organize and run hundreds of count circles; your good efforts are the reason the longest running citizen science project in the world is so successful.
This year, as you get ready for the Count and encourage members to join in, there is some exciting news. The CBC is now a free program. For the first time since 1955, Audubon will waive the $5.00 participant fee and replace it with a voluntary donation and sponsorship model. Also, American Birds will no longer be mailed to every participant. Instead, Audubon will move to an online delivery of the CBC summary results and features.
To help Audubon make these important decisions regarding the CBC, we invited people involved with the count to participate in an online survey. The results were very enlightening and are summarized in the 112th CBC summary issue of American Birds that was released in October. The written comments underscored how passionately people feel about the CBC, and that the fee was a major obstacle to the program.
Also highly informative were comments regarding American Birds. The primary sentiment expressed was that recipients do not value American Birds in its printed version, and many survey respondents felt that an interactive, online version of the magazine would better suit their needs—especially if the participation fee was dropped.
An exciting new era has arrived—one with a free and completely online Christmas Bird Count!
For information and results from the Christmas Bird Count, please visit the main CBC website:
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
For information on the history of the CBC, please use this link:
http://birds.audubon.org/about-christmas-bird-count
The Christmas Bird Count is coming! This year’s count period is Dec 14, 2012 to January 5, 2013, and we want to thank you in advance for all you do as Chapter leaders to make this Count happen. Chapters nationwide organize and run hundreds of count circles; your good efforts are the reason the longest running citizen science project in the world is so successful.
This year, as you get ready for the Count and encourage members to join in, there is some exciting news. The CBC is now a free program. For the first time since 1955, Audubon will waive the $5.00 participant fee and replace it with a voluntary donation and sponsorship model. Also, American Birds will no longer be mailed to every participant. Instead, Audubon will move to an online delivery of the CBC summary results and features.
To help Audubon make these important decisions regarding the CBC, we invited people involved with the count to participate in an online survey. The results were very enlightening and are summarized in the 112th CBC summary issue of American Birds that was released in October. The written comments underscored how passionately people feel about the CBC, and that the fee was a major obstacle to the program.
Also highly informative were comments regarding American Birds. The primary sentiment expressed was that recipients do not value American Birds in its printed version, and many survey respondents felt that an interactive, online version of the magazine would better suit their needs—especially if the participation fee was dropped.
An exciting new era has arrived—one with a free and completely online Christmas Bird Count!
For information and results from the Christmas Bird Count, please visit the main CBC website:
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
For information on the history of the CBC, please use this link:
http://birds.audubon.org/about-christmas-bird-count
Bird Conservation Updates
Reprinted from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology E-News
Ingenious Camera Takes Viewers Up, Way Up
Few people have ever witnessed a Greater Bird-of-Paradise displaying at dawn above the New Guinea rainforest. And no one had ever taken photos or video of such an awe-inspiring sight—until Tim Laman invented the ingenious “Leaf-Cam” and hid it 150 feet above the ground. Cornell Lab researcher Ed Scholes, Laman’s partner in the eight-year Birds-of-Paradise Project, describes how it was done in the latest issue of our Living Bird magazine. This special online version includes bonus videos of displaying birds-of-paradise and the story of how the “Leaf-Cam” works. Read the story, see the videos.
Our Computers Are Learning the Parts of a Bird. Can You Help?
We dream of a future where bird ID gets a little help from the processing power of computers. That’s the goal of our Merlin project, which will combine artificial intelligence with the collected wisdom of thousands of real birders. You can help us make Merlin a reality by doing a few fun activities in your spare time. Our new Hot Spot activity asks you to zero in on parts of a bird to help the computer recognize what’s what. It’s fun, you can do as many or as few as you like, and you get to see lots of great bird photos. Try it out.
Take a Road Trip
Our Upcoming Bird Festivals webpage makes it easy to plan your next birding destination. You can look through listings by calendar or on a map, so you can start planning your road trip right from the page.
Bird "Personality" Pays Off at Feeders
Do you notice differences in the behavior of individual birds that come to your feeders? The topic of animal "personality" is a growing interest in biology—and advances are coming from studies of bird feeders. In a recent study of the Great Tit (above), English scientists learned that some birds were inveterate risk takers while others played it safe even if it meant going hungry more often. Read the full story in Living Bird magazine.
Recommended Link
By Dee Fairbanks Simpson
If you don't already receive the Focusing on Wildlife Newsletter, you might have missed this awesome article and photos of Viera Wetlands:
http://focusingonwildlife.com/news/viera-wetlands-a-birderss-paradise-part-one/
You can also sign up for the newsletter which is always a beautiful and informative read.
If you don't already receive the Focusing on Wildlife Newsletter, you might have missed this awesome article and photos of Viera Wetlands:
http://focusingonwildlife.com/news/viera-wetlands-a-birderss-paradise-part-one/
You can also sign up for the newsletter which is always a beautiful and informative read.
Save the Dave: The Audubon Convention Returns!
Date: July 12-15, 2013
Place: Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Washington
Get your Audubon on! After 13 years, the Audubon Convention returns. Join Audubon staff, volunteers, and Chapter leaders to learn about how our work contributes to Flyways conservation. Experience four days of cutting-edge science, networking, birding and FUN in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information and to receive email updates visit www.audubon.org/2013convention
Call for Mini-Grant Applicants
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Press Release
Funds support neighborhood events about birds and nature
Ithaca, NY--The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” project is accepting applications for mini-grants to fund neighborhood events that promote an appreciation for birds and nature. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required. Grants average $250-$500.
Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants should be used to support a bird-activity day at a local museum, afterschool program, library, or community center, or fund art and gardening activities at clubs, businesses, schools, senior centers, or neighborhoods. Events or projects should feature activities involving birds, community service, art, and greening. Participants are encouraged to collect simple information about common birds and report to the Cornell Lab.
Click here to learn more about how to apply for a mini-grant. Deadline to apply is December 15, 2012
Funds support neighborhood events about birds and nature
Ithaca, NY--The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” project is accepting applications for mini-grants to fund neighborhood events that promote an appreciation for birds and nature. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required. Grants average $250-$500.
Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants should be used to support a bird-activity day at a local museum, afterschool program, library, or community center, or fund art and gardening activities at clubs, businesses, schools, senior centers, or neighborhoods. Events or projects should feature activities involving birds, community service, art, and greening. Participants are encouraged to collect simple information about common birds and report to the Cornell Lab.
Click here to learn more about how to apply for a mini-grant. Deadline to apply is December 15, 2012
Satellite Beach Recreation Department December Announcements
Beachlovers & Trash Haters
Beachlovers & Trash Haters are gathering at Pelican Beach Park, north dune crossover at 8am on the second Saturday monthly. Individuals and groups participate in the informal trash bash spearheaded by Judy DeLaRosa. Keep Brevard Beautiful will supply trash bags and gloves. Volunteers should bring their own drinking water. No need to rsvp, just show up! Contact Judy judy@mitchrealty.com or 960-0436.
Samsons Island Park Workdays
Samsons Island Nature Park is a 52 acre island owned by the City of Satellite Beach located in the Indian River Lagoon. Since 1991, city volunteers and staff have worked diligently to re-vegetate this spoil island to provide improved habitat for local flora and fauna. City workdays recruit individuals, families and local organizations to lend a hand with park duties that suit their ability level. Special workdays are sponsored in the Fall and Spring (call 773-6458 for dates). However, those interested in volunteering on a regular basis can join the weekly Sunday workday, leaving at 1pm from the SB Fire Department Dock. For more information, contact Kerry Stoms, SB Rec. Dept. Director, at 773-6458 or kstoms@satellitebeach.org
The Sea Turtle Preservation Society
The STPS continues to hold their meetings in the Melbourne Beach Community Center on the first Thursday of each month. The meeting starts at 7:30pm and usually includes a guest speaker. The public is welcome to attend. For more information call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 676-1701. www.SeaTurtleSpacecoast.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 can result in big changes.
Satellite Beach is a recycling-conscious community!
Check out the recycle area behind the David R. Schechter Community Center, 1089 S. Patrick Drive. There are bins for glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and paper products. Inside the lobby, we regularly collect items that can be used by others such as eyeglasses (recycled by the SB Lions Club), coffee mugs (recycled by the SB Womans Club for Daily Bread), greeting card fronts, bottle caps (recycled by Brev. Montessori School, SB) and cell phones for soldiers. View the full list of recycling opportunities @ www.satellitebeachrecreation.org
Free Wildlife Tours
By Kevin J. Lowry, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
THAT’S WILD - Join us on our new E-tram as we take you on a journey through Pelican Island NWR to experience wildlife up close while making a strong connection to the natural world.
FREE refuge programs are scheduled every other Wednesday 8-10AM from November to March. Don’t have binoculars? We’ve gotcha’ covered and will have field guides for everyone! Space is limited. MUST call 772-581-5557 for reservations. We hope to see you outside on America's first national wildlife refuge soon!
Follow PINWR on Facebook: facebook.com/PelicanIslandNWR
THAT’S WILD - Join us on our new E-tram as we take you on a journey through Pelican Island NWR to experience wildlife up close while making a strong connection to the natural world.
FREE refuge programs are scheduled every other Wednesday 8-10AM from November to March. Don’t have binoculars? We’ve gotcha’ covered and will have field guides for everyone! Space is limited. MUST call 772-581-5557 for reservations. We hope to see you outside on America's first national wildlife refuge soon!
Follow PINWR on Facebook: facebook.com/PelicanIslandNWR
Great Backyard Bird Count Goes Global in 2013
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Press Release
After 15 years of success in North America, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will open up to the entire world for the first time in 2013. Anyone, from anywhere on earth, can participate by visiting www.birdcount.org and reporting the kinds and numbers of birds they see during the 16th annual count, February 15–18, 2013.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with partner Bird Studies Canada, the four-day count typically receives sightings from tens of thousands of people reporting more than 600 bird species in the United States and Canada alone.
WA, 2012 GBBC “This year’s count will give us a whole new perspective as sightings pour in from around the globe in real time,” said Marshall Iliff at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Millions of people encounter birds every day all over the world. Imagine what scientists will learn if each one of us shares observations from our own area!”
During the 2012 count, participants reported 17.4 million bird observations on 104,000 checklists. Snowy Owls thrilled many participants when these striking birds-of-prey ventured south from the Arctic in record numbers. In 2013, scientists predict that U.S. and Canadian bird watchers will see an influx of Red-breasted Nuthatches and winter finches (such as Pine Siskins) because of scarce food supplies on their northern wintering grounds.
“The GBBC is an ideal opportunity for young and old to connect with nature by discovering birds and to participate in a huge science project,” said Gary Langham, Audubon’s Chief Scientist. “This year, we hope people on all seven continents, oceans, and islands, will head out into their neighborhoods, rural areas, parks, and wilderness to further our understanding of birds across the hemispheres.”
Participating is easy. Simply watch birds for at least 15 minutes at the location of your choice on one or more of the count days. Estimate the number of birds you see for each species you can identify. You’ll select your location on a map, answer a few questions, enter your tallies, and then submit your data to share your sightings with others around the world.
The global capacity for the count will be powered by eBird, an online checklist program for all of the world’s 10,240 bird species. Participants will be able to view what others are seeing on interactive maps, keep their own records, and have their tallies recorded for perpetuity.
“The popularity of the Great Backyard Bird Count grows each year," said Dick Cannings, Senior Projects Officer at Bird Studies Canada, "and with the new features, participation will be even more exciting.”
The Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored in part by Wild Birds Unlimited.
After 15 years of success in North America, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will open up to the entire world for the first time in 2013. Anyone, from anywhere on earth, can participate by visiting www.birdcount.org and reporting the kinds and numbers of birds they see during the 16th annual count, February 15–18, 2013.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with partner Bird Studies Canada, the four-day count typically receives sightings from tens of thousands of people reporting more than 600 bird species in the United States and Canada alone.
WA, 2012 GBBC “This year’s count will give us a whole new perspective as sightings pour in from around the globe in real time,” said Marshall Iliff at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Millions of people encounter birds every day all over the world. Imagine what scientists will learn if each one of us shares observations from our own area!”
During the 2012 count, participants reported 17.4 million bird observations on 104,000 checklists. Snowy Owls thrilled many participants when these striking birds-of-prey ventured south from the Arctic in record numbers. In 2013, scientists predict that U.S. and Canadian bird watchers will see an influx of Red-breasted Nuthatches and winter finches (such as Pine Siskins) because of scarce food supplies on their northern wintering grounds.
“The GBBC is an ideal opportunity for young and old to connect with nature by discovering birds and to participate in a huge science project,” said Gary Langham, Audubon’s Chief Scientist. “This year, we hope people on all seven continents, oceans, and islands, will head out into their neighborhoods, rural areas, parks, and wilderness to further our understanding of birds across the hemispheres.”
Participating is easy. Simply watch birds for at least 15 minutes at the location of your choice on one or more of the count days. Estimate the number of birds you see for each species you can identify. You’ll select your location on a map, answer a few questions, enter your tallies, and then submit your data to share your sightings with others around the world.
The global capacity for the count will be powered by eBird, an online checklist program for all of the world’s 10,240 bird species. Participants will be able to view what others are seeing on interactive maps, keep their own records, and have their tallies recorded for perpetuity.
“The popularity of the Great Backyard Bird Count grows each year," said Dick Cannings, Senior Projects Officer at Bird Studies Canada, "and with the new features, participation will be even more exciting.”
The Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored in part by Wild Birds Unlimited.
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