Bird Video From Corness Lab of Ornithology

Enjoy our special video celebrating birds Dear Friend, In recognition of your support of birds and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I hope you’ll enjoy watching this video featuring the Cornell Lab’s Executive Director John W. Fitzpatrick—a short clip that celebrates how birds bring us closer to nature. I joined the Cornell Lab four months ago and am excited to become part of this vibrant community of people who care deeply about birds and conservation. The many different ways that you support birds and the Lab—from observing birds at your backyard feeders, to recording sightings on eBird, to educating children and others about the lives of birds, to donating to the Cornell Lab—all make a difference for the better. As we conclude the Cornell Lab’s 100th year of studying and conserving the birds that enrich our lands and our lives, thank you for helping us start 2016 ready to do more for birds and nature.  Best wishes for a happy new year! With gratitude, Bramble Klipple Sr. Director of Development Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)

The 19th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is just over a month away! The GBBC is the perfect way to get birders of all skill levels, even new ones, engaged with your chapter and involved in valuable citizen science efforts. Be sure to download and print the 2016 GBBC Posters so you can promote the GBBC and your chapter’s GBBC-related events.

The Ancient Marine Origins of the Berm Surfaces at Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands - Reprinted from the Viera Wetlands Events & Happenings newsletter

The Ancient Marine Origins of the Berm Surfaces at Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands

Throughout most of its history, Florida has been under water. Many of Florida's modern topographic features and surficial sediments were created or deposited during periods when sea levels were high. Waves and currents in these ancient seas eroded the exposed formations of previous epochs, reshaping earlier landforms and redistributing eroded sediments over a wide area. Evidence indicates Florida's earliest geologic formations began during the Eocene Epoch, between 54 and 38 million years ago. In contrast, geologically speaking, the surficial deposits that form east-central Florida, including Brevard County, are very young. Most formed around 10,000 years ago, during the Holocene; before then, this landmass on which we make our home was covered by the ocean. Consequently, much of our surface geology is composed of shallow sediments derived from marine deposits. Over time, as sea levels rose and fell, generations of coral, shellfish, and fish skeletons piled up on the ocean floor where they mixed with quartz sand and clay, and the resulting layers of sediment became cemented together with calcite, aragonite, and other minerals. Since most marine organisms use calcium carbonate to build their shells or part of their mineralized structure, sedimentary rocks of biochemical origin are classified as limestones. Limestone is the most common type of rock in the Florida peninsula, where it is mined for road building and other construction applications. Different types of biochemical limestone are identified depending on grain size and degree of cementation and crystallization, including coquina, fossiliferous limestone, calcarenite, micrite, and chalk. Coquina, readily identifiable by its characteristic texture of whole and fragmented shells, has been used as a building stone in Florida for over 400 years; a notable example can be seen today in the walls of the Castillo de San Marcos in Saint Augustine.  The ancient marine origins of Florida limestone also are evident on the surface of the berms at Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands. Over time, the crushed limestone rock used to grade and stabilize the berm surfaces gradually erodes and decomposes, unconsolidating its various components. Rain, wind, and human activity, particularly vehicular disturbance under wet conditions, further degrade the limestone, sloughing off its finer particles and leaving behind its larger constituents. Inevitably, erosion will take its toll, eventually exposing the underlying soft sandy deposits, requiring the berms to be resurfaced with a fresh layer of limestone, and a new reminder of the ancient seas that once covered this place we call home. * The information contained in this article was derived primarily from The Geological History of Florida by Jason B. Barr (2009). A map showing the berm roads and cells is available at the following link: Viera Wetlands Map

Permanently Protect the Arctic Refuge

Every year, countless numbers of birds hatched in the vibrant tundra and wetlands of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge migrate across each of the 50 states to their wintering grounds. The astonishing habitat of the Arctic Refuge supports nesting birds such as Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Snowy Owls, Golden Eagles, a multitude of songbirds, and more. The biological heart of the Refuge—and vital nesting ground for these birds—is a 1.5-million-acre region between the Arctic Ocean and the mountains, known as the coastal plain. But the threat of oil and gas drilling has hung over the coastal plain for decades. Write to your members of Congress and tell them to support legislation to protect this extraordinary place forever. The pressure to drill for oil and gas continues to threaten the Refuge. Multiple bills introduced this Congress would open the coastal plain to drilling, which would create a spider web of infrastructure, eliminate crucial habitat, and risk a devastating oil spill. Some places are too special to drill. Last year, President Obama called on Congress to protect the Arctic Refuge as Wilderness. That designation benefits the Refuge and the vast array of wildlife and Alaska Native communities that depend on it. It’s time for Congress to act. Let your Members of Congress know that it’s time to protect the spectacular Arctic National Wildlife Refuge once and for all.

Sincerely, David Yarnold President & CEO, National Audubon Society

46th Annual Audubon’s Nebraska Crane Festival March 17-20, 2016 - Kearney, Nebraska

On-line registration for the 46th Annual Audubon’s Nebraska Crane Festival March 17-20, 2016 in Kearney, Nebraska is now open. Please go to the festival website:

http://nebraskacranefestival.org/

Presented by Audubon Nebraska, Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, and Kearney Visitors Bureau

 

Featuring legendary nature photographer Thomas D. Manglesen (left), and world-renowned author and ornithologist Paul Johnsgard, Ph.D., presenting their new book A Chorus of Cranes. Written by Paul and accompanied by the stunning photography of Tom, the book details the natural history, biology, and conservation issues surrounding the abundant sandhill crane and the endangered whooping crane in North America.

The festival weekend will also include scientists, authors, photographers, and others who will share information on a wide variety of nature topics. Crane viewing, field trips, workshops, and other activities will also be available. Check out our website for full details and registration: http://nebraskacranefestival.org/.

In Memoriam: Cary L. Salter (1949 - 2016)

By Jim Eager, Space Coast Audubon Society, Vice President

Cary Lee Salter, 66, died Sunday, January 3, 2016. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Cary was a veteran, musician, photographer, and local naturalist. He served Brevard's veterans for many years and volunteered at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Arrangements by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Titusville 264-6131. Share memories and sign the family guestbook at www.afcfcare.com.

From Nancy Corona at MIWA:
Long-time volunteer, Cary Salter, passed away on Sunday, January 3.  Cary will be missed by many including refuge staff, volunteers, visitors, friends and family.  He was integral in establishing and implementing the environmental education and interpretive programming at the refuge.

Cary and Betty were one of the first "roving" volunteers and guides for the beginning birding tours.  The refuge's education and interpretive programming would not be at the level they are today without Cary's dedication to education.  He helped build the refuge's visitor service program through his love of the refuge and by sharing his skills, talents, passion and enthusiasm.  Betty and Cary also worked with the refuge fire staff, photographing and documenting prescribed fires. Cary volunteered 6,700 hours, many of which, he accomplished while he worked full time.

In lieu of flowers, Betty is requesting donations be made in Cary's memory to the Merritt Island Wildlife Association, earmarked for the new visitor center classroom.

Merritt Island Wildlife Association
P.O. Box 2683
Titusville, FL  32781

Please contact Connie Cranston, the MIWA bookstore manager, at 321-861-2377 if you have any questions regarding donations.

Space Coast Shorebird Partnership Pre-Season Meeting

By Heather Hitt, Northeast Regional Wildlife Legacy Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Please save the date for our Space Coast Shorebird Partnership Pre-Season Meeting:

• When:  February 25, 2016, 9:00am – 12:00pm (approximately)
• Where: Kiwanis Island Park on Merritt Island, DC Room

Agenda will be sent out closer to meeting date.

Thanks!

2016 Florida Legislative Session Preview

By Jonathan Webber, Audubon Florida Communications Manager

Next week, lawmakers will return to Tallahassee for an unusually early legislative session. For Florida’s environment, legislators are expected to pick up last year’s unfinished water legislation and decide how to allocate Amendment 1 Water and Land Conservation Fund dollars.
Legislators may also wade into public and conservation lands issues, including one controversial proposal to allow private landowners to lay claim to contiguous park lands. Other issues may include regulation or banning of fracking for oil and gas production and attempts to prevent Florida from enacting rules to slow climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide.

Audubon Florida’s legislative agenda is focused on water policy, environmental budgets, land conservation, and policies to advance solutions to climate change. Click here to download.

To accomplish our policy goals, Audubon Florida will advocate at the Capital and will enlist the support of our members and local leaders in legislative districts to communicate with their legislators. Audubon will also work with other conservation organizations and associations, including local governments, which often line up with our positions on land use and water policy.

We hope we can count on you to stay engaged. Audubon has been Florida’s most influential conservation voice. We show up at the right time, do our homework, and are respected for advancing science-based solutions. We propose more than we oppose. When we oppose, we work hard to stop bad ideas from becoming law. That is becoming more and more difficult.

What really makes the difference is you. Each weekend during session we will report on legislative activities regarding the environment and ask you to help. We hope our reports and alerts are useful and that you will use the information we provide to engage with your neighbors and elected representatives.

Thank you for all that you do for Florida.

Environmental Learning Center’s 20th Annual EcoFest Set

Now is the time to put the Environmental Learning Center’s 20th annual EcoFest on your calendar.  Announced this week by co-chairs Linda Clerch and Maureen Kane, the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America will be the Premier EcoFest Sponsor. The theme is “Unplug, Explore, Discover.”  The ELC will be the perfect place to do just that between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm on Sunday, March 6.

“We are excited to be joined this year by A Florida Outdoor Center (AFLOC) who will provide two new and unique activities,” says Education Director Heather Stapleton. “If weather allows, stand up paddle boards will be offered in the lagoon off the ELC’s teaching platform, and fat tire bikes sampled on the ELC grounds.”

There is no admission charge and free parking will be available using shuttle service provided from satellite locations nearby. Music will once again be provided by The River Rats.
The line-up of customary favorites such as pond dip-netting and Quick Canoe Trips will be joined this year by kite flying and adult workshops. In addition to a wide variety of craft booths for all ages, this event will include plein air painting by local artists. Story Time on the stage in the Imagination Station will feature The Raft by Jim LaMarche.  Food will be available for purchase. As usual, the Vero Beach Power Squadron will donate all hamburger, hot dog and veggie burger proceeds to the ELC.

The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the western end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, EcoVentures, including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.

January 15, 2016 meeting

Join Space Coast Audubon Society for our January 15^th Meeting

“Save the Manatee”

WHO:  Space Coast Audubon Society (SCAS)

WHERE:  Rockledge Presbyterian Church, 921 Rockledge Dr, Rockledge, FL.

WHEN:   January 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm

Dr. Katie Tripp will be our speaker and will be presenting Save the Manatee

Dr. Tripp is Save the Manatee Club’s Director of Science and Conservation.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, where she majored in Marine Science and received minors in both Chemistry and Environmental Policy.  Katie received her Ph.D. in Veterinary Medical Sciences from the University of Florida, where she conducted research on manatee physiology. Dr. Tripp was a lecturer, laboratory instructor, and graduate research assistant at the university.  She has worked as a manatee consultant for one of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Projects and also worked as a biologist with FWC’s Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab.

Save the Manatee Club (SMC) is an award-winning national nonprofit 501(c)(3) and membership-based organization established in 1981 by renowned singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator, Bob Graham, when he was governor of Florida.  Manatees are Florida’s official state marine mammal. They are listed as endangered at the international level by the IUCN World Conservation Union, at the federal level by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and at the state level by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Manatees are endangered largely due to human activity.  Dr. Tripp will share SMC’s mission, objectives, goals, work and core values.  For more information visit their website at www.savethemanatee.org.

                                                                    

Visit the Space Coast Audubon Society website at www.spacecoastaudubon.org and check out the Space Coast Audubon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Space-Coast-Audubon.

We look forward to another great turnout.

Jim Eager

Space Coast Audubon Society

Vice President

Program/Publicity Chair

JANUARY 2, 2016 - South Brevard County Chrstmas Bird Count

WHO:  National Audubon & Space Coast Audubon Society

WHAT:  South Brevard Christmas Bird Count 

WHEN:  Saturday January 2, 2016

Calling all birders!!!  If you can identify a Brown Pelican you are invited to participate in the 116^th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC).  The South Brevard CBC will take place on SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2016.  You will spend the day counting as many species that your team can identify and keep a list of how many of each species were seen throughout the day.  At the end of the day at 6:00 PM we will meet at Marsh Landing Restaurant, 44 N Broadway St in Fellsmere for a compilation meeting dinner to go over what species were seen during the day.  If you want to participate please RSVP Dee Simpson at southbrevardcbc@gmail.com to, give her an idea, how many folks to expect and assign you to a team.  When you RSVP please provide any or all of the following information.

• Name: (your real name, not your email address): 
• Do you want to be on the same team as last year? (yes/no)
• If not, what is your preferred area or team? 
• Do you have access to a 4 wheel drive vehicle that you can use on the day of the count? (yes/no)
• Will you be participating for the full day? (yes/no)
• If No, what hours can you participate?
• Do you have access to a boat that you can use on the day of the count? (yes/no)

Jim Eager
Space Coast Audubon Society
Vice President
Program/Publicity Chair

2015 Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

WHO:  National Audubon & Space Coast Audubon Society

WHAT:  Cocoa Christmas Bird Count 

WHEN:  Saturday December 19, 2015

Calling all birders!!!  If you can identify a Brown Pelican you are invited to participate in the 116^th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC).  The Cocoa CBC will take place on Saturday December 19, 2015.  We will meet at the Steak & Shake, 790 E Merritt Island Cswy (SR 520) corner of SR 520/Sykes Creek Pkwy at 5:30 AM.  If you are new to the count one of the compilers will assign you to a team.  You will spend the day counting as many species that your team can identify and keep a list of how many of each species were seen throughout the day.  At the end of the day, between 5:00-6:00 PM we will meet at Faith Lutheran Church, 280 E. Merritt Ave for a potluck dinner and compilation meeting to go over what species were seen during the day.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mitchell Harris at knmharris@bellsouth.net.

Jim Eager
Space Coast Audubon Society
Vice President
Program/Publicity Chair