Sarasota Audubon Birding Bloggers

Sarasota Audubon Explores Arizona, a Travelogue by Merrill Kaegi

2011-05-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Sarasota Audubon Society led a southern Arizona birding expedition on April 16-23, 2011. If you didn't get to come along, here's a great account of what we saw and enjoyed. Come with us next time!

Lynn Jakubowic, Mary Heinlen & Judy Bryant

On Sunday morning we awoke early and upon stepping out of our cozy cottages at Cave Creek Ranch in Portal, Arizona, we were stunned by the dramatic beauty of the Chiricahua Mountains looming above us. Two women guides joined us for our day in the mountains of Coronado National Forest. Our group was divided between three vans rented in Tucson, and driven by Jeanne Dubi, Karen Jensen and Bruce Higgins. We rode on several "primitive roads" which resulted in clouds of dust covering our vehicles. The variety of bird species that we saw was exciting, with the Painted Redstart and Red-faced Warbler among the many that we saw.

Early the next morning we had time to wander the grounds of the Ranch, viewing many birds on the grounds. Especially popular were the numerous varieties of hummingbirds at the feeders. On our way out of the Portal area we began our several visits to "private" birding spots with a stop at Jasper's feeder garden. Here in an isolated spot in the desert we quietly watched many species of birds flying in to enjoy the feeders. We went on in the desert and visited the site of a large tank of water on a range where there were a number of curious cows, several with suckling calves. One of the notable birds seen here was the Vermilion Flycatcher.

We came very close to the Mexican border at Douglas, Arizona on the way to our next stop at the Sierra Suites in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The next morning we visited another private site, Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon B & B. Numerous feeders were alive with birds, especially hummingbirds. Being there was a real education for many of us. On to Beatty's Miller Canyon Guest Ranch where we were again fascinated by a hummingbird enclave. Ending our day was a visit to an entirely different habitat, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. We walked across a savannah of golden grasses toward the green wall of a cottonwood-willow forest canopy along the San Pedro River. There was much bird activity because of the flowing water (a small flow due to very dry conditions). An interesting sighting there by Jeanne was a Verdin.

Our goal our second day in Sierra Vista was to bird in a canyon on the Fort Huachuca Army Base. However, a large sign stating that due to severe fire danger there was no admittance to the canyon by vehicle or by foot, frustrated our effort. Most of the group continued to bird along a stream there and went on to another site. Lynn Jakubowicz drove five from the group to nearby Ramsey Canyon Preserve, run by The Nature Conservancy. There was considerable bird activity along Ramsey Creek. A highlight was a sighting by Valerie Ponzo of a Whiskered Screech Owl, standing at the entrance to its nesting hole in a tree nearby.

The group reunited at the San Pedro site to view a hummingbird banding session. Many of us had never seen this and were fascinated by the process. Three of our group got to hold a newly banded hummingbird before it took off for the trees, and freedom. Our day was not over. We then visited Battiste B & B in Sierra Vista where we were guaranteed to see at least one Elf Owl as darkness descended. We saw the female look out of her nesting hole in a pole and fly off to join her mate. We also saw several Acorn Woodpeckers return to roost in other holes on the same pole. Unfortunately we did not see the Elf Owls return.

Barbara Shanko with newly banded hummingbird

On our way to the last stop at Comfort Inn in Green Valley, Arizona, we stopped at Paton's Birder Haven. We again saw a large number of hummingbirds as well as other species, but alas, not the Violet-crowned Hummingbird we sought. On to Patagonia State Park area where we had an excellent view of the Phainopepla. Later on at our lunch overlooking Lake Patagonia, we were interested to see a couple of Brown Pelicans fishing the lake, which is the largest in the area. Again, we passed close to the Mexican border when we drove through Nogales, Arizona.

On our last day we headed for the renowned Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. On our way across the flatlands, some of our group spotted Roadrunners, and what appeared to be large Jackrabbits in the distance. We were tantalized when we stopped in the Canyon to hear the call of the elusive Elegant Trogon. Unfortunately, the bird(s) never appeared. On our walk up the trail friendly birders coming down told us about a Spotted Owl which was clearly visible up ahead. We all saw it as it sat dormant on a low branch. That evening we visited the home of friends of Jeanne's. We enjoyed their large yard seeing numerous birds and other creatures. The sighting of a Gilded Flicker was a highlight for many. A small herd of hungry Javalenas was also interesting.

Saturday morning we broke into two groups with one heading back to Madera Canyon to try to see the Trogon before leaving Arizona, and the other going to the Arizon-Sonora Desert Museum. We all ended up at the Museum enjoying the collection of live flora and fauna of the desert. On the wish list for those returning to the area is the Elegant Trogan and a few other target birds. Overall the group was well satisfied with a list of 143 species sighted.

-Merrill Kaegi

Florida Legislature Trashes Environment and Citizens' Rights

2011-05-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

The just-concluded 2011 Florida Legislature eliminated or gravely weakened the environmental and growth management programs first enacted in 1985. These have been responsible for much of the state's protection of natural areas and such admittedly insufficient limits on sprawl and pollution that have been implemented over the last quarter century. One former now-elderly legislator commented that this was the most anti-environment legislature in his adult lifetime and similar comments were made by environmental leaders.

Perhaps the most damaging acts were gutting state growth management oversight of cities and counties, deregulating developers and shifting the legal burden of proof that their project will not harm the environment from petitioners to environmental activists, concerned neighbors, and citizens' groups.

Cities and counties can still attempt to control growth, but without state oversight and standards, many local commissioners will undoubtedly vote whatever way their developer campaign contributors want and counties or cities with good planning will be impacted by sprawl from others. And any multi-county wildlife corridors will now depend on the whims of various local commissions.

But there is much more. Budgets of the state's two environmental and growth management agencies (Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community Affairs) and for the Florida Forever land purchase program were deeply slashed. Everglades restoration will barely have enough (mostly holdover) funds to continue. The Water Management Districts' taxing authority (they are a major purchaser of environmentally sensitive land for groundwater preservation in cooperation with counties like Sarasota) was cut by almost a third.

The former requirement that developers pay for roads, schools and other infrastructure their development needs has now been shifted in major categories to county or city taxpayers. In Sarasota County during the last few years several measures restricting sprawl and environmental degradation were enacted by citizen-initiated amendments to the County Charter, but the legislature made future such amendments much more difficult by decreasing the time for gathering petitions and imposing other restrictions on that route.

So what can we do? Litigation may overturn a few measures, but not many. We can remember who voted against the environment (Sarasota and Manatee Counties had no environmental champions in the Legislature that I have identified, and Sen. Mike Bennett was instrumental in gutting growth management), but the next general election is at least a year and a half away. We can keep informed on environmental issues, write letters to the editor, and telephone elected officials. County and City Commissioners, now with almost no state oversight, are even more important for the environment than heretofore, and we can lobby them more effectively. We can get involved in local politics, through political parties, local interest groups, as a candidate or a contributor.
And finally, don't give up. The natural environment and the birds and other animals that inhabit it are worth working and fighting for. If enough of us do that, Florida can rise to become, once again, an environmental leader.

Wade Matthews, Conservation Chair

Two Trips to Tierra Verde Duck Ponds & Ft. DeSoto

2011-02-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a short day trip providing a nice, birdy location this time of year, you can't go wrong with Tierra Verde and Ft. DeSoto. Here are two short accounts of Sarasota Audubon-led trips to these locations in February:

February 8 Trip, Led by Dan Irrizary
Our first stop was just before the drawbridge to Tierra Verde. A quick scan here revealed a mixed raft of Red-breasted Mergansers and Common Loons (3 each or so) feeding not more than 50 feet offshore. We all got excellent looks at these birds that tend to be scope distances away!

From here we stopped at the Eagle pond. Mother eagle was standing by the nest, periodically checking in on her 3 week old eaglet! The male eagle was out hunting. The pond had about a dozen Pied-billed Grebes, lots of American Coots, some Common Moorhens, and several Ring-necked Ducks.

The Redhead pond and the pond just north of it were excellent this morning. The more northern pond had Pied-billed Grebes and many Lesser Scaup. The larger Redhead pond had hundreds upon hundreds of Redheads. Mixed in with them were some Lesser Scaup. We found a lone American Wigeon and gorgeous drake Northern Pintail amongst all these ducks. Several dozen Northern Shovelers were found along the north side of the pond. A lone Blue-winged Teal was spotted, as was one or two Ruddy Ducks.

From here, we went to North Beach. Winds were strong out of the north and the sky was overcast. We weren’t expecting much. There was a lone American White Pelican far off in the distance. In the lagoon were a Herring Gull, some Ring-billed Gulls, Laughing Gulls, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, and Great Egret.

Those were the highlights. Not a single shorebird was seen, but with the weather and it being low tide, they weren’t expected.

February 22 Trip, Led by Lynn Jakubowicz and Mary Heinlen
Twenty birders had a pleasant day at Fort DeSoto and the Tierra Verde duck ponds. Before the day was over we had recorded 70 species. We started our day at the far end of East Beach, where we saw American Oystercatchers, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Common Loons, as well as numerous shorebirds. Moving on to North Beach, we had a nice collection of gulls and terns, and a small group of six Wilson’s Plovers.

At the Tierra Verde duck ponds, we saw numerous ducks, including Ruddy Ducks, Northern Shovelers, and well over a hundred Redheads. One of the highlights of the day was a close view of a Bald Eagle chick on the nest with both parents nearby. Driving home over the Skyway Bridge we watched a huge flock of American White Pelicans fly past overhead.

Want to join us for other Sarasota Audubon trips this season? Check out the schedule on our website, www.SarasotaAudubon.org.

Birds of Ecuador--A Travelogue by Audubon Member Rick Greenspun

2011-02-27T04:39:00.000-08:00

Hello From Ecuador Bird Friends,

After only one day in Ecuador, I thought I had brought my weather jinx from Sri Lanka!! We were met by torrential rain ( usually they get brief afternoon showers) that lasted 24 hours and resulted in being cut off from our lodge at Tandayapa, due to landslides. roads in and out were closed for the day and we retreated to a place called Mindo Loma Lodge and Preserve while our guide scrambled to find us alternative accomodations for the night.

WOW!! what a consolation prize that turned out to be. We were lucky enough to be able to bird from the balcony of the lodge protected from the weather while we were dazzled by Golden, Flame faced and Saffron crowned and Black chinned Mountain Tanagers. In the mix were dozens of Hummingbird species, Toucans, Flower Piercers and many others. The crown jewels of Ecuador are hummingbirds and Tanagers. There are 131 species of Hummers and 119 species of Tanagers and now, as of this email, we have barely made a dent.

Golden Tanager

Masked Flowerpiercer

Green Crowned Wood Nymph

Empress Brilliant

We have been birding mostly the Western slope of the Andes and today visited Antisana Reserve at about 11,000 feet for high Paramo species.

Dazzling flight displays by Andean Condors, Aplomado Falcons, Carunculated Caracara and vistas of the active volcanoes surrounded by clouds and snow made for a spectacular day.

Off to the Amazon tomorrow for five days and believe it or not I will have internet access( its a new world) and will try to send a few more emails.

As always, anyone wanting info on the itinerary can contact me. Stay tuned and Good Birding

Regards, Rick

Shorebirds on Siesta Key & Circle B Bar Preserve

2011-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

January field trips included excursions to Siesta Key and Circle B Bar Preserve.

Shorebirds on Siesta Key, Jan. 15
This morning on the Sarasota Audubon's beach walk -Siesta Key we found an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and approximately 6 SnowyPlovers. We also had a Loon fly over letting us see the beautiful whitebelly and legs positioned far back on the body. It was also nice to see theSandwich Terns (5) which we did not dig up for the CBC in December. -Kathryn Young, Trip Leader

Circle B Bar Preserve: Jan. 22
The Circle B-Bar Reserve, one of the newest birding hot spots in Southwest Florida, proved its reputation on Saturday, January 22nd. The weather was cool, but pleasant. We tallied 68 species in four hours of birding. The oak and pine trees yielded Prairie Warbler, White-eyed Wireo, Yellow-rumped and Yellow-throated Warblers, along with an abundance of robins. We even spotted several very early Purple Martins. Most of the reserve is a water area. Hundreds of White Pelicans circled overhead.

All of the usual herons and egrets were seen, along with hundreds of coots, moorhens, and grebes. Limpkins were plentiful and were not at all shy. Three (yes, three!) American Bitterns put on a show: all so close to the path that binoculars were not needed. A Bald Eagle was on its nest. Wintering ducks, including Blue and Green-winged Teal, Wigeon, Shovelers, rRng-necked, and Pintails, were readily observed.

After lunch, half of the group elected to return to the spot where a King Rail had been reported. It obliged the group with great views, just a few feet off the path. It was a suitable ending to a great day of birding.

-Lynn Jakubowicz, Trip Leader

Who's welcome on these trips? Everyone, and that means you. Visit us online at http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/ for the line up of trips in February and beyond!

Fun in the Field: More Great Birding in 2010

2011-01-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the birds we enjoyed on Sarasota Audubon trips in late November and early December. Hope you'll join us in January.

Siesta Key Shorebirds, Nov. 24

It was another stunning day on Siesta Key as a dozen birders scoured the beach for shorebirds. Though shorebirds were in scant supply, we did notice a large congregation of Herring Gulls that were not in evidence two weeks ago. The best showing was off shore, where we witnessed about 14 Common Loons in formation and a couple of hundred ducks, most probably either Scaup or Ring necks, way too far away to be sure. One lone male Magnificent Frigate bird gave us close looks as well as a second year Bald Eagle chasing an Osprey.

An adult Sharp-shinned Hawk was briefly seen on one of the condos and later provided good looks from the parking lot. Though only 26 species were tallied, it was, as always, a pleasure to be out in such perfect weather.

Good Birding and a Safe and Happy Holiday to All. -Rick Greenspun

Lido Key Shorebirds, Dec. 5

This morning I led 9 birders to North Lido Key and North Lido Key Woods in search of wintering shorebirds, raptors, and passerines. Our best bird today was a late Magnificent Frigatebird seen as we were ending our walk and discussing the checklist!

We started at the beach near the parking lot where a large group of gulls and terns awaited. Most were Laughing Gulls and Royal Terns, with a smattering of Ring-billed Gulls and Sandwich Terns thrown in. There were 2 Herring Gulls and a couple Forster’s Terns as well. As we were watching that group, we saw a Black-bellied Plover and Snowy Plover off to the north, and a Sanderling that had flown into the gull group. We walked north along the beach from the gulls, and saw 4 Snowy Plovers, one of which was one legged! It wasn’t tucked in like usual. It was hobbling and hopping around very well, though. Further up the beach, we saw a landing Willet, and many Brown Pelicans off in the distance.

We kept our eyes peeled for pelagic birds, but none were seen. From there we walked across the dunes to the woods. Along the way we had a small flock of a dozen or so Palm Warblers. High in a dead tree, we saw an American Kestrel with several House Finch, a Mourning Dove, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. In the park, we added Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Pine Warbler, and Black-and-white Warbler. On our way out, we saw a Kestrel and a Downy Woodpecker. Beautiful morning out today. Dan Irizarry

Myakka River State Park, Dec. 8

Ten members and guests attended the Sarasota Audubon field trip to Myakka River State Park on Wednesday, January 8. Starting out on a sunny but near-frosty morning, conditions warmed up to a delightfully pleasant day. We sighted 68 different species of birds which is believed to be a record for a SAS Myakka Field trip. Highlights included John Ginaven's discovery of a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers on the upper lake, and during our picnic at the end of the birding day, Edith Miller sighted a flock of approximately 50 White Pelicans. Other "good" birds seen by all included a Crested Caracara, Spotted Sandpipers, Hooded Merganser

The Snow Goose, which was present on the Upper Lake for two weeks, was not seen. Perhaps it built up it's protein supply and took off for its regular wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf coast. -Owen Comora & Kathryn Young

Visit us online at http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/ for the schedule of trips. You're always welcome to join us.

Carefree Learner & Celery Fields in December: Great Trips

2011-01-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

We're lucky to have so many places to enjoy and explore in Sarasota. Here are the species counts from two trips in December:

Celery Fields, December 11
Today during a Sarasota Audubon walk at Celery Fields we tallied up 55 species. We missed on Owen Comora's Gull-billed Tern but did find an Avocet (thanks to sharp-eyed Alice from NY) in the ponds south of Palmer Rd. From Palmer take a right on Raymond to the furthest western pond. A second highlight was the many Marsh Wrens and one Sedge Wren (thanks to our great guide Rick Greenspun). The SEWR was found in the cattails just below and to the north of the gazebo. The third highlight were the dozen or so Dunlin found in the 1st pond just west of the Gazebo and easily seen from the sidewalk. --Kathryn Young, Trip Leader

Carefree Learner, December 16
Today SAS member Campell Lee and I went on our first trip aboard the Carefree Learner. Though it was chilly, the calm weather and clear skies made the experience pleasant.

At Robert’s Bay Rookery we observed numerous Double-crested Cormorants and a dozen plus Great Blue Herons resting, nesting and courting. Two GB Herons were or near to being fledglings (didn’t see them fly). As well, we observed Brown Pelicans, a Cattle Egret, a Black-crowned Night-Heron, Great Egrets, laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls and a Herring Gull resting at rookery.

A dozen White Pelicans were scattered about resting around the nearby mangrove islands along with resting and feeding waders-Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, and more GB Herons and Great Egrets. Other birds seen at rookery were a large flock of Fish Crows, Turkey Vulture and a Belted Kingfisher. On the way back, our boat captain drew our attention to a Common Loon that surfaced near the boat then we spotted more in the bay. I also saw resting on a warning buoy a possible Black Tern in non-breeding plumage. It was a small tern with a notable dark gray back and wings. We ended our trip with a nice view of an adult Bald Eagle soaring over head at the marina. Good Birding to All and Happy Holidays! -Ruth Ellen Peipert, Trip Leader

Visit us online at www.sarasotaaudubon.org to see our schedule of trips! We'd love to have you aboard.

What's a murmuration?

2010-10-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

A friend of Sarasota Audubon Society sent us a link to this video of thousands of starlings. Not sure we all agree with all of the comments in the narration, but we thought you would enjoy the spectacle of these birds.

Where Have We Been Lately? Cool Notes from the Field.

2010-10-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Felts Preserve, Oct. 2 The trip to this lovely Felts Preserve (a joint walk with 15 members and guests from Sarasota Audubon and Sarasota County Butterfly club) pretty much fulfilled this scenario, although flowers were scarce while Biden weeds were abundant. We spotted 17 different butterfly species, a Great Horned Owl, and three Golden Silk Orb-weaver Spiders. Highlights of the trip included a rare sighting of a Tawny Emperor, Southern Skipperlings, a Two-Spot Skipper, several Long-tailed Skippers (one missing his tail), Orange-barred Sulphurs, Black and Polydamus Swallowtails, and Ceraunus Blues everywhere. Several of our group concluded the morning with a tasty lunch at the Crab Trap 2 Restaurant in Elllenton. -Stu Hills, Trip Leader

Robinson Preserve, Oct.6 This morning, I led a group of 9 birders and a photographer from the Herald-Tribune through Robinson Preserve. The weather was absolutely wonderful, but the high winds made looking for passerine migrants quite a challenge. We ended the day with 42 species. Before we started, we saw the local Bald Eagle pair in and around the nest. Just after 8 am, we were able to observe them copulating in the nest. Our most memorable moment, however, occurred while observing a flock of shorebirds. As we watching, the entire flock flew off in unison. We looked around, and an immature Peregrine Falcon appeared out of nowhere! It was zigzagging over the pond and almost took out a Laughing Gull sitting on the water. We all got very good looks as it as it flew over our heads. Nearby, a Merlin was well. -Dan Irizarry, Trip Leader

Oscar Scherer State Park, Oct.7 Our first walk at Oscar Scherer yielded the usual residents, including Scrub Jays, Brown Thrasher, and Tufted Titmouse. We were treated to a few late migrants and winter arrivals: Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-throated , Pine, and Parula Warblers. Join Audubon any Thursday at 8:30 AM at the Nature Center. -Lynn Jakubowicz and Karen Jensen

Celery Fields, Oct. 9 Despite the disturbed habitat due to the recent dirt removal and plantings, we found 35 species, including a Sora Rail , Roseate Spoonbill, and Bald Eagle. Least Sandpipers and both Yellowlegs were abundant, along with Blue-winged Teal, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and some early Northern Shovelers. -Lynn Jakubowicz and Owen Comora

Pinecraft Park, Oct. 16 Sarasota Audubon had a field trip to Pinecraft Park today, led by Edith Miller, with John Ginaven helping. It was a beautiful day. Although birding in the woods was slow, we managed to dig out 30 species: Along the creek highlights: Green Heron, Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Buntings, Belted Kingfisher. Overhead: American Kestrel. In the woodland: Blue-headed Vireo, Black and White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Ruby-throated Hummingbird and two Barred Owls calling.

Come on out with us next time. We have plenty of trips lined up in the next 6 months. Visit http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/ to learn more.

We're Leading Some Nature, Birding (and Broadway) Trips! Want to Come?

2010-10-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hope you'll come with us to explore the state and enjoy a little broadway! We have something fun for everyone, always in good company. Sarasota Audubon Society trips have great leaders who make the arrangements for you, and we always enjoy new people.

Gainesville, Feb. 9-11, 2011 Two-night bus trip to Gainesville, including Micanopy, Paynes Prairie, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum/Butterfly Rainforest and Devils Millhopper. Jeanne Dubi and Karen Jensen (924-2446) always make these trips friendly and fun. Bus, hotel, admission fees, two breakfasts, two picnic lunches and two dinners included. The trip is filling up so reserve your spot soon!

Billy Elliott, Feb. 13, 2011 at 2 pm Award-winning Broadway Show in Tampa. We will take a comfortable bus to see this marvelous musical. Dinner at your own expense afterwards. Again, our indomitable trip leaders, Karen & Jeanne, are on board. FUN!!

Wakodahatchee, Green Cay & Okeeheelee, Feb. 18 & 19, 2011 Join us as we travel to Palm Beach County. These wetlands have boardwalks and lots of birds, all within easy viewing. Bring your camera for great photo ops. Car pooling. COST $25. Hotel and dinner at your own expense. Call Holiday Inn at 561-968-5000 for reservation as part of SAS group. Dinner at lovely restaurant next door. Kathryn Young at 612-760-1771.

Eagle Trolley- Sat., Feb. 26, 2011 Our eagle expert, Dale Nauman, will give us the history and great looks at 3 active eagle nests; leave the driving to us on the Eagle Trolley. Meeting place to be announced. $25 for a 3 hour ride and expert leader. Kathryn Young (612-760-1771)

Vote for the Environment in November: YES on Amendment 4

2010-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Our Sarasota chapter and at least 11 other Audubon chapters around the state have endorsed Florida Constitutional Amendment No. 4 (commonly known as "Florida Hometown Democracy"). This would require voter approval as the final step to change the long-term Comprehensive Plan for development that each county and municipality is required to have and with which zoning must comply. The statewide Sierra chapter and dozens of other environmental and civic groups around the state, including the major ones in Sarasota, have also endorsed it.

Thus far, I have not found any significant Florida or local environmental or neighborhood groups that are opposing it. But developers wanting to continue bankrolling campaigns of elected officials willing to change

Comprehensive Plans to allow them to build where they wish have formed and funded groups with names like "Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy” to blanket media and the mails against Amendment 4. The website http://www.floridahometowndemocracy.com/ has details on what this amendment would do and why it would neither overload ballots nor tank the economy.

Your ballot obviously contains other opportunities for pro-environment votes. Amendments 5 and 6 attack gerrymandering by requiring fairer redistricting, presumably empowering more environmentally-friendly voters at the expense of deep-pocketed developers. And some candidates are pro-environment and others anti or giving it little importance. While Audubon's tax status does not permit us to endorse or oppose candidates or political parties (we can endorse issues), you can look at candidates' environmental records and endorsements by Googling the national League of Conservation Voters and its Florida affiliate with the same name, or for local candidates, http://www.florida.sierraclub.org/sarasota (Sierra has a different tax status).

-Conservation Chair Wade Matthews

The Joy of Birding: Audubon Camp in Hog Island, Maine

2010-10-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

As a neophyte to birding I was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend a course over five days at the Audubon Camp in Hog Island Maine. The Course as the title of this essay is called is “Joy of Birding.”

All the campers arrived on Sunday afternoon in June of this year, and were taken with all their gear by boat to the island. An orientation was held and we were introduced to the staff, and we introduced ourselves to all assembled, including where we were from, our experience in birding and if we had been to Hog Island before and quite a few had been. We then were given our building and room assignments, got acquainted with our roommate(s) and headed for dinner. That night the evening’s program was on the history of Hog Island and Project Puffin.

For the next four days at 5:45 AM we had our early morning bird walk and or bird banding. After breakfast we were broken into four color teams for the rest of our time there. On Monday, two teams did a shakedown cruise of the waters around Hog Island and some of the other islands in the area. The other two teams did “Introduction to Birding.” Half way thru the morning we switched courses.

Lunch was at 12:30 PM and then we had the afternoon courses such as a trip by boat to Wreck Island to see the colony of Great Blue Herons or a 2-1/2 mile hike thru Hog Island. At dinner each night Dr. Steve Kress the director of Hog Island and Project Puffin gave some notes of interest to all assembled. After dinner we had our evening programs which usually started with a short topic on ornithology, then the nightly bird check list and the evening’s main program consisting of “Bird Art & the Evolution of Field Guides.” Another topic was the “Art of Pishing” which is making bird calls with your mouth,. The course was given by the well known birder and author, Pete Dunne and Pete is a fantastic “PISHER.” The days were long and sleep was much appreciated. The lobster boats and their diesel engines started at 4:30 AM and you could not escape the noise.
For the next three days the morning and afternoon schedules included boat rides out to Eastern Egg Rock Island where we saw the Puffins and seals, a trip inland to a blueberry farm, the Medomak Bird Hike (in the rain), workshops on “gardening for birds,” “bird feeding basics” and “birds of Maine.” A total of 57 species were recorded.

The last evening we had a farewell dinner with soup, salad, lobster with all the trimmings an a surprise desert was an individual little cake in the shape of an Atlantic Puffin.

It was a wonderful experience even though as a senior, the climbing on the large rocks on the coast of Wreck Island were a bit difficult to the point that some of the staff had to helpme. They were great. When I arrived home and told my family about my experience, they were quite proud of me. A week later my daughter-in-law presented me with a tee shirt that had a bird on it and below it said “#1 Pisher.”

-Myron Mendelson

Where the Least Terns Nest

2010-09-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Can you spot the Least Tern chick hiding in this photo?
It's our little one out on Siesta Key.

With little undisturbed habitat left on beaches, Least Terns are using flat, gravel rooftops for nesting. A threatened species in the state of Florida, Least Terns are also the smallest of all terns in the country.

This summer approximately 100 Least Tern chicks fledged on the rooftop of the Carlton water treatmeat plant. It was a hugely successful season. Many thanks to Ellen McLean, along with Frank DeSteno and Nancy Edmondson, who inspected the roof each week.

Ellen reported the progress to us with such pride—like a new mom.

Since our beaches were unproductive for nesting Least Terns and Black Skimmers, this was a ray of hope in a gloomy outlook. No colonies on either South or North Lido, but a miracle occurred on Siesta Key: One Least Tern nested on the beach near Access 7, the first tern nesting on Siesta Key in over 30 years!

The Florikan roof near the Celery Fields produced 30-40 Least Tern chicks, another success for which we are grateful!

We thank everyone who cares about this special bird and especially those who volunteered their time to look after the nesting areas this summer.

Siesta Key Beach Nesting Successful, Thanks to the Efforts of Many

2010-09-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

New Snowy Plover Nest on Siesta Key Beach,
taken by Claire Smithers

Wow...from this summer, we see that so much is possible when people who care come together to make a difference. Thanks to a fabulous group of volunteers and organizations, we were able to help seven (7) Snowy Plover chicks and one (1) Least Tern chick to fledge this year. Several factors contributed to the success:

Sarasota County (and the BOCC) allowed us to close the pedestrian path from the Access 7 parking lot. Go Sarasota County! We are grateful.
Nighttime security guard on duty at Accesses 7 & 8 to limit after hours shenanigans; funded by Parks & Rec. How awesome is that?
Volunteers in the parking lot spoke to many folks, handed out brochures and did a fab PR job for the birds. It's all about forming new friendships with potential advocates, and of course, education.
Many volunteers located the chicks in the morning and then trailed the chicks on the beach (an exceedingly hot and arduous task, especially on holiday weekends) to keep folks away from them, also educating them in the process—another fab PR job.
Success in limiting beach raking in the nursery area.
Buffering nesting zones, some on private property (with permission).
Many volunteers and organizations helped in this effort, and they should all be very proud of what they did. We give great thanks to an incredible team.

Growing Snowy Plover on Siesta Key Beach by Claire Herzog

People who made this possible:

Jean Adams, Susan & Nick Almario, Nancy Bangham, Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, Marie Brooks-Demaud, Julie Byrne, Tony Damian, Judy DeMersman, Nancy Douglass, Jeanne Dubi, Nancy Edmondson, Lynda Eppinger, Jerris Foote, Ann & Rima Gasparini, Cheryl Gladdie, Rick Greenspun, Mary Heinlen & daughter, Rachel Herman, Claire Herzog, Stu Hills, Karen Jensen, Ann Kaplan, Wilma Katz, Dianne Kennedy, Marianne Korosy, Barbara Loveridge, Bob & Catherine Luckner, Peg Magee, Nick Marin, Kristen Mazzarella, Maria Elisabeth Mantius, John McCarthy, Dick Miles, Linda & Rich Moreau, Robert Pasquali, Ruth Ellen Peipert, Jonathan Poyner, Kathi Rader-Gibson, Penney Rist, Barry Rossheim, Bonnie Samuelsen, Pat Sharp, Kyle Shenk, Andrea & Mike Shlasko, Carolyn Smithers, Claire Smithers, Michelle van Deventer, Jennifer Vreeland, Paula Wagner, Gayle Wardner, Deurita Wieczorek, John Whitehead, Roxanne Williamson, Allan Worms.

Organizations that made this possible:
Sarasota County Parks & Rec, Gulf View Condominiums, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Siesta Key Association, Beachaven Condos, Mark Clibbard (beach raker), Coastal Wildlife Club, and Sarasota Audubon. Many thanks to all the beachgoers who stopped, looked, listened and learned. Many did not know that these birds nested on our beaches.

Now how is that for a community-wide effort? We give our thanks to everyone who helped these special birds survive. It's been a great summer thanks to you.

-Jeanne Dubi, Sarasota Audubon Society President

The Oil Spill: What to Do Locally and What NOT to Do

2010-05-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

With the growing oil spill disaster close at heart to residents of Sarasota County, Sarasota Audubon is making several recommendations.

Most importantly, do not attempt to clean the beaches by removing natural debris from the shoreline. This time of year our beaches provide the nesting sites for many different species of birds whose nests are often camouflaged. Eggs can blend in perfectly with the sand, are hard to see and are easily stepped on and can be inadvertently crushed. Moving beach litter from the shoreline into dunes and areas above the high water line will lead to impacts to nesting birds and could result in damage to the dunes.
Connect with Save Our Seabirds to volunteer your time locally. This agency’s leadership is certified for work with birds and wildlife directly impacted by oil.
Follow alerts issued by Audubon of Florida, coordinating funding and volunteer activities statewide that will help with oil spill impacts to our wildlife. You can also volunteer with them to help with the effort outside of Sarasota County.
Consider making a donation to Save our Seabirds (http://www.savourseabirds.org/; telephone number 388-3010) or Wildlife Center of Venice (http://www.wildlifecenterofvenice.org/; telephone number: 484-9657) for wildlife rehabilitation

Thanks, Sarasota County. Great Move for Wildlife

2010-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sarasota County Environmental Lands Are Growing by 7,700 more acres east of Myakka River State Park.

Just in case you missed the news, on April 14 our County Commission approved purchasing the 3,808 acre Walton Ranch, one of the largest tracts thus far added to the County’s voter-approved Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program.

Commission approval to purchase a conservation easement for an equivalent-sized portion of the Longino Ranch is anticipated by the time this Brown Pelican is received. While both of these purchases must also be approved by the Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which along with other State sources will supply well over half the funds, the District has participated in the negotiations and no problems are foreseen. Cattle ranching will continue on both tracts, but trails for birding, wildlife viewing and picnic or camping areas will be developed by the County for public access.

Probably more environmentally important than the size of the acquisitions is their location, completing a broad wildlife corridor connecting the Myakka River State Park and adjacent preserves with a preserve in DeSoto County extending to the Peace River. That should allow such wide-ranging animals as black bears and Florida panthers to establish themselves in the eastern part of Sarasota County. Young male panthers already occasionally wander north from their normal range south of the Caloosahatchee River and one may be in the Myakka area now.

-Wade Matthews, Conservation Chair

Spring at the Rookery

2010-04-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sarasota Audubon Society's Rick Greenspun for sharing these beautiful photos with us.

Is Rick an amazing photographer or what? We love it that he's always so generous to share these captured moments with us. Be sure to get out and enjoy this season!

Check out our full array of activities online at http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/.

Seeking Beach Nesting Bird Monitors: Training Provided & It's Fun

2010-04-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Every year, Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers and Least Terns attempt to nest on our area beaches.

They face the challenge of not only the Summer heat and storms, but have to contend with predators,feral cats, raccoons, dogs and disturbance from unknowing or uncaring human activities.

To assist them in their time of need, we need volunteers to help locate and report nests, become beach ambassadors to inform and educate the public, and beach "Bird Life Guards" that would be stationed near nest sites during peak times and holidays to safeguard them from interference.

Training is available.

Sarasota Audubon is currently seeking volunteers in the following categories:

Beach Ambassadors
Nest Monitors/ Locators
Nest Site Guardians

E-mail Beachvolunteer@SarasotaAudubon.Org or call Bonnie Samuelson at: 951-7704.

Sarasota Audubon's April Environmental Notes: Keep Informed

2010-03-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

The oil drilling issue is still big, folks.

The report from the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida has been released. Requested by the State Senate, it shows that drilling in State-controlled inshore waters of even the proven oil states of Texas and Louisiana brings each of those state governments less than $100 million a year. A State Senate report also estimated total petroleum reserves in Florida waters would supply the U.S. with less than a week of its normal consumption, having no discernible effect on gas prices. You may want to encourage our legislators to compare those returns with drilling's potential damage to the environment and to Florida's huge and vital tourist economy.

The Congressional Environmental Scorecard--check it out.

The League of Conservation Voters has just released its annual report of how US Senators and House Representatives voted on the eleven (Senate) and thirteen (House) issues that they defined as having clearly pro and anti-environment sides during 2009. Senator Nelson voted 100% of the time for the environment as defined by LCV, while Senator Martinez voted against the environment on all three votes he cast before his resignation, and his replacement, Senator LeMieux, cast a pro-environment vote only 17% of the time.

According to LCV, our local Representative, Vern Buchanan, voted pro-environment 29% of the time. Taking both houses into consideration, the most pro-environment state delegations were those of Connecticut and Hawaii with 100% each, the most anti-environment Wyoming (less than 5%) and Oklahoma (less than 7%). Details of the bills and individual votes are at http://www.lcv.org/. You may want to ask some of our elected officials to explain their votes.

Sarasota Audubon Trip to Hillsborough River State Park

2010-03-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Members of Sarasota Audubon Society carpooled up to the lovely Hillsborough River State Park yesterday in search of migrants and other delightful species of the avian kind.

A few treasures of the trip included Bachman's Sparrow, lots of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Pronothatary Warbler, Hermit Thrust. And oh, what a beautiful day!

If you haven't been yet, please make an effort to drive the hour from Sarasota to check it out. What a peaceful oasis along a gorgeous river.

Double Crested Cormorant
Great Egret
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Wood Stork
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Swallow-tailed Kite
Bald Eagle (on the way up nesting on a tower)
Red-shouldered Hawk
Northern Bobwhite (heard only)
Sandhill Crane
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
White-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay Tree
Tree Swallow
Fish Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray gnatcatcher
Hermit Thrush
Gray Catbird
Nothern Mockingbird
Northern Parula
Yellow-rumped warbler
Yellow-throated warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Prothonatary Warbler
Eastern Towhee (heard)
Chipping Sparrow
Bachman's sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Painted Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Carolina Chickadee
Common Grackle

Thanks so much to our fearless trip leader, Lynn Jakubowicz, and Sarasota Audubon's Membership Chair. Want to become a member of Sarasota Audubon? It's the best way to contribute to local environmental efforts while you enjoy activities and education. Learn more here.

Protecting Nesting Areas at Access 7

2010-03-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Sarasota Audubon Society is working hard to prepare for nesting season on our beaches. We know that people can enjoy the beach while keeping a watchful eye for areas that are roped off. Please remind kids that running after birds on the beach can scare them away from eggs and chicks they are protecting. With your help, we can make this a win-win, and more of our threatened and endangered species can survive.

Thanks to everyone who helped out at Access 7!

You can join us on Lido Beach on Friday March, 26; meet at the corner of Ben Franklin and Ringling at 10 am. We're also having Chick Check walks on Lido Key on April 17 and May 21 at 8 am. Come out to help!

For more information about the birds that share our beaches and how you can help, contact Jeanne Dubi at (941) 355-1709.

Sarasota Audubon Society is Ramping Up Efforts to Save Beach Nesting Birds

2010-03-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

Every year threatened and endangered beach nesting birds try to raise their chicks on Sarasota County beaches. Facing a number of threats from disturbance of nest sites by humans, predation by crows, dogs, cats and raccoons, the situation can be grim.

You may have noticed the buffered zones on Siesta and North and South Lido. This year, we have a new strategy: Sarasota Audubon Society is holding pre-posting parties, and everyone is invited. The group is buffering historical nesting sites in order to create a "safe zone" for birds to set up their nests. The public is invited to help or just come to watch and learn.

Last year on Siesta Key beach, 36 eggs hatched from eight Snowy Plover nests. Only two chicks survived one night on the beach, and the rest did not.

This year can be different with your help.

Here are some key dates for you and anyone interested in the effort:

Informative presentation about beach nesting birds. Concession area on Siesta Key Public Beach on Wednesday, March 10 at 9 am.
Pre-posting parties. Siesta Key on Friday, March 12 at 10 am at Access 7, and Lido Beach on Friday March, 26; meet at the corner of Ben Franklin and Ringling at 10 am.
Chick Check walks on Lido Key. March 20, April 17, May 21 at 8 am. Learn how to identify our beach nesters and to spot chicks.

At the pre-posting parties, Audubon will be installing stakes every 20 feet or so around a designated site, attaching string, colored tape and information signs. The Chick Check walks are designed to look for courtship and nesting activities and to monitor the progress of Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers as they go through their breeding cycles.

For more information about the birds that share our beaches and how you can help, contact Jeanne Dubi at (941) 355-1709.

We Support Amendment 4

2010-02-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 2 Florida residents can vote for an amendment to the State Constitution that might preserve much of what remains of wild and rural Florida and the birds and other animals that depend on those habitats. Called the Florida Hometown Democracy amendment, it would allow voters to veto any change to county or city comprehensive land use plans. Publicity and debate in many forums is already ramping up, and Sarasota Audubon Society (SAS) members should be informed.

About a hundred environmental and citizens' organizations, including SAS and seven other Florida Audubon societies, Florida Sierra, Florida Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Everglades, Environment Florida, and local or regional organizations such as ECOSWF, CONA, Citizens for Sensible Growth, and Control Growth Now have endorsed and recommended passage of Amendment 4.

What is Amendment 4 about? Each county and municipality in Florida is required to have a long-term growth plan projecting what land will be developed and for what use (commerce, residential, industrial, etc.) and how densely. A State agency (DCA) must approve changes adopted by the county or city commissions, and Amendment 4 would add voter approval as the FINAL step. The amendment would not apply to zoning changes, which would, as now, be subordinate to the comprehensive plan.

Developers should find land in the proper use category under the comprehensive plan, request a zoning change as appropriate, and build accordingly. But some developers, particularly those with a mega project (like the recently-foreclosed over-5,000-acre Isles of Athena project in eastern Sarasota County), find cheaper land that the long-term plan designates at a density only appropriate for agriculture or natural habitat. Then they have the local commission, perhaps elected with their financial support, approve the requested change in the long-term plan, push it through the State agency (some legislators are even trying to eliminate the requirement for State approval), and there goes another mega-development blocking a wildlife corridor.

Polls of voters in many parts of Florida show that most citizens deplore the sprawl and overdevelopment of the State that is destroying much of what brought or kept them here. The theory behind the Hometown Democracy amendment is that allowing voters a veto on such plan changes will discourage developers from even making many such requests, thereby channeling development into urban infill already allowed by the comprehensive plans. If a really good, generally supported change in the long-term plan is proposed, then voters will presumably approve it.

The two main arguments against Amendment 4 are: First, that it would flood the ballot with complicated proposals, and second, that it would discourage job-creating construction. However, the complicating details would obviously be consolidated, as already happens with such measures on the ballot now, with the ballot language concisely referring to the project. Second, with 300,000 homes already vacant in Florida and commercial space rates in free fall, the last thing we need now is low-paying jobs building more dwellings and shopping malls in environmentally sensitive areas. Instead, we should channel jobs into clean energy and high tech manufacturing, and after the present building glut is absorbed, direct new housing and commercial work to urban infill.

-Wade Matthews, Conservation Chair, Sarasota Audubon Society

Become a Chick Checker for Our Critical Beach Monitoring Program

2010-02-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

Each year, dedicated volunteers jump through hoops trying to help our beach nesting birds survive. The picture is grim. Last year on Siesta Key beach, 36 eggs hatched from 8 Snowy Plover nests; two chicks survived one night, and the rest did not due to predation from crows, dogs, cats, raccoons, and human disturbance of nest sites.

You may have noticed the buffered zones on Siesta and North and South Lido. This year, we have a new strategy: we are going to have pre-posting parties—everyone invited. This means we will buffer historical nesting sites in order to create a “safe zone” for birds to set up their nests. Come help us or just watch and learn.

When are the parties? On Siesta Key on Friday, March 12 at 10 am at Access 7. On Lido on Friday March, 26, meet at the corner of Ben Franklin and Ringling at 10 am. What will we do? We’ll install stakes every 20 feet or so around a designated site, attach string, colored tape and information signs.

Prior to parties, I will be giving a presentation about our beach nesters at Beach University in the concession area on Siesta Key (public beach) on March 10 at 9 am. All are welcome. In addition, Sarasota Audubon is leading three Chick Check walks on Lido Key: March 20, April 17 and May 21. These walks are designed to look for courtship and nesting activities and to monitor the progress of Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers as they go through their breeding cycles. Meeting place is the parking area at the corner of Ben Franklin and Ringling on Lido Key at 8 am.

I hope you can join us to learn about the birds that allow us to share their beaches. For more information, call 355-1709.

Jeanne Dubi, President, Sarasota Audubon Society

Awesome Photos from Sarasota Audubon's Trip to Puerto Rico

2010-02-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

Sarasota Audubon Society recently returned from a birding trip to Puerto Rico. The group found 15 of the 17 listed endemic bird species there.

Here's Rick Greenpsun's report and his photography:

Conditions were tough for birding and photography. The vegetation was thick and dark most of the time, and the birds were reluctant to show themselves. We birded the southwestern part of the island were it was lush but drier and then put in two days in the northeast corner near and in El Yunke Rainforest, where it was lush and wet. El Yunke gets about 200 inches a year in rainfall, so most days you can expect to get wet!!

The Puerto Rican Owl was taken at 4 in the morning with a flash and a flashlight.

Puerto Rican Tody:

Bananaquit singing:

If you'd like to come with us on our next trip, be sure to visit our website for more information. We travel locally, from county to county and every now and then, outside of the U.S.

Results of January 2 Christmas Bird Count..Man, That's a Lot of Birds

2010-01-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

Team 1: John Ginaven, Stu Wilson, David Manchester, Peter Rice and Marc Hayman checked off 68 species;
Team 2: Rick Greenspun, Kathryn Young, Kathy Meaux, Mark Davis, Sandra Van Hullenaar, Michelle Van Deventer and Rebecca Lazarus covered Siesta Beach and all of Siesta Key and found the day’s only Peregrine Falcon and the single Lesser Black-backed Gull;
Team 3: Valeri Ponzo, Carolyn Primus and Barbara Covey found a few onlies: A Mute Swan flyby, Wilson’s and Semipalmated Plovers, and a N. Rough-winged Swallow
Team 4: Lynn Jakubowicz, Jane Brandhorst and Mary Heinlen got a very respectable 55 species in their urban area;
Team 5: Edith Miller, Barry Rossheim, Ruth Ellen Peipert, and Lucy Pace found a pair of Baltimore Orioles, rarities for Sarasota. They also located a Hermit Thrush in Pinecraft Park;
Team 6: Ellen Richardson and Ann & Tim Seidenkranz plugged away all day and found one of only two American Bitterns and an usual American Redstart;
Team 7: Paul Lewis, Jane Shannon and Connie & Tom Plaskett found the count’s only Solitary Sandpiper;
Team 8: Bill & Margaret Dunson, Nancy Edmondson, Greg Voigt, Sue Stam, and Roxanne Williamson covered the Celery Fields and surroundings and found the wintering Common Goldeneye and the only Sora for the day, and were only one of two teams to find Indigo Buntings;
Team 9: Tina Mossbarger, Joni Bos Gray and Jeff Carson came up trumps with the day’s only N. Parula, and were one of only two teams to find Indigo and Painted Buntings;
Team 10: Alison & Mike Bishop, Lorrie Muldowney and Chris Beaton found one of only two Merlins for the count; Team 10a consisted of several groups covering communities within Palmer Ranch: Harriet Siegel, Wade & Betty Matthews, Judy Meksraitis, Sue Hamilton and Rachel Nylen (Prestancia); Michael Hamilton, Kathleen Jones, Jim & Ann Eachus, Michael & Nancy Barnes (Village Walk); Sally Seeger and Michael & Nancy Barnes (The Isles); Michael Hamilton, Penney Rist with granddaughter Zoe Burge, aged 7 (Turtle Rock); Don & Karen Schneider (The Hamptons); and Sandy and Rena Cooper (Oaks Clubside). Collectively these groups found the only Green-winged Teal, the only Caspian Tern, and the other American Bittern. They clocked up 6,588 birds and 76 species—great stuff!
Team 11: David Williamson, Barbara Singer, Steve Black, Peg Beeman, Daniel Somodi, Daniel Somodi, Jr., Al & Suzanne Semago, Matt Holman, Hugh Dinkler and DS Paige got the only American Wigeons and Redheads for the day;
Team 12: Jeanne Dubi, Suzanne Daughtrey, Kelley Berkey and Steve Gansz found the only Gadwalls and Marsh Wrens;
Team 14: Jeff Palmer and Tommy Elliott found the day’s only Ovenbird and Least Bittern;
Team 15: Karen Jensen, Jerry & Sandy Ulrickson, Russ & Carole Hoffman and Rhonda & Bill Dix came up with 48 species in their urban area;
Team 19: Rett & Priscilla Owen, Lou Kovach, Gloria Mankewicz and Bob Thomas covered Spanish Point and the intracoastal in that region and found the only Horned Grebe for the entire count, the lone Dunlin and the only Short-billed Dowitchers.

Owlers Jeff Palmer and Jeanne Dubi covered separate mainland areas, and Rick Greenspun and Kathryn Young owled on Siesta Key. Between them they found Eastern Screech-Owls, Great Horned, Barred and Barn Owls.

Backyard counters and neighborhood spotters really pulled their weight again.

Area 1: Len Newman and Mary Allyn counted birds in Plymouth Harbor and contributed Green Herons;
Area 2: David and Tatiana Staats added Ruddy Turnstone, a juvenile Bald Eagle and a Common Loon, and Beverly Peyser added a Green Heron;
Area 3: Terry Proeger walked his neighborhood and contributed House Sparrow, Carolina Wren and Hooded Mergansers;
Area 4: Jeanne Dubi added an early Eastern Screech-Owl and Mike Dubi smoked cigars on the patio until the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Painted Bunting showed up;
Area 6: From her backyard after a hard day’s slog, Tina Mossbarger turned up the only Northern Bobwhite and the only Brown Thrasher and contributed Black-Hooded Parakeets and Am. Goldfinches for the area. Jeanne Dubi contributed a Barn Owl and 2 Barred Owls, and Henry Wagler found 3 Eastern Bluebirds;
Area 7: Charlie Everly monitored his yard all day and turned in a nice list and Sue Herring added a rare Pine Siskin, seen at her feeder and photographed for the record;
Area 8: While leading a scheduled walk for Venice Audubon, Barry Rossheim confirmed the Bufflehead at the Founders Club pond, located a Green Heron for the area then went off to join Team 5. Jeanne Dubi found a Barn Owl before daybreak on Center Road.
Area 9 had the valuable help of Peter & Frances Rice who added Pied-billed Grebe, Tricolored Herons, Blue-winged Teal, Limpkins, American Coots, Belted Kingfisher and Savannah Sparrows, all from Heritage Oaks.
Area 11: Karen Jensen helped out by adding a Barred Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl, and Betty Matthews monitored her yard too.
Area 12: Sheila Springer added Tufted Titmice, House Finch and Yellow-throated Warbler. Marcy Packer and Sandy Hasenjager emailed their list from Lakeridge Falls.
Area 15: Joanna Bear watched her yard and contributed a Bald Eagle, Red-winged Blackbirds and 200 Tree Swallows.

A special mention goes to 12-year-old Campbell Lee. Along with friend Alexandria Atkins and his Mom, Robin Thomes, he covered his neighborhood and threw in Potter Park and Red Bug Slough too! The three of them added Carolina Wren, Common Grackles and Tree Swallows for several areas and came up with an impressive 40 species. We’ll all be scrambling to get him on our team next year.

Note: Tommy Elliott, a great birder and birding friend died a sudden and untimely death on Jan 14. Tommy was on every CBC since I can remember. Those who knew him will miss him terribly. I hope he’s birding from a cloud now.

The report above includes a record 90 counters in the field and 18 backyard/neighborhood watchers all helped to come up with 154 species for the count (last year we had 160). The day’s total of 1,233,126 birds was augmented by a 1 million+ Tree Swallow roost found on private property. Even without the roost, more than three times the average number of Tree Swallows was counted. It’s a great year for them. Some species were up and others were down over last year; it’s impossible to see trends over 2 years. The weather kept many small birds tucked down—cold and windy—and the numbers definitely reflect that.

Population Growth and Climate Change

2010-01-24T15:07:00.001-08:00

Almost all rational and informed people who have passed beyond believing that the earth is flat accept the scientific data that heat-trapping gasses, especially carbon dioxide, are causing climate change. This change includes melting glaciers and polar icecaps, acidifying the oceans, increasing extreme temperatures and desertification in many areas, and reducing habitats and numbers of numerous species of wildlife. The fifteen hottest years on record since modern global temperatures have been kept have all occurred since 1991 and we have lost a third of our Arctic sea ice in the past thirty years.

Countless scientific studies have shown overwhelming evidence that most of this damaging climate change has been caused by human activity. Concentrations of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are already at their highest levels in at least the last 400,000 years, thirty percent above those of the pre-industrial era. Audubon, Sierra, and almost all environmental organizations are lobbying for drastic measures to stop this disastrous process. These measures would include either mandatory limits on warming gas emissions or economic-based mandatory cap-and-trade treaties and legislation The successful system that mostly stopped sulfur emissions from acidifying northern lakes in the U.S. shows the effectiveness and modest cost of such legislation.

But neither Audubon, Sierra, nor most environmental groups have been clear in making the obvious linkage of damaging emissions and negative climate change to rapidly increasing human population. The inevitable striving of the roughly eighty million additional inhabitants of earth each year for a better standard of living that includes electricity, water, food, transportation, and such causes of global warming, in addition to depletion of natural resources, will negate much or maybe all measures against climate change. Some of those concerned by climate change may have been lulled by population stabilization in some countries, including parts of Europe and Japan. However, while the percentage rate of increase of the world's population has dropped because of the larger base on which it is calculated, the absolute number of additional people each year has remained essentially at its unsustainable high level.

One of the few environmental organizations that has made the obvious linkage of damaging climate change to human overpopulation is the rapidly-growing Center for Biological Diversity (http://www.biodiversity.org/) In addition to its frequent litigation to protect endangered species, it is actively campaigning for environmentalists and the public to push for governments and international bodies to give greater support for international family planning, smaller families, and more education of women who gives them options to excessive child-bearing. Perhaps we can encourage Audubon, Sierra and other major environmental organizations that once linked their former strong population programs to protecting wildlife and their habitat to renew and increase them with a focus also on the linkage to Climate Change.

-Wade Matthews, Conservation Chair

Noted Bird Photographer Arthur Morris to Share Award-Winning Photos

2010-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m., world-famous bird photographer Arthur Morris will present some of his award-winning nature and wildlife photos at the free monthly meeting of Sarasota Audubon Society.

More than 11,000 of Arthur Morris’s photographs have been published in national publications including American Birds, Audubon, Birder's World, Florida Wildlife and Nature, National Geographic, Natural History, Nature Photographer, Outdoor Photographer, Ranger Rick, Wildbird, and other magazines, as well as in hundreds of books and calendars.

Our meetings take place at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1031 South Euclid Avenue in Sarasota. Call (941) 355-1709 for more information. Hope to see you there!

The Sarasota Audubon Society is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to protecting birds, wildlife, and the environment. Sarasota Audubon’s active education campaign includes monthly meetings featuring environmental topics and speakers, weekly trips to local parks and natural areas, annual overnight and international birding trips, and road clean up activities adjacent to the Celery Fields. Learn more about us here.

Over 400 Show Up for Sandhill Crane Sunset!

2010-01-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Friday evening, over 400 people gathered at the Celery Fields to join Sarasota Audubon as we welcomed local Sandhill Cranes coming in to roost. One of our members counted 165 cars parked along Palmer Boulevard.

Last year this time, hundreds of cranes were roosting at the Celery Fields. Accordingly, we planned a "Sunset at the Celery Fields" activity for this year. Though we haven't seen those numbers this year, our crowd was not disappointed.

Over an hour-long period, we watched almost 50 cranes come in, bugling away as they flew over the Fields. We were able to get many people on the cranes with our spotting scopes, which delighted all. A great showing. Thanks to everyone who joined us!

Please Pass the Tap Water

2010-01-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

The convenience of having bottled water is great, but consider the impact of those bottles and their transportation on the environment. And don't think recycling will make up for it either!

Next time you plan a meeting at the office or have a get-together at home consider serving tap water and brag about it. Also, don't accept bottled water if it is offered at another person's house or business function. Ask for tap water instead. Tap water costs very little to deliver since the infrastructure is already in place. Get a reusable bottle and keep it in the fridge or cupboard to take when you head out for birding or to the beach.

If you're worried about the safety of your tap water, contact your local municipality. Each year they are required to publish the results of their regular testing. (See below for local links). If necessary, there are a number of excellent filtering systems you can get for your tap or you can purchase a pitcher for the refrigerator that filters the water as you pour it in. Just watch out for those reverse osmosis systems. They waste a lot of water.

Sarasota County
More info on bottled water from the Natural Resources Defense Council

Celery Fields Sunset on January 15: A Sandhill Crane Special

2010-01-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Do NOT miss out on a beautiful sunset at the Celery Fields on Friday, January 15.

Come on out with Sarasota Audubon around 5 pm and bring your lawn chair. We'll watch Sandhill Cranes coming in to roost.

Sandhill Cranes may be commonly spotted in pairs or in family groups throughout the year. Other cranes from northern areas migrate to Florida for the winter months, increasing the local population. ...And they love the Celery Fields!

Barn Owls and other species may also be seen. Photo ops will be plentiful.

Meet at the gazebo at Palmer and Raymond. Free. Call Jeanne Dubi at (941) 355-1709 for more information. Hope to see you on the 15th for this relaxing and breathtaking opportunity.

Take a Trip Through Photos on Monday: Bosque Del Apache

2009-12-10T03:49:00.000-08:00

Our dear Rick Greenspun, Sarasota Audubon VP and photographer extraordinaire, just returned from Bosque Del Apache National Widlife Refuge in New Mexico, the subject of Sarasota Audubon's monthly meeting on Monday, December 14. Hope you'll join us at the First Congregational Church's Fellowship Hall, 1031 S. Euclid at 7:00 p.m.

Here's Rick's report:

I went to see the Sandhill Cranes and Snow/Ross's Geese which congregate by the tens of thousands during the winter months. The weather was cold ( 19 degrees) and we had one day where we actually saw the sun.

It was a spectacle not to be believed when just shortly after the first hint of daylight, thousands of geese and cranes "blast off"from the ponds they were spending the night in, and head for the corn fields to feed.

We also made the trip to the top of Sandia Crest ( elev. 10,680 feet) to see all three Rosy-Finches. When we arrived at the top, the wind was blowing about 50 MPH and the temp was about minus 20 degrees.

Iwas able to go out on the observation deck for only a minute at a time before my fingers were ready to fall off, but was rewarded with views of all three.

It was a trip that I recommend to everyone. Its relatively close, inexpensive and an experience you will never forget. I for one, can't wait to go back.

Snow Geese, by Rick Greenspun

Black Rosy-Finch, by Rick Greenspun

You can travel with us to the Refuge through photos! Show up on Monday to hear Maxis Gamez talk about his incredible trip. You'll enjoy stunning photos along the way. Call 355-1709 if you have questions about the free meeting.

Despite Gray Skies, Birders Enjoy Birdy Things on Siesta Key Trolley

2009-12-09T04:21:00.000-08:00

The Shorebird Trolley missed the rain and scored on the raptors. We ended up having more fun with all the Raptors than the Shorebirds. It all started in the parking lot (of course) with a Red-tailed Hawk on a low wire and Coopers Hawk 5 feet away on the next higher up wire. Both stayed long enough for extended looks/comparisons.

At the public beach on Siesta Key we found a Lesser Black-backed Gull in among all the Herring Gulls again fun to compare. At access 8 we spotted the American Kestrel perched on top of one of the masts in the sailboat area. Out on the Gulf we found 2 soaring Gannets and 1 sitting Juvenile. Gannet in the water. Heading back to the access 8 we spied the Peregrine Falcon perched on a balcony on the tallest building. Next we went to the North Bridge and found 2 American Oyster Catchers and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers.

Thanks to Kathryn Young for organizing the expedition and to Kathryn and Penney Hill for the great report back! Don't want to get left out next time? E-mail publicinfo@sarasotaaudubon.org and we'll add you to Sarasota Audubon Society's e-list.

Florida's Water: The Glass is Running Out

2009-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Just found a fabulous article in the Orlando-Sentinel about our shrinking water supply in Florida. With our state's population actually shrinking for the first time since World War II, the water worries do not also diminish. Take a few minutes to read what the Sentinel's Kevin Spear reports from water management districts, environmental councils, utilities and others, and then let us know what you think.

Sarasota Audubon Society advocates for the environment. What would you like to see us doing locally that we aren't already. We depend on your feedback.

Make Those Pesky Phone Books Go Away!!

2009-11-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

With the internet & electronic phone books, you may want to “opt out” of receiving a phone book on your front porch. In the USA alone the 540 million directories represent: 19 million trees for paper; 1.6 billion pounds of paper waste; 7.2 million barrels of oil (not including delivery); 268,000 cubic yards of landfill; 3.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity consumption.

It’s not always easy to opt out and you may have to verify your request annually with each directory provider since these companies collect advertising dollars for every book they give away. Here are a few resources:

Verizon (800) 888-8448 (press 2)
Yellowbook (800) 929-3556 (press 3)
The Real Yellow Pages (866) 326-7200 (press 0) (or just click here)

8 Things You Can Do for Florida's Environment

2009-11-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

Several Sarasota Auduboners, along with the Audubon of Florida staff, chapter leaders from around the state, one gubernatorial candidate (Paula Dockery), environmental researchers, and the state’s top environmental regulator (Michael Sole) attended AOF’s annual assembly in St. Petersburg Oct. 23 and 24. After hearing disturbing reports from national climate change researchers, bad news about some coastal birds, and alarming projections of environmental damage if the legislature approves near-shore drilling and guts growth management protections, the assembly approved conservation priorities for the coming year.

Statewide: Audubon will focus on climate change and energy policy, coastal conservation, and the greater Everglades ecosystem. The Assembly approved the areas of concentration selected by the regional conservation committees, including nine priority areas for action in our Gulf Coast area. These are:

Water conservation, especially protection of springs and aquifers through fertilizer ordinances and better regulation of water withdrawal from lakes and rivers.
Participate with other organizations in public campaigns to apply principles of sustainable growth in law and regulation.
Advocate for wildlife corridors and against fragmenting natural systems.
Advance the coastal habitat protection campaign with beach nesting and shore-dependent bird stewardship.
Engage in programs to protect particularly endangered species, including black bears, Scrub Jays, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers , Bluebirds, Burrowing Owls and Whooping Cranes.
Campaign for cap-and-trade legislation, renewable portfolio standards, and sustainable clean energy.
Provide outreach, education and leadership on climate issues.
Oppose offshore drilling.

Please help us in these priority areas during the coming year. We’ll be calling on you, but if you see an opportunity or a problem, don’t wait. Call your elected officials, write letters to editors, and testify at commission hearings, campaign for and vote on environmental issues and candidates. Volunteer to help protect birds and other wildlife. Together we can be an effective and formidable force for our natural environment and the birds and other wildlife that depend on it.

Visit us online here to get involved.

-Wade Matthews, Sarasota Audubon Society Conservation Chair

More Photos from Environmental Heroes Night...

2009-11-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

Rusty Blackwell & Veronica Tarnowski

Jean Edmundson, Jeanne Dubi & Jim Edmundson

Warm greetings of two Audubon friends!

Ron Platt is recognized.

Bird recorder Edith Miller

Susie Bowie & Beverly Zimmer

Julie Byrne

Jeanne Dubi & Owen Comora

Betty Matthews

Congrats to Our Environmental Heroes!

2009-11-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 12 was an awesome night at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Sarasota Audubon honored eleven long-time members of our chapter for their passion and commitment to the environment. Mary Bader, Rusty Blackwell, Owen Comora, Jean Edmundson, Jim Edmundson, June Mades, Betty Matthews, Ron Platt, Arnie Rawson, Veronica Tarnowski and Beverly Zimmer received accolades for their involvement as volunteers, trip leaders and environmental activists right here in SW Florida.

The lives and accomplishments of our honorees were really something to hear as President Jeanne Dubi spoke about them from the podium. We're pretty darn proud of our people--long-standing volunteers who have done so much to bring the joy, beauty and importance of nature into the forefront of our citizenry's minds.

Jeanne estimated that a collective 80-100 years of volunteer effort was represented by the 11 men and women being recognized. WOW. Congrats to everyone!

Our Coastal Bird Sanctuaries

2009-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Sarasota Audubon Society is hoping to see you on Monday night (November 9) at 7:00 p.m. for our free monthly gathering. We feature an informative environmental speaker, mingle with other local bird and wildlife enthusiasts and always have cookies for the sweet tooth in you.

This month Ann Hodgson of Audubon of Florida is joining us to discuss the state of our coastal birds and their habitat. You don't want to miss her!

If you'd like to get an early start on your holiday shopping, our own wood carving board member Stu Hills will have his beautiful hand-carved ornaments for sale. All sales support our mission.

We meet at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall at 1031 S. Euclid Avenue. See you there.

(Photo: Red Knot, courtesy of Rick Greenspun)

Migration: It's Pretty Extraordinary

2009-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

When the warblers come down this time of year, along with countless other types of species, it always amazes us to think of how far they fly and how expertly they navigate. It's really something when you think about it. Next time you smile at that LBJ in your yard ("little brown job," what some call the myriad of little migrants they can't quite identify), ponder it's journey.

We wanted to share an excellent audio story from Talk of the Nation. It's all about migration, and we know you'll enjoy it. Click here to listen to the MP3 file, and sit back and relax while this panel from Cornell fills you in on the latest migration research. It's something!

Wade Matthews' Conservation Report: Action Needed

2009-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Wade Matthews, longtime Sarasota Audubon conservation chair, provides a federal, state and local picture of what's happening on the conservation front:

Federal:
Legislation to reduce carbon emissions that are the major cause of global warning, with predicted wildlife extinctions and eventual flooding of low-lying areas like Sarasota, is now being considered by he US Congress. Tough controls, including mandatory cap-and-trade laws on emissions from power plants and industries are essential to back up US efforts at an international convention in Copenhagen in December to convince big third-world polluters like China and India to join in an international system. Europe and Japan are already in the Kyoto Protocol, but that system needs improvement and worldwide compliance. You should emphasize in your messages mandatory cap-and-trade and incentives for increasing emissions controls, such as progressively higher mileage standards for vehicles.

State:
Would-be oil drillers are pouring money and manpower into lobbying Florida legislators to sell leases and allow drilling in Gulf waters, under State control, specifically between 3 and 101/2 miles from our beaches. Lobbyists hold out the chimera of money, jobs, and decreasing oil imports, but the money would be minimal, experienced hands would be brought in from Texas and Louisiana instead of local hires, and import reduction would be years away and even then insignificant. In return, we’d get oil slicks ( a big new one in Australia this month using the new methods), visual pollution, dead seabirds, and marine mammals, and a bit hit on tourism. Representative Fitzgerald is opposed, Holder seems to have switched to opposition from his earlier pro-drilling stance, but Senator Detert is undecided. She needs to hear from you, and the others should know how you feel.

Local:
A couple of months ago the Sarasota County Commission by a one-vote margin (Thaxton and Patterson opposed) tried to weaken the 2050 Comprehensive Plane restrictions for Lakewood Ranch, but the State department of Community Affairs rejected the worst features of the attempted change. We testified against the proposed weakening and will do so again when it comes back before the Commission. Debate is ramping up on the Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD) amendment to the State Constitution that will be on the ballot in November, 2010 that would require a citizen vote as the final step in approving any change in the Comprehensive Plans of counties and municipalities around the State. Sarasota Audubon and many other environmental organizations around the State support FHD on the ground that overdevelopment harms birds and other wildlife and the citizens seem more aware of that than many developer-funded elected officials.

Who To Contact:

Senator Bill Nelson, http://billnelson.senate.gov/
Senator Goerge LeMieux, http://lemieux.senate.gov/
Congressman Vern Buchanan, http://buchanan.house.gov/contact
Senator Nancy Detert, detert.nancy.web@flsenate.gov
Keith Fitzgerald, keithfitzgerald@myfloridahouse.gov
Doug Holder, dougholder@myfloridahouse.gov

Birds = Cash? Sarasota Audubon Talks With SNN

2009-10-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

American Oystercatcher Frenzy at Cedar Key

2009-10-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sarasota Audubon's recent Cedar Key trip yielded an exciting array of species. According to Rick Greenspun, Jeanne Dubi and the rest of the crew, the highlight was over 300 American Oystercatchers on one sandbar!!! Hundreds of Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits and Avocets and other usual plovers and peeps and one of those funny colored Laughing Gulls. If you get the chance you gotta go.

The group went out on the Tidewater Tours. Hope we'll catch you on the next trip, or go up on your own for a quiet and beautiful weekend away from it all.

Check out our website for latest news on upcoming trips. Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica are coming up in the next few months and early 2010.

Chevron & The Environment: Do You Buy It?

2009-10-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

We thought this clever little marketing piece from Chevron would be a timely piece to share, especially with the debate heating up about oil in our Gulf. We're curious about your thoughts.

No doubt the company put a lot of time and effort into this marketing/ community relations opportunity. Do you buy it? Leave your comment.

Do we really care about watersheds?

2009-09-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

Um, yes. In a very big way. And the Science & Environmental Council of Sarasota County has planned some super fun and educational activities to help you see why.

In a nutshell, a watershed is the land area from which surface runoff drains into a stream, river, lake, reservoir, bay, or other body of water. The health of Sarasota’s watersheds determines the quality of Sarasota’s water bodies, large and small. This in turn, affects the quality of life for residents and visitors. (That's you, my friend.)

And it's easy to take simple steps to make a difference when it comes to protecting the County’s watersheds. October 12th through 18th is “Watershed Awareness Week.” To celebrate, watershed-related educational events and programs for the whole family are scheduled throughout the week by member organizations of the Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County. Check them out:

Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m. Sarasota Conservation Foundation – "Tropical Natives for Coastal Living" with Laurel Schiller, co-owner of Florida Native Plants, Inc.. Free. Bay Preserve at Osprey, 400 Palmetto Ave. For reservations, call Robin at 941-918-2100.
Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Historic Spanish Point – "Family Water Day." Enjoy catch-and-release fishing on Little Sarasota Bay. Standard admission rates apply. To learn more, visit www.historicspanishpoint.org/Family_Water_Day.htm
Monday, October 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sarasota County Government – "What Is Wild: Myakka the Wild and Scenic River" Take a guided nature walk along the Myakka and learn about this “wild and scenic river.” Meet at Sleeping Turtles Preserve. Free. Call 941-861-5000 for reservations.
Monday, October 12 at 4:30 p.m. New College – "Trees at Work" Find out how trees capture rainfall and reduce, mitigate, and prevent stormwater runoff to Sarasota Bay. Meet at the intersection of College Drive and Dort Promenade on the bayfront campus of New College. Free to the public. No reservations required.
Tuesday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mote Marine – Kayaking 101 Learn the basics of kayaking while you enjoy beautiful Sarasota Bay. $20/person. For reservations, call Miranda Wrobel 941-388-4441 ext. 264.
Tuesday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sarasota County Government – Walk the Hammock Trail Learn about the native plants and wildlife in the hammock. Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Free. Call 941-861-5000 for reservations.
Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. New College – Bay Neighbors Discover easy landscaping techniques that protect our watershed and reduce bay damage from stormwater runoff. Meet at the north end of Sun Circle Park. The bayfront park is located at the intersection of Sun Circle and Sapphire in the Indian Beach Sapphire Shores Neighborhood. $10.00/person. To register, call 941-361-6590 or go to http://www.ace-sarasota.com/
Wednesday, October 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Historic Spanish Point – Sunset Stroll Light refreshments will be served. Ticket prices TBA. No reservations required. For more information, call 941-966-5214 ext. 295 or visit http://www.historicspanishpoint.org/
Wednesday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Green Roofs and Living Walls Speaker Tim Rumage. This free noon-time talk will include a green roof tour. Meet at the Cooley Theater in the Welcome Center at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Call 941-366-5731 ext. 221 for more information.
Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. Historic Spanish Point – Native Plants and the Coastal Environment Join horticulturist, Nancy Paul, as she leads a guided tour through beautiful Historic Spanish Point to discuss the many diverse plants found on-site. Learn to identify native and Florida-friendly plants and their characteristics. $21.00/person. To register, call 941-361-6590 or go to www.ace-sarasota.com

Watershed Awareness Week events are sponsored by SEC and the Manasota Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

It's Not Cool to Feed Sandhill Cranes

2009-09-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

To some, it can be hard to resist, but feeding sandhill cranes (and most other forms of wildlife) usually does much more harm than good to the animals you are trying to "help." Sandhill Cranes fed by people can become agressive and cause property damage....and guess what else? It's illegal to feed Sandhill Cranes.

Our chapter's treasurer was recently inquiring about a banded Florida Sandhill Crane seen in Sarasota. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission had captured it with another crane in Lakeland last spring and translocated them 90 miles to Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area. These birds had been causing property damage and as part of a simple experiment they were moved to see if they would take up residence in the “wilds” of that state land. One bird returned to the capture site and the other (one in Sarasota now) has not.

So just an important FYI: resist the urge. You can do it!

Here's a really cool article from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission that explains a little more about it.

Ocean Researcher Sylvia Earle is Visiting Soon

2009-09-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

We're so psyched. Famous and eloquent ocean researcher Sylvia Earle, Ph.D. is speaking at this year's statewide Audubon Assembly in St. Petersburg later this October. Check out her speech here from TED, and consider the opportunity to meet her up in St. Pete.

How About That Trip to Cedar Key?

2009-09-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's one of those places so close to home, it remains undiscovered for most of us. But just three hours north of Sarasota, a hidden island gem rests on the Gulf Coast. Are you ready to explore? Sarasota Audubon is leading a trip to Cedar Key on October 14-16. Come with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts as we explore the birds and beauty of this historic vishing village in Levy County.

Join a carpool or self-drive for a 2 night stay. We'll embark on a boat trip to search for shore birds and take several other side adventures. It's only $100 for one breakfast, lunch, dinner and a boat ride. Hotel at your own expense. E-mail Karen at karensarasota@yahoo.com for details.

Been to Cedar Key? What are some of the special birds & wildlife you've seen on your trip? Leave a comment.

Rick Greenspun's Great Gray Owl: FINALLY!

2009-09-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

WOW WOW WOW!!

Bird Friends, the title tells it all. After many years and many fruitless pursuits. I have finally seen my number one wish list bird, the Great Gray Owl, thanks to a posting I saw on the Idaho birdlist serve on the 17th of August. We drove from Spokane, WA to Donnelly, Idaho so I could try for the owl this evening. When I initially saw it on the post with wings spread and from a distance, I thought it was much too big to be a bird. It was very cooperative and allowed me to snap away from about 60 feet and sporadically dove into the field for mice, not paying the least bit of attention to me. What a magnificent creature. I wish each and every one of you was with me when I saw it (you were in spirit). I damn near cried from the beauty of it.

So what’s next after THAT??? Siberian Bluethroats in Nome, Bristle-thighed Curlew on the Dalton Hwy. or Pechora Pipits in Adak. Who knows….That’s what makes birding so exciting.

One excited birder, Rick Greenspun

(from Rick Greenspun’s summer travelogue)

Too Close for Comfort

2009-09-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome short video, "Too Close for Comfort" about development's impact on birds here in Florida. Produced by Florida Wildlife Conservation Commmission.

A New Season Is Starting

2009-09-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have so many exciting things planned for you this year at Sarasota Audubon. With regularly scheduled guided walks at Oscar Scherer State Park and the Celery Fields, monthly environmental programs, day trips, festivals and celebrations like our Environmental Heroes night, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/ for the full schedule of upcoming events.

Have a little extra time on your hands? We need you. Volunteers with a healthy environment on the brain are needed to lead bird walks, help clean up the road next to the Celery Fields, clear invasive air potatoes at Pinecraft Park and much more. We depend on you to keep Sarasota a birdy and beautiful community! E-mail dubi@comcast.net if you'd like to help.