SWFLBirdline : Messages : 1297-1326 of 2111

26 April 10 to 11 AM - Celery Fields (NE Sarasota County, Fruitville Road exit off of I-75, between Fruitville Road and Palmer Blvd to the south) - Seen in the yellowish reeds about 300 yards (or meters) or 2/10th of a mile west of the gazebo along the berm (opposite the second tall light pole west of the gazebo) we saw: Two least bitterns, purple gallinule, wood duck mother with six ducklings, bald eagle (flying overhead), anhinga, blue-winged teal, black-bellied whistling duck, red-winged blackbird, black-neck stilt, coot, moorhen, great-blue heron, great egret, eastern meadowlark, boat-tailed grackle, little blue heron, wood stork, turkey vulture, brown pelican, glossy ibis, and white ibis. Heard but not seen, African lions and Asian tigers*. Peter & Frances Rice

* Residents of Big Cat Retirement Home (about 600 meters east of the gazebo)

_______________________________________

Peter Rice

#1298

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Sat May 3, 2008 12:57 am
Subject: Connecticut Warbler at Lakes Park!

anhinga42

All,

Walt Winton reported finding a Connecticut Warbler this afternoon at Lakes Park in south Ft Myers. He will be leading a walk there tomorrow morning at 8:00 for the Bird Patrol, so anyone interested should enter the park off Gladiolus Rd, turn right after entering the park at the first stop, and continue to the end of the road to the last parking area. The group will meet in a covered pavilion (A-7 I believe) very close to the parking lot. Don’t forget to pay the parking fee at the pay station.

The Connecticut was later relocated by Vince McGrath at the north end of the park, located just beyond the high rise condo (Riva del Lago) where the wooded habitat begins. There were a number of warblers present, including a male Chestnut-sided singing! Multiple male Redstarts, male and female Black-throated Blue, Black-and-white, Prothonotary, Palm, Common Yellowthroat, and multiple Blackpolls (seen in the AM by another birder).

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

anhinga42@...

#1299

From: "vnjb63" <vnjb63@...>
Date: Mon May 5, 2008 1:28 am
Subject: Golden Eagle

vnjb63

I'm fairly certain we saw a Golden Eagle in Sarasota on April 13,
2008.  My husband, sister-in-law and her husband also saw it.  I will
try to find out where it was, as it was my sister-in-laws, girlfriends
parents neighborhood.  Has anyone else from Sarasota seen a Golden
Eagle?  I did some research on the internet and found on the Cornell
website that they are primarily in the Western U.S to Mexico and North
America, but are starting to appear in the Eastern part of the U.S.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle.html

#1300

From: "Burt Finkelstein" <bfinkelstein@...>
Date: Fri Jul 4, 2008 5:36 pm
Subject: Unknown gull?

onlyburt

I saw this bird this morning on Siesta Key Beach. I have never seen anything on the beach like it. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks,

Burt

--
Burt Finkelstein
7156 Del Lago Dr
Sarasota, FL 34238

bfinkelstein@...

(941) 735-9520 (Cell)
(941) 932-8224 (Home)

http://www.bfinkelstein.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Try VistaPrint: http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=607503130358

This message is for the designated recipient only and may contain privileged, proprietary, or otherwise private information. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original. Any other use of the email by you is prohibited.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)

#1301

From: "Mike" <birder@...>
Date: Fri Jul 4, 2008 6:12 pm
Subject: Re: Unknown gull?

nightjar7777

Hi Burt
it's not a gull it is a skua (jaeger) and looks to me to be a Pomarine
Best Regards
Mike
The Gloster Birder www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)

#1302

From: jbouton2@...
Date: Fri Jul 4, 2008 8:03 pm
Subject: Re: Unknown gull?

jbouton2

Beat me to it! :) As suggested this is an adult jaeger in very worn plumage. I think Pomarine is likely a good guess as well. It seems somewhat slim but the bill is on the heavier side.
Still this could still be within the range of variation (size wise) for a larger Parasitic Jaeger though. It's a bit unfortunate there isn't another bird in view for size comparison though.

Neat find!

Good birding,

Jeff Bouton
Port Charlotte, FL
jbouton2@...

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

From: "Mike" <birder@...>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 19:12:42 +0100
To: <bfinkelstein@...>; SWFBirdline<SWFLBirdline@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [SWFLBirdline] Unknown gull?

Hi Burt
it's not a gull it is a skua (jaeger) and looks to me to be a Pomarine
Best Regards
Mike
The Gloster Birder www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)

#1303

From: "SRQ Bird Alerts - Peter Rice" <SRQbirdAlerts@...>
Date: Sun Jul 6, 2008 1:48 am
Subject: SRQ Bird Alerts 05 July 2008 - Pomarine Jaegar update

SRQbirdAlerts@...

5 July - Don't go looking for the Pomarine Jaegar on Siesta Key. I saw it in a cage at the Wildlife Center in Venice today. It�s a sick bird. Barry Rossheim SAS VAAS nethoppers@...

_______________________________________

Peter Rice

#1304

From: Thea Rhodes <alfredosdaughter@...>
Date: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:10 pm
Subject: house finch

alfredosdaug...

Just checking in to see if anyone out there has seen the house finches that have been frequenting my backyard feeders (Venice) since June.

#1305

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:56 pm
Subject: Bunch Beach shorebird walk tomorrow (Wed 23 July)

anhinga42

All,

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 Walt Winton and I will lead a shorebird walk at
Bunche Beach for the Lee County Bird Patrol.  No pre-registration is
required, no charge for attending or parking, and all are welcome!  The tide
and weather look like they will be accommodating, so with the blessing of
the birding gods we'll have an interesting go at it with plenty to look at.
The post below to the Birdbrains list by Tom Obrock, along with some
scouting by Walt (the Long-billed Curlew was present to the left of the
parking area), indicates that the shorebirds are present in good numbers and
variety.  This time of year, many of the birds will have a fair amount of
breeding plumage remaining as an extra bonus for braving the heat and
humidity!

Bunche Beach is located at the south end of John Morris Rd, off Summerlin
Blvd in south Ft Myers, a couple miles before the Sanibel Causeway toll
booth.

Click the "Get Directions" link at:

http://www.conservation2020.org/preservedetails.cfm?proj_no=155



Charlie Ewell
Cape Coral, FL
anhinga42@...
http://birdpatrol.org/

-----Original Message-----
From: Birdbrains - Florida Birds/Natural History
[mailto:BRDBRAIN@...] On Behalf Of Tom Obrock
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2008 7:26 PM
To: BRDBRAIN@...
Subject: [BRDBRAIN] White-crowned Pigeons

.....I have visited nearby Bunche Beach, near Ft Myers Beach,
several times this week and have sighted least terns, royal terns, brown
pelicans, wilson's plovers, piping plovers, short-billed dowitchers,
long-billed
curlew, marbled godwits, ruddy turnstones, semipalmated plovers, roseate
spoonbills, a spotted sandpiper, red knots, black-bellied plovers, both
willets,
an American oystercatcher, and lesser yellowlegs.

#1306

From: "Margaret" <mlelighthouse@...>
Date: Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:42 pm
Subject: STA5 July 19th

mengland380

Here's Saturday's STA5 list.  Looks like I missed a great day.
The next tour is August 16th.  The 3rd Annual Hendry Glades NAMC will
be held
Sept. 20th.  Our post count event will be in Clewiston.  Volunteers
are needed
to cover areas surveyed in 06 and '07 plus other areas at Fisheating
Creek .

To volunteer for the NAMC or Sign up for tours Contact:
Margaret England
sta5birding@...
website:  www.hendrygladesaudubon.org
LaBelle

STA5 is 20 miles south of Clewiston in the EAA.



STA5 July 19, 2008
Participants: 15+
Species: 59



Black-bellied Whistling-Duck -- 6
Fulvous Whistling-Duck -- 5
Wood Duck -- 5
American Wigeon -- 1
Mottled Duck
Blue-winged Teal --1
Ring-necked Duck -- 2
Lesser Scaup --1
Northern Bobwhite
Pied-billed Grebe
American White Pelican -- 4 or 5
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga
Least Bittern -- >20
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Cattle Egret
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-heron -- 2 (one immature and one adult)
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Roseate Spoonbill -- 1
Wood Stork
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Swallow-tailed Kite -- 35+ (staging over the cell/impoundment that
borders Chuck Oberon's Organic Farm). This is the largest number of
SWKIs we've seen at STA-5.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Crested Caracara -- 2
Purple Swamphen -- >6
Purple Gallinule -- 2 or 3
Common Moorhen
American Coot
Limpkin
Killdeer -- 1
Black-necked Stilt  -- >10
Forster's Tern -- 2
Black Skimmer --2
Eurasian Collared-Dove -- 1
Mourning Dove
Common Ground Dove
Barn Owl -- 2
Common Nighthawk -- 35+ sitting on telephone lines along Blumberg Rd.
plus a dozen or so others found elsewhere
Gray Kingbird -- 1 (new addition to STA-5 checklist)
Loggerhead Shrike
Purple Martin -- 2
Barn Swallow -- 20+
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling -- 20+ Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee -- 1
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Boat-tailed Grackle

#1307

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:21 pm
Subject: Bunche Beach (Ft Myers, Lee) update

anhinga42

All,

The Long-billed Curlew continues at Bunche Beach in south Ft Myers (Lee County) as of this past weekend (26-27 July). Hundreds of shorebirds are now present along the beach portion that you can walk, and thousands of shorebirds, larids, waders etc. are present beyond the two creeks that border each end of the beach. Species seen from the beach:

Wilson’s Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Black-bellied Plover

Long-billed Curlew

Willet

Short-billed Dowitcher

Ruddy Turnstone

Sanderling (seen Wednesday)

Western Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper (seen Wednesday)

Least Tern

Royal Tern

Sandwich Tern

Black Skimmer

Laughing Gull

Roseate Spoonbill

Wood Stork

Great Egret

Snowy Egret

Tri-colored Heron

Little Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

White Ibis

Magnificent Frigatebird

Brown Pelican

Double-crested Cormorant

Osprey

Turkey Vulture

Mourning Dove

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

anhinga42@...

#1308

From: "Ken Blackshaw" <kenandcindy1@...>
Date: Sat Aug 2, 2008 11:31 am
Subject: Gull-billed Terns & Gray Kingbirds - Cockroach Bay Road - also kingfishers

ken02554

Good Morning All,

This is a follow-on to Brian Ahern's post of July 27.

The Englewood Birders went up to Cockroach Bay Road arriving about 8 a.m.
yesterday, August 1.

We found a young Gull-billed Tern working the pond that is just to the west
of the manufactured home park. Possibly had an adult as well but that bird
didn't hang around. Flew off to the north. There was a nice Forster's Tern
also over that pond for comparison of body shape and behavior.

We went north on Gulf City Road and were quite impressed with the huge
impoundments on both sides. Too bad they are all fenced off and private but
there are several spots where good viewing is possible.

Along that road we had at least ten Gray Kingbirds just after the curve to
the east.

Near the boat launching area on the bay we had two very vocal Belted
Kingfishers.

On the sod fields near the beginning of the road there were hundreds of
Cattle Egrets as well as a single Roseate Spoonbill.

Near the Sarasota Public Library at the Celery Fields we had a very
cooperative Swallow-tailed Kite. Fortunately that is a very long stop light
there and we got to enjoy it very nicely before we finally had to start
moving.

Ken Blackshaw -- (Better, Better & Better)
Amateur Radio W1NQT (Never Quits Talking)
Englewood on Florida's SW Coast

#1309

From: "bgunnels4" <bgunnels4@...>
Date: Sun Aug 3, 2008 12:12 pm
Subject: Help with Mallard Ducks

bgunnels4

Howdy all,

Would someone please tell me the location of a reliable population of
mallard ducks in SW FL?

Thanks,

billY Gunnels

#1310

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2008 1:39 pm
Subject: Red Knot (REKN) sightings

anhinga42

The first REKN for the season have arrived down in the Ft Myers area. On Wed 30 Jul at Little Estero Island CWA (aka Little Estero Lagoon, Ft Myers Beach) Chris Burney (FWC) and I had a small group of REKN (10 individuals, 7 post alternate molt, 3 basic) roosting with a large mixed flock of WILL (Western), MAGO, RUTU, SAND, and WESA. The lime flagged individuals are resightings for this area. Always very cool to find out! They were lime flag VP5 and AN5. Here is the info I received from Bill Pitts previously on each bird:

DATE

YEAR

LOCATION

FLOCK

Band combo

USFWS BAND

BANDING INFO

24-Feb

2007

Sanibel Island

25?

-/-:FL(VP5)/m

1172-98318

Sanibel Island, FL 1/1/07

5-Aug

2007

Little Estero Lagoon, Estero Island, Ft Myers Beach (Lee County)

-/-:FL(AN5)/m

1172-98092

Sanibel Island, FL 1/1/07

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

http://birdpatrol.org

Below is a note re: Red Knots from Chris Burney of the FWC

Hello All,

Shorebird migration is almost in full swing, and once again, we would really appreciate any sightings of red knot. Please include the following information with your sightings:

1. location (lat/ long if possible or detailed description including an address or cross street):

2. total flock size

3. species composition of the flock

4. time

5. number of banded knots

6. band colors and flag codes (3 character combination of letters or letters & number) (Please note on which leg the bands are located.)

All sightings should be sent directly to Bill Pitts (William.Pitts@...)

History of the project:

We are trying to develop a better understanding of Florida's wintering red knot population. Florida, and especially the west coast of Florida, is one of three important wintering areas for red knot. A team of biologist from around the world working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has surveyed and banded red knots throughout southwest Florida over the last three years. In that time, we have banded about 700 birds with lime green flags inscribed with unique alpha-numeric IDs that can be read at a distance with a spotting scope. The Florida project is part of a larger effort aimed at developing reliable estimates of the flyway-wide population of red knots and they're population status. Our work over the last several years suggests the possibility of declining wintering numbers. It is extremely important that we supplement our trapping/banding work with an intensive resighting effort. We would like to enlist your help in locating flocks of red knots, recording the size of the flocks, and resighting as many marked birds as is possible. These data will be used to help biologist develop new estimates of the red knot population. The ultimate goal of the project is to determine the size of the Red Knot wintering population in Florida and the habitats important for their survival.

Chris Burney

Shorebird Partnership Coordinator

Species Conservation Planning Section

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Southwest Regional Office

3900 Drane Field Rd

Lakeland, FL 33811

Phone: (863) 648-3200

Fax: (863) 701-1248

Email: chris.burney@...

#1311

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Fri Aug 8, 2008 12:15 pm
Subject: RE: [BRDBRAIN] Accepting Summer bird observations in West-Central Florida for FFN & NAB

anhinga42

Ditto for SW Florida. Send to the email below, or reply to this message!

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

From: Birdbrains - Florida Birds/Natural History [mailto:BRDBRAIN@...] On Behalf Of Brian Ahern
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 11:49 AM
To: BRDBRAIN@...
Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Accepting Summer bird observations in West-Central Florida for FFN & NAB

Hi All,

Please send me any interesting bird sightings in West-Central Florida from this past Summer for possible inclusion in the Florida Field Naturalist (published by the Florida Ornithological Society) & also North American Birds. The focus of these quarterly reports is on interesting or rare/unusual bird observations and other interesting sightings (high numbers, interesting behavior, breeding status, etc). If you are unsure whether your sighting qualifies, please send it to me anyway. The West-Central area includes: Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto & Sarasota counties. If you have any significant bird observations from this Summer (June 1st through July 31st) in these counties please e-mail them to me at: BrianAhern@...

PLEASE follow this format when putting your report together, and please put all your
observations in phylogenetic order, not in random or chronological order

Species:
Number of individuals:
Date(s):
Location (including county):
Observers:
Details for species rare or difficult to distinguish from common species, or any unusual behavior or notes (photos are gladly accepted too!):

All observers whose sightings are published are acknowledged fully in FFN & NAB.

Thank you!

Brian Ahern
Tampa Bay, FL.
BrianAhern@...

Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.

To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV@... Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin@... ____________________________________________________________________________

#1312

From: "Margaret" <mlelighthouse@...>
Date: Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:05 pm
Subject: NAMC Hendry Glades Sept. 20

mengland380

Subject: NAMC 2008: 3rd Annual Glades Hendry NAMC Sept. 20th

You are invited to participate in the 3rd annual Glades Hendry North
American Migration Count to be held on Saturday September 20th.
Drivers, hikers, expert birders, birding enthusiastic all ages and
skill levels, and compilers are needed for various teams and home
surveys in Hendry and Glades Counties.
The North American Migration Count in Florida is sponsored by Florida
Ornithological Society, and is supported by local Audubon Societies,
local bird clubs, and other interested organizations.
PURPOSE:  The mission of the North American Migration Count (NAMC) is
to:
� Obtain a "snapshot" of the progress and "shape" of spring and
fall Migration.
� Obtain information on the abundance & distribution of each
species.
� Initiate more participation among birders within a state and
between states.
� Create challenges and goals among birders while collecting
useful information.
� Aid in organization and centralization of date.
� HAVE FUN.
AREA OF COUNT:  The area of a count is not a circle, but the
boundaries of a County.  The idea is to have a contiguous
interlocking set of non-overlapping counts across North America.  It
is desirable to get as much of each county surveyed as resources and
time permits. Meeting locations and times are set by individual
teams.
Last year there were  8 Teams and 1 home survey.
1. STA5 and Blumberg
2. Glades Northwest (Highlands Team)
3. Harney Pond, Ft. Center (Fisheating Creek East), Curry Island
4. Rainey Slough, Moore Haven, Lakeport, Brighton
5. Big Cypress Reservation and 835
6. Fisheating Creek West (Palmdale)
7. Okaloacoochee (OK) Slough meets at 7 a.m. at the Keri Fire Tower
8. LaBelle, Ft. Denaud, Riverside Retreat, 78 W, Muse, Wetherspoon
Wetland
9. Home Surveys
Survey forms are e-mailed or mailed to teams and participants doing
home.  Please reply if you will be helping with this year's count.
Please forward this request to others you think might be
interested.   Participants are invited to an informal dinner at the
Clewiston Inn where the NAMC results will be tabulated.
Looking forward to this year's NAMC.
  Margaret England
Hendry and Glades County Contact/Compiler:

mlelighthouse@...
sta5birding@...
Cell: 863-517-0202
Home: 863-674-0695
website:  www.hendrygladesaudubon.org

#1313

From: "Bob" <rihargrave@...>
Date: Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:37 am
Subject: Sunday Evening at Bunche Beach

samakibob

I figured it was time to get back on the beach and brush up on the
shorebirds. When I arrived at 6:30 pm the tide was coming in but the
birds were concentrated on the flats still exposed. It turned out to
be a really great evening. Hundreds, maybe a thousand or more
individuals and 2 dozen species.
For Charlie -- 8 to 12 (depending on whether the 4 I saw at the west
end flew to the east end) Red Knots with at least 2 having the lime
green flags. I was unable to read the flags. And 1 Snowy Plover
(probably, I'm still not confident telling Snowy from Piping) with
bands on both legs -- left leg, yellow above green on the foot and a
green flag above the ankle; right leg, red above green on the foot.
Other highlights were 10 Marbled Godwit and hundreds of Dowitchers,
probably mostly short-billed but I'm not confident with the dowitchers
either. Also a lone Oystercatcher.
And as usual the sunset was magnificent.
Happy birding.
Bob

#1314

From: "Ken Blackshaw" <kenandcindy1@...>
Date: Sat Aug 23, 2008 6:05 pm
Subject: Late Swallow-tail and Sarasota Black Tern

ken02554

Hi All - The Englewood birders did Sarasota yesterday (the 22nd) morning.

We noted what is probably the same Swallow-tailed Kite that we observed on
August 1, hunting near the Sarasota Public Library at the Fruitville Road
Exit on I-75. If someone's in town and looking for that species, there
aren't many left in Florida on this date.

We also had a Black Tern with the Forster's Terns over the ponds at the
Celery Fields. First time we've seen one there.

Ken Blackshaw -- (Better, Better & Better)
Amateur Radio W1NQT (Never Quits Talking)
Englewood on Florida's SW Coast

#1315

From: "Ken Blackshaw" <kenandcindy1@...>
Date: Sat Aug 23, 2008 6:08 pm
Subject: Female Kentucky Warbler - Englewood

ken02554

Hi All - While out on the lanai as the squalls passed this morning I heard a
warbler call note next door. After some pishing and other antics I was able
to catch sight of the bird, a female Kentucky Warbler. I was eventually able
to get good looks at it - unmistakable. Didn't seem to hang around.

This was a new Florida bird for me.

Ken
Ken Blackshaw -- (Better, Better & Better)
Amateur Radio W1NQT (Never Quits Talking)
Englewood on Florida's SW Coast

#1316

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 9:34 pm
Subject: recent local sightings

anhinga42

All,

I’ve received some belated reports from the weekend to pass along:

Lakes Park (northern end of path that follows the east side of the lakes and passes the high ride condo) had the following warblers present:

Black-and-white, No. Parula, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Prairie.

Bunche Beach had the Long-billed Curlew present to the left of the parking area, and a Gull-billed Tern foraging along the wrack line.

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

anhinga42@...

#1317

From: "damsammy" <damsammy@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 9:45 pm
Subject: RE: recent local sightings - more

damsammy

Hi all,

My husband and I were out driving around southern Florida on Saturday and saw a male snail kite (along US 41 by Collier-Seminole State Park) and a female snail kite (saw along SR 835 south of Lake Okeechobee and Clewiston). It looks like apple snail eggs on the fence post of the female snail kite.

Birdon,

Dave and Sue Miller

From: SWFLBirdline@yahoogroups.com [mailto:SWFLBirdline@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Charlie Ewell
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:34 PM
To: SWFLBirdline@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SWFLBirdline] recent local sightings

All,

I’ve received some belated reports from the weekend to pass along:

Lakes Park (northern end of path that follows the east side of the lakes and passes the high ride condo) had the following warblers present:

Black-and-white, No. Parula, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Prairie.

Bunche Beach had the Long-billed Curlew present to the left of the parking area, and a Gull-billed Tern foraging along the wrack line.

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

anhinga42@embarqmail.com

#1318

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:24 am
Subject: FW: Saturday Tour - Bunche Beach

anhinga42

FYI below re: a Lee County Bird Patrol guided walk at Bunche Beach this Saturday.

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

From: Gayle Schmidt [mailto:gayleschmidt@...]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 8:51 AM
To: BirdPatrol@...
Subject: Saturday Tour - Bunche Beach

* September 20, Saturday 8AM Bunche Beach
Guides: Iver Brook and Bill Saunders. Located in So Ft. Myers off Summerlin Rd: Drive south on John Morris Rd until it deadends. Experience one of the best birding sites in Lee Co. Bring binoculars, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, a bottle of drinking water. Meet in the parking lot.

Information: 239-707-3015

www.birdpatrol.org

#1319

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:28 am
Subject: Brown Noddy at Lovers Key

anhinga42

All,

I was passed word that a Brown Noddy was seen at Lovers Key State Park on Friday, 19 Sep. I don’t have any details at this point, like if it was a roosting or fly-by individual, who it was seen by, if there are pictures, what part of the park, etc.

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

http://www.birdpatrol.org

#1320

From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42@...>
Date: Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:35 am
Subject: NAMC

anhinga42

All,

This Saturday, 20 Sep, is the nation-wide NAMC (North American Migration Count). I became a last minute compiler for Lee County, so if anyone goes out birding today and wants to have their numbers included let me know what you saw by email. This can even be just the birds in your yard, neighborhood, or what you saw driving around. Thanks!

Charlie Ewell

Cape Coral, FL

http://www.birdpatrol.org

#1321

From: "SRQ Bird Alerts - Peter Rice" <SRQbirdAlerts@...>
Date: Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:27 pm
Subject: Sarasota Audubon Society chapter events for 2008/2009

SRQbirdAlerts@...

Sarasota Audubon Society chapter events for 2008/2009

(I will provide the same type of information for the Venice and Manatee Audubon Society chapters in coming days)

MONTHLY MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS - 2008/2009

Sarasota Audubon presents monthly programs, open to the public, featuring speakers on a variety of environmental issues and birding topics. All meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, October though May, 7 to 9 PM.

Meetings are held at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1031 South Euclid, Sarasota.

DIRECTIONS: US 41 to Bahia Vista. Go east on Bahia Vista to Euclid (YMCA on northeast corner), then north on Euclid to the church.
Monthly Programs, 2008-2009

Due to early scheduling, some programs may change. Please refer to our monthly newsletter, THE BROWN PELICAN, or check back to this website for current information. http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/activities.htm

OCTOBER 13 India: Its Cities and Wildlife A travelogue by Wade and Betty Matthews of their recent trip to the subcontinent

NOVEMBER 10 Midnight Pass: Yes or No? Consulting engineer Karyn Erickson will describe her findings & discuss the plans on the highly-debated issue of whether to open the pass or keep it closed

DECEMBER 8 Bird Rehabilitation Learn the ins and outs of bird rehabilitation from the experts at Save Our Seabirds, new tenants of the former Pelican Man�s Bird Sanctuary site

JANUARY 12 The Felts Preserve Join us for a look at what our neighboring Audubon is up to. Manatee Audubon showcases the Felts Preserve and tells us how they have made this 30-acre site more attractive to wildlife

FEBRUARY 9 Short Tailed Hawks: A Florida Specialty Avian researcher Ken Meyers talks about this uncommon hawk, a sought after species here in Florida

MARCH 9 Bird Banding Master bird banders from Quest Ecology will tell us how their work helps ornithologists track bird movements around the world

APRIL 13 Bird Photography Member and professional photographer Lou Newman will share his remarkable pictures, as well as his how-to tips on taking better bird photographs

MAY 11 Cape May/Delaware Bay: A Key Migration Point Rick Greenspun will show highlights of the raptor and warbler migrations for which this northeastern funnel is world famous

Prospective members are welcome to learn more about us by attending a monthly meeting.
_________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES 2008-2009

All day trips meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/ Cattlemen) unless otherwise noted. Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding, wildlife watching or exploring Florida�s natural areas. Suggested donation of $2 for members,
$4 for non-members appreciated.

NO RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

For more information, contact each individual Trip Leader. Log on to www.sarasotaaudubon.org for directions to each day trip site (coming soon). TRIP WAIVER: Participation is on condition that Sarasota Audubon Society and its officers and volunteers will not be held liable for damage or injury to persons or property.

TUESDAY, OCT 14: ROBINSON PRESERVE - This new Bradenton preserve is being restored to a native wetland with hiking trails and boardwalks. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. BRING LUNCH Leaders: John Ginaven, 383-5133 and Stu Hills.

THURSDAY, OCT 16: PINECRAFT PARK - Look for fall migrants with Edith Miller (364-3637) at this local hot spot off Bahia Vista. Meet at Pinecraft at 9 a.m. BRING LUNCH

TUESDAY, NOV 11: CELERY FIELDS CLEAN UP - See CELERY FIELDS.

WEDNESDAY, NOV 12: SHOREBIRDS - Find resident and migrant shorebirds on Siesta Key. Meet at SK Public Beach parking lot at 8 a.m. Leader: Rick Greenspun, 284-2055.

SATURDAY, NOV 15: PLANT WALK IN RED BUG SLOUGH - Join Catherine LaBrie, President of the Sarasota Butterfly Club and plant expert, on this plant and butterfly walk. Meet in parking lot, south of Proctor on Beneva, 10 a.m. Contact Kathryn Young, 924-5565.

THURSDAY, NOV 20: BIRKING - What do you get when you combine birding and biking? Answer BIRKING. Join Kathryn Young, 924-5565 for a morning of Birking. This will be an easy bike ride of approx. 10-15 miles round trip. Meet at the Legacy Trail on Central Sarasota Pkwy at 8:30 a.m. with your bikes. BRING LUNCH.

SATURDAY, NOV 22: FELTS AUDUBON PRESERVE - This 30-acre parcel of land in Manatee County has been restored to its natural state by Manatee Audubon. Join Jeanne Dubi, 355-1709. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot ) at 8 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOV 29: LAUREL LANDFILL - Check out this birdy landfill site off Laurel Rd. Leaders Rick Greenspun /Lynn Jakubowicz, 355-4073. Meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 8 a.m.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY, DEC 5/6: DING DARLING ON SANIBEL ISLAND - See Overnight trips on your Activity Schedule for details.

TUESDAY, DEC 9: HOLIDAY LUNCH - See LET�S DO LUNCH on your Activity Schedule.

THURSDAY, DEC 10: MYAKKA RIVER SP - This wildlife preserve always provides great birding. Meet at 8:15 a.m. in first parking lot on right just after park entrance (fee). Note: Park opens at 8 a.m. Leader: Owen Comora, 378-5166. BRING LUNCH.

TUESDAY, DEC 16: LEMON BAY PRESERVE - Join Leaders Mark Leggett, 925-7220, and Stu Hills on this walk at Lemon Bay Preserve in south Venice. Meet at McDonalds (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 8 a.m.

THURSDAY, JAN 1: NEW YEAR�S DAY AT SLEEPING TURTLES - Join leaders Mark Leggett, 925-7220, and Kathryn Young on a New Year�s Day search for birds at this new county park. Meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 9 a.m. BRING LUNCH & A TREAT TO SHARE

WEDNESDAY, JAN 7: NORTH LONG BOAT KEY - Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot opposite the former Chevron station at the very north end of LBK. Leaders: Wade and Betty Matthews, 923-0671. Optional lunch at Moore�s restaurant.

TUESDAY, JAN 13: CELERY FIELDS CLEAN UP See CELERY FIELDS.

SATURDAY, JAN 17: LETTUCE LAKE - Bird the 3,500-foot boardwalk, observation tower and the nature trails at this Hillsborough County park with Lynn Jakubowicz, 355-4073, and Karen Jensen. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. BRING LUNCH

WEDNESDAY, JAN 21: TECO PLANT & GEORGE SIMMONS PARK - Join Leader Stu Hills, 922-5261, to see manatees at the Teco plant in Apollo Beach and shorebirds at Simmons Park in southern Hillsborough County. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 8 a.m. BRING LUNCH

WEDNESDAY, JAN 28: PHOSPHATE MINES, POLK COUNTY - Privately-guided tour of the phosphate reclamation ponds near Lakeland. Short-tailed Hawks, wintering warblers and thousands of shorebirds. Contact Rick Greenspun, 284-2055. Lunch included. Bring Snacks and drinks for an all-day outing. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7 a.m. A donation of $5 to Lake Audubon on the day is recommended.

TUESDAY, FEB 10: CELERY FIELDS CLEAN UP See CELERY FIELDS.

WEDNESDAY, FEB 10: CLAY GULLY & SIDELL ROADS - Round Trip behind Myakka SP. This area is good wintering habitat for specialties such as Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Leaders: Owen Comora, 378-5166, and Rick Greenspun, 284-2055. Meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 8 a.m. BRING LUNCH.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY, FEB 13/14: STATION 5 HENDRY COUNTY - Overnight Friday in Clewiston, then an early visit to the water treatment plant to view all kinds of birds in these remote marshes. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Hotel at own expense. A donation of $5 to Hendry-Glades Audubon is recommended. Contact Kathryn Young, 924-5565

THURSDAY, FEB 19: COCKROACH BAY AQUATIC PRESERVE, RUSKIN - Join Kathryn Young, 924-5565, and Karen Jensen on a trip to this newly reclaimed and restored environmentally sensitive area, a reliable spot for Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. BRING LUNCH

MONDAY, FEB 23: VENICE ROOKERY, MANASOTA SCRUB AND LEMON BAY PARK - Great photo ops: Great birding. Leader: Mark Leggett, 925-7220. Meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 7:30 a.m. BRING LUNCH

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, FEB 25/26: FREE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS See SPECIAL FREE CLASSES on your Activity Schedule.

SATURDAY, FEB 28: PINECRAFT FESTIVAL See FESTIVALS.

SATURDAY, MAR 7: HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK & J.P. SARGENT PARK - Join Lynn Jakubowicz, 355-4073, and Wade Matthews for a visit to this beautiful state park divided by the swiftly flowing Hillsborough River. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. BRING LUNCH

THURSDAY, MAR 19: CAREFREE LEARNER - Join us for a boat ride with SAS members to the Roberts Bay Rookery to see breeding birds. This is separate from the Carefree Learner with Sarasota High School students. Meet at the boat at 9 a.m. next to Le Barge at Marina Jack�s. Lunch after at Marina Jack�s at 11:30 a.m at your own expense. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Contact Kathryn Young, 924-5565. Cost $20.

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, APR 1-3: AMELIA ISLAND/FERNANDINA BEACH - See Overnight trips for details.

TUESDAY, MAR 31: CARLTON RESERVE - Join us to look for Hairy and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Swallow-tailed Kites and more. Meet at Carlton parking lot at 8 a.m. Take I-75 to Jacaranda Blvd exit; go east onto Jacaranda, right onto Border Rd., left at the end. BRING LUNCH Contact Kathryn Young, 924-5565.

THURSDAY, APR 9: PLANT WALK AT OSCAR SCHERER SP - Join Catherine LaBrie, President of the Sarasota Butterfly Club, on a plant walk to learn about Florida plants and butterflies. Meet at the park at 10 a.m. (fee to enter). Contact Kathryn Young, 924-5565.

TUESDAY, APR 14: FT. DESOTO PARK - Join leader John Ginaven, 383-5133, on a quest for migrants at this premier birding hotspot. Leave the first rest area just after the tollbooths on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275) at 8 a.m. BRING LUNCH.

THURSDAY, APR 16: CAREFREE LEARNER - Join us for a boat ride with SAS members to the Roberts Bay Rookery to see breeding birds. This is separate from the Carefree Learner with Sarasota High School students. Meet at the boat at 9 a.m. next to Le Barge at Marina Jack�s. Lunch after at Marina Jack�s at 11:30 a.m., at your own expense. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Contact Kathryn Young 924-5565. Cost $20.

TUESDAY, APR 21: EMERSON POINT - This wonderful park has woodlands, shoreline, and mangroves. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. Optional lunch at Crab Trap II restaurant. Leaders: John Ginaven, 383-5133, and Stuart Hills.

SATURDAY, APR 25: FT DESOTO PARK - Leader Edith Miller, 364-3637, will help us find migrants at this wonderful birding spot. Leave the first rest area just after the tollbooths on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275) at 8 a.m. BRING LUNCH

TUESDAY, APR 28: EGMONT KEY - Take the Ferry from Fort De Soto to this small island and help us find migrating birds. The island is also home to many Gopher Tortoises as well as Fort Dade. Leader Kathryn Young, 924-5565. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. BRING LUNCH. Meet at Starbucks (University & I-75 next to Home Depot) at 7:30 a.m. Ferry leaves at 9 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. Cost $20.

SATURDAY, MAY 2: BUTTERFLY WALK - Join butterfly enthusiasts Stu Hills and Jeanne Dubi on a walk to locate and ID local butterflies. Location to be determined. Meet at McDonald�s (Bee Ridge/Cattlemen) at 10 a.m. Contact Stu Hills, 922-5261.

TUESDAY, MAY 12: CELERY FIELDS CLEAN UP See CELERY FIELDS.

#1322

From: "SRQ Bird Alerts - Peter Rice" <SRQbirdAlerts@...>
Date: Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:30 pm
Subject: Venice Area Audubon Society chapter events for 2008/2009

SRQbirdAlerts@...

Venice Area Audubon Society chapter events for 2008/2009

Field Trips

Many sites are referenced to the South Florida Birding Trail (SFBT) booklet www.floridabirdingtrail.com published by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at chapter meetings or by contacting trip leaders. Boat, bus and some carpool trips require registration. There is a $1 fee for members and $2 for non-members; students are free. Carpool riders are expected to reimburse drivers for gasoline. Everyone must sign a waiver of liability to go on each trip.

Sat. Oct 4: Blind Pass Beach Park - SFBT Pg. 8 #16

A botanical tour from the Gulf shore to a Lemon Bay lagoon. We will discuss how water, wind, sand and plants interact to create our beautiful barrier islands (keys as we call them). Carpool from the Audubon Center at 8:15AM or meet at the Blind Pass bathhouse at 9AM. We will take a 2 hour stroll on sand, boardwalk and trail, visiting beach, dune, mangrove and hammock habitats. Registration required by contacting the trip leader or at the September 23rd chapter meeting, Limited to 15 participants.

Trip leader: Bruce Dayton, Ph D 493-5087 or brucedayton@...

Sat. Oct 25: Inner Caspersen Park - Florida Scrub-Jays, What, Where, and Why?

Meet at the Audubon Center at 7:30 AM to carpool or at 8:00AM in the south-

eastern most parking lot at Caspersen Beach, over the interior bridge to the

parking lot next the playground. See firsthand the importance of this area

which includes fall birds, Florida Scrub-Jay, gopher tortoise, fossils, bobcat, and coyote. Butterfly and native plant enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.

Trip leaders: Ellen King 488-6818 or eeking605@... and Nancy Edmondson. Sarasota County Natural Resources.

Sat. Nov 1: Kayaking Grande Tours Placida

Sign up at the September & November meetings. We will meet at Venice Audubon to carpool at 7:30AM or Grande Tours or at 8:40AM and kayak from 9 � 11AM. Bring a lunch to eat after kayaking. We hope to see White Pelicans, herons and egrets. Cost is $26.75 for a single and $42.80 for a double.

Trip leader: Barry Rossheim 485-1328

Thurs. Nov 13: Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden

Learn to identify plants that can attract wildlife, especially birds, to your garden. VAAS members are encouraged to interact with the trip leader to make this outing special for individual gardens and gardeners. Meet at the Audubon Center at 8:30AM to carpool to the nearby Manasota Scrub Preserve for a 2 to 3 hour leisurely walk.

Trip leader: Nancy Edmondson, Sarasota County Natural Resources. 941. 650-3008 (cell phone)

Friday, Nov 21: A Nature Walk at Sarasota�s Rural Beach - Caspersen

Meet at 8:00AM at the Caspersen Beach parking lot at the end of South Harbor Drive for a leisurely 2-3 hour stroll. We will hike the boardwalk, then south along the rock piles. We will continue south along the beach for approximately � mile and return through the forest between the beach and the Intracostal waterway. Along the way we will talk about the Gulf of Mexico � its storms, tides, currents, shells, shark teeth, fish, turtles, gopher tortoises, plants, and of course, birds.

Trip leader: Bud Doyle: 488-4158 or eldoil@...

Wed. Dec. 3: Placida Boat Trip and Lunch

Cruise Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound on a 40 foot catamaran to view wintering White Pelicans, shorebirds, and dolphins. Meet at Venice Audubon Center at 8AM, boat leaves at 9:30AM. Bring jackets, sunglasses, and binoculars. Lunch in Placida at the Fishery Restaurant. Limit 39 people. Registration at Oct and Nov meetings.

Trip Leader: Ginny Koss 493-8812.

Friday: Dec 5: Deer Prairie Creek

Meet at the Audubon Center at 7:30 AM to carpool or at the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Gate at 8:00AM. We will hike a minimum of 2 hours through one of the newer Birding habitats in the County.

Trip leader: Belinda Perry. Manager of Sarasota County Natural Resources 861-1771 or bperrry@...

Thurs. Dec. 11: Myakka River State Park - SFBT Pg 5 #6

Meet at 7:30AM at the Venice Audubon Center to carpool or at St. Margaret�s Church on Rt. 72 (Clark Rd.) at 8:00. Morning trip to the premiere state park and canopy walk noted for birds and other wildlife. Optional bag lunch at concession area.

Trip leader: Margaret Dunson, 473-2534 mkdunson@...

Tues. Dec 16: Christmas Bird Count

Rett Oren 486-1424 or rettoren@...

Sun. Jan 4: Sarasota Celery Fields - SFBT Pg 3 #4

Meet at the Audubon Center to carpool at 6:30 AM or the Celery Fields gazebo at 7:30. We will stop at Ackerman Lake on the way home at 10:30. The Celery Fields are a premiere Sarasota County birding hotspot. Large numbers of wintering birds frequent this area including sora, white pelican, and a variety of duck species.

Trip leader: Barry Rossheim 485-1328

Thurs. Jan 8: Shell Creek in Charlotte County

Shell Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda is the first land (370 acres) purchased by the Conservation Charlotte Land Acquisition Program. Quality longleaf pine flatwoods dominate the area along with scrub vegetation. The Barred owl, Swallow-tailed kite, Limpkin, Cooper�s hawk, and American redstart are a few of the species viewed on this site. This walking tour is sure to be a delight.

Carpool from the Venice Audubon Center at 7:00AM and proceed to the Charlotte County Environment & Extension Campus, 25550 Harborview Drive, Port Charlotte. This campus is the first complex on the right after exiting I-75 via exit 167 west. Participants going directly to the Campus should meet at the Environmental Campus grassy parking lot at 7:30. All should be prepared to travel to Shell Creek by 7:45am.

Trip leader: Missy L. Christie, Environmental Specialist, Charlotte County Natural Resources Division. Office (941) 764-4392 www.CharlotteCountyFL.com

Wed. Jan 14. Venice Landfill and Venetian Golf and River Club

Meet at 7:30 AM at the Venice Audubon Center to carpool or at 7:45 AM in the strip mall parking lot just west of the BP station at I-75 Exit 195. Wintering birds will be viewed as well as other possible wildlife such as otter, hogs, deer, and gators. Hawks, eagles, meadowlarks, and bluebirds have been spotted on past trips.
Trip leaders: Rett & Priscilla Oren 486-1424 or rettoren@...

Thurs. Jan 22: Oyster Creek & Cedar Point Parks - SFBT Pg 8 # 18

Easy walking trail thru flatwoods usually sighting Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red Shouldered Hawks and several woodpecker varieties. Just across the road

is Cedar Point Park with a short trail to Lemon Bay. Migratory warblers might be seen and two bald eagle nests are located there. A community building with

interesting exhibits and facilities. Carpool from the Audubon Center at 7:15AM or meet at the Oyster Creek Park parking lot just south of Lemon Bay High School at 8 AM. Wear comfortable shoes, take water, and binoculars. One-half day trip. Trip Leaders: Mary Dommermuth 474-6255 or dblbg@...; Roberta Gregorchik 475-9047.

Sat. Jan 24: VAAS Rookery Training - SFBT Pg 6 #12

Instructional course for Environmental Education Volunteers. Meet at the Venice Rookery 9AM.

Friday, Jan 30 to Sun Feb 1 - Bus Trip to Storm Treatment Area - 5, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Green Cay & the Wakodahatchee Wetlands - SFBT Pg 17 #47, Pg 26 #81, Pg 27 # 82 & #83

Sign up now for the overnight bus trip of the year! Leave the car at home. Spend two nights enjoying the Southern Charm and Hospitality of the classic �Old Florida� Clewiston Inn on the shores of Lake Okeechobee. Arrangements have

been made to tour STA-5, reputedly �the number 1 hotspot for birding in �Southwest Florida.� This site is only open for Tours on a very limited basis (in some months it is only open 1 day). If we are lucky we may see lesser scaups, long-billed dowitchers and roseate spoonbills. We will visit the 143,874 acre Arthur R Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in the northern Everglades. Snail kites, wood stork, teals, and neotropical songbirds are often seen in the winter here. Relax and chat with fellow Auduboners while our driver takes us to the Green Cay Wetlands and the Wakodahatchee Wetlands,

where we should see wintering ducks, and possibly sora or bittern. Pick up more information at the Chapter meetings.

Trip leader: Ann Lieberman 223-3789 or annlieberman@...

Wed. Feb 11:

Myakka River State Park #2 - SFBT Pg 5 #6

Meet at 7:30AM at the Venice Audubon Center to carpool or at 7:45AM in the strip mall parking lot at I-75 Exit 195 (just west of BP station). Morning trip to one of the premiere birding spots in the area. Optional bag lunch at concession area. There will be an optional afternoon trip to the Celery Fields (SFBT Pg 3 #4).
Trip leaders: Rett & Priscilla Oren 486-1424 or rettoren@...

Wed. February 18: Behind the Scenes Tour of Mote Marine Aquarium

Venice Audubon members Gene and Lorry Stover are volunteers at Mote Marine. Gene will take us on a private tour of this famous facility. Our tour will start at the Mote Aquarium. You will see Molly, a 25 foot giant squid, sharks, and many other sea animals. We will then go across the street and see two manatees, Hugh and Buffet. In the large lagoon you can get great pictures of our two young jumping dolphins. Learn what animals we have had at our Dolphin, Whale and Turtle hospital. See how we handle large, sick marine animals.
Learn about the longest ongoing bottlenose dolphin study in the world that has been conducted right here in Sarasota Bay for the last 37 years. Carpool from the Venice Audubon Center at 9:00 AM. Price of admission is $12.00 (group rate). Bring your lunch for a picnic at a nearby park. Registration at Dec. and Jan. meetings.
Trip leaders: Ginny Koss 493-8812: Gene Stover 485-0094 or gstover1@...

Tues. Feb 24: Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lake City Park, Ft. Myers. - SFBT Pg8 # 18

Six-Mile Cypress is a meandering boardwalk next to a lakeside and thru a pine flat woods slough. We will observe water birds, woodpeckers, and occasionally

migrating warblers. Night herons nest in the area. Facilities available. We will drive a short distance to Lakes City Park for lunch and perhaps more water birds and hummingbirds that frequent the park. Small parking fee. We will carpool

from the Venice Audubon Center at 7:00AM. Bring lunch, binoculars, and water.

Trip leaders: Mary Dommermuth 474-6255 dblbg@...;

Roberta Gregorchik 475-9047.

Thursday, Feb 26: North Jetty Beach Walk

Meet at the beach end of the North Jetty parking lot at 8:00AM for a leisurely stroll. We will cross the dunes via a short boardwalk, hike north along the back of the beach, then south at the water�s edge to the North Jetty of the Venice Inlet. After exploring the Jetty, we will follow the inlet to the bay and then explore the bay side of Casey Key. Along the way we will talk about the Gulf of Mexico, the inlet, shells, fish, marine mammals, vegetation, and of course birdlife. Expect interesting beachcombing and lots of shore, wading, and scavenging birds at this time of the year. Also, there usually is a very active osprey nest close to shore on the bay side.

Trip leader: Bud Doyle 488-4158 or eldoil@...

Sat: Feb 28 � Fri. March 6: Tucson, Arizona Birding Trip

Our Arizona guide will lead us to Madera Canyon, Sulphur Springs Valley, Chiricahua Mountains, Sweetwater Wetlands, Santa Catalina foothills and Phoenix area waterfowl hotspots. Mornings will be cool with some frost but warm to the 70�s during the day. There will be some climbing but not strenuous. We expect to see 200 or more species. Trip is limited to 10 people and is FULL at this time. For additional information, contact

Trip leader: Ron Salisbury at ronsal@...

Sat. March 7: Highlands Hammock State Park One-Day Bus Trip - East Section Great Florida Birding Trail Pg 29 #122

See what Florida looked like before development. Virgin hardwood forest, 7 plant communities, and many bird species. Tram tour to remote areas of the park. Meet at Audubon Center at 6:30AM. Details and registration form in Jan Wings.

Trip leaders: Cindy Julius 497-5984 csjulius@... and Robert Duncan 496-8191 rtduncan@...

Sat. March 14:Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples - SFBT Pg 15 #42

All day carpool trip, leaving from Venice Audubon Center. Morning: Ranger led

truck ride into backcountry not open to the public. Walk 2.25 mile boardwalk which meanders through virgin bald cypress swamp. Limited to 18 people. Details in the January Wings. Registration at the January meeting.

Trip leaders: Carolyn Edmunds and Charlie Sample 497- 6463.

Thurs. March 19: Oscar Scherer State Park - SFBT Pg 5 #9

Half-day tour to view Florida Scrub-Jays, Towhees, and wintering birds. Three and 5 mile hikes on sandy terrain. Carpool from Venice Audubon Center at 7:30AM to meet trip leader Rose Marie Nehrig at entrance to Oscar Scherer Park at 8AM. 484-4745.

Tues. March 24: San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve and Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve - SFBT Pp. 12 #32, 10 #28

Carpool from Venice Area Audubon Center at 7:00AM or meet at Publix parking lot at Rte. 776 and Gasparilla Road in East Englewood at 8:00 AM; park near Rte. 776. If you can drive please let us know. We will arrive at Bunche Beach at low tide and spend about 1 � hours there. Scopes would be helpful. We will lunch at Scnappers Hots or you can bring your own food. The stand has hamburgers, pizza, etc. and are famous for their hot dogs and ice cream. Benches are available where we can eat. We will proceed to Ding Darling and stop at the Information Center which has rest rooms. Pileated woodpeckers may be in the parking area. Then we will drive through Ding Darling stopping at vantage points. Bring your Golden Pass, if you do not, there will be a charge per car. Register at Feb chapter meeting or email us.

Trip leaders: Abbie Banks amberina@... and Don Rippeon donrippeon@... or 941-698-9412

Thurs. April 2 Babcock-Webb, Punta Gorda - SFBT Pg 9 #23

Half-day trip, carpool from Venice Audubon Center at 7AM. Search for the elusive Red-Cockaded woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Eastern Bluebird. Trip leaders:

Marry Dommermuth 474-6255 or dblbg@... and Margaret Dunson

Wed. April 8 Cape Coral�s Burrowing Owls

Meet at 7:30AM at Venice Audubon Center to carpool to Cape Coral. We will see Burrowing Owls and their chicks and also visit Rotary Park (SFBT Pg. 12 #30) to observe some shore birds. Easy walking. We will have lunch on the water at Cape Coral�s Yacht Club on the Caloosahatchee River.

Trip leader: Norma Lee Rhines 918-0187 or nlrhines@...

Sat. April 18 Sarasota Celery Fields #2 - SFBT Pg 3 #4

Meet at the Audubon Center at 6:15 AM to carpool or at Celery Fields gazebo at 7AM. We will stop at Ackerman Lake on the way home. The Celery Fields are a premiere Sarasota County birding hotspot. We will be in search of sora, king rail, purple gallinule, and bitterns.

Trip leader: Barry Rossheim 485-1328

Tues. April 21 Palm Island

All day trip to Palm Island to view shorebirds. Meet at Audubon Center at 7:00AM to carpool or in the parking lot at Leverock�s Restaurant on Placida Rd at 7:45. Trip leaves promptly at 8AM and late arrivals will miss the ferry. Bring lunch or eat at Rum Bay Restaurant. Trip limit 20 people.

Register with Trip leader: Missy Christie, Charlotte County Environmental Specialist (941) 456-0699 or missy.christie@...

Thurs. April 23 Ft De Soto Park St. Petersburg - West Florida Birding Trail Pg 22 #91

Prime area for spring migrants, e.g. warblers, tanagers and orioles. All day rip. Carpool from Venice Audubon Center at 7AM. Bring your own food for a picnic lunch.

Trip leader: Mary Dommermuth 474- 6255 or dblbg@...

Sat April 25 Legacy Trail Bike and Bird

Meet at the trail head on Laurel Rd at 7:30AM. There is limited vehicle parking. We will bike to Oscar Scherer State Park ($1 entry fee, please have exact change). Target birds will include Florida Scrub Jays, Bobwhite, and spring migrants. The pace will be leisurely and the bike trip will be about 7 miles. We will do some hiking inside Oscar Scherer without our bikes. A guard for the bicycles will be provided to watch your bicycle, and you should bring a bike lock. Bring bicycle, binoculars, water, and sunscreen. We should be back to the trail head by 10:30

Trip leader: Barry Rossheim 485-1328

Wed. April 29 Ft De Soto Park St. Petersburg #2 - West Florida Birding Guide Pg 22 #91

All day carpool trip leaving Venice Audubon Center at 7AM. One of the best birding spots on the west coast for spring migrants such as orioles and tanagers. Some of us will drive around the corner to Jo-Jo�s Pizza for lunch or bring your own and picnic. There is a possibility of good Marsh Rabbit and Butterfly viewing too!

Trip Leader: Ann Lieberman 223-3789 or annlieberman@...
______________________________________

Here are the programs

Programs for Venice Area Audubon Society 2008-9

September 23 � Eileen Cohen A local award winning bird photographer who has traveled the world photographing birds. Eileen will surprise us with interesting photos of birds of the World � possibly including China, Costa Rica and Africa.

October 28 � Missy Christie � Environmental Specialist, Charlotte County Natural Resources Division. Missy is an expert on Shorebirds nesting. � She has studied over 5 years of data and will be giving a very informative program on their status.

November 25 -Belinda Perry, Manager of Sarasota County Natural Resources Department � Belinda will present a program on the birds in some of the preserves in Sarasota County. This may include the Sleeping Turtles Preserve, Deer Prairie Preserve, or the Carlton Reserve. She will lead a fieldtrip on the 5th of December for those who would like to attend.

December 9- Owen Comora - Where have all the birds gone? He has studied the status of local birds based on 9 years of Sarasota Audubon Reports � Some are in real trouble � others have actually increased in number.

January 27 �Jerome Jackson � A nationally recognized ornithologist and faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University and a Whitaker Eminent Scholar who has publications that include 15 books and more than 220 publications in scientific journals and 120 publications in popular magazines. His major research interests are in (1) the behavioral ecology of birds with special emphases on endangered species, woodpeckers, birds of barrier island and aquatic ecosystems; (2) the history of American ornithology; (3) bird-human interactions and problems, especially those associated with airports and aquaculture. He will present an exciting program about the �most prominent ornithologist of his time� George Miksch Sutton: Artist, Scientist, and Teacher.

February 24- Julia Burch is the Public Outreach Coordinator, with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Julia will give a very informative program about our estuaries and the impact on our avian population. Julia also will let us know what we can do to make our yards better for the bay.

March 24- Rob Heath is an expert on Roseate Spoonbills. He has been involved in a banding program of spoonbills in Tampa Bay and has been studying the lives of these beautiful birds. He will be giving an exciting and informative program.

April 28 � Charles Sobczak is an author from Sanibel Island. He will give a presentation related to his recent book Alligators, Sharks & Panthers: Deadly Encounters with Florida's Top Predator-Man.

May 26 � Laurel Schiller � An owner of Florida Native Plants, Laurel will lead an informal program at our end of the year cookout at the Venice Audubon Center.

#1323

From: "SRQ Bird Alerts - Peter Rice" <SRQbirdAlerts@...>
Date: Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:50 pm
Subject: Manatee Audubon Society chapter 2008 - 2009 Field Trips & Meetings

SRQbirdAlerts@...

http://www.manateeaudubon.org/

Manatee Audubon Society chapter 2008 - 2009 Field Trips (meeting information is further below)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Helpful information.

Bring bag lunch and water. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Visitors are welcome. Field trips are open to anyone interested in birding, wildlife
watching or exploring Florida�s natural areas. Contact the field trip coordinator to let that person know you�re coming.
Riders are expected to share travel expenses. Drivers will tell you what you owe for riding in their vehicles.
For most trips, we depart from the Main Post Office at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, but check individual trips for any special instructions.
Arrive at least five minutes before departure times.
Check for changes here or in the Night Heron newsletter

SATURDAY SEPT. 20 - FORT DE SOTO PARK FALL MIGRATION
Description - Steve Black will lead this trip to island park near St. Petersburg, at the mouth of Tampa Bay. This is one of the top birding spots in Florida, especially during the peak fall migration period.
Coordinator(s) - Steve Black, 376-0110
Depart - Main Post Office at 8 a.m.
Notes - n/a

SATURDAY OCT. 4 - FELTS AUDUBON PRESERVE
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Connie Zack, 758-2929
Depart - Main Post Office at 7:30 a.m.
Notes -

SATURDAY OCT. 18 - SADDLE CREEK PARK, LAKELAND
Description - Connie Zack will lead this trip to former phosphate mine.
Coordinator(s) - Connie Zack, 758-2929
Depart - Main Post Office at 6:30 a.m.
Notes - n/a

FRIDAY-SATURDAY OCT. 24-25 - AUDUBON ASSEMBLY
Description - Plantation Inn Resort, Crystal River.
Coordinator(s) - n/a
Depart - n/a
Notes - For more information, see the Audubon of Florida website.

SATURDAY NOV. 8 - CELERY FIELDS, PINECRAFT PARK
Description - Dee Hanny will lead this trip to Sarasota�s Celery Fields, a sawgrass marsh area that provides food and habitat to a wide variety of birds, and Pinecraft Park.
Coordinator(s) - Dee Hanny, 745-1553
Depart - Main Post Office at 7:15 a.m.
Notes-

TUESDAY NOV. 18 - HISTORIC SPANISH POINT, OSPREY
Description - Connie Zack will coordinate this trip to see birds that flock to this 30-acre area.
Coordinator(s) - Connie Zack, 758-2929
Depart - Departure details to come.
Notes-

SATURDAY DEC. 6 - CARLTON RESERVE, SARASOTA
Description - Bob and Lucette Wombacher will lead trip to this 40-square mile reserve south of Myakka River State Park.
Coordinator(s) - Bob and Lucette Wombacher, 776-8424
Depart - Departure details to come.
Notes -

SAT. DEC. 20 AND TUES. DEC. 30 - CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - Manatee
Description - Bradenton Circle is on Dec. 20 and the Gulf Circle is on Dec. 30.
Coordinator(s) - David Williamson david@...
Depart - Contact coordinator(s).
Notes - Beginners are welcome and volunteers are needed.

SAT. JAN. 3 - CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - Sarasota
Description - For more information, see the Sarasota Audubon Society website.
Coordinator(s) - Contact Jeanne Dubi dubi@...
Depart - Contact coordinator(s).
Notes - Beginners are welcome and volunteers are needed.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 14 - TAMPA BAY CIRCLE
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Bob and Nancy Dean, 792-9235
Depart - Depart 7 a.m. at place to be announced.
Notes -

JAN. 19, 21 AND 22 - SARASOTA BAY BOAT TRIPS
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Ron and LaDonne Mayberry, 795-4685
Depart - Contact coordinator(s).
Notes - Sign up at December meeting. Maximum five each trip.

JAN. 19, 22, 26 AND 29 - BIRD WATCHING CLASSES
Description - Beginning Bird Watching
Coordinator(s) - Nancy Dean, 792-9235
Depart - Contact coordinator(s).
Notes - Call Nancy Dean, 792-9235, after November 1 to register. Course includes two field trips on Jan. 24 and 31.

SATURDAY JAN. 24 - ROBINSON PRESERVE AND DE SOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK
Description - Details to be announced.
Coordinator(s) - Chuck and Ginny Oshaben, 704-8800
Depart - Details to be announced.
Notes -

SATURDAY FEB. 7 - MOSAIC FERTILIZER, EASTERN MANATEE
Description - Details to come.
Coordinator(s) - Patty Petruff, 747-1789
Depart - Details to come.
Notes - Sign up at January meeting.

SATURDAY FEB. 21 - LAUREL LANDFILL AND CURRY CREEK PRESERVE, SARASOTA
Description - Details to be announced.
Coordinator(s) - Chuck and Joann Froman, 751-2939
Depart - Details to be announced.
Notes -

FEB. 23, 25 AND 26 - MANATEE BOAT TRIPS
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Ron and LaDonne Mayberry, 795-4685
Depart -
Notes - Sign up at January meeting. Maximum five each trip.

SATURDAY MARCH 7 AND SUNDAY MARCH 8 - OVERNIGHT TRIP TO LAKE APOPKA, ZELLWOOD AND EMERALDA MARSH
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Arlene Flisik, 746-1991
Depart - Contact coordinator(s).
Notes - Sign up and deposit due by January 30. Contact coordinator for fee information.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 - LETTUCE LAKE AND MORRIS BRIDGE
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Don and Bobbi Benson, 722-2285
Depart - 7 a.m. at K-Mart parking lot, 60th and 301 North (Ellenton Outlet Mall, east of Interstate 75).
Notes -

FRIDAY-SUNDAY MARCH 27-29 - AUDUBON ASSEMBLY
Description - FFA Facility, Haines City.
Coordinator(s) -
Depart -
Notes -

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 - CIRCLE B BAR RANCH, LAKELAND
Description - Carol Webster leads this trip to a nature area with lots of birds and scenic walks.
Coordinator(s) - Carol Webster, 747-7295
Depart - Details to come.
Notes -

APRIL 6-10 - SPRING BREAK CAMP AT FELTS
Description - Program for elementary students by Around the Bend Nature Tours with Manatee County Audubon Society.
Coordinator(s) -
Depart -
Notes - Call 794-8773 for details.

SUNDAY APRIL 19 - FORT DE SOTO PARK SPRING MIGRATION
Description -
Coordinator(s) - Steve Black, 376-0110
Depart - Main Post Office at 8 a.m
Notes - .
____________________________________________

2008 - 2009 Meetings and Programs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meeting Time & Location

October 16, Purple Martins: How to attract and be a good landlord.
Lea Etchells, MCAS member and Purple Martin expert, will provide insight on these beneficial birds. Learn ways to attract and maintain a colony in your yard.

November 20, Hummingbirds of Ecuador.
Ron Mayberry�renowned photographer, birder and MCAS member�will share some of his beautiful photos of these fascinating birds.

December 18, Holiday Party: Bring a treat to share and enjoy.
�Winged Migration��Tom Heitzman will show this wonderful movie on how birds make their winged migration. Popcorn will be provided.

January 15, Sarasota Bay: Past, Present and Future.
Julia Burch, a big supporter of MCAS, will talk about the programs she is involved with as well as teach us about Sarasota Bay.

February 19, Beach Bird Nesting Monitoring in Manatee County.
Beth Foyers, PhD, Eckerd College, one of the organizers of the Pinellas County monitoring program, will discuss what we can do in our county. MCAS needs to do more to help protect and monitor the many species of shore birds that nest on our beaches each spring.

March 19, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environment. Elect Officers.
David Sadkin of Wildlife Inc. will deliver a fascinating talk on rehabilitating birds and environmental issues. Come see the live owls he uses to educate kids and adults.

April 16, Annual Potluck. Installation of Officers.
Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., an hour early, for annual potluck supper and a brief review of the year. Bring a dish to share and your own plate, cup and utensils.

#1324

From: "Margaret England" <mlelighthouse@...>
Date: Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:43 am
Subject: Glades and Hendry NAMC Sept. 20 2008

mengland380

Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 10:49 PM

Subject: NAMC Lists

The combined Glades Hendry NAMC is 108 species with over 16,300 individuals.

Location:     Glades County, FL, US
Observation date:     9/20/08
Notes:     Glades NAMC: Fisheating Creek East (Ft. Center), Fisheating Creek West (Palmdale), Harney Point, Brighton, 29, Muse, 720, Ortona Locks, Larry Luckey Park,Withespoon, Wayman
Number of species:     74

Participants: 16

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck     3
Wood Duck     6
Mottled Duck     9
Blue-winged Teal     3
Wild Turkey     20
Double-crested Cormorant     2
Anhinga     69
American Bittern     1
Great Blue Heron     16
Great Egret     71
Snowy Egret     30
Little Blue Heron     20
Tricolored Heron     13
Cattle Egret     1013
Green Heron     5
White Ibis     127
Glossy Ibis     50
Wood Stork     8
Black Vulture     127
Turkey Vulture     93
Osprey     7
Bald Eagle     4
Red-shouldered Hawk     28
Short-tailed Hawk     1
Crested Caracara     3
American Kestrel     1
Common Moorhen     3
Sandhill Crane     24
Killdeer     8
Lesser Yellowlegs     5
Western Sandpiper     2
Rock Pigeon     55
Eurasian Collared-Dove     16
White-winged Dove     4
Mourning Dove     83
Common Ground-Dove     45
Barred Owl     2
Belted Kingfisher     19
Red-bellied Woodpecker     22
Downy Woodpecker     6
Pileated Woodpecker     7
Eastern Kingbird     2
Loggerhead Shrike     10
White-eyed Vireo     14
Blue Jay     20
Florida Scrub-Jay     28
American Crow     45
Tree Swallow     21
Northern Rough-winged Swallow     158
Bank Swallow     1
Barn Swallow     91
Carolina Wren     7
House Wren     1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     39
Northern Mockingbird     35
European Starling     8
Yellow-throated Warbler     4
Pine Warbler     2
Prairie Warbler     1
Palm Warbler     2
Black-and-white Warbler     2
American Redstart     1
Ovenbird     1
Northern Waterthrush     1
Common Yellowthroat     4
Hooded Warbler     2
Eastern Towhee     1
Northern Cardinal     16
Bobolink     1
Red-winged Blackbird     25
Eastern Meadowlark     6
Common Grackle     92
Boat-tailed Grackle     96
Baltimore Oriole     1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Location:     Hendry County, FL, US
Observation date:     9/20/08
Notes:     Hendry County NAMC: Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Dinner Island, STA5, CR 833,832, & 835, City of LaBelle, City of Clewiston, Highway 80 Lee County Line to Clewiston
Number of species:     91
Observers:22
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck     24
Fulvous Whistling-Duck     4
Mottled Duck     119
Blue-winged Teal     2860
Ruddy Duck     285
Wild Turkey     8
Pied-billed Grebe     18
American White Pelican     8
Double-crested Cormorant     18
Anhinga     77
Great Blue Heron     116
Great Egret     496
Snowy Egret     373
Little Blue Heron     103
Tricolored Heron     131
Cattle Egret     1699
Green Heron     58
Black-crowned Night-Heron     29
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron     8
White Ibis     822
Glossy Ibis     269
Roseate Spoonbill     18
Wood Stork     18
Black Vulture     285
Turkey Vulture     101
Osprey     30
White-tailed Kite     1
Snail Kite     11
Northern Harrier     7
Cooper's Hawk     2
Red-shouldered Hawk     66
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Crested Caracara     12
Peregrine Falcon     1
Purple Gallinule     8
Common Moorhen     1098
American Coot     12
Limpkin     29
Sandhill Crane     22
Killdeer     36
Black-necked Stilt     182
Solitary Sandpiper     10
Greater Yellowlegs     341
Lesser Yellowlegs     1113
Least Sandpiper     101
Pectoral Sandpiper     5
Rock Pigeon     85
Eurasian Collared-Dove     18
Mourning Dove     366
Common Ground-Dove     110
Barn Owl     1
Burrowing Owl     2
Barred Owl     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Belted Kingfisher     70
Red-bellied Woodpecker     38
Downy Woodpecker     3
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Eastern Kingbird     14
Gray Kingbird     2
Loggerhead Shrike     42
White-eyed Vireo     35
Red-eyed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     22
American Crow     46
Tree Swallow     41
Bank Swallow     2
Barn Swallow     391
Carolina Wren     11
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     49
Northern Mockingbird     67
Brown Thrasher     1
European Starling     12
Common Myna     2
Northern Parula     1
Yellow-throated Warbler     2
Pine Warbler     1
Prairie Warbler     1
American Redstart     1
Common Yellowthroat     38
Summer Tanager     1
Eastern Towhee     4
Grasshopper Sparrow     1
Northern Cardinal     24
Blue Grosbeak     1
Bobolink     61
Red-winged Blackbird     701
Eastern Meadowlark     41
Common Grackle     111
Boat-tailed Grackle     375
House Sparrow     52

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

#1325

From: "Bob" <rihargrave@...>
Date: Tue Oct 7, 2008 2:27 pm
Subject: Red-headed Woodpeckers at Hickey's Creek

samakibob

I went over to HC Saturday morning to look around. Catbirds and Brown
Thrashers have arrived. Highlight was 1 adult and 2 juvenile
red-headed woodpeckers on the trail south from the bridge. I just had
one good look at the adult but the 2 young birds were chasing each
other and in view for close to 1/2 an hour. Throw in a couple of scrub
jays (one with an orange band on the left leg) and it was a good
morning. Only warblers were 1 Prairie and 1 N. Parula.
Bob

#1326

From: "Bob" <rihargrave@...>
Date: Tue Oct 7, 2008 11:16 pm
Subject: Re: Red-headed Woodpeckers at Hickey's Creek

samakibob

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 3:37:40 PM
From: Dena and John Temple

Sorry for the late post -- limited Internet access on vacation. My
husband and I vacationed last week in the Fort Myers area. We've
birded Ding Darling and Corkscrew before but visited other area
hotspots for the first time.

We had a very similar experience at Hickey's Creek last Monday a.m.
along the "dry" side of Hickey's Creek trail. We first ran into 4 juv.
& 2 adult Red-headed WPs, then a short time later had 3 scrub jays.
Throw in a couple of Yellow-throated Warblers, several gnatcatchers
and a lot of really cool butterflies, and we had a very good morning.

Highlights from Wednesday's trip to Ding Darling included all the
usual waders incl. Wood Stork (flyover only), Pileated WP, catbird,
and a curious juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron with a crab so big, I
still don't know how he swallowed it!

Thursday took us to Babcock-Webb WMA, where we got almost all the
target species for the site: Limpkin by the entrance pond, Comm.
Moorhen, 3 Red-cockaded WP (lifer), Brown-headed Nuthatch, Sandhill
Crane, Palm Warblers galore, No. Parula, Am. Redstart, Red-eyed and
White-eyed Vireos, Baltimore Oriole, Pied-billed Grebe, E. Meadowlark,
and lots of gators. What a cool place.

Many thanks to my "old" friend Judy Harvey of Cape Coral, who provided
lots of info on local hotspots and points of interest. I wished we'd
had time to get to them all! We'll just have to come back...

Good birding,
Dena & John Temple
Atlantic Highlands, NJ