The Audubon Observer

Volume XII, No. 3 February—March 2010

A publication of the Duval Audubon Society Serving Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties

President’s Message While packing up the campers Sunday morning we were en-
tertained by a pair of Red Shouldered Hawks (one adult, one
immature) that decided the swing set was a good hunting
Duval Audubon kicked off the 2010 season with our 4th An- perch.
nual Northeast Florida Great Air Potato Roundup at Crosby
Sanctuary. Pete Johnson should be able to fill you in on this Folks either headed home or made one more run through the
event. refuge to see the rafts of Coot, American Wigeon, Redheads;
a pair of Northern Harrier working the marsh, and the Bald
While some folks were gathering air potatoes a group of us Eagle sitting the nest.
were camping or lodging nearby in Wakulla for the Annual
Wakulla Weekend. Friday afternoon we pulled into the New- It was another good weekend, weather and all. So, dust off
port Park Camp Ground to be greeted by Dave and Linda your tent, gather up the grandkids and mark your calendar for
White who arrived Thursday. The weather was fantastic, the Martin Luther King weekend 2011. There will be a hot dinner
birds were active, grills fired up for dinner, the food was good (slow cookers are making a comeback) awaiting you at the
and an evening bonfire capped off a won- Newport Camp Ground. We will gather on
derful day for the group. Saturday morning at the campground and
check out the variety of species there before
During the night the rains came in and “You cannot expect the heading over to the Lighthouse. We’re plan-
stayed. But our group went birding anyway, same folks to continue ning on changing the face of the Wakulla
finding shelter on the Lighthouse porch. Weekend and turning it into a family bird-
Denise and Steve’s five year old grandson, doing everything. The ing and nature weekend. The Gavin’s, Mai-
Gavin, was a delight. He kept us smiling, time has come for you sie’s and Stacey’s are the future of Audu-
finding interest and amazement in the birds, to step up and bon. Go to your local library, check out
frogs, boats and fish scales. ―Last Child in the Woods‖ and you’ll get
volunteer when and the picture.
Julie and Andy Wraithmell joined us with where you can.”
their daughter, Maisie (almost 2yo) on Sat- In the meantime, there is a lot to keep you
urday morning, rain and all. Maisie found busy. Come to the meetings, join us on our
sticks and plashing in the mud to be of great field trips and give some thought to increas-
interest. ing your involvement with Duval Audubon. My term in com-
ing to an end – it’s time to start looking for new leadership:
By lunchtime the rain had taken its toll on our group so after a officers, board members, bird steward volunteers, Civic
cup of chili (thank you Denise), cornbread, chocolate chip Round Table representative, and other volunteers. You cannot
cookie bars and brownies we retreated to our quarters until expect the same folks to continue doing everything. The time
evening. Some watched basketball games, others read and has come for you to step up and volunteer when and where
some checked out the inside of their eyelids. you can.

Saturday night our group met under the picnic shelter at the By the way, I’m going to Costa Rica in April. Will you be
campground for a low country boil by ―chef‖ Steve, King crab joining me? Happy Birding.
legs, shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage. I should
also mention that the tables were full of chips, crackers, dips
and all sorts of beverages. Steve had a nice blaze going al-
Carole Adams
though the rains were on and off. Spirits at the campground Carole A. Adams,
were lifted when late into the night we heard the call of the President
Great Horned Owl.

Meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at
Swain Memorial Methodist Church, 1620 Naldo Avenue in San Marco.

Please visit our website at http://www.duvalaudubon.org/ for updated events,

important local conservation efforts, and articles relating to conservation and birding.
 roost for Sandhill Cranes and Wood Storks in one of the pasture
February and March wetlands.

Programs Realizing the photographic opportunities inherent in having such

a diverse population of birds on one property, Bob Montanaro
approached the Sexton family, the owners of Treasure Hammock,
Critters, Cows, & Cowboys: A Photographic with a plan to spend at least a year on the Ranch photographing
Exploration into the Wildlife and Work of Treasure its wildlife and the cattle ranching that has continued now at
Hammock Ranch by Bob Montanaro Treasure Hammock through four generations of the Sexton fam-
Monday, February 15, 7:30pm ily. While extensive, this program is only a sampling of the di-
Speaker: Bob Montanaro verse species found on the ranch and the work done there. Bob is
continuing the photographic work at the ranch to expand the re-
Learn about the critical role ranches play in protecting Florida’s cord and bring a more complete picture of how Treasure Ham-
diverse habitats while viewing encounters with the many species mock benefits wildlife, cattle, and the people of Florida alike.
of wildlife that call Treasure Hammock Ranch home. Addition-
ally, the program reveals what a year of work is like on a Florida Bob Montanaro is the administrative assistant for the Pelican
cattle ranch---from the stereotypical images of cowboys on horse- Island Audubon Society. "Critters, Cows, & Cowboys" follows
back herding cattle to the more realistic hot and dusty workday on the heels of his previous program, "Ospreys of Pelican Island:
spent on foot moving cattle individually through the cow pens for An Exploration into the Life of the Fish Hawk, which documents
vet checkups and myriad other activities. three years of Osprey nesting at Pelican Island National Wildlife
Refuge". For more information about both programs, please visit
Treasure Hammock Ranch sold its development rights in exchange www.lunarcabin.com
for a conservation easement that protects the land in perpetuity as
a place where wildlife and cattle ranching can co-exist in an in- For The Birds
creasingly urbanized Indian River County. The ranch attracts a Monday, March 15, 7:30pm
wide variety of birds throughout the year drawn to Treasure Ham- Speaker: Donna Bear-Hull
mock’s various habitats and often-extensive seasonal wet-
lands. Most of Florida’s wading birds at one time or another visit Donna is the Curator of Birds at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gar-
the ranch, including smaller birds commonly found along shore- dens. She is responsible for management of the bird division in-
lines such as Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer. Migratory birds cluding acquisition. Donna continues active involvement in the
often seen on the Ranch include the American Kestrel, Common USFWS Endangered Species Wood Stork Recovery Plan and is a
Nighthawk, and the colorful Painted Bunting. Besides being a member of the Northeast Florida Shorebird Partners group.
haven for migratory birds, the ranch has its own population of
native birds that nest on the property including Loggerhead Donna will provide some insights into the conservation and ac-
Shrikes, Eastern Meadowlarks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and quisition of birds at the Jacksonville Zoo, especially the most
Crested Caracaras. A real surprise discovery was finding a night recent acquisition of the Magellanic Penguins.

Tour to Costa Rica April 13, 14 Savegre Mountain Lodge in the Talamanca
Mountains An ideal spot to explore the high
April 9-17, 2010 April 15, 16
elevation habitats in Costa Rica.
Lodging at Villa Lapas, Carara National
Our January trip was so successful, we’re doing it again! Duval Park and boat trip along the Tarcoles River
Audubon has partnered with Tropical Feathers to bring you a April 17 Transfer to airport and fly out
custom-designed tour led by bird guide extraordinaire, Noel
Urena. This 9 day trip includes visits to Savegre Mountain This small group trip is limited to 8 people so reserve your
Lodge, Villa Lapas and La Selva Biological Station. Cost in- spot now! A non-refundable $500 deposit is due by March 1st
cludes ground transportation from San Jose, 8 nights lodging to hold a reservation. Payment in full is due by March 9th. For
(double occu-pancy), entrance fees to parks, all taxes (except a detailed itinerary, go to www.duvalaudubon.org.
$26 airport depar-ture tax) and meals beginning with dinner the
first night. Contact: Carly Wainwright at 904-783-2969,
[email protected]
Cost per person (DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE):
For 5 people: $1791/person
For 6 people: $1693/person
For 7 to 8 people: $1654/person
Single supplement is $175 Costa Rica Preview Party
Itinerary: If you're interested in going on our April trip, come to our
April 9 Arrive in San José, overnight at Hotel Buena preview party Sunday, February 21st, 5-7p.m.
Vista on the foothills of the Central Volcanic We'll view a short movie of what you'll likely see including
Range over-looking the Central Valley birds of Costa Rica and be available for questions.
RSVP, phone Carole Adams at 403-7134.
April 10, 11, 12 La Selva Biological Station, Braulio Carrillo
National Park

The Audubon Observer, Volume XII, No. 3 2

February Field Trips left. Once on Baya Ave look for and turn left onto CR133
[Country Club Dr]. There is a sign for the Alligator Lake sign on
Jacksonville Arboretum the right. We'll meet in the main parking lot by the play ground &
Saturday, Feb 13 2010 Leader: TBA rest rooms..

Meet in the parking lot at 8:30 for a leisurely walk through the Jacksonville Zoo
arboretum. The Jacksonville Arboretum has many new trails and Saturday, Mar 14 2010 Leaders: Denise Jump
we plan to cover a few of them. We should see many of the winter and Donna Bear-Hull
and resident birds.
Park your car and meet us at the ticket booth. General admission is
Directions: Go East on Monument Road from the Regency area $13 for adults, $11 for 65 and over, $8 for 3-12 year olds. With 15
until you pass the 9A overpass. Take the next left, Millcoe Road, or more registrants we can get a group discount, so RSVP by 3/8
and follow it as it curves around to the right. The entrance and to either Denise or Carole. Donna Bear-Hull, Curator of Birds will
paved parking lot will be on the right. be meeting us for a special guided tour. Plan on visiting with the
newly acquired Magellanic Penguins. Bring your camera, sun
screen and a few dollars for lunch. Wear comfortable walking
Kayak Amelia shoes and dress for the weather.
Saturday, Feb 20 2010 Leader: Ray Hetchka

Reserve by calling Kayak Amelia, 904-251-0016 no later than

Friday, 2/19 at 12noon. Cost is $50 each; bring your own Kayak
and pay $35.
April Preview
Meet at Alamacani, off Heckscher Drive just past Huguenot.
Ft. George / Kingsley Plantation
Wear footgear that you can get wet; dress in layers according to Sunday, Apr 18 2010 Leader: Laura Johannsen
the weather. Nylon pants work best for quick drying, Hoping it
will be sunny and we can wear shorts. Sunscreen water/Gatorade
are essential.

Pack up a lunch and we’ll hang out afterward at the picnic shelter
Area Events
for awhile. Ray makes a great batch of chocolate chip cookies for Birds, Boats & Bikes, “O” My!
sharing!!!!

Kayak Amelia has been offering folks a chance to learn about life Big “O” birding Extravaganza 2010
in the salt marsh for over 13 years. Ray & Jody are both Certified
Eco-Heritage Tourism Providers. Ray is a Florida Master Natural- Hendery/Glades Counties in South central Florida,
ist and a certified interpretive guide thru the national Association Thursday, March 25—Sunday, March 28.
for Interpretation. They discovered kayaking in the 80’s and
quickly realized that kayaks are the best way to really feel im- The Big "O" Birding Extravaganza is a Glades/ Hendry County
mersed in the environment around you. cooperative event in South Central Florida on the Southwest
shores of Lake Okeechobee, the state’s largest lake. Glades and
Ray & Jody also created the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, an an- Hendry counties are becoming a mecca for bird watching. We’re
nual celebration of the local bioregion. This years event dates are home to more than 300 species of birds, including limpkins and
May 21-23, more information and registration can be found at migratory swallow-tailed kites, and painted buntings which pass
www.WildAmelia.com. through during October and April. Five Great Florida Birding
Trail sites are within the region: Dinner Island Ranch and Oka-
loacoochee Slough State Forest and Wildlife Management Areas,

March Field Trips

and Stormwater Treatment Area #5 (STA5) are in Hendry County,
and Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area—East & West
are in Glades County. Expect to see ducks such as the Fulvous
Alligator Lake Whistling-Duck and the Mottled Duck; shorebirds like Black-
Saturday, Mar 5 2010 Leader: Wade Nolan necked Stilt; waders such as Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and
Least Bittern; and specialty raptors including Crested Caracara,
Meet at the Home Depot on Lane Ave at 7:30 AM to car pool/ Snail Kite, Short-tailed Hawk and Barn Owl. Plus, we’re always
caravan or at Alligator Lake at 8:30 AM on a quest for that elusive Smooth-billed Ani. Come help us look!

I can be reached on my cell phone the day of the field trip For more information, visit: http://www.bigobirdingfestival.com/
904-955-2534 or at home any other time 904-220-0232 or by
email [email protected]

To get to Alligator Lake go West on I-10 and take the US 90 exit

[Olustee]. Go West on US 90 for approx 20 miles, as you pass the
Lake City airport look for CR 10A [Baya Ave] bearing off to the

The Audubon Observer, Volume XII, No. 3 3

 HANDS ACROSS THE SAND
February 13, 2010, 12pm
St. Augustine pier near Anastasia Park
ODE TO THE RED KNOT
Citizens of Florida will have an opportunity to show their oppo-
sition to oil drilling as close as 3 to 10 miles off our coast. This
(What it must be like to be a Red Knot at Huguenot Memorial Park)
movement will be made of people of all walks of life and will
by Carly Wainwright
cross political affiliations. This movement is not about politics;
it is about protection of our shoreline, our tourism, our valuable
properties and our way of life. Let us share our knowledge, en-
I AM A BIRD. ergies and passion for protecting our waterways and beaches
I've flown thousands of miles and now I need to rest and eat. from the devastating effects of oil drilling.
This journey gets more and more difficult every season.
I've lost many of my flock and I don't know why. Jacksonville will be participating with St. Augustine in this
It seems there are fewer and fewer of us. event on Saturday, February 13.

How good it is to be back on solid ground and Please visit www.handsacrossthesand.com for more information
feast on the bounty of the shore. about this statewide movement. Our contact person in Jackson-
Oh, no! What is that coming at me with four wheels? ville is Paul Hayden at [email protected].
I must fly away. I'm so exhausted. Must Eat.
And here comes a four-legged hairy predator. It barks. Directions: To get to the pier you go through the St. Augustine
Must fly again...so tired...must eat. historic district along the waterfront then go across the bridge on
But what is that with motorized wings in my path? A1A. Pass the lighthouse and Alligator Farm. Follow the signs
I must fly again...so tired...so hungry. to St. Augustine Beach. After making the turn onto the beach
road in St. Aug. you will see a motel then a large parking lot on
Will someone please just let me eat and rest?
the ocean side of the road. This is where the pier is and the or-
I still have so many miles to go.
ganizer's tent will be. Things will start about noon on Saturday,
I AM A BIRD. February 13.

Call Carolyn Antman at 737-1019 if you need help getting a

carpool.

Jacksonville, FL 32245
P.o. Box 16304
Duval Audubon Society