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April 2009 Vol. 35, No. 8 dubi@comcast.net |
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Greetings!
It's time for our annual election of officers. Here is the slate: Jeanne Dubi, President; Rick Greenspun, First VP; Karen Jensen, Second VP; Valeri Ponzo, Treasurer; Carolyn Primus, Secretary.
If you know of anyone else who would like to run for office, or if you want to nominate anyone, please let our Nominating Chair Barbara Singer know. She will be at the April meeting to take names and to conduct the elections.
Hope to see you this month for the trips, meetings & walks we've lined up for you! |
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Upcoming Walks & Programs
(Click on the blue links for more information!)
- MONTHLY MEETING: "Bird Photography" with Lou Newman
Monday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall, First Congregational Church, 1031 South Euclid, Sarasota.
- OTHER ACTIVITIES
Plant Walk at Oscar Scherer State Park
Thursday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Meet inside park entrance.
Leader: Catherine La Brie
Ft. DeSoto Park
Tuesday, April 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Meet at first rest area just after the tollbooths on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
BRING LUNCH
Leader: John Ginaven, 924-5565
Carefree Learner, Private Cruise ($20)
Thursday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m.
Meet next to Le Barge at the Bayfront Marina
Contact: Kathryn Young, 924-5565
Emerson Point
Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 a.m.
Meet at Starbucks (I-75 and University, next to Home Depot)
Leader: Stu Hills, 922-5261
Ft. Desoto Park
Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 a.m.
Meet at first rest area just after the tollbooths on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
BRING LUNCH
Leader: Edith Miller, 364-3637
Egmont Key by Ferry (FULL)
Tuesday, April 28
Contact Kathryn Young for waiting list, 924-5565
Felts Preserve Butterfly Walk
Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Meet at Starbucks (I-75 and University, next to Home Depot)
Leaders: Stu Hills & Jeanne Dubi, 355-1709 |
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The Recession & Environmental Conservation
There is a growing view that the present recession is likely to be the longest-lasting and most severe since the Great Depression of the 1930's. Recessions can help the natural environment, birds and other wildlife by slowing land development, oil drilling, consumption of natural resources, and carbon gas emissions, and if unemployment increases further, a program like the Civilian Conservation Corps that built much of the infrastructure of parks and reserves like Myakka all over the nation may be revived.
But the environmental harm of the recession may be much greater. With plummeting tax revenues and skyrocketing social costs, the current session of the Florida legislature is threatening to suspend the Florida Forever environmental land-buying program (saved last year only by Governor Crist's veto), kill the purchase of sugar lands to filter water to restore the Everglades, and drastically reduce funding of state parks. Perhaps even more environmentally damaging, other bills being considered will abolish or neuter State environmental controls on land development and weaken fishing and marine protections.
The longest-lasting environmental harm of the recession may be psychological. For example, over the last decade, the top or nearly top concern of annual citizen surveys in Sarasota County and other areas like ours has been too much development, increasing population and worsening traffic, with overuse of water resources also important. Now, a new survey of Floridians in late November shows that jobs and the economy have driven environmental concerns out of the top tier of perceived problems.
Short-term thinking now advocates anything that encourages jobs and growth, more people, more traffic, more highways and more environmentally destructive things that only a year or two ago seemed to have been politically overcome. The Sarasota County Commission may follow Manatee's in suspending or slashing the impact fee on new construction, as if we need still more houses to add to the surplus inventory now driving down prices.
As environmentalists, we need to write, telephone and do whatever else we can to ensure that our now laudably pro-environment national government, seemingly pro-environment Governor, and still pro-environment County Commission are not so blinded by the temporary pressing need for economic stimulus as to abandon the long-term necessity of environmental preservation. We and they need to remember that unrestrained growth is the ideology of the cancer cell, with the same tragic result.
-Wade Matthews, Conservation Chair
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Least Terns
 Last year we found out something that the Environmental Services staff of the water treatment plant just outside the Carlton Reserve had known for years, they have Least Terns nesting on their rooftop. (Least tern chick photo by Rick Greenspun.)
This year, with the help of Nancy Edmondson from the County's environmentally sensitive lands program, water treatment staff and volunteers of Sarasota Audubon are going to erect a barrier to keep the little chicks from falling off the roof. Last year, several were spotted on the ground, too small to fly. Some died and some survived. This year, with the addition of the barrier, losses should be minimal. We've also provided a chick-a-boom to scoop fallen chicks back onto the roof.
We are grateful that this County facility is accommodating this Species of Special Concern. In spite of the fact that the birds droppings create havoc with parked cars, the staff is prepared to tolerate the nesting activity each year. Partnerships such as these are invaluable in helping critical species survive.
Breeding activity
Least Terns arrive in Florida from their wintering grounds during early April and begin laying eggs later on in the month. Incubation takes 14-21 days and the chicks fledge about 28 days after hatching.
Traditionally, Least Terns have nested on our beaches, but have turned to rooftops because their beach habitat has declined dramatically. At one time, pebble and tar roofs were common, providing almost ideal conditions for the terns. However, technology has changed and this type of roof is no longer being used, leading once more to loss of habitat. Saving any roof nesting habitat is vital.
Wanna be a tern watcher?
If you'd like to be a roof watcher at Carlton, estimating the number of terns and their young, and generally keeping an eye on them, contact Jeanne Dubi at 355-1709 or dubi@comcast.net. You may get to use the chick-a-boom too!
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| Trip Reports
Station 5, February 14 & 15, 2009
STA-5 is marvelous for seeing lots of birds. We spent the morning at this Stormwater Treatment Area near Lake Okeechobee and Clewiston. We found several American Bitterns, one that flew right in front of the lead car, 2 Purple Swamphens, a Purple Gallinule, 2 Snail Kites, about 30 Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, several American Wigeons and one Painted Bunting spotted by the super spotter herself, Karen Jensen. On the way home we found 2 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers on the telephone wires. If you want to see many birds in one spot, join us next year at this very birdy place.
Kathryn Young, Trip Leader
Cockroach Bay, February 19, 2009
Cockroach Bay and the mitigation pond across the street gave us over 75 species for the day. Rick Greenspun spotted a male Painted Bunting in an old weedy/seedy area. This is one reason why we should not chop and poison those nice weedy areas. We were treated to many ducks, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, American Wigeons, Redheads and Northern Pintails, to name a few. Other spectacular looks included about 100 American White Pelicans on a sand spit and then watching them take flight and many very pink Roseate Spoonbills. The low of the day was missing the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. Kathryn Young, Trip Leader
Hillsborough River State Park, March 7, 2009
Saturday, March 7th dawned clear and crisp for our trip to two parks on the Hillsborough River. Our first stop was John Sargent Wilderness Park, a small county park featuring a boardwalk to the river and a few trails through the woods.
As we started down the boardwalk, we were treated to the abundant Palm Warblers, along with an Eastern Phoebe, singing parula warblers, cardinals and Carolina Wrens. Our first treat of the day appeared through the shrubby tangle along the creek - a male Painted Bunting! We could have all gone home and been satisfied, but no, there were more treats in store for us.
The boardwalk along the river yielded the usual herons and egrets, a Limpkin, and vultures by the dozens. The woods trail was hopping. We saw Tufted Titmice, Blue-headed and White-eyed Vireos, Palms, Yellow-rumped, and Yellow-throated Warblers, more parulas, an Orange-crowned and Black and White Warblers, as well as Carolina Chickadees. The Tampa area is about the furthest south this species appears, so it was a welcome treat for us from Sarasota.
On to Hillsborough River State Park where we walked the rapids trail along the river. We saw more of the same birds, but were also treated to a lovely Louisiana Waterthrush and otters. All in all, we tallied about 50 species and enjoyed the beautiful weather in two wonderful parks.
Lynn Jakubowicz and Wade Matthews, Trip Leaders
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Visiting Costa Rica This was my first trip to Costa Rica. There were 14 of us from SAS, including my sister Jeanne, plus a guide and a driver. Chito, our trip guide was amazing. Barry Rossheim led the trip, and he was pretty amazing too. We visited three locations, each in a distinct ecological zone. The first was in the Central Caribbean Foothills, the second was in the Highlands and the third was in the Caribbean Lowlands.
The total trip list was 305. I saw 270, of which 219 were life birds. I was so overwhelmed by the number of birds I saw that now it is sometimes difficult to remember quite where I saw what, so I will just give a flavor rather than compiling a comprehensive list.
Rancho Naturalista
From San Jose we had a 2-1/2 hour journey to our first location, Rancho Naturalista, southeast of Turrialba near the village of Tuis. This Spanish-style lodge is situated at an elevation of 3,000 feet and set within a 125-acre ranch and reserve. There is an extensive trail system leading through the nearby pre-montane rain forest.
Weather conditions were great at Rancho, with very little rain. Accommodation consisted of a 5-bedroom lodge, with a further ten cabins close by. The rooms were very comfortable. The food was outstanding, and plentiful, with a wide selection of dishes. Meals were served in the family-style dining room in the main lodge. Staff were friendly and a family like atmosphere prevailed throughout.
We were able to watch birds from the veranda of the main lodge (where 200 birds have been recorded). Each morning staff put out bananas and other fruit to attract the birds, as well as replenishing the hummingbird feeders. The best time was early in the morning, but there were plenty of birds around all day. The view was spectacular and took in the valley below, the forest, and a glorious coral tree which was a favorite of the birds. This is not to mention the hummingbirds, the most common being the White-necked Jacobin, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Green-breasted Mango, Green Hermit and Brown Violet-ear, as well as the rarer Black-crested Coquette, Green Thorntail and the Snowcap - prize of them all!
The third day we made a trip to the nearby Tuis Valley and Silent Mountain area. This trip was highly productive for birds. I think this was probably my favorite day of the whole trip. We saw a Sunbittern along the edge of the Tuis River, and some of us were even able to see the sun pattern on its wings as it moved from rock to rock.
Savegre Mountain Hotel
On Day 4, we moved on. The Savegre Mountain Hotel is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca mountains, which has been owned and operated by the Chacon family since 1957. It is set on a 160-hectare orchard and reserve
and is most famous for being the home of the Resplendent Quetzal. This amazing bird feeds on the fruit of the avocado trees which are plentiful in the area and thrive in the cooler climate.
The hotel lies at an altitude of 8,000 feet but before arriving there we crossed the Cerro de la Muerte at an elevation of 10,000 feet. At this elevation we saw Sooty Robin and Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, before descending again to the mountain valley.
We stayed two nights at Savegre. The immediate grounds, orchard and garden area, as well as the nearby meadow, produced many new birds for us.
At the hummingbird feeders we added Magnificent, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Green Violet-ear, White-throated Mountain Gem, Scintillant and Volcano Hummingbirds. However the highlight of the stay at Savegre, and of the whole trip in fact, was seeing the Resplendent Quetzal. Following a longish walk, during which time we spotted a Golden-browed Chlorophonia way up in a tree, we saw the male quetzal, close to its nest sight, actually perched and waiting for us to depart. Chito had led us unerringly to this spot, and we were not disappointed.
On the second day we saw another two quetzals close to the lodge, and spectacularly one in flight - a breathtaking sight, which actually brought tears to Jeanne's eyes. Also on this day we went on a long, and fabulous hike, along the forest trails, with Marino Chacon. Between him and Chito, we didn't miss a thing.
Later that morning we drove in four-wheel trucks high up into the cloud forest. We were looking for the Silvery-throated Jay. We heard them, and eventually they were found.
Selva Verde Lodge
Day 6 saw us heading for Selva Verde in the lowland rain forests of the Sarapiqui region. As usual we birded the route and on the mountain road on the way back up from Savegre we stopped because Chito knew a place where we could find Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Large-footed Finch. Needless to say, we got both birds.
After lunch we stopped at the Quebrada Gonzalez section of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. We were all thrilled to see a Yellow-eared Toucanet. We all had excellent views of this very uncommon bird.
Selva Verde Lodge is located on the Sarapiqui River in the Caribbean lowlands, just west of Puerto Viejo. It is approximately 15 minutes from the La Selva Biological Station, where we did most of our birding. Selva Verde Lodge has 40 rooms, mostly in groups of 4, built on stilts above the ground with connecting walkways.
We stayed three nights at this marvelous lodge. The intention was that on the first morning we would bird the entrance road to La Selva, which is a highly productive area for birds. Having foregone breakfast at Selva Verde for a most miserable packed alternative, the rain set in early on and we had very little to show for our efforts. The rain carried on for most of the morning, and at times was torrential, making it impossible to bird. On the second morning some of us repeated the process with much better success. Even the breakfast was better as Chito bought us fresh warm loaves of local bread that were delicious.
Birding the road on the two mornings produced a good range of less usual birds, including Short-billed Pigeon, Gray-chested Dove, Squirrel Cuckoo, White-whiskered Puffbird, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Bare-crowned Antbird (a very rare bird, which we were all able to view through the telescope), Rufous Mourner, Golden-winged Warbler, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Fasciated Antshrike, Barred Antshrike, Great Antshrike, White-ringed Flycatcher and Groove-billed Ani. We also had a great time watching a two-toed Sloth which was hanging vertically from a branch by its feet, as well as a small party of Howler Monkeys.
In La Selva, Crested Guans were on the lawn and in the trees, and a Great Curassow was wandering behind some buildings.
On a rural road outside La Selva, Chito turned up 2 Great Green Macaws, spectacular and rare birds. We also saw a White-throated Crake and a Yellow Tyrannulet.
On our last day at La Selva a walk in the woods produced our first and only Great Tinamou. We also had a Slaty-tailed Trogon, Broad-billed Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Chestnut-backed Antshrike and Long-billed Antwren. On the way back we were privileged to see a Purple-crowned Fairy hummingbird sitting on her nest at the end of the longest, thinnest branch you can imagine.
Sadly the trip had come to an end, and finally we were on the way back to the airport. To a UK birder, this whole trip was beyond anything I had experienced before, and there was no part of it I didn't enjoy thoroughly. The people were great, the guides amazing, Barry looked after us all so well, and I got to spend a lot of time and share a lot of things with my lovely sister, Jeanne. What could be better!
- Glynnis Withrington
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EcoTip
Don't flush your old medications! Many water treatment plants are not equipped to filter meds out and they can end up in our drinking water. Here are some disposal options:
1) Some pharmacies have safe drug disposal programs. Check with yours.
2) Go to Earth911.com, enter your zip code and the word medication and find a nearby drop-off site for unused pills. 3) Some states allow donations of unused medication for redistribution to folks who cannot afford them |
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Don't Miss the Florida Ornithological Society's Annual Meeting
FOS's spring meeting will be held in Ruskin, April 24-26. The meeting place is at Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Lodging and meals are at the Little Harbor Resort in nearby Ruskin. FOS has a full schedule of presentations, meetings and field trips, as well as a reception and initial flocking. For more details, call (813) 623-6826.
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More Eco Tips!
- Switch off the shower while you lather to save water.
- Look for unbleached parchment paper for kitchen use. After use, scrunch it up and put it in your compost pile!
- If you bake small meals, consider investing in a toaster oven, which uses less then half as much energy as a conventional oven.
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Painted Bunting Project
Painted Buntings, those wow birds, are the subject of a study being conducted by the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences. PBs nest in the Carolinas, Georgia and northeast Florida, as well as in Texas. This study is interested in tracking the movements and breeding success of eastern PBs only.
Painted Buntings do not breed in southern Florida, but we are fortunate to have a wintering population of these beauties here in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
If you'd like to be part of this study, which entails entering your sightings into the host database, click here.
You can see a map of the south eastern region showing all the sites were Painted Buntings are being observed. Participation in a citizen science project is invaluable to our knowledge of birds and the environment.
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Welcome New Members!
Ruth Ayers
Jerry Borman
Lynn Carlson
Susan Christy
Mark Davis
Maggie Davis
Family Durr
Bruce Haag
Susan Hamilton
Johnora Hildebrand
Robert Jones
Dana King
David Mann
Philip Marcus
Alice Newlon
Randon Orde
Luis Ortiz
James L. Phillips
Raoul/Ramona Reiser
Carolyn Reiter
Stanley Rodak
Charles Ryon
Malcolm Scott
Allen/Ann Sealey
Mark Smith
Irene S. Smith
Robert Soper
Andrea Sorondo
Lonne L. Sterling
Linda Stuart
Virginia Tarika
Marea Thomas
Frances S. Tyler
Bal Usefoff
Randall K. Ventresca
Hartley Vesty
Alan Webb
Emmy Lou Wefelmeyer
Merry Williams
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Travel with Audubon to Spain!
It's a go, but there are still two spots left on this fab trip to Spain in September. Call Karen at 924-2446 if you are interested or email for the itinerary.
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Pinecraft Park Potato Fest
The following folks helped the 4th Annual Pinecraft Festival be a huge success. Sweat equity: Bay Buddies, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Susie Bowie, Maria-Elisabeth Mantius, Marge & Dick Oesmer, Julie Byrne, Karen Jensen, Barb Singer, Sara King, Lynn Jakubowicz, Edith Miller, Kelley Birkey, Glynnis Withrington, Jeanne Dubi; donations of cash/prizes from Carole Breedlove, Rick Greenspun, Penney Rist, Marge Oesmer, Janet Carlock, Edith Miller, the Dubis, Judi Bryant, Sue Stam, and Jim & Jean Edmundson.
We collected 533 pounds of air potatoes. We think they are going down each year, let's hope so. Keeping air potatoes out of this magical woodland is essential. It's one of the hottest migrant spots in the county.
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