March 2010 Eagle's Nest Newsletter Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society

8/9/2019 March 2010 Eagle's Nest Newsletter Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society

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EAGLES VIEWLake Region Audubon

March 2010

Volume 20, Issue 3

Street Audubon Center

115 Lameraux RoadWinter Haven, FL 33884

Colorado, Summertime, 2009

by Paul Fellers

It was destination Denver, CO last July 4th for my niece, Mary Goodman, her 2 grown children, and myself for 3

weeks of trucking around the state to see what nature had in store for us. None of us had spent any serious time

there, but we were about to. Our first destination was Pikes Peak SSW of Denver. Its one of 54 or so peaks in

CO over 14,000 and one of 2 of these that can be driven to the top. On route, we had had enough traveling forone day, so quit early when we found a cabin near Caon City for the night. I took a 2-hour hike before dark in the

wilds behind the cabins. Here I found the first nice rose quartz of the trip, and a family of 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers

was a surprise as I had no idea they would be that far west.

It turned out that we were very close to the famous Royal Gorge and the suspension bridge over the Arkansas

River. So next morning we played tourist at this spectacular place but didnt pay to cross the bridge. We lucked

into taking an exceptionally scenic Phantom Canyon Road (dirt) which had been the old Cripple Creek and Victor

narrow gauge railroad used to haul gold ore from the fabulously rich ore fields at Cripple Creek. Huge mountains of

tailings are in evidence at the still working mine.

Nearby was Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, which neither Mary nor I had ever heard of. This

remarkable area is home to fossils from the Eocene Era of about 34 million years ago. About 1,500 insects and

150 plants have been identified thus far. For us, though, it was the fossilized Redwood stumps, some over 12 in

diameter, that were awesome. For comparison purposes,

dinosaurs died off about 65 million years ago, and Homo Sapiens

in CO left cave dwelling carvings and paintings from about 4,000

years ago.

From our campsite in Pike Forest, it was finally time to drive up

the 19 miles to 14,110 Pikes Peak. Our rental car did it just fine

on a beautiful clear day. Of course the vistas out to 4 different

states were spectacular. A tram also accesses the peak, and we

did see it at the top. How many folks know that Katherine Bates

penned the words to America the Beautiful after visiting Pikes

Peak? A pair of White-throated Swifts and a Common Raven

soared above the mountain, while several Mountain Goats grazed

at the summit.

Summit Lake Park on Mt Evans, 14, 264 feet

with mountain sheep at lake edge

by Paul Fellers


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Eagles ViewMarch 2010

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Heading north on scenic Route 67, we crossed the Platt River on the way to Mt. Evans (14,264 high) west of

Denver. Stops were made on the drive up: Mt. Goliath Natural Area, home to several ancient Bristlecone Pines,

nesting Mountain Bluebirds, and a Rosy Finch species; Also Summit Lake Park above tree line with numerous

Bighorn Sheep ambling about, American Pipits, and spectacular scenery. At the summit we climbed up huge

boulders to achieve the real top with snow-capped peaks all around and spent some time admiring alpine flowers on

the summit before heading down. Then it was off to Greeley,

north of Denver, to pick up a new tent Mary had ordered and

had sent to friends there. We picked up the tent, visited a while,

and since we were near the Pawnee National Grassland, we

decided to drive out on the short grass prairie to Pawnee Buttes

to the northeast. We saw no Mountain Plovers, but did see lots

of Horned Larks and Lark Buntings (Colorados state bird), and

a pair of Chestnut-collared Longspurs. We took a nice hike to

the base of the two scenic buttes. On our return to the west, we

lucked on to a small slough having a pair of Long-billed Curlews

and 14 Marbled Godwits.

At Estes Park, a town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), we stocked up with groceries, and

headed to the 12,183 summit via the 11-mile Old Fall River Road with Chasm Falls along the way. The plan was

to take the more scenic 19-mile main Summit Road on our return trip later on (which we did). Near the top we

took a couple of short hikes to observe the scenery and alpine flowers, and try to find Rosy Finches and White-

tailed Ptarmigans (none of each). At the summit we hiked to the top and beyond with alpine flowers everywhere

and a few elk grazing nearby. Certainly this 360 view out to snow covered peaks is one to cherish forever! Back

down the mountain a bit on the western slope, we stopped for yet another hike, but unlike the other hikes, this one

resulted in coming upon a pair of what, up until that moment, had been extremely elusive for mea pair of White-

tailed Ptarmigans! (No. 654 for US life birds). We heard them making faint clucking sounds before we saw them atthe edge of some short willows. There were also a few Brown-capped Rosy Finches in the same area (another lifer

for me!). Farther down the mountain we saw the terrible toll that the Mountain Pine Beetle is having on Lodgepole

Pines, leaving dead and dying trees in their wakemillions of

acres devastated! That night we were at Arapaho Bay

Campground on huge Lake Granby, but the ground was bare as

all the dead pines had been cut. Sad!

The next day at the Colorado River Trailhead we began a 7.3-

mile round-trip hike to a totally abandoned gold town called Lulu

City where over a hundred years earlier there were 200 goldminers but now shows no evidence of habitation. The hike along

the river headwaters was very pleasant and green as there were

few Lodgepole Pines along the trail, and birding was good with 3

Northern 3-toed Woodpeckers; Yellow, Wilsons and beautifully-

plumaged Audubons Yellow-rumped Warblers; and several attractive Dark-eyed Juncos of the gray-headed race

(which has a rufous back). At the Lulu City site, we were streamside when all of a sudden we were spattered with

watera American Dipper (Water Ouzel) passing? A half-hour later it happened again, but this time we figured it

Paul at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

in front of huge fossilized Redwood stump

Paul along trail to American Lakes in CO

State Forest at about 11,000 feet


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Eagles View March 2010

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out. Gusts of wind or mini-twisters coming down the canyon were picking up a bit of water from the creek and

spattering us for quite an amazing phenomenon.

Then it was westward to the small town of Clark near Steamboat Springs where Marys friends, John and Carol

Twitchell and their 7-year-old son resided. We were welcomed to stay at their beautiful home on a hillside while in

the area. The break from our camping was a nice change. It seems that there would be a big craft show the next

day in Steamboat Springs, so we all decided to go. It was great fun and interesting. Steamboat Springs is a neat

town with the fast-flowing Yampa River running through. The next day we were all off on a hike up nearby Sand

Mountain. The Twitchells son was particularly excited about the hike. I was confident that I could do it, and even

though I brought up the rear, all was fine, and eventually I joined the others on the 10,847 snowy summit. Some

gorgeous purple Phacelia was in bloom along the trail near the top. Wyoming was only about 15 miles north and

visibility was great all around. Three Lincolns Sparrows were observed along the trail. At the Twitchells home I

saw Violet-green Swallows, Warbling Vireos feeding in the aspens, Hairy Woodpeckers, and Pine Siskins. A pair of

gorgeous Red-shafted Flickers lived in the neighborhood.

Then we were off for our planned 4-day backpacking trip to American Lakes (formerly Michigan Lakes) just to the

north of RMNP in the Colorado State Forest. John Twitchell, being a forest ranger, was very familiar with the areaand guaranteed that we would love it (and we did). Near Gould on the road to Cameron Pass at 10,276 where

we would start our 6-mile hike was a State Forest ranger station where we spent some time enjoying the alpine

flowers (especially the Blue Columbine, the state flower of CO), birds and a Moose. Rufous and Broad-tailed

Hummingbirds, Cassins Finches (IDd by Sue Riffe later and a life bird for me), Pine Siskins and Pine Grosbeaks

were at various feeders there.

We started our hike in the afternoon, the first 3 miles along a clear-water creek which was a chief water supply for

the city of Fort Collins. My pack was lighter than the others primarily because I didnt carry any of the food, but it

was heavy enough. We watched a family of Moose feeding nearby. About the way up a small hailstorm came up

and forced us to settle beneath some big conifers. Jonathan retrieved a tarp from his pack which we were gratefulto have as a head coverexciting times! It started getting dark with a mile or so to go, so we set up a temporary

camp in a meadow at the edge of a woods. Not 15 minutes after we were settled in, another storm came up, and

since my little tent had no fly, Mary invited me into their 3-person tent where we all spent the rest of a restless night

being just a little bit crowded. The next morning was fine and in no time, we reached our permanent site on a bluff

overlooking the two small American Lakes in an absolutely breath-taking setting with rugged snowy and non-snowy

mountains beyond. Thunder Pass was just a few hundred yards up the trail and the entrance to RMNP.

We spent 4 wonderful days exploring and just hanging out in this idyllic setting. Some of the meadows were alive

with bright alpine flowers, the Paintbrush being especially showy. Above the lakes sat a wall of huge boulders

perhaps a third of a mile away that we scaled to see Snow Lake lying in a bowl rimmed by the mountains. About athird of the lake was still frozen with snow on the ice. One day Jonathan, an amazing rock climber, climbed up to

what are called the Crags, rugged peaks above Snow Lake. Another day we hiked up to Thunder Pass. I scared a

Coyote out of a small woods, while Mary and Caroline hiked down into RMNP a ways. The sun shone brightly

while we were there, but the wind never ceased, often changing direction very quickly. One day Mary had just

entered their tent when a huge gust of wind came out and lifted the tent AND Mary a good 10 to the edge of our

little woods! Luckily no harm was done. Big stones were placed over the pegs after that. The hike out was

uneventful and certainly easier than the hike up.


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Then it was a drive back to RMNP and up the west side, but this time down scenic 19-mile Trail Ridge Road to

Estes Park. Good looks at Elk were rewarding. That night we camped at Moraine Park ($10 with Golden Age

Passport). The next day was spent in the Bear Lake area. One neat hike that we took went from Bear Lake Road

(where we parked) straight up a mountain via switchbacks to Bierstadt Lake with great views back to Sprague

Lake that we had hiked around earlier. From Bierstadt Lake we continued through forest to Bear Lake

encountering some huge boulders near the end of the trail. From there we took the Bear Lake Shuttle bus back to

our car. All-in-all a very nice hike.

That evening we met up with good friends from Florida who moved to CO, Sue Riffe and Mary Huffman, in Lyons

located NNW of Denver. The plan was for me to go with Sue,

an excellent birder, for 2 days of intensive birding, while the rest

of my gang would hike up 14,433 Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in

CO, located just south of Leadville; so we split up. Sue, Mary

and I enjoyed Mexican food that evening in Lyons.

Next morning on July 18 th, Sue and I were off to spend the day

birding Pawnee National Grassland (established in 1960) and

surrounding areas. We had a great day logging 79 species

including (in no particular order) 4 Prairie Falcons (fantastic), 4

Swainsons Hawks, 2 Bullocks Orioles, 4 Lark Sparrows, 25

Brewers Sparrows, 75 Horned Larks, a whopping 300

McCowns Longspurs (life bird, and almost all in a huge flock), 22 Burrowing Owls with several young, 8 American

Avocets, 3 White-rumped Sandpipers, 5 Bairds Sandpipers, 40 Wilsons Phalaropes, 2 Western Wood Peewees,

75 Western Grebes, 5 Clarks Grebes (lifer), and 2 White-faced Ibis. What a day it was.

We spent our second day of serious birding primarily northwest and west of Rocky Mountain National Park

especially in a lake/pothole/prairie area. But we did bird up Rist Canyon where we found a CordilleranFlycatcheranother lifer for me. Other good flycatchers were Willow, Hammonds and Dusky. A few other birds

of note among the 85 species seen were 2 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Golden Eagles (6 total for the trip), Piping Plover, 4

Black-chinned Hummingbirds, 6 Cassins Finches, Mountain Chickadee, Sage Thrasher, 3 Black-headed

Grosbeaks, male Lazuli Bunting, and 3 Lesser Goldfinches. Once again it was a fine day. Thanks Sue!

On our last day in CO, Mary, Jonathan, and Caroline joined Sue and me for a final mountain hike that was just west

of Boulder allowing superb views of the city and surroundings below. By the way, Mary and her children all had

made the climb successfully to the summit of Mt. Elbert. Then we said our goodbyes to Sue and were off to the

airport and home. Birding had been good for me with 164 total species and 7 lifers, flowers at times were

spectacular, and the scenery was world-class. Mary, Jonathan, Caroline, and I all agreed it had been another greatadventure.

Our wilderness campsite view at American Lakes

just north of Rocky Mountain National Park

President: Susan D.Schenk

Vice President (in charge of) Programs: Reinier

Munguia

Vice President (in charge of) Conservation:

Charles Geanangel

Vice President (in charge of) Field Trips: Paul

Fellers

Recording Secretary: Paul Anderson

Corresponding Secretary: Liz Purnell

Treasurer: William Karnofsky

On March 10, 2010 the Annual Meeting and election of Officers and Board Members took place at Lake Region

Audubons Street Nature Center. The following individuals were elected as officers of LRAS:


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Bird Club Trip to Viera Wetlands and Sebastian Inlet State ParkMarvel Loftus, Bird Club Chairman

We had a perfect day of birding on Thursday, Feb 4, 2010. It was really unbelievable that we found four

wonderful birds - birds that show up onRare Bird Hotlines but we had to do some traveling to do it!. The trip

started at Brinson Park with a fly-by of a Snail Kite spotted by eagle-eye, Randie Denham and seen by several

people. Then onto Viera Wetlands. When we arrived, they did not let the cars drive around the pools, so all of uswalked to the end of Cell 4. Thanks to Bill Haddad we knew where to look for the Masked Duck. It was hidden

just inside the reeds but we still got very good looks at this small little duck. We watched it for a long time but it

would not come out of the reeds. Randie stayed later than the rest of us and as soon as we left the Masked Duck

came out of the reeds. When we got back to our cars, they had removed the chain across the gate and we were

able to drive around Viera and found several other duck species to add to our list. Then it was off to Sebastian Inlet

State Park. We ate lunch as soon as we arrived at the north section of the park but several people gobbled down

their food and were off to find the Purple Sandpiper and the Harlequin Duck. They found thePurple Sandpiper

almost immediately. We all rushed to the viewing walk over the inlet and happily saw the Purple Sandpiper. There

it was amongst the Ruddy Turnstones, checking out all the rocks for morsels of food. I started to look for the

Harlequin Duck with my scope. I spotted 3 ducks across the inlet. One was smaller than the other two. I thought

it must be the Harlequin and it was affirmed that it was by a couple of birders who were just on the south side of theinlet. So into our cars we went and drove over to the South side. We received excellent close looks of the

Harlequin Duckswimming with 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. While looking at the Harlequin Duck, a loon

appeared in the bay. This loon had a lot of white on its face and its bill was slightly upturned. Right away I knew it

wasnt a Common Loon. So off to the guide books to double check. There it was, a Red-throated Loon,just

like the one in the bay. What a wonderful way to end the trip. Its unbelievable but we saw the Masked Duck,

Purple Sandpiper, Harlequin Duck and a Red-throated Loon. Besides these we had additional 65 species for

the day.

New Board of Directors Members

2010 - 2011

On March 10, 2010 the Annual Meeting and election of Officers and Board Members took place at Lake Region

Audubons Street Nature Center. The following individuals were elected to the Board for the following year:

Janet Anderson

Paul Anderson

Martha Sue Brantley

Gloria BrookePaul Fellers

Charles Geanangel

William Karnofsky

Reinier Munguia

Liz Purnell

Susan Schenk

Lee Shoe

Louis Wright


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Natures Real ValueNyleen Rodriguez

In the past few years, I have noticed the lack of education in respect to nature that we currently offer in our schools.

Teachers are so worried about the state tests (FCAT), that many science classes are suffering. It is so important that

we, as parents, help our children learn to love and respect the nature that surrounds them. We cannot wait for the

school to give them this information.First of all, we dont have to go too far to appreciate nature. In our own homes, we can do things that will create

curiosity about the environment. For example, if you have a large backyard, why not build a bird feeder so that the

birds can come to your backyard when they are hungry? At home, we have various bird feeders, and it is so

pleasant to wake up in the morning to watch the different bird species that come to feed. It is a free show that nature

gives us every day, and that will help your children understand how these little animals can depend on us for their

food, particularly during winter.

Another thing that you can do from the comfort of your own home is to watch TV. Believe it or not, there are

television channels specifically oriented towards nature and animals. Channels like National Geographic, Animal

Planet, and Discovery Channel provide a variety of programs that can interest kids of all ages. These shows not only

provide information about nature and animals, but also about technology and other things that might interest your

children.

If you like hiking or visiting recreational parks or even rowing down a river in a canoe or kayak, there are so many

opportunities in Florida for your enjoyment. For example, my family and I love camping in state parks. Its an

adventure that takes us out of the routine and puts us in contact with so many things that we tend to ignore on a daily

basis because of our busy schedules. One of my favorite things to do is to stare at the stars that we normally cannot

get to see in the city. Sometimes my husband drives the park at night in search of nocturnal animals. Or, we can also

rent a canoe or a bike to explore the surroundings. One of our greatest achievements as parents is to know that our

daughter has a deep appreciation of nature and animals because of all the time that we have spent throughout her life

exploring this amazing world.

Another opportunity where your family can learn to appreciate nature is going to the beach, definitely not a problem

in Florida. There, not only can you play in the water, but you can walk along the shore picking up shells, and you

can observe the birds that use the beach as their temporary homes. If you like fishing , you can also spend some

time doing this with your kids.

There are many ways in which you can enjoy valuable time with your family and, at the same time, learn to value the

nature that surrounds us. This is extremely important because without it, we wouldnt have any future. Our kids need

to learn not to litter the beaches and other bodies of water. They need to learn not to scare away the wildlife that live

around our beautiful lakes. They need to learn to live in harmony with the world that surrounds them, because if they

dont, their future will be full of cement and no nature for the enjoyment of all.

The next Digital Photography Class will be four Saturdays beginning May 1 ,8, 15 and 22, 2010. Each session will

be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Street Audubon Society, 115 Lameraux Rd. Winter Haven

The fee is $50 for the series, with a $25 deposit due at registration

For more information please call Tony Catalano at 863-294-3556 or e mail [email protected]

The next class will be in September 4 , 11, 18 and 25, 2010.( same as above).

Digital Photography Classby Tony Catalano


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Raptors: predators of the sky

Reinier Munguia

Television has its way of presenting big predators such as panthers, bears and crocodiles as the ultimate killing

machines. As a result, many of these animals have acquired a bad reputation over the years. While everything said

about their killing skills is true, they rarely attack humans. What about predatory birds? They seem to have the

same instincts and skills and perhaps a little more finesse and ingenuity. In this article, Ill show you some of the

features that make raptors such unique killing machines while discussing some of the most interesting species around

the world.

With at least 500 species around the world, this group of birds consist of eagles, hawks, falcons, kestrels, kites and

owls. A series of evolutionary adaptations set the raptors apart from any other bird species. These adaptations are

found primarily in their eyes, bills and talons. Other adaptations include specialized flight feathers, as in the case of

owls, that provide them with silent flight or pneumatic bones connected to the breeding system to allow cooling of

the muscles, as in the case of large eagles. All of these adaptations are necessary for these birds to be able to catch

their prey. Raptors vary in sizes from tiny birds such as the elf owl of the western United States which measuresabout 5 in. tall and a wingspan of only 9 inches, to the California condor which has a wingspan of over 9 feet. Yes,

condors, vultures and caracaras are also considered to be raptors because their preferred food source is meat. The

difference is these birds are mostly scavengers and do not

hunt as the other raptors do.

Raptors have developed different techniques to capture

their prey. The Golden Eagle that inhabits the northern

hemisphere is known for throwing mountain goats off the

cliffs to make the kill. The goats are too big for the eagleto kill, so instead the eagle grab one of the legs and drags

the goat over the edge and straight to its death below.

Other eagles have come out with ingenious ways to get to

the flesh inside the hard carapace of turtles. They pick

them up and take them high in the air before dropping

them to their death on the rocks below. Falcons are most

dependent on their speed and the element of surprise.

No falcon is more famous for this technique than the

Peregrine Falcon. This bird can lock on its prey from adistance and make its way at an astonishing speed of

more than 200 miles per hour. The impact of the talons

alone is more than enough to kill the prey, which is usually

another bird in flight. The American Kestrel is the smallest

falcon in the US, and one that employs a hovering

technique. This bird can be seen hovering over fields in

search of small reptiles or birds; once locked on the prey, it drops extremely fast for the catch. One thing all raptors

Red-shouldered Hawk

by Herman


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have in common is their hooked bills, which are used for tearing the flesh of their prey. Owls have hooked beaks

too, but most of them swallow their prey whole. Instead, the sharp bill is used to carry the prey back to their

favorite perch or to break apart the prey to feed their babies.

Owls have adaptations found in no other bird species. Their hearing is the most accurate of all senses, they use it to

find their prey even in total darkness when their eyes barely receive any light. They also have the ability to switch

their toe arrangement thanks to a unique flexible joint. During flight, three of the toes face forward and only onebackwards, but when ready to seize their prey the outer front toe swivels backward allowing for a better grip of the

prey.

Raptors eyes are well equipped to

capture light. The sheer size of the eyes is

more than enough, when compared to

other birds and even when compared to

birds of a similar size.This light gathering

ability gives them an advantage whencatching prey. They are able to focus on

the prey from father away than any other

bird. For example, a Golden Eagle can

see a rabbit from a mile away and can

even see the rabbit wink an eye from a

quarter mile away. Some raptors, such as

vultures and condors, have a keen sense

of smell that helps them find carrion.

Caracaras are not so well equipped, soinstead they follow the vultures to their next meal. They can also capture live prey including small mammals and

lizards.

Some raptors specialize in fish such as the osprey and bald eagle in the US and the Stellers Sea-Eagle of

northeastern Asia. To capture the slippery meal the Osprey has a similar adaptation to that of the owls in which the

outer toe can swing back for a better grip. Additionally, the lower surface of their toe pads are covered with spicules

which help to get a better grip on the fish. Hawks such as the Red-shouldered Hawk have a varied diet that may

include amphibians, fish and even snakes. Without a doubt, raptors have evolved in many ways, but all with the

same purpose, survival.

Unfortunately, raptors fall prey to human impact. From the use of pesticides, unjustified shooting, power lines and

the loss of habitat, raptors worldwide are affected by our actions. Recovery programs are in place to ensure that the

affected species will recover and avoid extinction but many of the North American raptors migrate to South America

where they may not get the same protection. Scientist are working on migration patterns and the preferred wintering

areas of these raptors to increase their protection in this area.

Ospreys on Nest

by Herman


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FIGHTING THE ELEMENTS II: FLORIDA WINTER EAST COAST BIRDINGBILL HADDAD

In the Sept. 2009 Eagles View I wrote about a Spring 2009 Blue Ridge birding trip, successful despite the constant

rainy weather. I expected better weather in Florida when the same trio (Betty Butcher, Fay and Gary McCoy)

joined me for a few days of birding in the week of Jan. 11, 2010. Florida residents will remember that period as

part of the longest recorded cold spell in Florida history. Ironically, this time we were fighting off cold weather in

Florida instead of rain in the mountains! However, this trip was equally as successful in terms of birds seen, over100 species. Birding highlights included:

1. Finding two Tundra Swans in a remote pond inland of St. Augustine thanks to

internet reports. They were life birds for all of us.

2. Close-up looks at a well-fed Peregrine Falcon at Canaveral National Seashore,

which obviously had its choice of abundant waterfowl in many adjacent ponds.

3. About four Fish Crows sitting on the ground just under a Osprey tearing apart a

large fish. The crows were eating fish morsels that dropped to the ground. Was that

their favorite Osprey?

4. The closest view of a Henslows Sparrow I have ever had, in a patch of tall

weeds, surrounded by open areas.

5. A good view of a Masked Duck at Viera Wetlands, where it was seen by many

(including myself) in the prior week. A week late to be a life bird!

6. A large flock of Pine Warblers in various plumages at Turkey Creek, seen at

very close range where I had seen even a larger flock the day before.

7. Large flocks of beautiful American Wigeon and Northern Pintails as well as other ducks at

Blackpoint Drive.

I also want to take this opportunity to say a fond farewell to all my friends in Lake Region Audubon. As most of you

know, I moved to Palm Bay last year. Turkey Creek Sanctuary, three miles from my new house, has taken the place

of Saddle Creek and I found my new Circle B Ranch in Viera Wetlands over here, but one can never replace old

friends. I hope to see you in the field from time to time.

Lake Region Web SiteThe printed version of theEagles View is in black and white.

For a full color version, check it out on the Lake Region web

site at www.lakeregion.net. The photographs are much nicer

in full color.


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Volunteers NeededHours are 9 am to noon or noon to 3 pm.

Duties are to be present at the Street Audubon Center, open

the center and close it.


Work Day

The first Saturday of each month is Work Day at Street Audubon

Center. There is much work to be done to keep the center opera-

tional. This work spans the range of very light to very heavy

; trail clearing, tree cutting, trash hauling, dusting, sweeping,

window cleaning or providing a cool drink for those doing the

heavy work. We need you!

What do you have to do? Just show up at 9:00 am on the first

Saturday of each month and plan to stay til noon or one. Pizza

and soft drinks will be served to all volunteers at 11:30.

Great Deal!!

Have we got a deal for You!! A new membership with Lake

Region, Florida Audubon and National Audubon is available

for only $20 for the first year (renewals will be $35 still a great

deal!). In addition to all membership privileges, you also get the

Audubon magazine and the Florida Audubon magazineand Lake

Region newsletters.

The $20 initial membership would make a great gift for a niece ornephew graduating from school, a new retiree or a friend who

enjoys nature. Just fill out the membership application in this

newsletter, enclose a check made out to National Audubon

Society for $20 and send it to Membership Chairman, Lake Region

Audubon Society, 1439 Grand Cayman Cir., Winter Haven, FL

33884

An alternative form of membership is local membership in Lake

Region Audubon Society only. You will receive the local, Eagles

View newsletter and all of your $20 fee will be used locally.

Make the check out to Lake Region Audubon Society and mail

to the same address.

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We are pleased to announce that Park Manager Charlie Brown of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has beennamed the 2009 Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year. Charlie was chosen by a committee of environmentalprofessionals, including representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Audubon of Florida, and the Sierra Club.Along with the prestige and honor comes the more tangible benefit of a cash award. Kissimmee Prairie State Park willreceive funds to be used for resource management.

Charlie has many accomplishments of which to be proud but certainly the parks burn program is a standout. Thepark is the 3rd largest in the system but contains more fire-dependant habitat than any other park. To accomplish theformidable task of getting those acres burned, Charlie has had to be creative. He utilized the District 3 burn team notoccasionally but many times, and even helped to secure free lodging to keep their costs down. Charlie also augmented

his fire management program with assistance from The Nature Conservancy, neighboring parks, volunteers, and evenfrom the District 4 Burn Team. Foresight in planning and prep enabled Charlie and his staff to work with the Divisionof Forestry to turn a very large wildfire into a burnout operation that contributed to, rather than detracted from, thesuccess of his burn program and prevented plow lines from damaging the sensitive dry prairie habitat. This type ofinter-agency cooperation is an achievement to which everyone should aspire. Charlie also recognized the need toconnect the parks burn program with management of the parks population of Florida grasshopper sparrows. As aresult of his insight, the park has a unique method by which to measure the effects of fire on this federally endangeredspecies habitat. Perhaps above all, Charlie insures that his staff has the tools they need and that they are empoweredand encouraged to achieve the parks resource management goals.

2009 Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year

This email from Mike Bullock, DirectorFlorida Park Service, was provided by Linda Cooper


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Lake Region Audubons Upcoming Events

April 2010

Pizza and Movie Night April 5*

7:00 p.m. at Street Audubon Center

Movie title to be announced

Pizza - $1/slice, Salad - $1/serving

Florida Reptiles and Amphibians Program April 10*

10-11 a.m. at Street Audubon Nature Center

Presented by Reinier Munguia

Learn about the reptiles and amphibians that thrive in Florida and their behaviors and habitats.

Live animals will be present

Fort DeSoto County Park Birding Trip April 17

7:00 a.m. Meet at Lake Mirror Center, Lakeland to carpool

Bring lunch, drinks, and have a full tank of gas

Dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse in Ybor City

For details, contact Paul Fellers: (863) 293-0486

Wild Utah: Americas Redrock Wilderness Program April 20*

7:00 p.m. at Circle B Bar Reserve

Presented by Jackie Feinberg, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

Refreshments will be served.

May 2010

Butterflies Program May 8*

10-11:00 a.m. at Street Audubon Center


Learn about the importance of butterflies, their anatomy and life stages, and how to identify the most

common Florida butterflies, as well as how to attract them to your garden.

See page 12


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Page 12

Life of Birds Program May 22*

10-11:30 a.m. at Street Audubon Center


Learn about adaptations, behaviors, and fun facts about birds from around the world.

Avon Park Air Force Range Nature Field Trip May 29

8:00 a.m. Meet at Street Audubon Center or

8:15 Meet at McDonalds off Route 27 and Highway 60 in Lake Wales

for carpooling

Small Entrance Fee

For details, contact Paul Fellers: (863) 293-0486*For details, contact Marvel Loftus: (863) 324-9657

**LRAS reserves the right to alter schedule due to unforeseen circumstances**

Lake Region Audubons Upcoming Events

Chuck Geanangel recognizes Marvel Loftus at her Going Away Party at the Street

Audubon Center in Winter Haven


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2009 - 2010 OFFICERS

AUDUBON MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONNATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY [make check payable to National Audubon Society]

This membership automatically enrolls you in the National Audubon Society,

Audubon of Florida, and Lake Region Audubon Society.

You will receive the publications from each organization:

O National Audubon Society - Audubon MagazineO Audubon of Florida - Florida Naturalist

O Lake Region Audubon Society - The Eagles View

Cost: 1st year - $20.00* Yearly Renewal: $35.00*Lake Region will receive all of the first years dues. Thereafter it receives no direct portion of your annual dues.

LOCAL MEMBERSHIP ONLY [make check payable to Lake Region Audubon Society]O This membership enrolls you in Lake Region Audubon Society.

O You will receive the local newsletter, The Eagles View.

O Cost: 1st year - $20.00 Yearly Renewal: $20.00*

* your first years dues and each renewal dues goes 100% to support all Lake Region Audubons programs and the

publication of the newsletter, The Eagles View.

MBR NAME: PHONE #:

ADDRESS: E-MAIL:

Save costs, send newsletter by e-mail

Please mail your check and this completed application to: If this is a gift membership for the person named

Lake Region Audubon Society above, please show your name here:

Membership Chrm

1439 Grand Cayman CirWinter Haven, FL 33884.

Lake Region Audubon

Chapter

C07 E25 07

Street Audubon Center Advisory Committee:

Chuck Geanangel, Bill Karnofsky and Paul Anderson

Page 13

Janet Anderson

Paul Anderson

Martha Sue Brantley

Gloria Brooke

Paul FellersCharles Geanangel

William Karnofsky

Reinier Munguia

Liz Purnell

Susan Schenk

Lee Shoe

Louis Wright

President: Susan D.Schenk

Vice President (in charge of) Programs: Reinier

Munguia

Vice President (in charge of) Conservation: Charles

GeanangelVice President (in charge of) Field Trips: Paul Fellers

Recording Secretary: Paul Anderson

Corresponding Secretary: Liz Purnell

Treasurer: William Karnofsky

If you would like to receive email notification that

the newsletter has been posted on the Lake

Region web site (www.lakeregion.com), visit the

site and click on the link to receive the newslet-

ter via email.

Board Members:

Director Emeritus:

Mae Hartsaw


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Non-Profit Org.

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Lakeland, FL

Permit No. 119

Lake Region Audubon Society


115 Lameraux Road

Winter Haven, FL 33884

863.324.7304

www.lakeregion.net


Is Staffed By Volunteers

Monday - Saturday, 9 - 3:00.

Eagles ViewNewsletter,

Volume 20, Issue 3

March 2010

Published four times yearly by

Lake Region Audubon Society,

115 Lameraux Rd.,

Winter Haven, FL 33884.

Injured Birds and AnimalsCall Joan Waters, 863.967.3298 anytime for bird and

animal rescue. Leave a message and she will return your

call.

Visit Joans website: www.woodlandwonders.org.

Feature Photo

Mission Statement: Lake Region AudubonSociety, a Chapter of National and FloridaAudubon Societies, is dedicated to youtheducation, conservation, clean air and clean

water, preservation of our native flora andfauna, and the promotion of public awareness ofthe remaining natural beauty of our Florida andour world.

This young Sandhill Crane

prepares to take a bug from its

parents beak at Circle B Bar

Reserve.

March 2010 Eagle's Nest Newsletter Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society

Documents