Download - December 2003 OASis Newsletter Orange Audubon Society

8/9/2019 December 2003 OASis Newsletter Orange Audubon Society

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The voice of Conservation in Central Florida

OASisOrange Audubon Society

A Chapter of National Audubon Society and Audubon of Florida

This Month's PrThis Month's PrThis Month's PrThis Month's PrThis Month's Program: December 18, 2003 - 7:00pmogram: December 18, 2003 - 7:00pmogram: December 18, 2003 - 7:00pmogram: December 18, 2003 - 7:00pmogram: December 18, 2003 - 7:00pm

Brazil's Pantanal by Bill PartingtonBrazil's Pantanal by Bill PartingtonBrazil's Pantanal by Bill PartingtonBrazil's Pantanal by Bill PartingtonBrazil's Pantanal by Bill Partington

The Pantanal region of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay is the world's largest freshwaterwetland, 15 times bigger than our Everglades. Last year local naturalist Bill Partington

visited the Pantanal as an Earthwatch volunteer. He and other volunteers researchedprey items taken by jaguars, among these giant river otters, peccaries, capybaras, rheas,and caimans. Hyacinth macaws (the world's largest parrot) and jabiru storks wereamong the other animals Bill was able to see in the same area. With excellent slidesand his usual entertaining presentation style, Bill will describe the research project,the animals, and measures proposed to protect this unique area. Join us December 18for a fascinating program.

Deborah Green, Vice President

Orange Audubon Society meetings are heldthe 3rd Thursday of every month (Sept -June) at 7:00pm in the Camellia Room at

Harry P. Leu Gardens1920 North Forest AvenueOrlando, FL 32803-1537

For directions, call 407-246-2620

VOLUME 39VOLUME 39VOLUME 39VOLUME 39VOLUME 39 DECEMBER 2003DECEMBER 2003DECEMBER 2003DECEMBER 2003DECEMBER 2003 NUMBER 4NUMBER 4NUMBER 4NUMBER 4NUMBER 4

In this Issue...In this Issue...In this Issue...In this Issue...In this Issue...

This Months Program ...............................p1

Field Trips ...........................................p1, p3

Presidents Message ...................................p2

Conservation News ...................................p2

Thanks to Volunteers .................................p2

Christmas Bird Count ...............................p3

Board of Directors Changes .......................p3

Silent Auction Returns...............................p3

Tax Tip for Charitable Giving ...................p3

Volunteers Needed ....................................p3

Calendar of Events ....................................p4

December Field TDecember Field TDecember Field TDecember Field TDecember Field Trip - Join a Christmas Birrip - Join a Christmas Birrip - Join a Christmas Birrip - Join a Christmas Birrip - Join a Christmas Bird Countd Countd Countd Countd Count

November Field TNovember Field TNovember Field TNovember Field TNovember Field Trip Reporrip Reporrip Reporrip Reporrip Reporttttt DICK SMITH, FIELD TRIP CHAIR

The weather was fantastic and the birds abun-

dant! Thirty-five bird enthusiasts spent theirSaturday morning enjoying the hospitality ofthe St. Johns River Water Management Dis-trict at the Lake Apopka North Shore Resto-ration Area. We saw a total of 56 species rang-ing from the tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher allthe way up to, and including, about a dozenBald Eagles. Our thanks to Jim Peterson ofSJRWMD, for giving up his Saturday morn-ing, and acting as our host. Zellwood is usu-ally a great place to bird, and it did not dis-

appoint on this day. Although we could no

possibly cover all of this birding hot spot inone morning, we saw some wonderful birdsOne of the purposes of these field trip

is to attract people to bird watching or to genew people to join us. We had twelve peoplewho had not been on a field trip with us pre-viously. We thank you for coming and hopeyou will join us in the future. All in all, iwas a good day to be in the great outdoorswith good birding friends.

Because of the two Christmas Bird Countsin the immediate area, and several morewithin just a few hours driving time, we willnot have a field trip in December. You areurged to participate in one of these worth-while experiences.

Wekiva River Basin- Count will be heldon Sunday, December 14, 2003. Contact

Fred Hardin 407-323-5678 (Home) or KathyHale 407-854-3550 (Work)Econlockhatchee River Basin-Count wil

be held on Sunday, December 28, 2003Contact Lorne Malo 407-349-2536 (Home)or 407-659-4853 (Work) or Randy Kiefner407-880-2424 (Home).

HAPPY HOLIDAHAPPY HOLIDAHAPPY HOLIDAHAPPY HOLIDAHAPPY HOLIDAYS!YS!YS!YS!YS!May you and yours have a safe and

joyous holiday season.


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PrPrPrPrPresidentesidentesidentesidentesidents Messages Messages Messages Messages Message LORETTA SATTERTHWAITE, PRESIDENT

ConserConserConserConserConservation Newsvation Newsvation Newsvation Newsvation News PEGGY COX, CHAIR

The Orange Audubon Society (OAS) promotes the under-

standing of and an interest in wildlife and the environment,recognition of the intangible values in the remaining natu-

ral beauty of Florida and the World, and the responsibility

for the conservation of these remaining resources.Orange Audubon Society

P.O. Box 941142

Maitland, FL 32794-1142

President.................Loretta Satterthwaite ([email protected])407-886-2925

Address Change......................Mike Daley ([email protected])

386-668-5021

Editor.................................Claire Hilliker ([email protected])

407-677-5374

The OASis is published monthly from September through

June and is sent free to all members of Orange AudubonSociety.

http://www.orangeaudubonfl.org

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I hope you are all having a wonderful holi-day season. Doesnt it seem to come fasterevery year? Some of these cooler days maybe the most comfortable for taking naturehikes with your binoculars and field guides.Dont forget to also carry your camera so youcan take photographs to enter in the annualChertok Nature Photography Contest.Whatever you do, get out and enjoy natural

Florida.We spotted a goldfinch at our feeder theweekend before Thanksgiving. ChippingSparrows have been here for a while now.Keep us informed of your special sightings.

The Governors Wekiva CoordinatingCommittee will be meeting Dec. 17 & 18.This committee is scheduled to make its rec-ommendations the first of next year; be sureto attend the meetings if you can. Its a goodchance to see many elected officials tryingto work together to come up with a solu-

tion to some of our regional problems wa-ter quality, water quantity, rural quality of life,and transportation, to name a few.

The term of the Southeast Regional rep-resentative on the National Audubon Boardof Directors expires in 2004 and nomina-tions for that position are now being ac-cepted. Deadline for nominations is Janu-ary 31st. If you would like more informa-

tion about the requirements, expected du-ties, etc. regarding this position, please con-tact me (407/886-2925 or [email protected]).

My sincere wishes to each of you for asafe and peaceful holiday season.

The Orange Audubon sponsored Outstand-ing Florida Waters workshop held on No-vember 6th was well attended, with 27people from several city and county govern-ments, as well as DEP and OAS, learningabout the details of the OFW designation.The Environmental Regulatory Commissionmust make 2 findings to designate a waterbody an OFW: The water body must haveeither exceptional recreational or ecologicalsignificance, and the environmental, social

and economic benefits must outweigh thecosts. In OAS's membership area the OFWsare: The Econ Rive system, the Wekiva River,the Butler Chain of Lakes, and the Clermont

Chain of Lakes. The St. Johns River WaterManagement District have rules that requirethat discharging into an OFW requires 150%of the regular rules for retention andstormwater treatment. Stormwater treatmentmust include provisions that protect theupland riparian habitat of an OFW desig-nated water body. Eric Shaw of DEP and BillCarlie of St. Johns Water Management Dis-trict did an excellent presentation for ourgroup.

Directly related to an OFW, is a pro-posed Orange County Comp Plan amend-ment to change the land use on propertydirectly connected to the Econ River in theWaterford Lakes area. Orange County's LandPlanning Agency voted to recommend de-nial of this proposal that would require fill-ing 17 acres of Class 1 wetlands hydrologi-cally connected to the Big Econ River. The34 acre site is being purchased for the con-struction of a super Walmart, at East SR 50and Avalon Park Blvd. The County Commis-sion is voting on this proposal on December

9th. OAS Board voted to send a letter ofopposition to this proposal and will speakagainst approval on December 9th. Evenwith proposed mitigation for the filling ofthe 17 acres of Class 1 wetlands, this pro-posal could set a precedent for future re-quests to fill even more valuable wetlandsthat we find unacceptable. If you can, pleaselet your County Commissioner know this isan unacceptable plan, that does not providea public benefit that would justify destroy-

ing more of our valuable Class 1 wetlands.Good News - The restoration plans at

Lake Apopka are moving forward again withthe signing of the Memorandum of Under-standing with the Dept. of Justice over thepesticide poisonings of 1998-1999. The firstphase of the marsh flow-way has begun thatwill help remove more phosphorus from thelake water. The 700 acres that has been shal-low flooded on the Duda Farms east tract isnow being increased by up to 1,000 more

acres. The revegetation of these acres hashelped provide more bird habitat in thatarea. Rare birds continue to be sighted onthe North Shore, including 3 Grove-billedAni, sighted on November 13th.

The Audubon of Florida Assembly, heldin October, passed several new conservationresolutions that we support. These includeresolutions on Land Acquisition, The GreenSwamp, The Least Tern, Citizen Science, andCoastal Resources Protection. Several reso-lutions were revised that continue to beworked on by AOF and chapters include

Climate Change, Everglades Ecosystem, andFire Management. Orange Audubon haspreviously specifically worked onissues involving Land Acquisition, Transpor-tation (includes the Wekiva and toll roadsissue), Ocklawaha River Restoration, FloridaWater Resources, Growth Management. Youcan read all the resolutions (33 total) andsend anycomments to Audubon of Floridafrom their website atwww.audubonofflorida.org.

Thanks to VThanks to VThanks to VThanks to VThanks to VolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersSincere thanks are extended to those whohelped with OAS two-day Fiesta in the Parkfundraising event on November 1st & 2ndThey were: Joanna and Charles CampanelliChris Gandy, Claire Hilliker, L. D. LambrightAyme Smith, Laura Streeter and Leesa SwardAlthough this was not our best Lake Eolaevent, it was worth while, and would nothave been possible without your help.

Jennifer Potocki and daughter, Amandaalso participated at Lake Eola by donating apercentage of Discovery Toys sales to OASWe appreciate the support and thoroughlyenjoyed getting to better know Jennifer andthe other volunteers.

OAS next volunteer opportunity, GreenGifts Day, takes place December 7th aAudubon Center for Birds of Prey. Call Teresafor information: 407-644-0796. We hopeto see you there. Loretta Satterthwaite andTeresa Williams


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Christmas BirChristmas BirChristmas BirChristmas BirChristmas Bird Countd Countd Countd Countd CountThe National Audubon Society calls uponvolunteers everywhere to join with birdersacross the western hemisphere and partici-pate in Audubon's longest-running winter-time tradition, the annual Christmas BirdCount (CBC). This year, nearly 2,000 indi-vidual counts are scheduled to take placethroughout the Americas from December 14,2003 to January 5, 2004.

This year, Audubon scientists are high-lighting the fact that many of the birds to becounted are produced in the great NorthAmerican boreal forest, which extends from Alaska to Eastern Canada. Boreal speciestraditionally seen on the CBC that appear tobe declining include Belted Kingfisher,Northern Flicker, White-throated Sparrow,White-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, PineSiskin, and especially Rusty Blackbird.

The data, 100% volunteer generated,have become a crucial part of the U.S.Government's natural history monitoring

database. Articles published in the 103rdCBC issue of American Birds helped orni-thologists better understand the effects ofWest Nile virus on regional bird populations.For the full story, visit www.audubon.org.

For local Christmas Bird Counts, see theDecember Field Trip article on page 1 orconsult the Calendar of Events on page 4.Thanks for all your help in collecting thisinvaluable data!

Hawk ID Field THawk ID Field THawk ID Field THawk ID Field THawk ID Field TripsripsripsripsripsThe 1st Hawk ID Field Trip was very well attended, and from the e-mails I received, anthe comments of the participants, enjoyed ball who were there. The weather was greaand the birds of prey plentiful for the 2birders who took advantage of the opportunity to learn the holistic method of biridentification. Bob Sanders really knows hawID and is an excellent teacher. A total of nin(9) different species were observed.

The 2nd Hawk ID Field Trip will be hel

on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at the samlocation. Meet at the old Bass Sod Farm gatelocated 1.1 miles west of U.S. Hwy 441 on Jones Ave., at 9:00 AM. Bring binocularspotting scopes, field guides, folding chairswater, and your enthusiasm for raptors, anplease be on time. Contact Dick Smith 407834-2197 (Home), 407-257-2197 (Cell) [email protected] if you have questions.Dick Smith, Field Trip Chair

OAS BoarOAS BoarOAS BoarOAS BoarOAS Board of Dird of Dird of Dird of Dird of Directors Changesectors Changesectors Changesectors Changesectors ChangesIn October, OAS Board of Directors voted unanimously to welcome Mary Keim to the 3year open seat on the Board, leaving us with a vacant 2-year position.

In November, OAS secretary Terry Godts tendered her resignation. Unfortunately foOAS (in one respect), the Land Acquisition Referendum in Lake County was unanimouslapproved by the Board of County Commissioners to be placed on the November 2004ballot. Terry had chaired the Lake County advisory committee on this referendum and nowwants to devote her attention to the effort of getting this referendum passed. We thank hefor her service to OAS and wish her well in her efforts on this referendum. Any of you whcan help her toward this goal, please do so.

However, now OAS needs a secretary whose term will expire in June 2003. The mainresponsibility of this position is to take the minutes at our board meetings each month, typthem up, and submit them to the board at the following meeting. Board meetings preceedour monthly programs (except for June) and begin about 5:30 p.m. If you can assist Orange Audubon by volunteering to be secretary or for the open 2-yr. board position, pleascontact me (407/886-2925 or [email protected]) at your earliest convenience. Thanks inadvance. Loretta Satterthwaite

Miscellaneous Events Need VMiscellaneous Events Need VMiscellaneous Events Need VMiscellaneous Events Need VMiscellaneous Events Need VolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersOrange Audubon Society (OAS) is asked frequently to participate in events where we couldhave a simple display (we have a small tabletop tri-fold display), talk about our organiza-tion and try to entice new members to join our ranks. Our board of directors is pretty wellstretched to the limits with the events to which we have already committed; however, weare losing some valuable opportunities to obtain new members. If you could help by workingat one of these events if it is near your neighborhood, please contact me and put your name

on a volunteer list. This could enable OAS to participate in more of these events.As an example, we have been asked to participate in the Dr. Kelly Day at Kelly Park in

Apopka on February 21, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Likewise, we have been askedto participate at the Central Florida Fairs Horticultural display from February 26th throughMarch 7th. If OAS were to set up a display at this latter event, it would remain unmannedmuch of the time, but since hours are 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the week, some ofyou might be able to devote some time after work or work a couple of hours on the week-ends (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). Because of a need for volunteers, OAS has not yet com-mitted to either of these opportunities. If you could help at either of them, please contactme (407/886-2925 or [email protected]). Please give freely of your time; we can always usethe help. Thanks. Loretta Satterthwaite

TTTTTax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tip for Charitableip for Charitableip for Charitableip for Charitableip for Charitable

GivingGivingGivingGivingGivingAs the end of 2003 approaches, those who

generously make year-end donations shouldbe aware of timing rules for taking charitabledeductions. A donation you wish to deducin 2003 must be made (i.e., unconditionallydelivered) either in cash or property to thecharitable organization by December 31stA check that is mailed to a charity is consid-ered made on the date you mail it. Hencethe postmark date determines the time odeductibility. Teresa Williams, Treasurer

Mini Silent Auction ReturMini Silent Auction ReturMini Silent Auction ReturMini Silent Auction ReturMini Silent Auction Returnsnsnsnsns

for the Holidaysfor the Holidaysfor the Holidaysfor the Holidaysfor the HolidaysThose who come to enjoy the December 18th

program can also enjoy a mini silent auction just in time for last minute shoppers. Auc-tion items will be displayed so that biddingcan begin before, and resume after the pro-gram. Rules are the same - highest bidderstake great auction items home for the holi-days. Bring your friendly competitive spirit,your checkbook and cash (cause we dontdo plastic). Proceeds will benefit the ChertokNature Photography Contest (CNPC) En-dowment Fund. What a fun way to supportOAS by helping to build a lasting endow-ment for CNPC. Thanks for your participa-

tion. Teresa Williams, CNPC Chair


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OrangeAudubonSocietyP.O.Box941142Maitland,FL32794-1142

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATIONU.S.POSTAGEPAID

Orlando,FL

PERMITNO.790

Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of EventsDecember 6, 2003 - SaturDecember 6, 2003 - SaturDecember 6, 2003 - SaturDecember 6, 2003 - SaturDecember 6, 2003 - SaturdaydaydaydaydayLANSRA Bird Survey; 7:30am-Noon.Pam Bowen [email protected]

December 7, 2003 - SundayDecember 7, 2003 - SundayDecember 7, 2003 - SundayDecember 7, 2003 - SundayDecember 7, 2003 - SundayGive Green Gifts for the Holidays at CBOP;10am-4pm Katie Warner 407-644-0190audubonofflorida.org/conservation/cbop.htm

December 14, 2003 - SundayDecember 14, 2003 - SundayDecember 14, 2003 - SundayDecember 14, 2003 - SundayDecember 14, 2003 - Sunday

Christmas Bird Count - Wekiva River BasinFred Hardin 407-323-5678 (H) or Kathy Hale407-854-3550 (W)

December 18, 2003 - ThursdayDecember 18, 2003 - ThursdayDecember 18, 2003 - ThursdayDecember 18, 2003 - ThursdayDecember 18, 2003 - ThursdayGeneral Meeting, 7:00pm, Leu Gardens.OAS Board Meeting takes place prior to theGeneral Meeting at 5:30pm. All welcome.Loretta Satterthwaite 407-886-2925

December 27, 2003 - SaturDecember 27, 2003 - SaturDecember 27, 2003 - SaturDecember 27, 2003 - SaturDecember 27, 2003 - SaturdaydaydaydaydayHal Scott Regional Preserve & Park and LongBranch Park Butterfly Survey. Call RandySnyder (407-851-5416) or Lorne Malo (407-349-2536)

December 28, 2003 - SundayDecember 28, 2003 - SundayDecember 28, 2003 - SundayDecember 28, 2003 - SundayDecember 28, 2003 - SundayChristmas Bird Count - Econ River Basin.

Lorne Malo 407-349-2536 (H) or 407-659-4853 (W) or Randy Kiefner 407-880-2424 (H)

OAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTLoretta Satterthwaite ............... ............. 407-886-2925

VICE PRESIDENTLeesa Sward ................ ................ ........ 407-677-5374

VICE PRESIDENT (PROGRAMS)Deborah Green .............. ................. ..... 407-869-7762

SECRETARYAvailable ............... ................ ................ ................. ....

TREASURERTeresa Williams ................. ................. 407-644-0796

BOARD MEMBERSSusan Clary Peggy Cox Mike Daley Louise Friderici

Milton Heiberg Claire Hilliker Arthur Ranson MaryKeim Ayme Smith Dick Smith Randy Snyder BobStamps Pete Vogt John Winfree

OAS COMMITTEES/CHAIRS

BIRDATHON .............. ................. ............. Claire Hilliker

CHERTOK NPC .................................. Teresa Williams

CONSERVATION ........................................ Peggy Cox

EDUCATION ........................................ Deborah Green& Leesa Sward

FIELD TRIPS ...............................................Dick Smith

FINANCE ............................................... Milton Heiberg

HOSPITALITY ................. ............. Tom & Ruth Williams

MEMBERSHIP ............................................ Mike Daley

NEWSLETTER ........................................ Claire Hilliker

JanuarJanuarJanuarJanuarJanuary 10, 2004 - Satury 10, 2004 - Satury 10, 2004 - Satury 10, 2004 - Satury 10, 2004 - SaturdaydaydaydaydayField Trip - Birds of Prey ID @ LANSRADick Smith [email protected]

JanuarJanuarJanuarJanuarJanuary 15, 2004 - Thursdayy 15, 2004 - Thursdayy 15, 2004 - Thursdayy 15, 2004 - Thursdayy 15, 2004 - ThursdayGeneral Meeting, 7:00pm, Leu Gardens.OASBoard Meeting takes place prior to theGeneral Meeting at 5:30pm. All welcome.Loretta Satterthwaite 407-886-2925

JanuarJanuarJanuarJanuarJanuary 17-19, 2004 - Sat-Mony 17-19, 2004 - Sat-Mony 17-19, 2004 - Sat-Mony 17-19, 2004 - Sat-Mony 17-19, 2004 - Sat-MonEverglades BirdFest - Everglades Natl ParkBroward Audubon Society 954-776-5585www.browardaudubon.org/birdfest

FebrFebrFebrFebrFebruaruaruaruaruary 13-16, 2004 - Fri-Mony 13-16, 2004 - Fri-Mony 13-16, 2004 - Fri-Mony 13-16, 2004 - Fri-Mony 13-16, 2004 - Fri-MonGreat Backyard Bird Counthttp://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

FebrFebrFebrFebrFebruaruaruaruaruary 28, 2004 - Satury 28, 2004 - Satury 28, 2004 - Satury 28, 2004 - Satury 28, 2004 - SaturdaydaydaydaydayOrlando Wetlands Park Festival; 9am-3pm.Mark Sees 407-568-1706

April 2-4, 2004 - Fri-Sun April 2-4, 2004 - Fri-Sun April 2-4, 2004 - Fri-Sun April 2-4, 2004 - Fri-Sun April 2-4, 2004 - Fri-SunBig O Birding Festival; Lake Okeechobee FLwww.bigobirdingfestival.com

ImporImporImporImporImportant Audubon Election Under Wtant Audubon Election Under Wtant Audubon Election Under Wtant Audubon Election Under Wtant Audubon Election Under Way in the Southeast Election Regionay in the Southeast Election Regionay in the Southeast Election Regionay in the Southeast Election Regionay in the Southeast Election RegionNominations are now open for the Chapter-selected candidate from the Southeast Election Region to the National Audubon Society Boardof Directors. Any Chapter in the Southeast Region may nominate one candidate for the Board this fall and winter. The election will beheld in the spring. Nominees should be willing and able to:

Help set overall national policies.

Articulate the issues and concerns of our region.

Participate in fund raising, and maintain the fiscal integrity of National Audubon Society.

Attend 3 Board meetings per year, each 3 days in length.

Fill the position for the next three years, beginning December 2004.

Contact a Chapter officer with your suggestions.The nominations from your Chapter should be sent to Chapter Services Office by January 31, 2004