October « 2008 « ASE Web

Wakodahatchee Wetlands closed

By Ben, on October 21st, 2008%

According to this notice from PB County, Wakodahatchee Wetlands is closed until October 28 for “routine maintenance work on the boardwalk.”

Dry season on the way. Or is it already here?

By Ben, on October 21st, 2008%

According to our friends at the National Weather Service, the dry season is already upon us. But in this month’s Ripple newsletter from the SFWMD, we get a different story:

With the official start of Florida’s dry season less than a month away, conservation remains critical to protect the water supply for the 16-county South . . . → Read More: Dry season on the way. Or is it already here?

Field Trip Report: Spanish River, October 11

By Ben, on October 20th, 2008%

12 people attended ASE’s Spanish River field trip on Saturday, October 11. The bird (family) of the day was the falcon: at least 3 perched Peregrine Falcons, in addition to several other flyers-by, afforded our birders excellent views of this magnificent species. There were also perched (and flying) Merlins, and a soaring Kestrel, making for . . . → Read More: Field Trip Report: Spanish River, October 11

November’s Bird of the Month: Brown Pelican

By Ben, on October 20th, 2008%

The Bird of the Month for November is Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Our friend Virginia, from Folke Peterson, will say a few words about this bird before the general meeting on Tuesday, November 4th. Feel free to bring in your own photos for display throughout the evening. You can also see our web gallery, with . . . → Read More: November’s Bird of the Month: Brown Pelican

The whoopers are coming

By Ben, on October 20th, 2008%

Press release from Fish & Wildlife:

Eighth Group of Endangered Whooping Cranes Depart on Ultralight-guided Flight to Florida

On October 17, 2008, Fourteen young whooping cranes began their ultralight-led migration from central Wisconsin’s Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and traveled five miles. Wind and rain has grounded the cranes in Juneau County, Wisconsin, for the . . . → Read More: The whoopers are coming

When it rains, it pours

By Ben, on October 15th, 2008%

Despite the damaging releases of polluted Lake O water down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie “rivers,” the water is piling up all over south Florida: in the Big Cypress, in the Water Conservation areas, and in Everglades National Park itself. According to a story in this morning’s Miami Herald, the water levels are threatening deer . . . → Read More: When it rains, it pours

Frenchman’s Forest October 4 Field Trip Report

By Ben, on October 15th, 2008%

About a half-dozen ASE members braved the wind and rain to have a pretty darn good field trip at Frenchman’s Forest on October 4. Many thanks to Chuck and Marvin for leading. 12 warbler species were noted, including Chestnut-sided and Blackburnian. Birding in stormy conditions can actually be quite productive, since the birds have no . . . → Read More: Frenchman’s Forest October 4 Field Trip Report

Florida Panther plan available

By Ben, on October 14th, 2008%

From the Southeast Regional office of the FWS:

Final Environmental Assessment for Interagency Florida Panther Response Plan Available

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the availability of a final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Interagency Florida Panther Response Plan.

The response plan establishes guidelines for responding to and managing potential interactions between people . . . → Read More: Florida Panther plan available

FALLOUT* Field Trips on October 4

By Ben, on October 3rd, 2008%

Due to FALLOUT* conditions, ASE will have 2, that’s right 2 field trips on Saturday, October 4. Ray Buchholz will be leading in south county at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, while Marvin Greenberg will be leading in north county, at Frenchman’s Forest. Conditions might be excellent. Unfortunately, the newsletter has only the Frenchman’s . . . → Read More: FALLOUT* Field Trips on October 4