December « 2008 « ASE Web

Trip Report: Yamato Scrub, 12/20/08

By Ben, on December 20th, 2008%

A small but adventuresome group of ASErs gathered in the parking lot of Yamato Scrub Natural Area for a nature walk/bird walk this Saturday. The trip, scheduled in the summer, was billed as a nature walk, because Yamato Scrub, while a lovely little site, isn’t the birdiest place in town. But late in September, it . . . → Read More: Trip Report: Yamato Scrub, 12/20/08

SFWMD votes to acquire US Sugar Land

By Ben, on December 16th, 2008%

The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District voted 4-3 to accept the terms of the US Sugar land buyout, “subject to amendment.” While we’re not quite sure what the legal status of that phrase is, one thing is clear: the possibility of recreating sheet flow south of Lake Okeechobee is still alive.

. . . → Read More: SFWMD votes to acquire US Sugar Land

New bird walk at Okeeheelee Nature Center

By Ben, on December 14th, 2008%

Friday January 9, 2009–10:00 a.m. Clive Pinnock is giving a special tour of the raptor compound at Okeeheelee Nature Center, 7715 Forest HIll Blvd, West Palm Beach. This will be followed by a short bird walk–don’t miss the painted buntings.

Trip Report, ARM Lox NWR, 12/13/08

By Ben, on December 14th, 2008%

Ten birders showed up to brave the bitter cold (morning temps in the 50s!) of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge this Saturday for our scheduled walk. Our newest leader, Andy Furman, conducted us around the Marsh Trail in fine style, and we tallied 39 species despite the cool and windy conditions.

The trip . . . → Read More: Trip Report, ARM Lox NWR, 12/13/08

AoF says Everglades at Tipping Point; Bold Action Required

By Ben, on December 12th, 2008%

Audubon of Florida today released a call for bold action on Everglades restoration in light of scientific consideration that this unique ecosystem is reaching an ecological tipping point beyond which environmental degradation becomes irreversible. “As the National Research Council found, to do nothing is to do harm,” Executive Director David Anderson said. “That is . . . → Read More: AoF says Everglades at Tipping Point; Bold Action Required

Sea Turtle news

By Ben, on December 12th, 2008%

In the November update from Palm Beach County ERM, we learn two items of interest: (1), loggerhead nesting is up this year over last year, while green and leatherback nests are down; (2), at least two hawksbill nests were found this year; very rare occurrences on PBCo’s shores:

Though sea turtle nesting season officially ended . . . → Read More: Sea Turtle news