Newsletter of the Clearwater Audubon Society

Promoting Conservation Through Education

June & July 2007 Volume XXXX Number 6

Clearwater Audubon Society Recognizes Dee Perhaps most importantly, you are a wonderful friend to
so many of us, and an inspiration to all who know you.
Dubendorff for Selfless Service We are so lucky to count you as one of us.
We are honored and proud to applaud Dee Dubendorff
Dear Dee; for her boundless service to the Clearwater Audubon
Society and the Tampa Bay Community.
In celebration of more than 40 years of selfless service to the
Paul Trunk, President
Clearwater Audubon Society, we honor you!
April 2, 2007
You have served Clearwater Audubon Society in a variety of
positions, and as the longest serving Chair of the Society’s
Education Committee: 20 years.
Your positive energetic enthusiasm has expanded the Society’s
Conservation Education endeavors. You instituted Audubon
Adventures, developed the Brown Pelican Program, and
others, which have influenced environmental awareness for
countless 4th grade students and adults in Pinellas County
Schools and Tampa Bay.
You created ‘SAVE’ [Suncoast Active Volunteers for
Ecology] which was instrumental in preventing some very
egregious development in Clearwater as well as the driving
force that saved Honeymoon Island from development.
You brim with innovative fund raising ideas that help support
conservation education programs
You are a devoted, generous supporter of the arts, particularly
the Florida Orchestra.
In your world travels, you are an ambassador for all that is best
about America.
In spite of these many interests [or maybe because of them?]
you somehow find the time to lovingly care for family and AYDELETTE KELSEY

friends, and the many causes that are indebted to your Dee Dubendorff
devotion.
Inside this Issue
Your infectious enthusiasm for life, with all its challenges,
engages everyone you touch. No matter the circumstance, you Thank you, WingBeat Sponsors page 2
overflow with ideas & relentlessly pursue every challenge
Advocacy Corner by Liz Drayer page 3
encountered, over which you most often prevail.
Audubon Holiday Tips to Have Fun and Protect
Your dedication has helped make Clearwater Audubon Society Shorebirds page 7
a positive force for environmental conservation in Tampa Bay.
Plus Much Much More
Volume XXXX Number 6
June & July 2007

Office Hours By Appointment

KAMILLA SZTANKO, D.M.D.,

P.A. 3830 Tampa Road, Suite 100
WingBeat is published February, April, June, August, October, & Palm Harbor, FL 34684
December by the Clearwater Audubon Society and serves North Telephone: (727) 789-4044
Pinellas County.
Clearwater Audubon Society
PO Box 97
Clearwater, FL 33757
727.447. 4785
www.clearwateraudubon.org
WingBeat Editor: Mac McMullen
WingBeat submissions deadline for the next issue is July 10, 2007.
Please submit articles to:
buddei38@msn.com or
Cathy McMullen
147 North Belcher Road
Largo, FL 33771
WingBeat advertising deadline for the next issue is July 10, 2007.
Please submit ads to: buddei38@msn.com Please address ad rate
inquiries to Erin Heiden at 727.945.9711.
Officers of Clearwater Audubon Society
President Paul Trunk 447 4785
1st VP Michael MacDonald 538 8688
2nd VP Merle Hubbard 939 1549
Treasurer Jane Williams 447 7394
Secretary Barbara Carmen-MacDonald 538 8688
Membership Chair Debbie Trunk 447 4785
Program Chair Marge Rowe 781 0745
Field Trips Lynn Sumerson 596 8822

Wing Beat Sponsors

Clearwater Audubon also thanks:

U Stor N Lock
18946 US Highway 19 N
Clearwater, Fl. 33764
727 531-4040
Who donates storage space for our rummage
sale items. If you need a store room see them and
mention Clearwater Audubon.

WingBeat June & July, 2007 page 2

 ADVOCACY CORNER….SUCCESSES AND Clearwater Audubon is Getting Good PR
CHALLENGES Dear all,
Good News for the Everglades. For the first time in I got a call from the station manager at Access Pinellas TV
history, state officials banned further withdrawals of wa- today. She wanted to tell me that the Pinellas assistant
ter from the Everglades this past April. A new rule is- county administrator has asked to see BIRDS GONE
sued by the South Florida Water Management District
WILD! (the game show we made for public access TV) to
requires cities along the southeast coast of the state to
determine funding for the station during the budget process,
develop alternative water sources like reclaimed water
and desalination. This is an important step in balancing apparently because of its creativity and educational con-
growth and environmental protection, and another step tent. She was excited and glad to have it to show them as an
towards helping the River of Grass recover. example of what producers at the station can do.
More Good News on Fertilizers. State officials have As producer/writer/host of Birds Gone Wild, I admit I am
proposed a rule which would limit the content of fertilizer proud and so glad our group is getting this exposure! I put
sold for lawns, farms, golf courses and landscaping many hours into creating the show but had no idea who actu-
throughout Florida. The rule would require fertilizers to ally saw it (besides my friends who I forced to watch). I do
be no- or low- phosphate. Officials expect this rule to think the show is entertaining, and it contains several plugs
reduce the nitrogen and phosphorus that pollute water-
for Clearwater Audubon. It also has a strong "habitat preser-
ways by spurring the growth of algae. Too much algae
vation" message, which I'm happy is getting out there.
can suffocate life in lakes and rivers.
Action Needed on Global Warming. In a major victory Thanks to Marge Rowe for conceiving the "Nature Matters"
for environmentalists, the United States Supreme Court TV series, to the board of directors for sending us to
ruled in April that the federal government has the author- "producer" class, and to all the participants in the
ity to regulate greenhouse gases. Congress and the states show. Now I have to call Alex Trebek and tell him his job is
will use this decision to step up their regulation of the in JEOPARDY.
gases that contribute to global warming. Hundreds of
bills have already been filed in state legislatures that ad- Liz Drayer
dress greenhouse gases in some form. Please write to
your congressman and state representatives and ask for
action on this issue, which is especially important in our
coastal state of Florida. (Go to ClearwaterAudubon.org
and click on “issues” for a sample letter you can send.)
Speak out to Protect Shell Key. You can have a voice
in protecting Shell Key, a barrier island west of Tierra
Verde that is important as a bird sanctuary. County offi-
cials are developing a management plan for the island.
Shell Key’s bird population has been declining in recent
years while the number of visitors has been increasing.
Camper and pet activity may be disturbing bird nesting
areas. Please contact your county commissioners and ask
them to protect this beautiful little island and its bird
population. MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Preserve the Brooker Creek Preserve. Urge your join Clearwater Audubon’s
county commissioners to reject any proposal to build in
or develop Brooker Creek Preserve. Billed as Pinellas conservation advocacy committee
County’s “wildest place,” let’s make sure it stays that for more info contact Liz Drayer
way.
at 771-8044 or edrayer@tampabay.rr.com
Our recent successes show that we can influence govern-
ment action by working together. Let your voice be
heard on environmental protection, and we will have
more to celebrate.

WingBeat June & July, 2007 page 3

 Birding at Morris Bridge
by Steve Baet
Eight happy birders congregated at the parking lot at Morris
Bridge for another fine day of pursuing our fine feathered
friends. And we were not disappointed!
It was rather cool when we started out around 8 a.m. but as
the sun rose, so did our spirits. We were especially cheered
to hear Northern Parulas singing quite lustily as well as
Blue-headed Vireo. We were tipped off to where a "pygmy
rattlesnake" was lurking just below the boardwalk. On
closer inspection it turned out to be a Cottonmouth and
appeared to be in the midst of skin shedding as its markings
were dulled.
Two parulas were in such a passion over territory that they
actually buzzed your reporter, their wings flipping against
the side of his head!! A preponderance of Blue-Gray
Gnatcatchers accompanied us all through our walk at Morris
Bridge, sometimes alighting over our heads near where
Vireos and Parulas were calling, and causing us great
confusion when spotted.
After finishing our circuit at Morris Bridge, we drove down
to Lettuce Lake, about five miles away. Here we entered an
amazing bird wonderland with great views of White Ibis,
Roseate Spoonbill and a fine Greater Yellowlegs. The
stellar attraction however was hearing the calls of two
Barred Owls back in the woods. These owls kept at it for
several minutes, doing their full "Who Cooks For You-All"
routine.
Our morning ended at the viewing tower over Lettuce Lake
where a good many birds were spotted despite the
distressingly low water levels. Ospreys, Spoonbills,
Anhingas, Cormorants and the Yellowlegs were all present
here.
A much-deserved lunch ended our morning around 12
noon. Great outing! Over 40 birds spotted!
More Birding on Morris Bridge
by Madeleine Bohrer
Birds, like people, seem to be more lively where there is
warmth and water. When our group began this field trip at 8
a.m. at Morris Bridge, the air had just enough of a chill to
keep the birds at bay.
WingBeat June & July, 2007
A bunch of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers met us in the parking
lot flitting from tree to tree and there were plenty of
Cardinals to spice up the scenery. Two fabulous Red-
shouldered Hawks shared the top branches of a tall pine
tree nearby. We imagined that they were a pair thinking
Spring-like thoughts. Indeed, all the birds we were to see
had the breeding plumage fineries that make them so
distinctive and remarkable at this time of year.
If you have ever visited Morris Bridge you know what a
special forest it is. It lies on the banks of the
Hillsborough River and has managed to stay free of
invasives—perhaps through good management. This
lends the forest a unique quality especially in the part
south of Morris Bridge Road: as you walk along the
path, you can see for quite a distance into the woods.
All the plants and trees had shiny, new, Spring leaves.
When there is a dearth of birds two things happen: we
appreciate the more common birds that are present and
we can bask in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings.
There was one particular Tufted Titmouse who looked
quite regal indeed.
We saw relatively few birds there but by the time we
were at Lettuce Lake, the sun had warmed the air
sufficiently to stir up quite a flurry of birds. The water
was extremely low, though, which again limited the
number of species seen.
We all know how challenging it is to see a Northern
Parula. Not at Lettuce Lake. Palm Warblers and Parulas
were a dime a dozen and literally an arm’s length away.
They are so cute and tiny without binoculars blowing
them up to huge dimensions! We heard Blue-headed
Vireos, House Wrens, and Barred Owls. Not being able
to see birds also increases your hearing sense and helps
you appreciate their calls.
Roseate Spoonbills never fail to steel the show. There
were three feeding in full view right off the boardwalk on
the lake and someone had a scope on them. Talk about
breeding plumage! These birds were pristine. One in
particular had black on the back of its head, “bleeding”
wings, bright red (and I mean lipstick-red-bright) legs
and eyes, and yellow-brown shoulders and undertail.
They don’t call it breeding plumage for nothing—this
bird could have attracted a mate from a mile away. Its
bill was just as amazing: it looked scaled like a reptile.
From the observation tower, we watched an Osprey in its
nest, a Greater Yellowlegs foraging, and several
Mallards, one of which was leucistic which made it a
lovely coffee color.
Please see Morris Bridge on page 5
page 4
Morris Bridge from page 4
Seen walking back to our cars, there was a Carolina Wren
on side of the path. Lunch was pleasant under the trees. To
crown our day, we looked up and saw a lone Swallow-tailed attached letter to my representative in the
Kite soaring high above us. So, in spite of a slow start to the Florida House. If you would like to write, you
day, it turned out to be peaceful, fun, and rewarding. There can copy my letter if you want.
is always something new to see and learn no matter how
long one has been in the field.
Report From Emerson Point Park in Manatee
by Steve Baet
Four lonely men took off for Emerson Point Park in
Manatee in April, but despite the great birding conditions,
we saw very few species. We'd expected a large fallout of
warblers, etc. but there was nothing. We managed to list
about 40 birds, most of them not unusual. A Roseate
Spoonbill and a Spotted Sandpiper were the standouts. We
got back to Tri-City Plaza by 11 a.m.
John Chestnut Park Observations
by Steve Baet
Twelve happy campers met in the parking lot of John
Chesnut Park in Clearwater in April for a magnificent three
hours of birding. Northern Parulas were calling vigorously
when we stepped out of our cars around 8 am. A gentleman
working for the park asked us to keep a list of what we saw
as they (the park staff) are trying to compile a record of what For all these reasons, local governments must have the
birds are seen there.
A wonderful surprise was seeing a huge Pileated
woodpecker working on the side of a palm tree. We
watched as he stripped some of the loose bark from the tree
to feed under it. Two different kinds of Vireo brightened
our path: Red-eyed and Blue-headed. We were excited to
find ourselves standing underneath the nest of a Red-
shouldered Hawk.
Another interesting nest-sighting was that of a pair of Blue- have no financial interest in this legislation. I am only a
Gray Gnatcatchers which flitted in and out of the branches
with nesting material.
We even had a thrilling moment when some of us heard the
baying of several Coyotes in the near distance! It was a very
successful morning with 37 species accounted
At Nature's Focus 10% of your cash purchases
and 5% of credit card purchases will be donated to
Clearwater Audubon if you identify yourself as a
member. Sale or discounted items may not qualify.
Store is located at the Brooker Creek Preserve.
Call for hours or other information: 727.453.6959
WingBeat June & July , 2007
The Florida House may pass legislation
preventing local governments from protecting
wetlands. This is a big issue. I am sending the
Liz Drayer
Dear [your state representative to the Florida House],
I strongly oppose the amendment to HB 957 (passed last
week by a House committee) that states: ‘‘In order to
avoid duplication and inefficiency, no local government
shall enact or enforce a wetland regulatory program.”
This language would eliminate the existing local
protections for wetlands which are necessary to protect
this precious natural resource.
State regulations are not strict enough to protect Florida’s
wetlands, which are so important in controlling flooding
and pollution, as well as providing habitat for wildlife.
The state’s “no net loss” policy has failed to prevent the
destruction of thousands of acres of wetlands throughout
Florida. Many studies have shown that the state’s
mitigation requirements are insufficient to replace natural
wetlands. Moreover, the state does not protect wetlands
of less than a half acre.
ability to enact more stringent regulations to protect the
wetlands in their communities. I am therefore asking you
not to pass HB 957 as amended when it comes before the
full House for a vote.
The St. Petersburg Times quoted Representative Will
Kendrick as stating that opponents of this amendment are
“usually on the payroll to get paid to say what they are
saying.” Please note that as an opponent of this
amendment, I am not being paid by any organization and
private citizen who cannot sit idly by and watch the
destruction of Florida’s natural environment continue.
Sincerely,
[your name]
file: wetlands amendment
page 5
 Fantastic Fort DeSoto Birding
by Steve Baet
What a fantastic morning we had at Ft. DeSoto
Beach! There was a Warbler fallout during the stormy
weather on Wednesday that brought in several species
including the lovely Hooded, Common Yellowthroat and
Kentucky. We saw both sexes in several cases.
The day started out cool and foggy but the sun rose
beautifully and burned off the fog by the time we reached
Ft. Desoto. We began at the Mulberry Tree where we
spotted our first warbler of the day, a male Hooded.
Pickings were slim here so we went on to North Beach
where we did magnificently.
We had been tipped off by another birder that flocks of
warblers were assembled here and we weren't
disappointed. Hooded, Common Yellowthroat,
Kentucky, Prothonotary and Black and White were all
spotted here. We also stumbled upon a nest of young
Great Blue Herons up in a tree and their ingoing-outgoing
parents. Nearby we encountered what appeared to
be three fledged youngsters that were possibly trying out
their wings.
We then went to East Beach after an Indigo Bunting that
had also been reported down there. We didn't find the
bunting but we found several shore birds, all busily either
bathing in rain puddles or feeding in the weedy grass on
the beach. We were surprised to discover a Red-breasted
Merganser floating in the water near shore. As we
watched him, he waddled ashore, which is the first time I
have ever seen a merganser on land!
On the way out of the park, we sighted a Magnificent
Frigatebird from our vehicle, soaring miles up in the
sky. Nice ending to a fabulous day!
Birds seen included: Hooded, Kentucky, Prothonotary,
Palm and Black and White warblers, Semipalmated
Sandpipers and Plovers, Willets, Western Sandpipers,
Ruddy Turnstone, Redhead, Blue-winged Teal and
mallard ducks, Pied-billed grebes, Black Skimmers,
Snowy and Great Egrets in their showy white
skirts, Summer Tanagers, gloriously brilliant and strong
competition for the Northern Cardinals. Great Blue
Herons, Tricolored Herons and one Little Blue.
WingBeat June & July , 2007
Tired of Crowds and High Prices at Theme Parks?
Try a Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon
by Liz Drayer
If you haven’t been on one of Clearwater Audubon’s field
trips, it’s time to try one! I have been enjoying these trips
for over a year, and recommend them to anyone who likes
birds or just being outdoors.
The trips are not only fun and a great way to get outside.
They are an easy and economical way to learn about the
creatures living around you, and one that many people are
not aware of. Aside from the cost of transportation, most
trips are free. They are a good way for parents to teach their
children about nature and spend time together without
spending a fortune. They offer everyone the chance to
escape from the hectic pace of the work week and enjoy
peace and quiet in a natural setting.
The field trips are led by knowledgeable people who are
able to point out different species of birds, their calls and
songs, and their behaviors. Some of the leaders have formal
training in biology and ornithology, and some are self
taught. All, however, are willing to share what they know
and teach those who want to learn.
The more I learn about birds the more I appreciate them.
This appreciation adds to the pleasure of living on the gulf
coast of Florida, home to some magnificent birds, and so
many different species. This new knowledge also increases
my desire to protect them from the pressures of human
activities.
I also highly recommend Birding 101, a one-time
introduction to birding taught by Dr. Lynn Sumerson, to
beginning birders. Contact Lynn at 596-8822 to find out
when the next class will be. This entertaining and
informative class will help get you started on enjoying a new
and fun hobby.
Hope you try a field trip soon!
PROTECT MOCCASIN LAKE
NATURE PARK FROM THE BUDGET
AX
Attention Clearwater residents: budget cuts are
coming soon to our city. Contact your city
commissioners at 562-4050 and tell them Moccasin
Lake, the city’s only environmental education center,
is important to you. It’s also where the Clearwater
Audubon Society and other local environmental
groups hold their meetings. We need Moccasin Lake
to inspire the environmentalists of tomorrow!
page 6
 A Tribute to Noel Oliver Wamer
April 9, 1952 – March 18, 2007
by Barbara Walker
Jacksonville
On Sunday evening, March 18th 2007 Noel Wamer
passed away. Noel was a well known birder and
actively posted to the Florida Bird List http://
bkpass.tripod.com/FLORIDABIRDS-L.htm. Noel
posted greatly anticipated spring migratory radar data
to alert Florida birders of movements north out of Cuba
and up the Florida coastlines. He had a keen interest in
nocturnal migratory radar imagery and inspired many
with his knowledge including many online friends who
may never have met him personally. Noel’s colleague,
Ph.D. Candidate David La Puma of New Jersey is
“Keeping Noel’s dream alive – one migrant at a time”
by continuing his blog which can be accessed at http://
badbirdz2.wordpress.com/. David maintains a
website, www.woodcreeper.com, which was inspired
by Noel’s work and features radar imagery for New
Jersey. Thank you to Noel and David for enriching our
birding experiences in amazing ways.
Audubon’s Holiday Tips to Have Fun and
Protect Shorebirds
Florida Beaches—Memorial Day weekend is a call to
the coast for boating, beach parties and water sports,
but it can also mean disaster for Florida’s shorebirds.
To help people enjoy the holiday and avoid disturbing
our feathered friends, Audubon of Florida encourages
beachgoers to take a few easy precautions.
Shorebirds use our beaches for nesting, resting and
feeding, and include families like sandpipers, as well as
their tern and gull allies. Their beach-toned plumages
of white, gray and tan afford them critical camouflage
protection from natural predators and make them well-
suited to life in a habitat of extreme temperatures.
Unfortunately, their camouflage works on beachgoers
too who inadvertently disturb the birds.
The crush of people drawn to Florida’s coasts for the
holiday can spell imminent doom to nesting shorebirds. temporary. Later in the summer, the birds and their chicks will
Human disturbance flushes them off their nests, leaving be gone, and so will the signs restricting your access.
their eggs to cook in the hot sun in mere minutes.
Solitary nesting species like plovers are often unnoticed allowed, take extra care to be aware of birds on the beach.
and many colonial nesters, including terns, are apparent Moving faster than a pedestrian and further removed from the
only because their colonies are roped off by officials to sights and sounds of the beach by the vehicle surrounding you,
help limit disturbance.
WingBeat June & July , 2007
“Most people think a mother bird is incubating her eggs to
keep them warm,” said David Anderson, Executive Director of
Audubon of Florida. “With Florida’s shorebirds, the parent is
actually providing shade to eggs and chicks during the day. A
single significant disturbance can destroy an entire colony.”
In addition to nesting shorebirds, our beaches currently host
long-distance migrants, such as Red Knots, which use Florida
beaches as a rest stop between their wintering grounds in
extreme South America and their breeding grounds on the
still-frozen Arctic tundra. These globetrotting migrants feed on
our beaches to replenish the fat used up in their migration thus
far and to prepare for the long trip ahead. Successful feeding
has direct bearing on the knots’ ability to reproduce or even
reach their breeding grounds, another 2500 miles away.
“Few things are more beautiful to the uninitiated than a flock
of birds, rising in unison, after being flushed by a child or
dog,” said Julie Wraithmell, Policy Associate for Audubon.
“Unfortunately, we now know that every time these birds fly,
not only are they not feeding and gaining fat, they’re actually
expending the energy they need for their long trip ahead. A
series of innocent disturbances can have significant
implications for their metabolic budget.”
Beachgoers can take a few easy precautions to protect nesting
and feeding shorebirds:
- When walking along the beach, avoid the temptation to flush
groups of birds. They may be resting, feeding, or incubating
eggs. Either way, by giving them a wide berth, you’ll be sure
your actions don’t have deadly consequences for eggs or
chicks.
- Similarly, obey leash laws and restrict your dog from
flushing birds. Even in areas where there do not appear to be
groups of shorebirds, remember solitary nesters may be
camouflaged with the beach.
- Respect posted nesting areas, which may be roped off to
prevent disturbance. Officials don’t rope off solitary beach
nesters, only colonies where a single disturbance can affect
hundreds or thousands of birds and their nests. While these
areas can sometimes be an inconvenience, they are only
- In those few remaining places where beach driving is
you’re more likely to overlook birds you may be disturbing.
Please see tips page 8
page 7
Tips from page 7
Furthermore, chicks may sometimes shelter in the depression
of tire tracks in the sand. Keep a sharp eye out for little ones
frozen in your path.
“Most people would be appalled if they realized their innocent
recreation resulted in the failure of even just one nest,” said
Wraithmell. “That’s why we think it’s important that people
learn of the unintended consequences of some of these actions.
So we can ensure the birds will be there for Memorial Days to
come.”
July & August 2007 Calendar
7/14/07, 7AM – Rainbow Springs canoe, kayak, tube float:
cool off in the refreshing waters of a class 1 Florida Spring, &
enjoy the flora and fauna of this natural wonders. Water craft
rental & transport to/from the spring additional. Meet at Coun-
tryside Shopping Town. Mike MacDonald 727-538-8688.
Saturday, 8/4/07, 8AM – Marine splendor of Clearwater
Harbor with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium: explore the
Photography Hike
marine environment of St. Joseph Sound with biologists from
the CMA. Lunch on shore after. Mike MacDonald 727-538- Sunday, June 3, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am
8688. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center Staff
Weedon Island Preserve June Calendar
Saturday Guided Hikes
Saturday, June 2, 2007 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, June 9, 2007 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, June 16, 2007 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, June 23, 2007 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, June 30, 2007 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Volunteers
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosys-
tems of the Preserve are held each Saturday of the month. Join
us to learn about the coastal environment and the early resi-
dents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a
snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are
also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday
prior to the tour of choice. This event is free and open to the
public. Pre-registration is required. All ages welcome. Chil-
dren younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
WingBeat June & July , 2007
Guided Canoe Trip
Friday, June 1, 2007 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center Staff and Volunteers
Take this opportunity to explore the south canoe trail
of Weedon Island Preserve. This trail offers a rare
look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make
west-central Florida so special. Trained canoe guides
lead you through mangrove stands and over seagrass
and oyster beds while pointing out various flora and
fauna that live here. If you have never explored the
Preserve from the water, this is an exciting opportu-
nity you don't want to miss! The cost for this unique
experience is $9.35 per person plus tax ($10 total) or
$18.70 per canoe plus tax ($20 total) (maximum of 3
people per canoe). Spaces fill quickly so call for
more information and pre-register today! Minimum
age: Children must be 6 years old or older and all
minors must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is designed to provide great opportuni-
ties for photographers of all levels. The first Sunday
of every month visitors hike the Preserve in search of
that perfect shot. Center staff members highlight sea-
sonal features of the Preserve as well as specific
wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the
natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve. This event
is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is re-
quired. Recommended for adults.
Ecological Research Along Florida's Gulf Coast
Friday, June 8, 2007 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dr. Steven Harper, Environmental Lands Division
Join Dr. Harper, Research Director for Pinellas
County's Environmental Lands Division, as he pre-
sents information about ecological research con-
ducted on preserves and management areas. He will
introduce general ecological concepts and discuss
challenges associated with studying diverse natural
areas.
page 8
 Dr. Harper will also describe the methods and results of
several on-going studies, including the investigation of
populations of protected plants, habitats of a coastal
barrier island, beach-nesting birds, and surveys
of other organisms. This is a great opportunity to learn
more about how science can help enhance stewardship
of our natural resources. This event is free and open to
the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended
for adults.
Plankton - The Hidden World of the Estuary
Saturday, June 9, 2007 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center Staff
Plankton is a term that describes a diverse group of
organisms suspended in the water of estuaries, oceans
and other bodies of water. The class will study this
amazing world of small organisms often overlooked
because of their size. With simple collection techniques
and slight magnification, we will identify and discuss
these fascinating creatures. The program will culminate
with a wonderful activity in which we design and race
our own plankton models. This event is free and open to
the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended
for adults and children over 10 years old.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center Staff
Join us for an early morning nature walk at Weedon
Island Preserve. We'll look for birds and other wildlife
as we stroll through some of the Preserve's ecosystems.
This short outing is a great way to explore some of
Florida's natural areas as we take advantage of the
learning opportunities along the trails. A hat and closed-
toe shoes are recommended. Reserve your space by 2
pm on Friday. This event is free and open to the public.
Pre-registration is required. All ages welcome.
Children younger than 6 may find this hike
challenging.
WingBeat June & July , 2007
Wee-time at Weedon: Busy Buzzers: Bees in Your
Backyard
Thursday, June 14, 2007 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff
This program is designed to introduce pre-school children to
the wonders of the natural world. Every second and fourth
Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of
stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their
environment. This week presents Busy Buzzers: Bees in Your
Backyard by Nancy Loewen. Did you know that there are
over 20,000 species of bees in the world? This week focuses
on a familiar garden resident: the honeybee. This program
also includes a hands-on craft and outdoor exploration. This
event is free and open to the public. Spaces are limited so
register early! Recommended ages: 3-5.
Back in Time
Saturday, June 16, 2007 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Jay Hardman, Archaeologist
Take a journey with archaeologist Jay Hardman back in time
to the early days of prehistory and history along the Central
Gulf Coast of Florida. Hardman will relate the delicate
balance between people and their environment through
thousands of years of history as recorded in the
archaeological record. He will put time into perspective as he
discusses the many years of human occupation in this area
while demonstrating the tools and sources of livelihood of
past cultures. There is no fee for this family-oriented
program. Pre-registration is required. All ages welcome.
From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of America's Coastal
Survey - Exhibit Opening
Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sponsored by NOAA and Smithsonian Institution
Traveling Exhibition Services
This exhibit of 20 posters celebrates 200 years of science,
service and stewardship at America's oldest scientific
research organization - the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Thomas Jefferson,
the third president of the United States, signed the Organic
Act of 1807, which authorized surveying the coast of the
United States. All ages welcome.
Please see Weedon Island page 10
page 9
Weedon Island from page 9
The Great Weedon Bird Quest
Sunday, June 24, 2007 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff and Volunteers
Come and join us on a quest to find Weedon Island Preserve
birds! Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our
feathered year-round inhabitants and seasonal visitors, while
helping us compile an annual checklist of the Preserve's birds.
These hikes are designed to take advantage of all levels of
birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available.
Hikes are scheduled for the last Sunday of every month. Please
join us for a relaxing morning outing led by experienced
birders and staff. Call us for more information and to register.
This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for
adults.
Please Call (727) 453-to register for events.
SAVING THE EVERGLADES
National Audubon Society Issues and Action
Web Page
America's Everglades is a land whose rich, largely
unknown story almost ended prematurely as it was
ditched, diked, and drained almost out of existence over
the past century. Today, Audubon, in concert with
local, state, federal, and nongovernmental groups, is
mounting an unprecedented ecological intervention to
restore the Everglades.
A unique ecosystem
Encompassing three million acres of wetlands, the
Everglades is home to more than 350 species of birds,
including the Great Egret, Wood Stork, Swallow-tailed
Kite, and Roseate Spoonbill.
Often called the "River of Grass," the Everglades is a
subtropical wilderness featuring slow-moving fresh
water that flows south from Lake Okeechobee through
sawgrass and tree islands to the mangroves and
seagrasses of Florida Bay. An international treasure,
the Everglades is an open system, which drains into the
ocean, and there is no other ecosystem like it in the
world.
Please Everglades page 11.

_________________________________________________________________

Audubon Membership Form

National Audubon Membership includes an automatic membership in your local chapter as well as annual subscriptions to Audubon
Magazine, Florida Naturalist, & Wing Beat. Introductory membership to National Audubon is $20.00 (National renewal will be han-
dled by National Audubon.) Make your check payable to the National Audubon Society.

Chapter Only Membership enrolls you as a member of the Clearwater Audubon Society and includes a 6-issue annual subscrip-
tion to Wing Beat. Annual dues are $15.00. Your renewal date will appear after your name on your mailing label. Make your
check payable to Clearwater Audubon Society.

Member Name(s)_________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please save resources and send WingBeat via Email.

This is a gift membership for someone else. My name is______________________________________________________

Mail to: Debbie Trunk, CAS Membership Chair

1583 Budleigh Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-447-4785

WingBeat June & July , 2007 page 10

Everglades from page 10
The greater Everglades ecosystem is also an
international center for business, agriculture, and
tourism, with a rapidly growing population of varied
ethnic, economic, and social values - all dependent on a
fully functioning ecosystem for an adequate freshwater
supply, a healthy and sustainable economy, and overall
quality of life.
Driven to the breaking point
Poor development, water mismanagement, and urban
and agricultural pollution make the Everglades
ecosystem among the most endangered in the world.
Populations of wading birds and other critical indicator
species have been decimated, and Lake Okeechobee
and the tropical estuaries on the edges of the
Everglades ecosystem have been severely damaged.
The decline of the once widespread flocks of wading
birds, by as much as 90 percent, was the first sign that
the Everglades ecosystem was threatened. Everglades
restoration will repair much of the damage from
drainage and development, bringing back the wading
birds that once filled the South Florida landscape, and
restoring hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands
and estuarine habitat.
What Audubon is doing
Audubon's storied ties to the everglades began in 1902
when Audubon Wardens risked their own safety to
protect Everglades birds from plume hunters. In the
decades that followed, Audubon played critical roles in
the establishment of parks and preserves in the area.
During the past 80 years, Audubon sanctuaries have
given millions a glimpse of the region's wildlife and
nature. Our scientists at the Tavernier Science Center
have collected some of the most critical baseline data
by which future restoration efforts will be judged.
In response to the threats to the South Florida
ecosystem, Audubon established the Everglades
Conservation Office in 1992 as our largest nationwide
conservation initiative. Restoring the Greater
Everglades Ecosystem is one of our highest nationwide
priorities. Audubon experts in public policy and land-
use planning have been at the forefront of changing
political will in favor of restoration of our natural
ecosystems.
Our mission is to restore and conserve a fully
functional, healthy Everglades ecosystem, through (1)
providing technical guidance for and participating in
restoration efforts, (2) developing and implementing
local, regional, and national advocacy, and (3)
cultivating an informed and engaged mainstream
constituency.
For more information about Everglades Restoration
efforts, please visit Audubon of Florida.
WingBeat June & July , 2007
Call That Progress!
By Barbara Walker
Progress Energy donated an artificial nesting platform to the
Clearwater Audubon Society for the Ospreys currently nesting
on the Tarpon Woods Country Club sign at Tarpon Woods
Boulevard and East Lake Road. Big thanks to Progress
Energy! Also a big thanks to Mr. Ferrentino of Tarpon Woods
Development Inc. for his generosity in allowing the pole to be
placed on his property. Both parties have made a tremendous
commitment to conservation efforts.
The Osprey family has endured multiple near misses with high
profile vehicles, three sign text changes, predators, high winds,
smoke and still holds firm. At one point the male Osprey was
under duress due to a large gathering of Vultures that had
encircled the nest area due to a road kill not far from the base
of the sign. A caller notified me of the problem so I went to
the area and moved the Armadillo carcass away from the nest.
Ironically, another Osprey nest in an aged pine fell near the 9th
hole of the Tarpon Woods Golf Course. Mathew Poling did
the ground check. We were happy to hear from witnesses that
the young Osprey had fledged. Hopefully that Osprey couple
will pick a better nesting place than their sign nesting
neighbors.
Next Progress Energy will stake out the location which is
further from both East Lake Road and Tarpon Woods
Boulevard. After that the work order will be placed with a
goal of placing the pole by August as we expect the nest to be
empty by then. Progress Energy has the necessary nest
removal permits and will transfer the entire nest to the new
platform. Meanwhile, the fate of the country club itself has
become uncertain. Speculation that all or perhaps 9 holes of
the course will be leveled to solve area flooding problems was
reported by the St. Petersburg Times the week of May 6th.
May 11th the text on the sign changed again. It currently reads
“18 Reasons to Play Tarpon Woods.”
page 11
Clearwater Audubon Society
general meetings are free and open to the public.
Our meetings are designed around environmental
topics to be both entertaining and educational.

Meeting Dates
1st Monday of each month, October through May.
Meetings will resume in the fall.

Location
Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Program Committee Chair

Marge Rowe (727) 781-0745