The Audubon Observer

Volume XI, No. 1

A publication of the Duval Audubon Society
September—October 2008
Serving Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties

President’s Message September and

On behalf of your Board of Directors, “Welcome back!” We
have an exciting year of programs and field trips planned.
Your Board members worked diligently scheduling these
events, taking into account suggestions by several members,
which included more trips closer to “home” to reduce our fossil
fuel usage and take advantage of the wonderful birding hot-
spots we have right here in our area. Take a moment to look at
the enclosed calendar.
As part of our chapter operations we are required to submit an
Annual Recertification Report of our last year’s chapter activi-
ties to Audubon of Florida and National Audubon.
This recertification report assures con-
tinuation of our chapter and financial “Welcome
support based on our dues share from
National Audubon. This amounts to
Back,
approximately $2,000. That takes care
of our insurance payment.
DAS!”
I am sure you see where this message is going. We wish to
continue printing and mailing the newsletter, maintaining a
website and we also wish to continue the development of
Crosby Sanctuary. In order to accomplish this YOUR HELP IS
NEEDED. We need your support in raising money. Your mem-
bership says you care about your natural world. Your Audubon
chapter offers you the opportunity to help in the preservation of
important habitat for us, our birds and other wildlife. A cost
saving addressed envelope is enclosed in this newsletter along
with your Calendar of Events. Please consider writing a check
to Duval Audubon in whatever amount you feel comfortable
with and mail it in.
THANK YOU in advance for being as generous as you can in
supporting Duval Audubon – your Audubon chapter.
Carole Adams
Carole A. Adams,
President
October Programs
Jacksonville’s Fabulous Fall Migration
Monday, September 15 2008
Speaker: Roger Clark
National Park Service Ranger and veteran Jacksonville birder
Roger Clark will get us ready for the fall migration. Roger is
well known for his field trips, which often tally over 120 spe-
cies, especially in the fall! His PowerPoint program will be
chalk full of pictures of those confusing fall warblers as well as
dazzling eye candy. Roger’s program will be a prelude to the
TWO upcoming field trips he is leading for us this fall. Roger
will focus on many of his birding hot spots, including Fort
George Island where up to 24 species of warblers have been
found on DAS field trips - before 11:00 a.m.! Come see why
Jacksonville stands wing to wing with some of the best birding
spots in the country.
Rwanda
Monday, October 20 2008
Speakers: Jerry & Linda Harrison
Join us at our October 20th meeting to welcome back Linda
and Jerry Harrison. They have agreed to share their Rwanda
adventure with us. They have a passion for nature having spent
the past 26 years exploring Central and South America, Africa,
Australia and New Guinea. Jerry is a science teacher at
Fletcher High School and Linda works at Guana Tolomato
Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. They have
presented programs on Panama and the Pantanal and several
other exotic places at past meetings and their programs are al-
ways very interesting and informative. Join us to hear about
their travels in Rwanda. Refreshments will be served after the
program.

Meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at
Swain Memorial Methodist Church, 1620 Naldo Avenue in San Marco.

Please visit our website at http://www.duvalaudubon.org/ for updated events,

important local conservation efforts, and articles relating to conservation and birding.
An Overview of DAS for our community, our birds and our wildlife.

In discussion about the Recertification Report it was suggested Other chapter highlights include our participation over the years at
that I provide you with a summary of chapter activities over the the Civic Round Table. The CRT is a forum for civic organiza-
last few years. So, I pulled out past reports and started sorting tions to coordinate activities. For many years Bob Grimes, a Duval
through the information. WOW! We certainly have been a busy Audubon member and environmentalist, represented DAS at these
chapter. luncheons. When Bob passed away we sought a way to honor his
memory. With the assistance of his wife, Carol, we created the
Annually our chapter provides eight programs a year, September Bob and Carol Grimes Environmental Award. Each December
through April. Some of our more memorable programs were Paige Duval Audubon hosts the December Luncheon and has over the
the Bald Eagle accompanied by Lynda White from the Audubon years recognized Gary Ulrich, Richard Darby, Bill Brooks, Donna
Center for Birds of Prey; Jeff Bouton the product specialist for the Bear-Hull, Patrick Leary, Ron Littlepage, Bill Belleville and War-
birder/naturalist markets for Leica Sports Optics talking to us ren Anderson. Come to the luncheon this December 19th and meet
about digiscoping; Bob Montanaro from the Pelican Island Na- the recipient for 2008.
tional Wildlife Refuge presenting the Osprey Watch; and Gian
Basili with an update on the Lake Apopka Restoration Area. In June 2004 Duval Audubon Society was recognized by the Civic
Round Table as the Most Distinguished Civic Organization for
Our field trips averaged 22 a year over the last few years. We have 2003-2004 for our Audubon Adventures Program. We provide
had some remarkable trips coming back to classrooms with Audubon Adventures an
the general meeting with great birding sto- Environmental program developed by Na-
ries. “Duval Audubon is more tional Audubon which educates children
grades 3 – 6 in the basic, scientifically ac-
But Duval Audubon is more than programs, than programs, field trips curate facts about birds, wildlife and their
field trips and an annual Birds and Break- and an annual Birds habitats.
fast at the Powell Farm. We are very active
in the community taking on challenges, and Breakfast at the Add to all the above shorebird monitoring,
participating in the Regional Conservation Powell Farm.” bluebird nest box monitoring, wood stork
Committee that helps shape the strategic monitoring at the Jacksonville Zoo and
plan with Audubon of Florida, participating Pumpkin Hill Creek, migratory bird counts,
annually in the Audubon Academy (by chapters, for chapters) and publishing a Boater’s Guide, Birdathons, Big Sits, and Christmas
participating in the Annual Audubon Assembly (our state annual Bird Counts. Then throw in the Wild Amelia Festival, MOSH,
members meeting), having a presence on the Board of Directors Tree Hill Nature Center, Earth Day, Global Warming, posting the
with Audubon of Florida, campaigning for staff representation in Bird Islands, Cleanups and St. Augustine Birding Festival. Duval
Northeast Florida (this August AoF hired Monique Borboen as the Audubon members participate in all of these events.
NE FL Policy Associate – and you will get a chance to meet her,
hopefully at the September meeting). I’m sure there are several events that I forgot to include, speakers
and programs I should have noted, field trips that deserve mention-
How many of you remember the Guana State Park issues, the ing and volunteers that should be acknowledged. Please do not
Freedom Commerce challenges, the Cruise Ship terminal/ hesitate to bring these to my attention at our general meeting or
Timucuan Park challenge, the Nassau Sound shorebird manage- out on a field trip and while we’re at it, give thanks to Board mem-
ment issues, St. Johns River challenges and Huguenot Memorial bers past and present and those volunteers who prefer not to be in
Park management plan challenges? Duval Audubon was and is the spot light.
there at the table discussing, challenging and doing what we can - Carole A. Adams, President

Audubon Climate Change Forum:

The Problem, Two Important Solutions, and Options for Personal Actions
A climate change forum focused on the solutions and providing
options for personal action will be held on September 12, 2008,
from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. The forum will be held at the Uni-
versity of North Florida, University Center-Room 1058, at 12000
Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224.
The speakers will include Allen Tilley, Professor Emeritus UNF
and Moderator of the North Florida Global Warming Study
Group, Tom Larson, Cool Cities/Smart Energy Solutions Cam-
paigner, Sierra Club Florida, and Pete Johnson, Audubon of
Florida Climate Change Field Organizer.
The topics will include Climate Change, Carbon Cap and Trade
The Audubon Observer, Volume IX, No. 1
and Renewable Electricity Standards, and Options for Personal
Action to Make a Difference! Participants are encouraged to bring
their binoculars for birding on the UNF nature trails after-
ward! Please contact Pete Johnson, Forum Organizer at petejohn-
son71@gmail.com or 904-626-1725 for more information and to
RSVP.
Forum sponsors include Audubon of Florida, Duval Audubon, The
UNF Environmental Center, Sierra Club Northeast Florida Group,
and WE Can Solve the Climate Crisis Campaign.
Be a Part of the Solution to Climate
Change!!!
2

September Field Trips
UNF Bird Walk
Friday, September 12 2008 Leader: Anne Turner
We will meet at 5:15pm and walk the trails looking for both mi-
grants and resident birds. This area can also be very good for find-
ing butterflies. This will be a slow and easy walk, perfect for be-
ginners. There are picnic tables if you would like to bring a snack.
Water and insect spray are optional but do bring your binoculars
and a smile.
Directions: From JTB exit north on 9A. Take the first exit into the
University of North Florida. The nature trail parking lot is on the
right about a quarter mile from the university entrance.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, September 13 2008 Leader: Lesley Royce
Whether you are a beginner or just somebody who needs some
help with the basics, this program will help you feel more comfort-
able about watching birds. During the inside session, you will
learn about field guides, binoculars and how to use them, and what
clues to look for when trying to identify a bird. We will then go
outside on a nature walk to locate and identify some local birds.
This is the weekend before Migratory Bird Day, so we will also
search for migrating songbirds. After the nature walk, we'll have
lunch together and discuss our discoveries. Bring water, field
guide, binoculars if you have them, and lunch. If needed, we will
have some binoculars to lend.
Meeting Place: 8:30a.m., Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Nature
Center 7000 Roosevelt Blvd.
Jacksonville Arboretum
Sunday, September 14 2008 Leader: Pat Murphy
Come for a preview of the new Jacksonville Arboretum, located
on 120 acres of nature preserve in urban Jacksonville, just off
Monument Road. The grand opening is not until November, so we
will get an advance look while we walk the path around the lake
and along Jones Creek, looking for resident birds and fall mi-
grants. Bring insect repellant and sunscreen.
Directions: Go East on Monument Road from Regency area until
you pass under the exit for 9A. Take the immediate left turn onto
Millcoe Road and follow it as it curves around to the right. The
entrance is not marked yet, but you will see a large circular park-
ing area on the right side of the road just before the left turn. If the
gate is closed, park along the road. [Do not use Google directions,
they show incorrectly an access point from Merrill Rd.]
Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk
Saturday, September 20 2008 Leader: Carole Adams
Julie Cocke has agreed to walk us through the park next to her
home where she finds several species of warblers, grosbeaks and
orioles during migration. Come prepared for an easy hike along
shady trails with dense undergrowth. This will be an enjoyable
walk through one of our local city parks.
The Audubon Observer, Volume IX, No. 1
Meeting Place: Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
Camp Tomahawk is at 8419 San Ardo Road, off San Clerc Road
which is between San Jose and Old Kings Road. For more infor-
mation call Carole Adams at 998-1995.
Ft. George / Kingsley Plantation
Saturday, September 27 2008 Leader: Roger Clark
Late September to mid-October is the peak of the fall migration
and the best time to see the greatest variety of migrants here in
Jacksonville. Just a few of the warblers we will be looking for
include Black-throated Blue, Chestnut sided, American Redstart,
Blackburnian, Worm-eating, and Ovenbird.
We will start with the beautiful and historic backdrop of Kingsley
Plantation, then walk to a couple nearby hot spots where we will
look for more warblers and other migrants. We will finish our
morning of birding on Fort George Island at the Ribault Club, a
great place for passerine migrants, shorebirds, and hawks. After
working up an appetite we will have lunch at the nearby Alimacani
boat ramp, where we could see a great variety of water birds, in-
cluding, Black Skimmer, Royal Tern, Black-bellied Plover, and
hopefully Red Knots.
Some folks might have to leave at this point, but we are only just
getting warmed up! For those who can continue on we will venture
over to Huguenot Memorial Park. Reddish Egret, Long-billed Cur-
lew, and Marbled Godwit lead the long list of birds we will be
searching for. After Huguenot we will head to western Duval
where quite different habitats (and birds!) will round out our list.
For those who stay for the whole field trip we will definitely be
shooting for 100 species! For more information please contact
Roger Clark at (904) 251-3537 (during the day).
Time: Regular field trip will start at 7:15 a.m. or join me for the
Early Birder’s Special which begins at 6:30 a.m. for owls, waders,
and migrants dropping from the sky – best time of day!
Meeting Place: Kingsley Plantation parking lot
Directions: Take your best way to Heckscher Drive (SR105),
drive north (towards the ocean), stay on Heckscher to ½ mile north
of the St. Johns River Ferry Landing, look for the brown Kingsley
Plantation signs, turn left onto Fort George Road (narrow black
top), and follow signs to Kingsley Plantation parking lot (turn left
onto a dirt road).
Crosby Sanctuary: Fall Migration
Sunday, September 28 2008 Leader: Pete Johnson
This series of fieldtrips is designed for birders looking to spend a
few hours close to home on a citizen science and "low-carbon",
local fieldtrip. Each field trip includes a two hour field trip fol-
lowed by a two hour work session to maintain native landscaping
and nest boxes. Participation in work sessions is optional, but fun!
The Crosby Sanctuary is a "Hotspot" on eBird.com, with bird ob-
servation data going back to 1984. We have recorded over 80
different bird species from Crosby. We could use your help to
expand our species list!
Meeting Place: Crosby Sanctuary - 427 Aquarius Concourse,
Orange Park, FL
3

October Field Trips
Ft. George / Kingsley Plantation
Saturday, October 11 2008
late fall migrants. Oak trees here can be very good for warblers,
tanagers, and other migrants. Sturdy hiking boots, insect spray,
and water are recommended. There is a $3 admission fee and
you will need to bring 3 one dollar bills per vehicle for automated
Leader: Roger Clark gate entry.

For more information contact Gary Davis at (904) 287-2184

This is the second of two field trips to Ft. George and Kingsley
Plantation lead by local birding expert Roger Clark. Please see the
listing for the Ft. George / Kingsley Plantation field trip for Sep-
tember 27th on page 3 for more details.
The Big Sit, Hanna Park
Sunday, October 12 2008 Leader: Lesley Royce
You don't have to be an expert birder to come play with us. We'll
provide the meat--you can bring a dish to pass. Join us in this
"tailgating party for birders!" The Big Sit is an annual, interna-
tional, noncompetitive birding event hosted by Bird Watcher's
Digest. The goal is tally as many bird species as can be seen or
heard within 24 hours. The challenge is that you do this while
sitting or standing within a 17-foot diameter circle! Come join us
in our circle or just hang out and encourage us in this fun, not-too-
serious event.
Meeting Place: 7:45am at the trailhead parking lot at rear of
main entrance to Guana park, on A1A, 8 miles north of Vilano
Beach and just north of the Gate station. This is the rear parking
area at the dam fishing area.
Ft. Caroline/Spanish Pond
Saturday, October 25 2008 Leader: Pat Murphy
Join us at Fort Caroline National Memorial including Spanish
Pond. These two landmarks are located at 12713 Fort Caroline
Road. To begin the walk we will bird around the Spanish Pond
area before moving on to the fort area. We might see painted
bunting, fall migrant warblers, a number of woodpecker species
and two or three types of vireo. The walking is easy, short stop-
and-go trails. This is a great field trip for beginner birders as well
as long timers. Bring a friend, a hat and bug spray.

Meeting Place: 8:00 a.m. at K.A. Hanna Park, We will meet at the Spanish Pond parking lot, directly across the
50 Wonderwood Drive, Atlantic Beach street from the fort entrance on Fort Caroline Road. Park along
the roadside if the gate is closed.

Guana River State Park Directions: From St. John’s Bluff Road, go North until it dead
Sunday, October 19 2008 Leader: Gary Davis ends at Fort Caroline Road. Turn right on Fort Caroline Road,
follow signs to fort (at fork keep left).
We will walk a two hour loop on the Guana trails and search for

Duval Audubon Society

P.O. Box 16304
Jacksonville, FL 32245