Manatee County Audubon Society

www.manateeaudubon.org
Volume M Number 3 November 2008

We are committed to protecting the environment in our community, our state and our country.

Look back
at our history
By Don Bansen, MCAS Historian

To see how far we’ve come,

look at what our 1960s ar-
chives say about the Manatee
County Audubon Society:

•Eagles’ nests: In 1960, there

were 23 nests, but only one
young Eagle was found. Four
Eagles hatched in 1964 but
three were killed and only one
flew north. In 1967, there were
four active nests. One was TogetherGreen at Felts: These young Bay Buddies were among
abandoned when someone the 29 volunteers who planted 450 acquatic plants at Felts Audubon Preserve
nailed cleats up the tree trunk on September 27 as part of the first TogetherGreen volunteer day event. For
to just below the nest. details on the next volunteer day event, scheduled for November 8 at
the FISH Preserve in Cortez, see Barbara Singer’s report on page 3.
•Christmas Bird Count: The
1963 count on December 20 President’s letter from Steve Black
found 130 species and a to-
tal of 31,593 birds, which is Saving birds in a changing environment
similar to present numbers.
Barbara Singer and Bunny Schneider volunteered to represent Manatee Audubon at the Florida
The count was done by 35
members working in a 15-mile
Audubon Assembly October 24-25 in Crystal River, as they report on page 4. One important theme
circle centered at Warner’s at this year’s assembly is saving birds in a changing environment. With the shrinking natural envi-
Bayou in West Bradenton. The ronment, birds face a challenging future, but there are many things we can do to help. At the Felts
1966 CBC identified 123 spe- Audubon Preserve, we provide a healthy environment, including water and a variety of food sources
cies and a total of 30,284 in- for the more than 100 species of birds that have been seen there. We have feeders for birds that eat
dividual birds. Twelve teams seeds. We also plant native plants with berries that provide other species of birds with the sustenance
covered an area from Anna they require.
Maria, Longboat Key and the
Skyway up to the county line,
When it comes to water, we have installed a Solar Water Fountain that offers the vital nutrient nec-
east to the Braden River, south
to Bowlees Creek and the en-
essary for life. Birds have to hold their heads back when they drink so they need a shallow pool in
tire city of Bradenton. which to drink. The streams of water at Felts also provide necessary habitat as well as sources of
food. For shelter, Felts has many types of bushes and trees as well as snags that offer the birds neces-
•Members voted at the Febru- sary protection. We also have special houses for Bluebirds, Purple Martins, Wood Ducks, and Bats.
ary 1966 meeting to become a
chapter of the Florida Audu- You don’t need a preserve to help birds prosper. If you have a yard, you can provide the necessary
bon Society. environment they require. A pesticide-free environment is important for a healthy habitat. Planting
plants native to Florida gives birds the necessary tools they need for survival. Very importantly you
Bradenton was declared a
can donate to organizations that can make a difference. Most importantly you can offer your time.
Bird Sanctuary in 1968. Signs
denoting that were erected on
main streets entering the city.
This was a combined effort
of Manatee Audubon and the
Manatee River Garden Club, Wildflowers at Felts
where Audubon was then
holding its meetings.
Page 2
Owl Attack at Felts
By Fred Allen
October 3: I was doing a little
cleanup for open house at Felts
Aubudon Preserve, and the Great
Horned Owls were busy. Dad was on
the Purple Martin house pole with
the catch of the day. From the color
and the feet hanging down, it looks
like it may have been a Little Blue.
The two young Owls were out hunt-
ing. It was getting dark so the picture
is not too clear.
October 12: I counted a record five
Malachite butterflies today. Also a
Swainson’s Thrush has been bounc-
ing around in the oaks.
New sightings
By Tami McNally
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Common Ground-Dove
Swainson’s Thrush
Scarlet Tanager
Ovenbird
Some interesting sightings include:
Barred Owl
Black-hooded Parakeet
Chimney Swift
Common Moorhen
Green Heron
Northern Parula
Red-eyed Vireo
Rock Pigeon
Felts Audubon Preserve
is located in Palmetto
4600 24th Avenue East
Corner of 24th Avenue East
and 49th Street East
(Experimental Farm Road).
Open House
on First Saturday of the month
Work Day
on Last Saturday of the month
Felts Preserve: Work, Wildflowers, Walkways
By Tom Heitzman, Vice President
Lots of work has been going on at the Felts Preserve this summer but as always there is still lots
to do. We had many of the paths widened and some of the tall grasses cut down to open some
vistas while walking the trails. Many new plants were installed in the south pasture by the road
and around the south end of the pond. The plantings along the road to the north are being spruced
up by removing weeds. The new boardwalk
is being laid out, and as donations come in,
The Felts wildflower meadow was
construction will soon start. The path along
blooming beautifully this summer
the east fence has been mowed so it is now with bright yellow Coreopsis
somewhat accessible. The wildflower mead- when Lucette Wombacher
ow was quite showy this summer and is still snapped the photo on Page 1.
showing lots of color as the purple love grass
and other fall blooming grasses, as well as
dotted horsemint and blazing star, show their stuff. Once the grasses have peaked this winter,
the meadow will be mowed down, probably sometime in January, and the cycle will start again.
Now that cooler weather has arrived we encourage your participation on our workdays, which
are the last Saturday of the month. It’s a great time to come out and see what’s happening at Felts.
We have tasks for just about any skill level and everyone has a wonderful time. In the next few
months we will be doing things such as weeding out existing plantings, clearing out overgrown
paths, pulling out invasive plants, laying out the new boardwalk, cleaning out the bluebird houses
and just a general clean up of the entire property. Join us for the next workday, November 29.
Barn Report from Roger Robson: We began erecting an eight-foot high wall in the Felts Preserve
barn on Saturday September 27, our regular work day. The purpose of the wall is to provide a
secure area in which we can store valuable equipment while allowing our members access to
shovels and similar equipment in the remainder of the barn. The wall has a lockable door connect-
ing the areas. One of the barn doors on the west (secure) side will be made fixed. and equipment
will enter through the west barn door, which will be lockable. We have our new generator and
the materials to wire the barn with a shop light and outlets, plus proper extension cords for future
projects.Thanks to Barb Singer for obtaining a grant to pay for the generator and related equip-
ment which will be installed in October when the secure room construction will be completed.
Thanks to Ivan Marion, our electrician, for developing the needed materials list. Barb Singer’s
brother and nephew worked with Rog Robson to frame up and erect this wall.
The new boardwalk: The route of the walk has been approved and we expect to clear the brush
as needed on the October 25 work day. The first concrete footers are on site, but we can use some
help moving them from the delivery location to their place along the path. Purchase of the frame-
work and decking will take place when donations permit. We are approaching the best time of the
year for our workers to install the walk—when it is cooler and drier. The cost is $30 per foot, and
the construction is in 10 foot sections. Please consider contributing money to finance a few feet,
or a section. Send donations to Manatee Audubon, P.O. Box 14550, Bradenton FL 34280-4550.
Thanks to Felts Audubon Preserve hosts, submitted by Carol Webster
September 6: Dee Hanny hosted 11 visitors to our beautiful preserve. It was a bright sunny day
with few clouds and no wind. One couple was so inspired they officially joined our group as
new members. Seventeen bird species were observed and 18 different butterflies, including the
Malachite. October 4: 18 guests hosted by Carol Webster enjoyed the preserve. It was a beautiful
morning for birding. Two guests joined our group as new members. Also another new member
joined from the field trip group that day led by Bunny and Jack Schneider. Our bird list for the day
totaled 33 including several migratory birds. We are happy to have them back
Our Saturday October 4 field trip to Felts Audubon Preserve was scheduled the same day as our Felts
Open House, so a number of our Open House guests were able to piggy-back on our tour. Butterfly
expert Fred Allen discovered the rare and beautiful Malachite butterfly for us. Lucette Wombacher
helped to identify a number of our regular Felts birds. We checked out the mucky route of our pro-
posed board walk and all agreed it is an exciting wilderness area that gives one the feeling of being in
the Amazon Rainforest. — Bunny and Jack Schneider
 Page 3

Volunteer now for TogetherGreen

Mark your calendar for Saturday November 8 when volunteers from Manatee and Sarasota
Audubon will convene 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Cortez Village to improve the Spartina marshes
Upcoming Events
at the FISH Preserve, short for the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. This will be Mana- Saturday 11/1
tee Audubon’s third TogetherGreen Volunteer Days event since receiving a $7,000 grant earlier Open House
this year to conduct a series of volunteer activities. The grant comes from a National Audubon Felts Preserve. 8 a.m. to noon
program sponsored by Toyota. Saturday 11/8
Volunteers needed for
Explains Barbara Singer, who chairs the Together/Green volunteer program for Manatee
TogetherGreen Event
Audubon, “Volunteer Days are all about helping you get involved and take action in the com- FISH in Cortez
munity to improve the health of our environment. We gave serious thought to how we could 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
support various community conservation efforts and make an impact on multiple projects.” Barbara Singer, 922-4488
FISH is an extensive habitat restoration program partially funded by Sarasota Bay Estuary Saturday 11/8
Program and other groups and individuals. When completed, the Preserve will be a healed link Field trip to Celery Fields
in an environmental chain with other Sarasota Bay and Pinecraft Park, Sarasota.
ecologically sensitive areas that have been pre- Depart Main Post Office 7:15 a.m.
served by programs of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Dee Hanny, 745-1553.
Program and other groups. It will help to protect Tuesday 11/18
local marine life, provide an open, green, cultural Field trip to Historic Spanish Point,
buffer between the village and encroaching devel- Osprey, to see burds that flock to
opment, and provide one more place where man- this 30-acre area. Entrance fee $5.
kind can say, “We did the right thing here.” Bring lunch and meet 7:15 a.m. be-
hind Blue Water Grill on Bayshore.
For the November 8 event at FISH, volunteers will work to improve the shoreline by removing Connie Zack, 758-2929.
invasive plants and discarded garbage. Singer promises that there will be “jobs for all levels of Thursday 11/20
volunteers­—from those who don’t mind getting wet and dirty to those who would rarther man Monthly meeting 7:30 p.m.
the refreshment table.” She expects 75 to 100 volunteers. “Please come out and support your First Presbyterian Church, 1402
organization,” Singer said. To register for a volunteer job, call her at 922-4488. Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
The first Manatee volunteer event was September 27 at Felts to plant 450 aquatic plants under Saturday 11/29
the guidance and direction of Russ Hoffman from Beautiful Ponds. The event drew 29 partici- Workday at Felts Audubon Preserve
pants representing Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Bay Buddies and Manatee Audubon. “With 8 a.m. to noon. Everyone invited.
their help, we have created additional habitat for water birds and improved the appearance of
the educational beds,” Singer said.
Bird class participants
The second event, held at Ballard Elementary School beginning October 1, was designed and
implemented by Karen Fraley of Around the Bend Nature Tours. She arranged for Beautiful
to receive surprise gift
Ballard Days by using the TogetherGreen Grant and requesting a grant from Florida Native By Nancy and Bob Dean
Plant Society. The event included designing six native plant beds and having all 600 Ballard The 2009 Manatee County Audubon
students participate by planting 250 plants and spreading 150 bags of mulch. Each grade had a Society Bird Course will include a sur-
specific bed to plant, mulch and monitor. This not only taught them the importance of native prise present for all participants from
instructors Nancy and Bob Dean. This
plants but also the pride in beautifying their school.
gift is an important bird watching tool
(no, not a pair of nitrogen-purged
Celery Fields: Saturday Nov. 8 with Dee Hanny binoculars). Why not build on your
This birding hot spot in a Sarasota sawgrass marsh area provides food birding knowledge and hone your
and habitat to a wide variety of birds. Join Dee Hanny, 745-1553, pic- skills by reserving space for the 2009
tured right, for a visit to Celery Fields and then check out the 22-acre course? To do so, call Nancy Dean
Pinecraft Park for more. Depart Main Post Office 7:15 a.m. at 941-792-9235. Course classes will
begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8:45
Spanish Point: Tuesday Nov. 18 with Connie Zack p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays of the
You may see hummingbirds, an Eagle’s nest, and perhaps a Bobcat, last two weeks of January. These class
said trip leader Connie Zack, 758-2929. “Not only will we be birding but learning about dates are January 19, 22, 26 and 29.
early settlers and the Palmer family’s formal gardens,” she said. “The usual entrance fee In addition, there will be two field trips
per person is $9 but we’ll pay $5. A tram is available for $2 per person if needed. Bring beginning at 7 a.m. on the last two
a lunch or go to Sweet Tomatoes for a salad buffet. We will meet at 7:15 a.m. behind the Saturdays, January 24 and 31. The
Bluewater Grill on Bayshore Drive and carpool from there. Take Route 41 South past the course fee is $35 for members of the
Publix/Target shopping plaza and the Sonic and Taco Bell restaurants on the right. At the Manatee Audubon. The $50 fee for
non-members includes the first year
next light, turn right onto Bayshore. Take the next left and park behind Bluewater. If you
of membership in MCAS.
want to meet us at Spanish Point, please be there by 8 a.m.”
 Page 4
Humming in Ecuador with Ron Mayberry
Audubon Assembly Report
Barbara Singer, Bunny and Jack
Schneider traveled to Crystal River
to participate in the annual Audu-
bon Assembly, October 24-25. Ev-
ery year Audubon of Florida up-
dates its state policy and regional
conservation plans and resolutions
for the upcoming year. Priorities for
2009 are:
Conserve sites and landscapes es-
sential for birds, conserve at-risk
Above is the Booted Racket-Tail hummingbird photo-
and declining common species of
graphed by Ron Mayberry in Ecuador. At left is Mayberry’s
birds, reduce greenhouse gas emis-
Sparkling Violetear hummer, also photographed in Ecua-
sions, increase the number and di-
dor. These are two pictures from the powerpoint program
versity of people taking conservation
that Mayberry will present Thursday November 20 at the
action, strengthen and expand field
monthly meeting of the Manatee County Audubon Society.
structure, build financial stability.
The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian
At Manatee Audubon, we are, and Church, 1402 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
will continue to be, mindful of
Audubon goals. It was inspiring to
meet many of the Florida Audubon
November 20 meeting will be a humdinger
staff and to see their relative youth, Renowned photographer, birder and MCAS member Ron Mayberry will share some of his
enthusiasm and dedication to con- beautiful photos of the Hummingbirds of Ecuador at the November 20 meeting. Ron is plan-
servation. ­— Bunny Schneider ning to present a “powerpoint about hummingbird physiology along with photos.” He took
the hummingbird photos over a seven-day period in Novenber 2006 at Ecuador’s Tandayapa
Birding Lodge. Of the more than 300 hummingbird species in the world, 123 are in Ecuador.
Welcome New Members Ron said he had constant access to hummingbirds
Susie Bowie, Dr. Carol Breyer, during his trip and was able to photograph them all
Tony and Carin Doddroe, Marcia day long. The globe-trotting Mayberry has a U.S.
J. Huff, Joan Irwin, Bonnie Floyd Caost Guard Captain License and is a Florida Mas-
and Cheryl Korth, Shirley ter Naturalist. He intends to return to Ecuador in
McGinnis, Bonnie Samuelsen
May 2009 to photograph hummers again, enroute to
(Adventure Florida), Margaret
Shoemake, Lisa Tofani,
Galapagos. That’s Ron at right with wife LaDonne
David W. Wilcox, William J. Willis
boating in Britsh Columbia.

Send your items for the newsletter to Molly McCartney

at msmccartney@sprintmail.com or call 778-3228.

Manatee County Audubon Society

PO Box 14550
Bradenton FL 34280-4550
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #970
MANASOTA, FL

November 2008 Newsletter