Scrub Jay

Marion Audubon Society, Inc.

Non-Profit Org.
P.O. Box 5616
U.S.Postage
Ocala, FL 34478
Paid
Ocala, FL
Return Service Requested
Permit No. 255

Marion Audubon Society Inc. Newsletter

January 2010

Mark these dates
Saturday, February 6, 2010 Horseshoe Lake - Nature Walk
Tuesday February 23, 2010 Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
Saturday, March 6, 2010 Moss Bluff (North Side) - Nature Walk
Thursday March 18, 2010 Silver River Water Birds
Friday March 19, 2010 Silver River Water Birds
Thursday April 8, 2010 Baby Blues
Friday April 9, 2010 Baby Blues
For more information about Marion Audubon Field Trips,
please call Carolyn at (352) 817-6715 or (352) 622-2850.
Visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events
at www.marioncountyaudubon.com.
WHAT’S
MARION AUDUBON SPONSORS INSIDE?
CRANE MIGRATION
Programs
     Your Board of Directors has voted to be a sponsor of the whooping Page 2
crane migration which many of us follow each year.  I have seen some Conservation
of you at Dunnellon Airport on a usually cold morning in January, Update
stomping your feet to keep warm and sipping from a steaming thermos.  Page 3
The brave pilots of the ultralight aircraft and the entire support staff
Plan to Attend
are a marvelously dedicated group who make real sacrifices to ensure
Page 4
the continuing existence of this beautiful and graceful bird.  We are
sponsoring one of the final miles of the birds’ flight. To learn more about Field Trips
the whooping crane and to hear a report of the Christmas bird count, be Nature Walks
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sure to attend our Chapter Meeting on January 28. Details inside this issue.
     Our December 7 program on raptor identification was attended Backyard Birding
by a very large group eager to share Norm Lantz’ presentation.  Our Page 7
presence at Ocali Days and the fund raising efforts made possible a Upcoming Events
good donation to Owls of Ocala at a particularly opportune time for Page 8
them. Our special concern for the burrowing owl brought about an
And much more!!
excellent article by Jennifer Waters in the December 12 edition of the
Star-Banner.  We are not a large organization, but we make an impact and are grateful to you
for your support.  Please remember to renew
your Audubon membership either with our
local chapter or with National which gives
you membership in the Marion Chapter
automatically and also gets you the beautiful
Audubon magazine.  Hope to see you on
January 28.

Conrad H. Massa, President

 Programs Backyard Birding
Our next program will be held at Brick City Park which has recently undergone some renovations January has come in with the coldest weather I have encountered in my 40
to allow for classes and programs. The park is located off of South Lake Weir Avenue at 1211 S.E. years in Florida. Birds need more food when we get these arctic blasts. Make
22nd Road or 464A that runs between Rays Sport City on Hwy. 441 and Hwy. 464(17th Street).
sure your feeders are full.
There are signs at the entrance to Brick City Park, parking is close to the door and the area is well lit.

Whooping Cranes in Florida. Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:00 If you haven’t participated in the Christmas Bird
p.m., Brick City Park. Guest speaker Tim Dellinger, Biological Count, you are missing a great event. The East Marion
Scientist III, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and event took me to Emeralda Marsh, located on the east
Wildlife Conservation Commission. We will have a power point side of Lake Griffin. The weather was great and we
presentation on our Whooping Cranes in Florida. Did you know saw many birds, though nothing rare. Yesterday, I
they are here year round? Join us to learn about these huge birds
piloted my boat up the Rainbow River with a group of enthusiastic and
and their habitat. The Christmas Bird Count results will also be
reported. Plan to join us.
frozen birders. We could have passed for Eskimos, the way we were
dressed. I was amazed at the quantities of birds we saw. Large flocks of
Rally for the Rivers. Festival runs February 12th through the14th in Palatka. We will be presenting “Birds of Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds. There were many water birds such
the Ocklawaha” and focusing on what restoration means to their fishy food chain. Lots of birds that prey on as Anhingas, Cormorants, Wood
fish have had to move closer to the St. Johns River where the large schools of migrating fish are locked out Ducks and Grebes. Wading birds
of the Ocklawaha River by Rodman Dam. Our fishing folks have had to relocate their hooks to catch these were everywhere on the river though we only counted
locked out fish. Remember those large catfish at Silver Springs? And the highly anticipated annual spawning
two Limpkins. Amazingly we did not spot even one
run of the Striped Bass to Silver Springs? Maybe not, as these have been lost to us in Marion County since
the completion of the Dam in 1968. Get involved to learn and volunteer to teach others about this ecosystem
homo sapien on the river or its banks. I wonder why?
at the festival. Call Erika Ritter to participate at (352) 546-5718.
Larry Sutton
Burrowing owls report. Wow, thanks to the recent article in the Star Banner, I received about 10 calls on
locations in and around Marion Co. It will take me awhile to check out these sites. It was a great relief to
get calls that the owls are surviving. If you want to help with verifying these locations, give me a call at A Website for your “favorites” list:
352-546-5718. Site includes bird clubs in the USA organized by state with direct links for 100 top U.S. birding
hot spots, hotels near birding hot spots and you can search over 30 travel sites at once, to the
Retention Pond bird survey report. So far it has been an exciting study. Lots of ducks are coming into these
ponds. Participate by calling or e-mailing your favorite pond to me at captainerikaritter@yahoo.com or just
lowest rates, on one page. Visit www.birdwatch.com.
keep a list and pictures of the birds that you see! Report your observations once a month.

Get ready for “The Great Backyard Bird Count”. Visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/, for more information
on this fun count taking place Feb. 12th through Feb. 15th, 2010.

Captain Erika Ritter 

http://acruisingdowntheriver.com http://www.captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com
http://www.prospectorcabins.com http://www.ocklawahariverlandings.net
http://www.tailgateramps.com http://www.pcecweb.org Go where the birds are . . .
http://www.marioncountyaudubon.com www.floridabirdingtrail.com
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 Marion Audubon Society Field Trips Conservation Update
Please join us on these outings sponsored by the Marion County Audubon Society. We welcome March Into Spring with Greater Conservation
everyone interested in nature. For more information call Carolyn Retey at (352) 817-6715. Always Knowledge & Skills
bring binoculars, water and insect repellent.
Tuesday February 23, 2010 Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area (Great Florida Birding Trail East,   Kick up your heels with the wee little ones to uncover the secrets of our local natural environment.
Site 31) Regardless of whether you have an ounce of Irish blood or none at all - March is the perfect time to explore
Meet at the site at 9:00 a.m. If you are interested in carpooling, call Carolyn Retey. and educate.
What follows from exploring the natural environment? Conservation, of course. When we discover our
Thursday March 18, 2010 Silver River Water Birds – You must call Captain passion for the environment and then follow with education - naturally we want to conserve what we love.
Vince at (352) 690-7140 to reserve a space as this is a boat trip and space is Opportunity To Explore - March 10, 2010 - Natural Systems Citizen Education Program. This program
limited. Meet at Ray Wayside Park, Route 40 East at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per includes volunteer docents representing Marion Audubon, Garden Club and Native Plant Society. The
person. beginning of Our Possibilities through Partnerships; come make it happen.
Friday March 19, 2010 Silver River Water Birds – You must call Captain Vince
at (352) 690-7140 to reserve a space as this is a boat trip and space is limited. Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.
Meet at Ray Wayside Park, Route 40 East at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person. Member Clubs Located in the Heart of Florida
Thursday April 8, 2010 Baby Blues – You must call Captain Vince at (352) 690-7140 to reserve a Invite You to Join Us for an Exciting New Program
space as this is a boat trip and space is limited. Meet at Moss Bluff Park (South side) at 9:30 a.m. and The Natural Systems Citizen Education Program
cruse to the heron rookery and back to the boat ramp. Cost is $10.00 per person. You may want to March 10, 2010
enjoy lunch at the Dam Diner after the cruise 10:00 AM To 1:30 PM
Friday April 9, 2010 Baby Blues – You must call Captain Vince at (352) 690-7140 to reserve a space
This program is part of the Living Earth Environmental Study Series sponsored by National Garden
as this is a boat trip and space is limited. Meet at Moss Bluff Park (South side) at 9:30 a.m. and cruse
Clubs, Inc. The study series is utilized by Garden Clubs across the United States to educate members and the
to the heron rookery and back to the boat ramp. Cost is $10.00 per person. You may want to enjoy public about the natural environment. We are pleased to offer the general public and affiliate organizations
lunch at the Dam Diner after the cruise. an opportunity to learn
together at The Shady
Marion County Parks and Recreation Nature Walks Grove Preserve in West
Get outside and test your observation skills with a nature walk. Meet at the site at 9:30 a.m. Marion County. This
Bring a hat, binoculars, water and insect repellent. For more information call (352) 671-8560. program includes
a walking tour to
Saturday, February 6, 2010 @ Horseshoe Lake identify seven different
Saturday, March 6, 2010@ Moss Bluff (North Side) ecosystems. This is a
private preserve, maintained solely by the landowner, Marnie Hutcheson. Check out the preserve at
www.ShadyGrovePreserve.com.
A Cruising Down the River For Program Details Contact: Judy Greenberg 352-871-1094
You are invited aboard The Anhinga Spirit. Expand your conservation skills and learn about more “Possibilities Through Partnerships” at the Audubon
Experience the Ocklawaha River. Academy, March 26th – 28th, 2010.
The wildest Outstanding Florida Waterway. Trips are
custom designed, educational and fun! See you in March to explore and educate,
Licensed by USCG • 352-546-5718
captainerikaritter@yahoo.com Judy Greenberg, Conservation Chairman
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 PLAN TO ATTEND Birds of a Feather Date__________
Florida Bluebird Society Meeting  Flock Together Name______________________________
The semi-annual meeting of the officers and board members of the Florida Bluebird Society will be held Marion Audubon Society, Inc. offers a local chapter
membership option to those who wish to be involved in
Address____________________________
Saturday, February 27, at 10:30 a.m. in the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. 
  In addition to being the semi-annual meeting of the officers and board, members who want to become Marion County’s environmental issues and activities. City________________ Zip____________
actively involved are invited to attend.  If you are planning to join or would like to become a member, this Local Audubon membership includes a monthly
(during the winter) issue of The Scrub Jay, Marion Phone______________ Fax____________
would be a great opportunity to meet fellow members and officers and to get involved while signing up.
  This also is a call for agenda items.  If you have a topic you believe should be placed on the meeting Audubon’s newsletter. E mail_ ____________________________
The newsletter has information on meetings,
agenda, please get that information to Bill Pennewill, FBS President, at billsbluebirds@yahoo.com, as $10 membership paid by
programs, activities, issues for your involvement and
promptly as possible. ____cash ___check
  All officers, board members and interested members should let Bill know as soon as possible whether or
guided field trips to identify native birds, flora and fauna.
not they plan to attend the meeting. Dues are $10 annually. A bargain! ____new ___renewal
  Prior to the meeting an agenda and any necessary related material will be sent to those individuals who Three easy ways to join: Prior Audubon chapter elsewhere?
indicate that they will attend. 1. Go online and sign up at: _____yes____no
  Barbie Arms will be distributing free live mealworms to attendees who would like to have them to feed www.marioncountyaudubon.com
2. Print the online form and mail it to us. Are you willing to serve an active role?
their bluebirds.  Please contact Barbie by email at allaboutartgalry@aol.com or phone (352) 369-4899 to
put your order in at least 2 weeks before the meeting so the mealworms can be harvested and prepared for 3. Use the form above, and mail it to: _____yes ____no

We need you now!

transport and distribution.  Marion Audubon Society, Inc.
  The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is located at 4700 S.W. 58th Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32068. P.O. Box 5616
  The entrance is on S.W. Archer Road (State Road 24), one mile west of Interstate 75 (Exit #384). Ocala, Fl 34478
  Please do not hesitate to contact Bill Pennewill if you have any questions or comments.

Florida Scrub Jay Festival OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The first annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival, which is being sponsored by the Northeast Florida Scrub
Working Group, is scheduled for February 20, 2010, at Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona.  The goal 2009-2010
of the festival is to educate the public about the scrub-jay, its unique habitat, other scrub wildlife, and the Officers:
management of scrub habitat.  The event will offer guided nature walks in Lyonia Preserve, live music, food, President      Conrad H. Massa chml@sprynet.com
activities for children, environmental displays, and presentations.  Although the festival is in Volusia County, Vice-President   Judy Greenberg judymg@gmail.com
we would like to involve surrounding counties to make this a regional event.  Treasurer   Larry Sutton mfs11@embarqmail.com
The organizers of the event, who represent a diverse group of agencies and non-profit organizations, are
Secretary    Vicki Stapp peteandlucy@cox.net
looking for volunteers to help us with the festival.  Prior to the festival, we need people to help coordinate
volunteers and sponsorships, to help us keep track of our budget, and to design printed materials and Directors (in alphabetical order):
souvenirs.  On the day of the festival, we need volunteers to help set up, tear down, and assist musicians and Ron Broman berbroman@sysmatrix.net
speakers, and direct visitors.  If anyone from Marion County Audubon is interested in any of these roles, Teresa Darnell dunnmovn@bellsouth.net Jim Yaich will continue as Webmaster
please let me know.  Even if you are unable to volunteer, we hope to see you at the festival.  This is a great Vince Druding captvince@embarqmail.com (jameyaich@gmail.com)
opportunity for us to get the word out about this fascinating bird and its unique habitat.  Thank you for your
Jane Eberts janeeberts@aol.com
assistance.
Jane Pope msjane@embarqmail.com Rosalie Coyner will assume the
Craig Faulhaber Carolyn Retey fernyfarms@aol.com responsibilities of Database Coordinator
Florida Scrub-Jay Conservation Coordinator Erika Ritter captainerikaritter@yahoo.com (rosalie.coyner@cox.net).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Bob Stenstream ras19@embarqmail.com
1239 SW 10th Street, Ocala, FL 34471
Office 352.732.1225 • Fax 352.732.1391 All of the above serve as volunteers without any compensation.
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