FIELD TRIPS

HUMMER
th
Wednesday Feb 17
Lake Woodruff NWR Caravan Driving Tour
Meet at the parking lot at 8:45 AM
Arnette Sherman 386-734-5840
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Saturday March 6th
Beginning birding at Lake Beresford Park
With Arnette Sherman - Meet at the pavilion
behind the bathrooms at 9:00 AM
Contact Bonnie Cary for reservations
(386) 736-5276
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Thursday March 18th
Blue Springs boat trip & picnic
Boat leaves at 10:00 am board at 9:45 AM
$18/per person with 20 or more people.
Reservations required-prepay by February 28th.
$6.00 park entrance fee per car so make plans to
car pool
THE
NEWSLETTER OF WEST VOLUSIA AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.
A Chapter of Audubon of Florida and National Audubon Society
Published monthly September – April (except for December)
VOL. 42, NO. 4 February, 2010
ACTIVITIES/ FESTIVALS
Feb. 13th - Family Day at Stetson
Gillespie Museum and Rinker Environmental Learning Center
231 & 234 E. Michigan 10 AM to 2 PM
Admission Free
"For the Love of Birds and Bugs," "The Bugliness of Florida," exhibition
of insect photographs by Stetson University Biology Professor Peter
May.
"Workshop on Backyard Bird Habitats" by Karyn Hoffman, West Volusia
Audubon Society.
Information: Gillespie Museum, 386-822-7330
www.gillespiemuseum@stetson.edu.

Feb. 20th – Scrub-Jay Festival

WELCOME NEW Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) 9 AM - 3:30 PM

MEMBERS The family event will celebrate the Florida Scrub-Jay, which is the only
bird unique to Florida. Visitors will learn about the Scrub-Jay, which is a
Frances Alioto threatened species, and the scrub habitat where it makes its home.
Meriam Dumot The festival will offer live music in the Deltona Amphitheater, guided
Albert Flowers nature walks in Lyonia Preserve, presentations and activities for
V Fogarty children in the LEC, and environmental displays in the Deltona Regional
Janice Hileman Library auditorium.
Carol Hoepfi
Sonia Larrabee Admission to the festival, the environmental center and Lyonia Preserve
Denise Naidu will be free.
Mary Prather West Volusia Audubon is a co-sponsor.
Vera Reno
Jack Turk http://lyoniapreserve.com/festival/

March 6th - Four Townes Rotary Riverfest

February 23rd
Gemini Springs Park, DeBary 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Woman’s Club of DeLand
128 W. Michigan Ave. This free festival focuses on the St. Johns River and the great outdoors,
with displays, arts and crafts, demonstrations, kids’ rides, live
6:30 PM Mix and Mingle entertainment, games and delicious fried catfish dinners. (386) 789-
7:00 PM Program 2532

Ray Scory, Sundays in February 2-4 PM

Award Winning
Roger Fulton will be hosting wildlife tours at the Lake Woodruff NWR.
Professional Photographer
The tour depends on the group, but generally covers about 1.5 miles
over 1.5 hours. Up to 25 species of birds and other wildlife are often
Short meeting to follow seen. It is free. Just show up at the end of Mud Lake Road. If you get
Wheelchair accessible, public welcome lost, or have questions, call Roger’s cell 386-956-6089 or contact him
through his webpage at www.rogerfulton.com
 RESTORATION COUNT RESULTS.
On Jan.18th 16 birders converged on Restoration to help us
build a base line series of bird counts. We were joined by
members of both Halifax River and South-East Volusia
Audubons, and their help was much appreciated. In all we
saw some 1797 birds of 45 species. Again we had scattered
reports of Brown-headed Nuthatches and a Hairy
Woodpecker from a known location. There were three
additions to a still very short list (77 species), we added
Cooper's Hawk, Chipping Sparrow and American Goldfinch.
The weather was great and all the groups, bar one, had easy
walking, no water. However the intrepid leaders Karyn
Hoffman and I walked some 4 of our 6 miles through water
up to one foot deep. In June this area had water at least 2
foot deep. It’s got Karyn talking about kayaks...
Please join us on our next count. We will not make you wade
through the water. This count will be in April, date to be
announced.
Harry Robinson
MERRITT ISLAND FIELD TRIP
A total of 23 birders joined us for this all day field trip on
Jan.28th. We again welcomed guests from Halifax River
Audubon. The weather was great, clear skies and light winds.
The first place we looked at had some 500 shorebirds
including large numbers of Dunlin and Red Knot. Both
Dowitcher species and Marbled Godwits were also seen. Later
on Black Point Drive we stopped for lunch with Roseate
Spoonbills at our feet, and a myriad of ducks covering the
surface of an impoundment. Most were Northern Pintails and
American Wigeons. There were smaller numbers of Northern
Shoveler and Blue-winged Teal. Later we traveled along the
shore of Mosquito Lagoon with views of Buffleheads and a
drake Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebes failed to show
well. In total we saw at least 75 species. In all a great day's
birding.
Harry Robinson
Merritt Island
Photos by
Vivienne Powis
LAKE APOPKA WITH HARRY
The intrepid birders met Harry at the parking
lot and 5 cars trailed off to Lake Apopka. 34 degrees
registered on my vehicles dash board...and it never
went over 37!!!
We all had several jackets and hats gloves and
scarves with spares in the trunk. Hand warmers from
Wal-Mart are a future purchase I shall make by the
case! Heated seats are a true luxury I shall be sure
any future auto purchase comes with! No matter how
cold we thought we were at times, the birds we saw
all were in survival mode, trying to stuff into their
bellies more calories than they would need, to warm
them in the days and nights to come. The warblers
allowed us to get closer than I had seen before, they
we too busy searching for food to care about our
presence. We saw some truly terrific birds like the
Brown Pelican that flew in almost as Harry mentioned
it. Green and Night Herons graced the branches of
small trees and tussocks near the waters. There were
ducks by the hundreds, goofy, gorgeous Black Bellied
Whistlers, and Ring necks, Widgeon and Ruddies. As
a novice I'm afraid the ducks all ran together, if I
remember how to recognize 2 types for next year I
shall be happy! The tiny birds popped in and out of
our view, Savannah Sparrows and Yellow Rumps,
along with a beautiful little Orange Crown.
Harry and his crew generously helped us see a
lovely female Indigo Bunting who stayed in place for
all of us to see, and of course the Ash Throated
Flycatcher who is really quite famous now. Several
Bald Eagles, Osprey and Northern Harriers took fish
right in front of us and smaller falcons were seen
stuffing themselves with prey. We managed to rack
up over 60 species. It was a total success as far as
we were all concerned, Thanks, Harry and to all of
you, who, watching our Birding Ps and Qs made
Saturday a very enjoyable day.
Vivienne Powis
AUDUBON ADVENTURES
Sponsor a classroom today! We have 29 teachers signed up,
but only 16 sponsors. Please be generous with your
donations.
In order to get the “Action for Planet Earth” kit into a 4th-6th
grade classroom, send a check made out to West Volusia
Audubon for $46, earmarked for “Audubon Adventures”, This
edition will focus on energy, water, and habitat issues, and
on getting involved in community projects for the good of the
planet, the community, and individuals.
Share the cost with a friend! Designate a specific teacher or
school. Home school classes are welcome! (Individual kits are
$25.) Help spread the environmental word!
Donna Reynolds / Education Chairman
 Audubon and Science Fairs-2010
John Eggert
The role of Audubon in our society is a multi-faceted
one. A special area of interest has always been
education.
On Saturday January 30, 2010 at Atlantic High School,
I saw Audubon in action. Three Audubon chapters
participated in helping to support Volusia County’s
Science Fair. The Science Department of Volusia
County Schools asked our three local chapters to help
out by providing judges, one or more from each
chapter (West Volusia Audubon Society, Halifax River
Audubon Society and South East Volusia Audubon
Society). In addition each chapter made a $100
donation which was used to reward the winners and
runners-up.
A decision had to be made as to which projects
pertained to Audubon’s mission. Earth Science,
conservation and engineering were among the areas
that we thought were pertinent. The judges had their
hands full evaluating the many projects submitted by
the students. The students in the senior and junior
divisions were interviewed and decisions were made.
Each division had a winner and a runner-up.
It was a somewhat hectic half day, but it was worth it.
The students and teachers can be proud of their efforts.
The winners of the $100 Cash Awards:
Junior division-Chase Antilla, Buddy Taylor Middle
School (Flagler), Project Title: “What duration of
ultraviolet exposure kills bacteria”
Senior Division-Kelton Williams, DeLand High School,
Project title: “Environmental effects on banana
ripening and sugar content”
The winners of the $50 Cash Awards:
Junior Division-Michelle He, Creekside Middle School
(Port Orange), Project title: “What are some natural
ant repellants”
Senior Division-Katelyn Zerringue, DeLand High School,
Project title: “What is the most effective fuel: bio-
diesel, B50 bio-diesel, O-diesel”
Great Backyard Bird Count February 12 - 15th
Go to www.birdcount.org for more information
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Arnette Sherman
I have had a great birding start to the New Year.
My sister, Cyndy, had Painted Buntings in her
yard and I would dash over to try and see them
and they would usually be gone. I now have my
own Painted Buntings coming to my feeders and
had 4 beautiful males at one time! Be on the
lookout and you might also see them.
I have been watching an Eagle nest near our
home for the Eagle Watch Program and have
found both parents in or at the nest and have
just seen one baby. We also spotted what
appeared to be an Eagle nest while on the
Christmas bird count and went back to check on
it. Cyndy brought her scope with and we did see
two Eaglets in the nest with the parents feeding
them. It is exciting to find a new nest that is
not on the list.
Arnette Sherman Photo (nest on upper left corner)
We are getting the West Volusia Audubon Room
ready at the Wildlife Rehab Center at 441 S.
Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. It will be open to the
public starting March 1st, Mon.-Fri. 10am-2pm,
Sat: 10am-4pm, Sun: 1 pm-4pm. You can check
out their website, www.ARKsaves.com.
Volunteers are needed to man the center and to
help with the birds and critters care and
transport. Gopher Tortoises have already been
treated at the center and released back into the
wild. Your donations are welcome.
I hope to see you at the Festivals, outings or our
next meeting.
NOMINATIONS
The nominating committee is asking for
suggestions for officers for the coming year.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Call
Gloria Johnson at 822-9700.
Phil Gotschall, died on January 31st. He was a longtime
Audubon member and very active as a volunteer at DeLeon
Springs State Park. He will be missed.
 NONPROFIT ORG.
WEST VOLUSIA AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.
P.O. BOX 1268, DELAND, FL 32721 - 1268 US POSTAGE PAID
MID-FL, FL
PERMIT NO. 20578

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FL Lic. # AL 11216

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The business cards that you see here are from individuals
that have donated money to help support our newsletter.
ARNETTE SHERMAN, REALTOR®
Please support them in their business if you can. Cell 386-748-1499
Office/fax 386-734-5840
e-mail arnette@cfl.rr.com
www.edshermanrealty.com

ED SHERMAN REALTY LLC

1325 S. Spring Garden Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720

Vivienne Powis R.N.

administrator

734-4773
775-2600
2085 S. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL 32720
FAX: 386-734-6999
386.740.9117
vivienne@lindenleafla.com
1180 Jackson Ranch Rd www.LindenLeaFLA.com
DeLand, FL 32724
EMAIL: olenasty@ hotmail.com FL Lic. # AL 11216

The board of West Volusia Audubon has voted to create a new website that we can monitor and easily update. The
current web pages that are on the Volusia County site will remain. Ideas, feedback and contributions are welcome.
Contact: Karyn Hoffman at alafia1@earthlink.net or Ed Sherman at esherman1@cfl.rr.com .

www.westvolusiaaudubon.org www.volusia.org/birding/wvaudubon.htm