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

November 2009

Mark these dates
November 14 -15, (Saturday & Sunday), Ocali Days
November 24, (Tuesday), Lake George National Forest
December 7, (Monday), 2:00 p.m. Raptors in Flight
December 14, (Monday), Christmas Bird Count
January 4, (Monday) Christmas Bird Count
February 23, (Tuesday) Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
For more information about Marion Audubon Field Trips,
please call Carolyn at (352) 817-6715 or (352) 622-2850.
FLEXIBILTY WHAT’S
INSIDE?
  Our postcard change of venue notice for the October 22
meeting did not have room for explanation.  It is that the City Special Projects
Council chambers became unusable as you may have read Page 2
in the newspaper.  The Council cancelled all meetings in the
Field Trips
Community Room of Police Headquarters and set up shop
Page 3
there.  We are grateful that the Extension Service Auditorium
was available and given to us.  Another change, this for our Bird I.D. Classes
January meeting, our presenter John Canter has had to cancel
Nature Walks
his acceptance of our invitation.  We are still going to try to Coffee With Birds
feature the whooping crane at this meeting.  Check inside this Bird Counts
issue for up-to-date information.  Finding appropriate spaces Page 4
for meetings is not easy for a group like ours. Perhaps we should
hold Chapter meetings on Saturday when more spaces are Backyard Birding
Ocali Country Days
possible. If you have any thoughts to share with us -- please do!
Page 6
In any case, check our lineup of activities and pick at least Sneak Preview
one that you would like to attend.  We will be at OCALI Page 7
DAYS in November at Silver River State Park.  Stop by to
say hello -- and buy a raffle ticket!  See you there.  Upcoming Events
Page 8

Visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events And much more!!
at www.marioncountyaudubon.com. Conrad H. Massa, President
 Special Projects
Burrowing Owls: We have located these owls at the Ocala Airport. This is not new information
as they have been there for awhile. I could only see one pair but there are several burrows. I
have a couple more reports yet to be confirmed. Keep looking!
Retention Ponds: This is a great time to check out these wet ponds! Migrating birds are busy
moving in to our area. I am watching ponds on 25th Avenue from Hwy. 40 to 17th Street. Lots
of little Blues are new migrants. The pond on the new refurbished golf course is showing some
birds also. I am only checking two days a week so that is all it takes! I need some help. Where
are all of our birders? There are so many retention ponds that I know you are passing weekly.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to be surprised by migrating birds that stop at these ponds!
Take a kid with you!
November 14 -15, (Saturday & Sunday), Ocali Days at Silver River State Park.
Experience days gone by. The Good Ole Days! Great fun and hands on activities for
all ages. Spend a little time at our booth and then check out all the wonderful exhibits.
Please call to volunteer for only 2 hours on one of these days. Donation items for auction and
raffle are needed.
December 7, (Monday), 2:00 p.m. Raptors in Flight.
Professional Birder Norm Lantz will teach us to identify these birds seen in flight. All
participants in the Marion Audubon and Ocklawaha Valley Audubon Christmas Bird Counts
are encouraged to participate. Location: Brick City Park – 1211 SE 22nd Road. Located off
464A/SE Lake Weir Road in Ocala.
December 14, (Monday), Christmas Bird Count with Ocklawaha Valley Audubon. Volunteers
of all skill levels are needed. E-mail Peg Lindsay for info and to volunteer at pegcondor@
embarqmail.com for East of the Ocklawaha River or Barbara Gay stkite@triton.net for West
of the River.
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
http://www.marioncountyaudubon.com
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 Sneak Preview
October has been a whirlwind of conservation discussion as Florida Audubon prepared to assemble
on October 24th. We had a sneak preview of the potential discussions on October 13th when many of us attended
the Smart Growth/ Rainbow River Conservation forum about legislative threats to the Withlachoochee River
basin and area springs. Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy of Florida Audubon spoke about the variety of
growth management impacts. One of his top concerns is transportation planning.
Charles highlighted the planned expansion to the US Hwy 19/98 corridor that runs along the west
coast from the panhandle to Tampa. These planned expansions certainly deserve our utmost attention but since
that corridor does not transect Marion County boundaries, I’d like to call your attention to a transportation
issue that should be of concern.
In August, the Board of County Commissioners approved a land use change that would allow the
development of an enterprise park if funding for another interchange to I-75 at 95th Street is approved. Funding
is the key to understanding most issues in life. Funding for transportation infrastructure generally lags behind
and regardless of where you travel in the United States, the story is the same. We just never seem to be able
to keep pace with the growth in population.
The citizens of Marion County have generally been reluctant to impose additional taxes for roads.
This has placed our county in a difficult situation regarding the maintenance of State and Federal roads that
transect the county. Other counties, especially those in our transportation planning district, appear to be bona
fide players in the funding game. Thus, places like Orlando with high growth scenarios and seemingly solid
economic growth plans garner equally impressive road systems. Lots of interchanges are needed for the
metropolitan area of Orlando due to the high volume of tourism. However, I wonder if Marion County really
needs another interchange or if just a few want it?
The Marion County Future Traffic Circulation –2010 map includes three State Roads as principal
arterials: (1) the section of SR 200 west of I-75 to County Road 484, (2) the section of SR 40 east of the SR
326 and (3) SR 326 east of I-75. Interstate 75 is classified as being a freeway with limited access; I question
the need for another access point, especially the proposed 95th St. location. This is not only a question of
conservation due to the potential impact to the Shady Area and Greenway but clearly an issue of economics.
I believe we must be thankful for the past investments by the State to provide transportation
infrastructure in Marion County. However, I believe that as a growing community we should step to the plate
as self sufficient and capable of providing a county network of roadways to alleviate congestion on State and
Federal roadways. Instead of spending local, state and federal tax dollars on another I-75 interchange, why not
spend dollars on expanding and improving internal roadways such as 475 and 475A in the 95th Street area?
Judy Greenberg
Vice President & Conservation Chairman
Go where the birds are . . .
www.floridabirdingtrail.com
 Backyard Birding
The weather has not cooled appreciably in the last month. Not many migratory
birds have appeared in my backyard. A beautiful Yellow Throated Warbler enjoyed
my bird bath. A first was an American Redstart flying around my backyard.
Recently a Cooper’s Hawk (maybe Sharp-shinned) has taken up residence in my
area. I have observed him on the ground in my front yard and also perched on a
tree limb overlooking my feeders. The question is, should I chase him away or
leave him alone? He is just doing his thing, killing and eating song birds. On the other hand, my
bird feeders are artificial gathering areas for song birds. What would you do? Hope to see you at our
next meeting or at one of our birding hikes.
Larry Sutton
Ocali Country Days
Saturday, November 14, 2009 & Sunday, November 15, 2009, 9 am – 4 pm
Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center Ocala, Florida (next to Silver Springs)
Step back in time to the Florida frontier at the 2009 Ocali Country Days Festival. This popular
festival features Florida history, folk art and food. Experience old time music, storytellers and historical
re-enactors portraying life on a late 1800’s Marion County farmstead. View traditional craft demonstrations
such as log cabin building, sugarcane syrup making, blacksmithing, quilting, spinning, woodworking, and
more. Vendors will also offer unique crafts and food for sale.
While here, visit the Silver River Museum, ride our tram through the State Park, tour a Civil War
encampment, or meet Seminole Tribal members to learn about Native American culture in Florida. A special
collection of antique quilts will be on display in our library. A live auction will also be held Saturday at 1 p.m.
All proceeds from the festival support the educational programs at the Silver River Museum.
The Silver River Museum is located within the Silver River State Park near Silver Springs. Enter the
park from Baseline Road (CR 35) one mile south of SR 40. Festival admission is $5 per person with children
age six and under admitted free. Current US military personnel admitted free (with ID). State Park admission
and parking are free. Call (352) 236-5401 or visit us on the web at www.SilverRiverMuseum.com for more
information.
A Cruising Down the River
You are invited aboard The Anhinga Spirit.
Experience the Ocklawaha River.
The wildest Outstanding Florida Waterway. Trips are
custom designed, educational and fun!
Licensed by USCG • 352-546-5718
captainerikaritter@yahoo.com
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Marion County Audubon Society Field Trips
Please join us on these outings sponsored by the Marion County Audubon
Society. We welcome everyone interested in nature. For more information call
Carolyn Retey at (352) 817-6715. Always bring binoculars, water and insect
repellant.
◦   Tuesday November 24, 2009 Lake George National Forest, Bluffington Recreation Area
(Great Florida Birding Trail East, Site 41).
Meet at the site at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, insect repellant, binoculars and a hat. Call
Carolyn Retey if you are interested in carpooling.
◦ Monday December 14, 2009 – Christmas Bird Count, Southeast Marion Co.
Meet at the Blue House, Sunnyhill Restoration Area (Great Florida Birding Trail East, Site
37). Contact Norm Lantz at villagebirder@mtnsip.com for more information.
◦ Monday January 4, 2010 Christmas Bird Count, Southwest Marion Co.
Contact Norm Lantz at villagebirder@mtnsip.com for more information.
◦ Tuesday February 23, 2010 Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area (Great Florida Birding
Trail East, Site 31)
Meet at the site at 9:00 a.m. If you are interested in carpooling, call Carolyn Retey.
◦  Thursday March 18, 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. Meet at Ray Wayside
Park, Route 40 East at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person.
◦  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. Meet at Ray Wayside
Park, Route 40 East at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person.
◦ Thursday April 8, 2010 Baby Blues – You must call Captain Vince at (352) 690-7140 to
reserve a space as this is a boat trip and space is limited. Meet at Moss Bluff Park (South
side) at 9:30 a.m. and cruse to the heron rookery and back to the boat ramp. Cost is $10.00
per person. You may want to enjoy lunch at the Dam Diner after the cruise.
◦ Friday April 9, 2010 Baby Blues – You must call Captain Vince at (352) 690-7140 to
reserve a space as this is a boat trip and space is limited. Meet at Moss Bluff Park (South
side) at 9:30 a.m. and cruse to the heron rookery and back to the boat ramp. Cost is $10.00
per person. You may want to enjoy lunch at the Dam Diner after the cruise.
 Marion County Parks and Recreation Birds of a Feather Date__________
Beginning Bird Identification Classes Flock Together Name______________________________
Are you curious about the little brown bird in your bird feeder? Can you identify the hawk on the Marion Audubon Society, Inc. offers a local chapter
membership option to those who wish to be involved in
Address____________________________
power pole at the end of your driveway? Are you wondering about the woodpecker living in your
palm tree? Join us to learn basic birding identification skills so you can recognize the birds in Marion County’s environmental issues and activities. City________________ Zip____________
Local Audubon membership includes a monthly
and around Ocala/Marion County. These Marion County Parks and Recreation sponsored classes (during the winter) issue of The Scrub Jay, Marion Phone______________ Fax____________
meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Brick City Adventure Park, 1300 SE 22nd Road, Ocala. You Audubon’s newsletter. E mail_ ____________________________
must call (352) 671-8560 to pre-register. The class is $10.00 per person, $15.00 for couples. The The newsletter has information on meetings,
$10 membership paid by
class meets on the following dates: programs, activities, issues for your involvement and
guided field trips to identify native birds, flora and fauna. ____cash ___check
Saturday October 31, 2009 Saturday February 27, 2010
Dues are $10 annually. A bargain! ____new ___renewal
Saturday January 30, 2010 Saturday March 27, 2010
Three easy ways to join: Prior Audubon chapter elsewhere?
1. Go online and sign up at:
Marion County Parks and Recreation Nature Walks www.marioncountyaudubon.com
_____yes____no
Get outside and test your observation skills with a nature walk. Meet at the site at 9:30 a.m. 2. Print the online form and mail it to us. Are you willing to serve an active role?
Bring a hat, binoculars, water and insect repellant. For more information call (352) 671-8560. 3. Use the form above, and mail it to: _____yes ____no
The dates and locations of the nature walks are:
We need you now!
Marion Audubon Society, Inc.
o   Saturday November 14, 2009 at Blue Run Trail P.O. Box 5616
o   Saturday December 5, 2009 at Carney Island Ocala, Fl 34478
o   Saturday January 9, 2010 at Sunnyhill (The Blue House)
o   Saturday February 6, 2010 at Horseshoe Lake
o   Saturday March 6, 2010 at Moss Bluff (North Side) OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Coffee with the Birds
2009-2010
Officers:
A Silver River State Park sponsored bird walk the third Saturday of each month.
President      Conrad H. Massa chml@sprynet.com
Meet at the Pavilion next to the Library at Silver River State Park at 8 a.m. The
Vice-President   Judy Greenberg judymg@gmail.com
first walk will be October 17th. Bring water, binoculars and insect repellant.
Treasurer   Larry Sutton mfs11@embarqmail.com
Nature Walk at Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park Secretary    Vicki Stapp peteandlucy@cox.net
Walk with a ranger every month beginning in November. Call (352) 466-4100 to register. The Directors (in alphabetical order):
event is limited to 25 participants and you must register to walk. Ron Broman berbroman@sysmatrix.net
Teresa Darnell dunnmovn@bellsouth.net Jim Yaich will continue as Webmaster
Christmas Bird Count Vince Druding captvince@embarqmail.com (jameyaich@gmail.com)
The first Christmas Bird Count will be in Southeast Marion County on December 14, 2009. Jane Eberts janeeberts@aol.com
On January 4, 2010 the second bird count will be in Southwest Marion County. For more Jane Pope msjane@embarqmail.com Rosalie Coyner will assume the
information or to volunteer contact Norm Lantz at villagebirder@mtnsip.com. Carolyn Retey fernyfarms@aol.com responsibilities of Database Coordinator
Erika Ritter captainerikaritter@yahoo.com (rosalie.coyner@cox.net).
Rainbow Springs Guided Bird Walks Bob Stenstream ras19@embarqmail.com
Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 8 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. Bring binoculars and
a bird field guide. For more information call (352) 465-8555. All of the above serve as volunteers without any compensation.
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