TAMPA AUDUBON SOCIETY

“To conserve and re-

store our ecosystems,
focusing on birds,
wildlife, and their
habitats, through
education, advocacy,
and community in-
volvement.”

Volume XX. Issue 5 www.tampaaudubon.org May/June 2009

NEW MEETING PLACE

Century Buick Pontiac GMC Training Room
3308 W. Hillsborough Ave.
S.W. corner of W. Hillsborough Ave
and Lincoln Ave.
“It’s day!” Carolina Wren bosses, “Wake up! Wake up!”
Second Thursday of the month
Mix, Mingle & Munch at 7 PM
Meeting at 7:15
Titmice and Carolina Chickadees race and grab seeds as
May 14 - Landscaping for
Birds, Butterflies & Wildlife
Shirley and Greg Williams, owners of Wildbirds
Unlimited, will offer the best tips and advice on
attracting wildlife, especially birds and butterflies,
to your own yard. Don’t miss this exciting pro-
gram on converting your environment to habi-
tat!
Deeper Twilight, sweet chirps of Cardinal pair finishing
June 11 - Tampa Audubon Photography Club:
The Art of Nature
Joe Bailey and Dan Harnley lead Tampa Audubon
Photography Club’s artists as they share their best pic-
tures and offer insights in nature interpretation. Every
year, this presentation is our most engaging meeting.
This is also our summer Covered Dish Dinner, so
bring your favorite dish to share.
Feather Circle
John Charles Miller
© 2006
Pecka-peck of Downy Woodpecker
Rattle-rasp of Red-bellied Woodpecker
Happy trees welcome a cleaning
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers harvest insect monsters from
spreading oaks
American Goldfinches hog a swinging, swaying feeder
big guys leave
Jaybird chuckles and screams; fake hawk calls to excite
Mockingbird peace-singing everyone’s song
Sunny and hot
Hummingbird protects Firespike and Jatropha
Mini-screams and zooming
Waits patiently until bees finish.
High and elegant in red maple tree
Great Crested Flycatcher watches all with soft “tweep”
Higher, Black Vultures cruise
Looking, looking, looking, looking
Twilight, fat hummingbird leaves flowers to hummer
moths
work
Night, soft trilled whirrs
Eastern Screech Owl begins hunt
Moon says, “My turn”
Morning will wait
Check out John’s web-site
floridamiller@verizon.net
 CAROLYN’S CORNER

How are you doing in the drought? Having had very little rain recently, the lakes, ponds, rivers,
and streams in our area have not been refilled. The lakes are almost two feet below normal. The
Alafia River has only 2% of its normal flow, while the Hillsborough River has an extremely low
flow. The Floridan Aquifer, our underground water, has dropped two feet below normal. Our de-
salination plant is not even close to providing the water needs of the Tampa Bay area each day.

So, where is the water going to come from? Tampa Bay Water is expecting to pump more water
from the well fields that supply ground water from the aquifer than permitted. These well fields of-
fer pristine habitat for flora and fauna. This extreme pumping will damage wetlands, lakes, rivers,
springs, and, therefore, will impact wildlife. As we continue into the worst of our dry season, we
will be drying up our lakes and springs on which Florida’s wildlife depends. Lakes can empty into
the aquifer if their bottoms give way into the underlying void that used to contain aquifer water. All
the contaminants from the lakes will suddenly empty into our drinking water. Springs will have less
water flow from the decreased aquifer, causing rivers and streams to have less flow, or to dry up.
Plants and animals alike will suffer from our greed for water.

What can we do? We need to drastically reduce our personal water usage. I challenge you to be
creative! Don’t waste a drop! If you have a lawn, let it go dormant, or water only on your assigned
day, and then, only if it really needs it. You might consider putting in a Florida native landscape,
that, once established, won’t require watering. Replace your lawn with native plants when the rainy
season returns this summer. Use Florida-friendly landscaping principles! Think about using rain
barrels to collect rainwater from your roof to use for watering plants and seedlings. Repair any leak-
ing faucets, hoses, or sprinklers.

What can we do indoors? A garbage disposal requires a lot of water to operate properly. Use a dis-
posal only when necessary. Use your automatic dishwasher only for full loads. Limit the time water
runs while taking a shower. Install a low-flow showerhead. Take a five-minute or less shower. Turn
off the water while washing your hair or shaving in the shower. Take only shallow baths. Don’t let
the water run while washing your hands. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with
soapy water and fill the rinsing sink or basin one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run
continuously in the rinsing sink. When doing the laundry, run only full loads in the washing ma-
chine. Running the machine when it’s full will save you time, energy, and water. Turn off the water
while brushing your teeth. Avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket. Tissues, insects, and other
things belong in a trash can, not the toilet. Install a low-flow toilet or place a brick or a two-liter
bottle filled with water in the tank to reduce the water in the flush. Think about every drop of wa-
ter you plan to use, and determine if it is really necessary!

Water is a precious resource that we need for survival, but have taken for granted too long. The
withdrawal of water from our sources should never exceed the natural replacement rate. If it
does, we run the risk of running out of water. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem!
 TAMPA AUDUBON SOCIETY www.tampaaudubon.org

FIELD TRIPS - all bird-watchers, beginners to expert

Free and open to the public, check our web site for updates

Sun May 3 - Myakka River and Celery Fields, Mary Keith, 935-6115, Keithma1@juno.com. 8AM
till after dark. Will carpool from McDonalds on Rt 60 and I-75, will bird Myakka River State Park
(admission charge) for waterbirds, nature walk for warblers, then Celery Fields for shore birds and
grassland birds, whistling ducks, will stay till dark for barn owls.

Sat May 9 - Birding by Ear at Lettuce Lake Park, Russ and Gail Kruetzman, 986-1033,
RKruetzman@aol.com. 9AM Visitor’s Center, done by 11:30

Sun May 10 - Coffepot Bayou Bird Island Boat Trip, RESERVATIONS NEEDED, with St Pete
Audubon, call Alice Tenney, 727-894-2062. 6:30 PM, Meet at St Petersburg Pier by Bait House at the
far end of the pier, just in front of the large building.

Sat May 16, Orlando Wetlands, Mary Keith, 935-6115, Keithma1@juno.com. 7AM, IHOP on
Fowler Avenue just west of I-75, carpool. This is a 2 hr walk on flat dikes, open and sunny, but great
waterbirds, least bittern, nesting stilts. Bring water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen and bug repellant

Sat May 30 - Hillsborough River Canoe trip, Carolyn McKinney, 884-0578,

Carolyn.audubon@yahoo.com. Check website for details.

Sat June 6 - Butterfly Walk at Lettuce Lake Park, Russ and Gail Kruetzman, 986-1033,
RKruetzman@aol.com.

Sat June 13 - Beginning Birding, Lettuce Lake, Bill Lamoureux, 839-2742, wlamoureux@aol.com
9AM, Visitor Center, done by 11:30

Sat June 20 - Gibbens Preserve, Rob Heath, 671-0957, HEATHCOM@aol.com, 8AM, parking lot
for Gibbens Preserve, 8 miles east of Rt 301 on Boyette Rd, on North side of road, Bring water.

Sat June 27 - Lake Park Bird and Nature Walk, Carolyn McKinney, 884-0578,
Carolyn.audubon@yahoo.com. Meet at restroom parking lot at 8AM. Bring water, sunscreen, and
insect repellent . Done by 10:30.

Volunteers Needed to Help Maintain Purple Martin Condos at Flatwoods Park

Flatwoods Park has 2 purple martin condos that have been in the park for years and they are in need of
maintenance and monitoring. If you have any interest in volunteering for this project, please call Ranger
Eddie Anderson at (813) 917-6523. Eddie would be grateful for any help.

Submitted by Mary Miller

 SLATE OF OFFICERS/DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010

President: Carolyn McKinney

1st VP: Tammy Lyons
2nd VP: vacant
Treasurer: Andrea College*
Recording Secretary: Gayle Parsons*
Corresponding Secretary: Sherry Keller

Directors:
3 to be newly elected or elected for an additional term (of two years)
Pat Lewis
Joel Cleveland
Stan Kroh*

3 which are at mid-term (term will conclude in one year, and as such do not require re-election at
this time)
Tim Bonsack
Mary Keith
JoAnne Hartzler

* = not confirmed

Write in votes will also be allowed at the May election.

Birds and Climate Change: Ecological Disruption in Motion

Audubon recently released a new study using Christmas Bird Count Data. These analyses would
not have been possible without the hard work of CBC participants and the many chapters that or-
ganize and lead counts. We thank all that have participated over the years for their effort. The
study explored if birds had shown significant shifts in their winter distribution over the last 40
years. As we all know, birds are good indicators of the environment. We think birds provide im-
portant information to people on changes in the environment and human quality of life. Audubon
has a goal of working bird indicators into regular reviews of how the environment in the US is do-
ing and hopefully helping drive policy and funding that benefits the environment and birds. These
analyses of the CBC dataset on winter distribution are part of that effort.
The report, Birds and Climate Change, is available on Audubon’s web site at http://
www.audubon.org/bird/bacc/cbcanalysis.html and provides more details on the analyses and re-
sults.
We will continue to undertake scientific analyses of these data to learn more about the status of
birds and conservation needs. Please consider donating through the web site to help us continue
using the CBC data to move a conservation agenda.
 ARC at the Park
Visitor Center at Lettuce Lake

Volunteer training is available for those who are willing to invest four hours a month to
staff the Visitor Center. The only skills needed are a love of the environment and a
friendly smile.

Beginning Birding at Lettuce Lake, March 14

By Ceci LaDuca
March 14th was perfect birding weather, especially as the recent time change forced us out an hour
earlier – into the cool, clear morning. The new green growth on the trees provided more hiding places
for the small birds, but was lovely nonetheless.

As we began our walk, Northern Parulas teased us from seemingly every tree, but none were actually
seen until the end of our walk. We also heard cardinals and saw a Carolina wren, and a boat-tailed
grackle perched on the very top of a tall cypress tree.

At the observation tower we saw many waterbirds: white and glossy ibis, little blue heron, limpkin, ro-
seate spoonbill, greater yellow legs, great egret, tri-colored heron, snowy egret, kingfishers and many
vocal osprey flying to and from the nest. A passerby reported that she had seen wood ducks earlier, but
we did not see any. One phoebe was spotted in a tree near the water. Also seen were two small gators,
several turtles and many jumping fish!

Farther on we saw a red-shouldered hawk at close range, and a swallow-tailed kite. On the return walk
we saw a palm warbler, titmice, and finally the elusive parula.

Northern Parula Great blue heron Osprey

Photos by Rick Clewis

 Audubon Academy 2009
Pat Lewis, Carolyn McKinney, and Mary Miller attended the Audubon Academy 2009 on March 27 – 29. The
three-day event was held at the FFA Leadership and Training Center in Haines City, Florida. The meeting was
held at the FFA lodge which is located on Lake Pierce near Catfish Creek. There were some very inspiring speak-
ers, such as Eric Draper, Director of Policy, for Florida Audubon whose topic was “Inspiring the Power of Grass-
roots Conservation Policy.” Other topics included “Solar Power to the People,” by Sarah Ridley and Pete Johnson,
“Establishing Wildflower Roads, by Terry Zinn, and “Does Your Chapter Need a Makeover?” by Dr. Stuart Lang-
ton.

While the theme was educational, the Academy wasn’t all meetings. We also had time for several field
trips including a hayride in the nearby Florida scrub, where we looked for the Florida scrub jay. There
were also field trips along Catfish Creek and a great pontoon boat ride on Lake Pierce where we spotted
many wading birds, as well as ospreys, eagles, and turkeys. The highlight of Saturday evening was a
jam session by local musicians who played many songs that were easy to sing along to. It was a beauti-
ful way to end the conference outside on a clear, cool, Florida evening sitting on the deck overlooking
Lake Pierce.

Pat, Carolyn, and Mary thank Tampa Audubon for paying the $25 registration fee for this great event.
We’re looking forward to going again next year and hope some other Tampa Audubon members will
join us.

Submitted by Mary Miller

Audubon magazine
photography
awards
Birds in Focus
In association with
nature’s best photography
Parlay your passion for birds into a dream trip to Peru,
Australia, or Honduras, or win professional photo gear, in
Audubon’s first photography awards. Each participant can
submit up to 10 bird images, so you have 10 chances to win.
Your winning entry will appear in the January-February
issue of Audubon and in Nature’s Best Photography. Here’s
your chance to see your images soar to the top. Enter now!

Enter: May 15 to July 15, 2009

Categories: Professional, Amateur, Youth (ages 13-17)
Details: www.audubonmagazinephotoawards.org
 Bring Joy to Your Yard

Healthy Yard Pledge I pledge to:

• Reduce pesticide use

• Conserve water
• Protect water quality
• Remove Invasive exotic plants
• Plant native species
• Support birds and other wildlife on my property

Go to - http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/ to visit

• Healthy Yards
• Neighborhood Conservation
• Regional Resources
• Kidspace
• Take the Audubon Healthy Yard Pledge

ECO QIUZ

1. ancient forest friendly A. A gas fuel sourced from the decomposition of waste, converting a waste
stream and potent greenhouse gases into an energy source.
2. biogas B. Anything pertaining to the positive interaction between man-made processes
and the delicate organic balance found in our environment.
3. eco C. Organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures that
under normal conditions, allow them to significantly vaporize and enter the
4. eco-footprint atmosphere, potentially inflicting damage on the environment.
D. A philosophy of not contributing to the destruction of ancient and endan-
5. eco-friendly gered forests in the production of paper materials, manufactured with a high
percentage of post-consumer waste and no virgin fiber from old growth,
6. green ancient or endangered forests.
E. Manufactured from used or waste materials that have been reprocessed for
7. recycled further use.
F. Having minimal to no harmful or threatening impact on the natural environ-
8. renewable energy ment.
G. The total measurable effect that human related activities have had on the
9. sustainable material organic life in Earth’s environment.
H. A philosophy of creating eco-friendly products, using sustainable technolo-
10. volatile organic compounds gies that will not deplete our planet of all its remaining resources.
I. Materials that are generated from resources that are managed in a way that
they are, for all practical purposes, sustainable over an extended period of
time.
J. Energy that is generated from regenerative resources or, for all practical
purposes, energy that cannot be exhausted, such as wind, water, and
sunlight.
 Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
article & photo By George Kaye

My wife and I didn’t know what to expect when

we went to the Circle B Bar Reserve. I was
bowled over by the birding. There are 6 miles of
dikes and trails, and a nice nature center
manned by volunteers.

I’m sure this is old news to many Audubon

members, but if you haven’t been there yet, you
won’t regret going.

The waterbirds, wading birds and raptors were

Flatwoods Park Bluebird Field Trip overwhelming. There is an active eagle nest. I
don’t believe I’m exaggerating when I say I saw
By Mary Miller almost a thousand white pelicans there. I had
put my digital camera on video to pan the mass
Everywhere A Bluebird of pelicans, since a wide angle would only have
captured a portion of them.
On the beautiful Saturday morning of March 21, four-
teen eager birders began the search for Eastern blue-
Songbirds were plentiful. I saw my first Marsh
birds at Flatwoods Park on Morris Bridge Road. We
wrens and a meadowlark. Birds weren’t the
didn’t have to look very far, as a pair of bluebirds was
only critters there. I had two separate sightings
flying in and around the bluebird box near the ranger
of wild hogs and alligators were all over the
station. That box is equipped with a small wireless
place.
video camera installed inside the box that transmits any
bird action to a TV screen in the ranger office. The pair
I went back again, this time I brought my bike. I
of bluebirds that we were watching had begun building
was able to cover the whole trail network this
a nest in the box. While watching the bluebirds, we also
way, and a few extra side trails. I’ll go back
observed other birds, including a northern parula, a
again.
white-eyed vireo, and several red-bellied woodpeckers.

Afterwards we took a hike into the park and our leader, Directions from Tampa
Mary Miller, opened several bluebird boxes for us to
Take I-4 to Lakeland exit Rt. 98. Go south all
observe nests and eggs of the Carolina chickadee and
the way through Lakeland. When you pass the
bluebirds. On the hike, we saw 26 species of birds in-
Polk Parkway, begin looking for SR 540. Turn
cluding ground doves and palm, pine, and yellow-
Left on 540 and go a few miles to the entrance
rumped warblers. In addition, we saw several other
on the south side of the road.
bluebirds on our hike.

The Flatwoods Park Bluebird Trail has been in exis-

tence for over 20 years, but has only been regularly
monitored for the last five by Mary Miller, with the help
of her husband, John. Last year was a bumper crop for
bluebirds with 119 babies fledged out of the total of
152, which included Carolina chickadees and tufted tit-
mice. The trail is one of over 400 throughout North
America that was built to help the declining bluebird
population rebound. Did you know that the meadowlark has de-
clined 86% in the last 40 years?
 Susan Ogle
David N. Smith
Century Buick Pontiac GMC Mary M. Trieschmann
Use of their facilities for
Audubon Meetings Maria Antonieta Riveros-Revello
Joan Hackett
Donations to Tampa Audubon Society
50th new member for 08-09
Joan Hackett Ann Osborne
Debbie Melms
Mark Javer

Tampa Bay Estuary Board Endorses Model Fertilizer Ordinance

TBEP’s Policy Board in November approved a model ordinance regulating urban
fertilizer use in the Tampa Bay region. The ordinance is intended to reduce nitrogen
pollution from stormwater flowing into the bay and other surface waters.
Local governments are encouraged, but not required to adopt the ordinance, which:
• Restricts application of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on lawn and landscape plants from June 1-September
30,the summer rainy season.
• Prohibits application of Nitrogen or Phosphorous fertilizer within 10 feet of a water body.
• Restricts the retail sale of lawn fertilizers containing Nitrogen and Phosphorous during the summer.
• Establishes a licensing and certification program for lawn care professionals.
• Urges local governments to provide information about the nitrogen content of reclaimed water to custom-
ers using reclaimed for lawn irrigation.
Nitrogen is the primary pollutant in Tampa Bay. Residential runoff, including fertilizer residues, accounts for
about 32% of the total amount of nitrogen carried in stormwater to the bay. TBEP research indicates that a
compliance level of 50% with the ordinance could reduce the bay’s nitrogen burden by 84 tons per year.
The model ordinance, and supporting documents, can be viewed at:
http://www.tbeptech.org/Fertilizer/FertilizerHomePage.html

Need help with bird Identification?

ECO QUIZ ANSWERS

e-mail Bill Lamoureux at: 1. D, 2. A, 3. B, 4. G, 5. F, 6.H, 7. E, 8. J, 9. I,

wlamoureux@aol.com
 JOIN TAMPA AUDUBON
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I want to join the Tampa, Florida and National Audubon Societies at the special
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Please make your checks payable to:

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Mail to: Tampa Audubon Society
P.O. Box 320025
Tampa, FL 33679

Your membership supports vital conservation issues. As a member you will receive
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have access to the bi-monthly Avocet Newsletter at www.tampaaudubon.org.

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( ) I would like to help my local chapter. I have a special interest and/or skills in:
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