Audubon of Martin County Non-profit

Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
621 SE Palm Beach Road, Stuart FL 34994 Permit #57
Stuart FL 34995

Florida Scrub-Jay Art Logo

By Brian Sylvester

audubonmartincounty.org  772-288-2637

April 2010

Program Meeting: Thursday, April 15th

Introduction to Migrant and Nesting Warblers of Florida Mark Your Calendars !
Office hours are generally 10 am—2pm
Monday through Friday. Presented by AoMC board member Susan B. Whiting.
Please call ahead at 772.288.2637 April 2010
Join Soo and her husband Flip Harrington for a short presentation at our
program meeting on April 15th. Soo and Flip will show you a selection of
10 Birdathon—contact Laurie
the warblers we hope to see during our two day field trip to Ft. De Soto, St.
Petersburg. Unfortunately the East Coast of Florida does not enjoy, unless at 772-223-0339
there is a mighty westerly wind, the variety or number of migrating bird spe- 15 Program Meeting, “Warblers” and Third
cies that our West Coast birders do. We have to migrate west to enjoy this Annual Photo Contest Award Presentation
annual spring happening. So join us for the presentation and the field trip! 16-17 Field Trip—Fort De Soto in St. Petersburg.
As usual, the ―brown-bag‖ lunch meeting will begin with a casual get to- Reservations required.
gether to view our new Osprey pole from 11:00-11:30 AM. The program 24 Annual Membership Picnic, Volunteer Rec-
will follow with questions and answers afterwards.
Meeting Location: Audubon of Martin County‘s office at 621 SE Palm
ognition, and Student Essay Awards
Beach Rd., Stuart, FL 33494. Bring you own lunch.

Field Trip : Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17

Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County

Come bird with us on our warbler quest! Migrating warblers will be head-
ing north shortly. Let‘s try to see them at one of Florida‘s premier migrating
Results of our February elections have changed the warbler hot spots—Fort De Soto Park, the largest park in Pinellas County, is
Welcome New Members! following board seats effective June 1.
Thank you for volunteering.
near St. Petersburg. The park consists of 1136 acres comprised of five inter-
connecting islands. We will leave on Friday from the KOC parking lot at 8
Cristina de la Vega Richard Gaither am (bring lunch). We will caravan together and stop midway to lunch at
Peace River Park, itself a migrant songbird mecca. The park has restrooms
Robert L. Dorwart Janet Johnson Fort De Soto from a bird’s eye view.
and picnic tables. We can also stretch our legs while we stroll the boardwalk
Robert Hannah Adela Litwack Executive Board Members through this cypress floodplain forest to the river. We may spend several
Michael L. Pascarelli Roberta London
Newly elected for FY 10-11 hours there depending on how people are feeling are what the birding is like.
David & Kristen Batlle Doug MacKenzie We will then drive to the Comfort Inn (727-362-0075) to spend the night.
Georgia Olsen Micki Marshall Vice-President Lisa Fiore 772-528-9707 Make your arrangements early as rooms are limited. We will leave from the
Leonard & Joyce Salvatori Debra Matton Comfort Inn at 7 am on Saturday to drive to the Fort De Soto Park ranger
Conservation Tony Chatowsky 772-220-0206
Kenneth Brothers Evelyn Regan station. There we will rendezvous with the St. Petersburg Audubon group at
Georgette Brown F. A. Rowland Education Dan Roberts 772-692-4848 8 am. They are our hosts for this trip. They know ―where the warblers hang
Donna Depoyster Juliet Sharpe out‖ in the park and they are graciously willing to share their secret locations
Resource Madeline Warns 772-462-3751
Lillian Donell Geraldine Smith with us. After a full day of birding, we plan on heading back home Saturday
Development
Marjorie Esselen Casey Terrell evening.
Verna Fenelon James White Membership Bev Poppke 772-286-0061 See you Friday at the KoC parking lot at 8 am for departure!

12 1
 Board Members 2009-2010 Message from our President Field Trip Report: Viera Wet- We all enjoyed our dinner and time to-
gether there.
Executive Director – Greg Braun ~~~ Laurie Odlum lands, Merritt Island, Indian
On Sunday we chanced Merritt Is-
561-575-2028 Office River County Wetlands land again. We followed the detour
561-575-0042 fax
and eventually entered the National
Staff Members April brings a mental end to yet another season What a great time! We started early Wildlife Refuge. We finally arrived at
of activities for AoMC. Possum Long Nature Cen- Saturday, February 20, 2010, and cara- Black Point Wildlife Drive to find it
Managing Director Pam Hopkins 772-408-6153
ter‘s urban forest has seen great changes – Pam vanned to Viera Wetlands. Over sixty- closed because of the pos-
Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Clark 772-545-2404
and her hearty and dedicated team of volunteers five species of birds were seen in two and sible space shuttle land-
Executive Board Members have been kept busy just maintaining the forest. one half hours: limpkins, least bittern, ing. Although thwarted
You have probably noticed the construction project eagles and a crested caracara to name a we were not beaten. We
President Laurie Odlum 772-486-2837 few.
which is intended to remediate the drainage on our took Gator Creek Road
Vice-President Doug Warns 772-462-3751
and our neighborhoods‘ properties. The area looks a little barren now, After we registered at the Best Western through the dikes. We
Treasurer Bob Gordon 772-546-2206 but after the new plantings are installed and Mother Nature works her Space Shuttle Motel in Titusville, off we were rewarded with Avo-
magic…we expect the birds and wildlife to again enjoy our sanctuary in went to Merritt Island and birded Bio Lab cets, Roseate Spoonbills,
Secretary Perla Franklin 954-8124484 Drive. It was great birding until it was
the city. The Ospreys have already moved back into their nest. Dunlins, Red Knots and Marbled
Conservation Bob Matheson 772-485-0944 Reclaiming projects also have taken place on our properties in the time to go back to the motel. Then we Godwits. We ended the day with
Education Dan Roberts 772-692-4848 South Fork of the St Lucie River. It takes the efforts of many to take were trapped. All roads but one leading a quick trip to Indian River
back what has been allowed to ―run-a-muck‖. With grant funded finan- out of Merritt Island were closed due to County Wetlands.
Field Trips Mary Starzinski 772-221-9953
cial support and many long hours of volunteer support, AoMC is gaining the fact that the causeway bridge mal- We certainly thank Soo Whit-
Resource Development Doug Warns 772-462-3751
against the tide. functioned and was closed. After detour- ing, Flip Harrington and ―Ontario
Membership Curt Wood 772-546-5435 The AoMC Staff, and dedicated Board of Directors, have guided us ing approximately thirty-five miles, we 2‖ (Trip photographers Pat Mar-
Programs Ed Fielding 772-286-6131 through a very busy and challenging year. I tip my hat and give high were finally able to return to the very shall, Bruce Marshall and June
marks to them because without them AoMC very easily could have failed welcome motel. Fortunately, we were Beyman)--all of whom contrib-
Properties Seeking Volunteers
to meet many of the time parameters of the grants. When you see what able to move our group dinner reservation uted remarkably to the success of
Public Relations Joan Bausch 772-219-8285 has been accomplished and the results of the hard work it has taken to see at the Dixie Crossroads to a later time. ―Plan B‖.
Nature Center Pam Hopkins 772-408-6153 that these varied projects are successful, I know you will agree… A good
Newsletter Editor Lisa Fiore 772-528-9707 job done by all! Please take the opportunity, the next time you see a
staff or BOD member, to shake their hand and give a hearty pat on Species List: Red-tailed Hawk Eastern Phoebe
Wildlife Center Dan Martinelli 772-286-6200
the back – they have earned it and more. Crested Caracara Loggerhead Shrike
Garden Club Liaison Louise White 772-283-4416 Work at AoMC properties does not stop at the end of April though…. Mottled Duck American Kestrel Blue Jay
Youth Liaison Jessie Green 772-283-3024 We continue to keep working towards our goals. There is still much to Blue-winged Teal Peregrine Falcon Florida Scrub-jay
do to finalize the projects. Stop by sometime and you will be amazed. Ring-necked Duck Common Moorhen Fish Crow
Soo Whiting Director at large 772-220-1992
Lesser Scaup American Coot Purple Martin
See Board of Director Election Results for new BOD members for the Hooded Merganser Limpkin Tree Swallow
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Fiscal Year 2010-11 on back page. Common Loon Sandhill Crane Marsh Wren
Eaglewatch Liaison Clare-Rue Morgan 772-286-9833 Pied-billed Grebe Black-bellied Plover American Robin
Blue Bird Coordinator/ Bev Poppke 772-286-0061
White Pelican Killdeer Gray Catbird
Librarian Brown Pelican Marbled Godwit Northern Mockingbird
Cranewatch Coordinator Pam Hopkins 772-408-6153
Double-crested Cormorant American Avocet European Starling
Anhinga Greater Yellowlegs Yellow-rumped Warbler
Cranewatch Co-coordinator Carol Spinney 772-545-7987
American Bittern Lesser Yellowlegs Prairie Warbler
Jaywatch Coordinator Pam Hopkins 772-408-6153
Help the birds Least Bittern Willet Palm Warbler
Great Blue Heron Marbled Godwit Common Yellowthroat
Christmas Bird Count Liz Hailman 561-746-7293
and their environment. Great Egret Ruddy Turnstone American Redstart
Webmaster Ed Fisher edaudubon@yahoo.com
Snowy Egret Red Knot Savannah Sparrow
Please consider a bequest to
Little Blue Heron Sanderling Song Sparrow
AUDUBON HOUSE DOCENTS Audubon of Martin County. Tri-colored Heron Least Sandpiper Eastern Meadowlark
Beverly Poppke, Dina Allison, Carol Coyne, Reddish Egret Dunlin Northern Cardinal
Ed Fisher, Linda Wishney Call Bob Matheson at Cattle egret Short-billed Dowitcher Red-winged Blackbird
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be (772) 283-5999. Green Heron Wilson‘s Snipe Boat-tailed Grackle
obtained from the division of Consumer Services toll-free within Florida
800.435.7352. Registration does not imply endorsement,
Black-crowned Night Heron Laughing Gull Common Grackle
approval, or recommendation by the state. Roseate Spoonbill Ring-billed Gull Baltimore Oriole
Glossy Ibis Great Black-backed Gull
The Scrub Jay is published seven times a year on
recycled content paper with soy-based ink.
White Ibis Caspian Tern
Wood Stork Royal Tern
Turkey Vulture Forster‘s Tern
Contact your U.S. Senators in Washington DC Black Vulture Black Skimmer
at the following numbers: Osprey Rock Pigeon
Senator Bill Nelson: 202.224.5274 Bald Eagle Mourning Dove
Senator George LeMieux: 202.224.3041 Northern Harrier Belted Kingfisher
Representative: Tom Rooney 772.288.4668 Red-shouldered Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 11
Ospreys Get a New Home the new pole was skillfully installed after Long Nature Center.
the nesting platform had been attached. In total, the project is costing AoMC Audubon of Martin County Sponsorship Become an Audubon of Martin County
The structure is located within a portion of nearly $6,000. If you would like contrib- Levels and Benefits Sponsor
Thursday, March 4 was a milestone day the Possum Long property where we‘re ute, please send your tax-deductible dona- Yes! I want to be an AoMC Sponsor
at AoMC‘s Possum Long Nature Center improving wildlife habitat by creating a tion made payable to AoMC to 621 SE In addition to the basic membership, $ 500 Osprey Your tax deductible contribution will help us sustain
you can become an AoMC sponsor. our programs, projects and conservation efforts.
(PLNC). With assistance by a small army wetland. After embedding the new pole Palm Beach Rd., Stuart, 34994. Donors Sponsorship provides funding for pro- Wood Stork benefits plus a natural
of skilled workers, several months of plan- deep into the sandy soils, the next chal- will be recognized in future newsletters grams, projects, field trips and history tour led by an AoMC Board
AoMC’s important conservation work. Name
ning, permit- lenge was to delicately lift the nest and naming rights go to anyone who would member to the nesting colony at Bird
ting and from the dead pine tree and transfer underwrite the full cost of the project. $ 50 Great Blue Heron Island in the Indian River Lagoon. Select your sponsorship level:
coordination it over to the new platform. Work- 2010 is looking like it is going to be a Special recognition in the Scrub Jay and O Scrub Jay $ 5,000
led to the ing from a ―man bucket‖ suspended good year for our resident population of a certificate of appreciation. $ 1000 Bald Eagle O Bald Eagle $ 1,000
successful 65‘ high, and swaying a bit in the ospreys. Our friends in Rio report hatch- Osprey benefits plus a natural history O Osprey $ 500
$ 100 Roseate Spoonbill tour led by an AoMC Board member to a
relocation of gusty wind, Greg Braun and Jona- lings in the nest at Rio Nature Park and a Recognition in each Scrub Jay , a
O Wood Stork $ 250
local birding destination of your choice. O Roseate Spoonbill $ 100
an osprey than Roberts were able to attached new nest at certificate of appreciation, an AoMC
nest. The four nylon tow straps under the nest Langford O Great Blue Heron $ 50
t-shirt and one complementary member- $ 5000 and more Scrub Jay
nest was and attach them to a hook lowered Park. Re- O Other $
ship for a person of your choice. Bald Eagle benefits plus a natural history
initially built from a second crane. Only a couple cently sev- tour led by an AoMC Board member to Enclose your donation with this form and mail to:
in 2009, sticks came loose as the nest was eral of us $ 250 Wood Stork
Everglades National Park, Merritt Island Audubon of Martin County
approxi- Nest platform construction: Richard lifted from the swaying tree; the had the good Spoonbill benefits plus one copy of the
National Wildlife Refuge, Ding Darling Attn. Treasurer
mately 65‘ Sherman, Jonathan Roberts, Sue Roberts, sling held tight and the nest was fortune to Sibley Field Guide to Birds and a lunch-
National Wildlife Refuge or Arthur Mar- 621 SE Palm Beach Road, Stuart, FL 34994
Dan Roberts eon briefing with the AoMC President or
high in the gently lowered onto the wire-mesh meet Brenda shall Loxahatchee NWR.
Executive Director.
fork of a slash pine that had died as a result bottomed nesting platform. and Mark
of the 2004 hurricanes. For months, we The ospreys watched with interest the Kail, the
had watched as the nest tree swayed in the events of the day from various perches in owners of
wind, and it was just a matter of time be- the vicinity and were even observed mat- the vacant Get outside with Bird Monitoring Fun!
fore the tree would topple under the weight ing in a nearby live pine. By the time we lot in the
of the 5‘ diameter, 3‘ tall nest. Two, and were finished giving them a more sturdy, North River Let‘s get ―Back to Birding‖ starting now and them and 3) what on that plant they eat (insects,
sometimes 3!, adult ospreys have been long-term home, they had left for some Shores area into the fall! Polish-up those observation nectar or seeds). He realizes that native and non-
seen in the area since December, but court- late afternoon fishing, but we were pleased where we Azalea Street Osprey Nest Team: skills and help the migrating flocks at the native plants are used by the migrating flocks and
ship had not yet led to egg laying (which to see two of them visiting the nest site installed an Captain Phill Sherman, Dan Rob- same time. What a great way to mix our love he wants to know ALL the plants they use.
would have caused us to delay the nest early the next morning. We‘re eagerly osprey plat- erts, and property owners Brenda of the outdoors with birds and plants. If you want to help with this very rewarding and
and Mark Kaila
relocation until after the nesting season). hoping for egg laying and successful fledg- form in If you were at the February Program Meet- fun project, contact either Nancy Price
The nest relocation process began with ing. 2008. These ing, you heard John Ogden discuss his initia- (nprice7047@aol.com) or Tony Chatowsky
the purchase and delivery of an 80‘ tall Many thanks for everyone who helped Utah residents (see photo) were excited to tive on helping migrating flocks – the Urban (tonychat@gmail.com) They have volunteered to
utility pole (permits require that the new with the process, including Ken Wieser see the nesting platform and were treated Oases Project. Basically, the plan is to match be co-leaders for the project here in Martin
nesting structure be as high or higher than (Florida Pole Setters), Steve Beausoleil to good views of ―their‖ ospreys visiting Blue-throated Green Warbler photo
birds and plants. What he wants to find out is: courtesy of Stewart Ho. County.
the original nest). Experienced osprey and Rick House (Frenchy‘s Crane Ser- the nest and performing impressive fly- 1) which plants the birds use, 2) when they use See you out there!
platform builder and AoMC Board Mem- vice), Dan, Sue and Jonathan Roberts, bys, complete with fresh fish being carried
ber Dan Roberts and his son, Jonathan, Captain Phill and Richard Sherman, Pam in clenched talons. Through the wonders
once again volunteered their services, pur- Hopkins, Les and Anne Scherer and Greg of this electronic era, we were able to iden-
chased materials and built the new plat- Braun. tify the Kaila‘s as the property owners and
form making sure it was reinforced to ex- Hopefully, the boy scout troop that was get their approval prior to installing the
ceed platform guidelines & to stand the
test of time.
visiting from St. Joseph‘s school while the
nest was being relocated will be the first of
platform. Also meeting them for the first
time were project team members Captain
Christina de la Vega (center) and two of her students paint on Possum Long
before the Program Meeting on February 18th. Christina is a well known fix- Thank You
After issuance of the necessary govern- thousands of visitors that will see the os-
mental approvals, good planning and some preys and marvel at how well at how well
Phill Sherman and Barbara Milner. Many
thanks to Mark and Brenda for their will-
ture in the world of art in Martin County and Maine and her works have been
seen at the Capitol Rotunda and the Governor‘s Mansion in 2009. Sponsors
some good luck combined with Florida these birds thrive in the urban forest that is ingness to be ‗landlords‘ to this pair of
Pole Setters and Frenchy‘s Crane Service Audubon of Martin County‘s Possum ospreys. “My paintings are Bald Eagle Level
a manifesto of what Stephen F. Brauer
Wish List I consider to be the
most important issue Roseate Spoonbill Level
LEAST TERN GUARDIANS VOLUNTEER HELP WANTED
Chain Saw (or donation of our time: the dis- Kathy Petteruti
The Least Terns still need more hands to help protect their patch of sand on Jupiter to purchase one) appearance of the Mary Starzinski
Island. The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and AoMC are again partnering wilderness.”
Donations to offset
to protect the population of beach-nesting least terns - a situation that that isn‘t found
the cost of the Osprey Blue Heron Level
anywhere else on Florida‘s southeast coast. Christina de la Vega Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon
nest relocation project
No pay, but great setting, at the beach - Hobe Sound National Wildlife Gawiser
Refuge; 3-4 hours/day; 1-2 days per week, preferably weekends; thru early Pre-used Photocopier
July; transportation provided. Requirements: an interest in birds and the (or donation to
environment and the ability and willingness to interface with others conge- purchase one)
nially. Orientation provided.

10 3
Habitat Enhancements graphed copies of ―Medical Mayhem‖
that she willingly provided to inter-
A team of approximately a dozen AoMC members recently ested people. If you are interested in
spent an enjoyable half-day working on habitat enhancement joining the next work day, please call
projects at the 5-acre riverfront nature preserve in Tequesta the AoMC office at 772-288-2637.
owned by Dr. Weybright. With the exception of one box that Progress continues with habitat im-
occupied by honeybees, the nest boxes, previously installed by provements at AoMC‘s Possum Long
AoMC, were inspected, repaired and cleaned by Nancy Price and property. Bids have been received for
George Keaton in prepration for the 2010 nesting season. One the re-planting phase of the project,
team resumed removal of air potatoes, which had fortuitously which will begin as soon as possible Join your Board of Directors, docents, PLNC volunteers and other Audubon members as we honor all our volunteers and
been knocked back by the cold weather, while other teams at- after the land re-grading work is com- their efforts during the past year. Each year we show our appreciation to those friends of Audubon who give their time to
tacked young Brazilian pepper, Scheffleras, Melaleucas and java plete. We‘re very pleased to have Boy Scouts: Matthew Kenney,
work for “bird seed”. Our many volunteers and Martin County school students will be honored. We are planning some
plums. Sharp-eyed birders added several new species to the in- been awarded a grant from the City of Dylan Kenney, and C.J. Spute special surprises for this year.
ventory of birds that have been observed on the property and we Stuart, which will enable us to plant The picnic will be held at Possum Long Nature Center behind our offices at 621 SE Palm Beach Road.
were all treated to views of painted buntings during a lunch break larger numbers and larger sizes of trees and shrubs than would
An unex- have otherwise been possible. We‘re also thankful for the contin-
pected bo- ued work of various scouts, most recently Eagle Scout candidate
nus was Dylan Kenney who worked with colleagues to obtain and place
learning additional picnic tables at strategic locations within Possum
that D. Long.
Weybright Progress also continues with the removal of pest plants at sev- BRING A COVERED DISH TO SERVE 8 FOLKS !
is a pub- eral of our properties in Palm City. We will continue working
lished au- over the summer, so if you have some free time and are willing to
thor, and help with some projects that benefit birds and other wildlife, “My Favorite Bird” Essay Contest Winners will be here too !
she auto- please give us a call.
Remember: Please call AoMC Schedule of Events:
Weybright work-party participants; clockwise from lower right: Tom Tomlinson, Debbie Clark,
Dorthea Weybright, Jim Ries, Bev Poppke, Lisa Fiore, Jim Stewart, Annie Potts, Greg Stewart,
offices to let us know how - Lunch served at 11:30
George Keaton, Nancy Price and Fran Wilkin; not in photo: Greg Braun, Joan Bausch. many of you are coming… We (so come by 11:15)
provide water, soda, paper - Speaker at 12:00
goods and cups. - Presentations and
2009-2010 AoMC Year in Review we recently received from Audubon of protect bald eagles, scrub-jays, sandhill awards begin at 12:30
Florida. As the invasive plants are re- cranes, piping plovers, bluebirds and other - Clean-up... UNTIL
Our thanks to everyone who has partici- moved, we are getting a better understand- species that are the beneficiaries of our
pated in AoMC meetings, field trips, bird ing of the level of effort that will be neces- environmental advocacy work.
surveys and other activities throughout the sary for replanting with wildlife-friendly A final word of thanks to all the mem-
year. At the annual strategic planning species. Luckily, invasive species were a bers of the Board of Directors; it is through
meeting in May 2009, the Board re- small part of the vegetative cover at our your donation of time and resources that
affirmed their intention to focus the major-
ity of our human and financial resources
Hidden Bay and Maplewood preserves, so
no replanting seems warranted at these
we have‘ve been able to accomplish so
much. AoMC appreciates the efforts of
Birdathon ! April 10, 2010
on land management activities that would
enhance habitats for birds and other wild-
sites. The thousands of hours of work ex-
pended on land management activities has
out-going Board members Jim Kearman
(Properties), Carol Schaming (Secretary)
Make your pledge today!
life. We‘ve put our best foot forward and been direct result of the work of our dedi- and Catherine Hilton (Education Chair).
have accumulated over 3,000 hours in res- cated staff, including the work of Land AoMC welcomes new Board of Directors
toration work in upland and wetland habi- Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator Deb- members Tony Chatowsky, Perla Franklin Audubon of Martin County—2010 Birdathon Pledge Form
tats at our Hidden Bay, Maplewood, Four- bie Clark, whose work was funded by a and Dan Roberts. Tony, the husband of Your support is critical for this Annual Fundraising Event!
Rivers, Citrus Blvd and Possum Long grant from the Florida Division of For- former AoMC president Florence Cha-
properties. With funding assistance allo- estry‘s Urban and Community Forestry towsky, joins the Board as Conservation Yes, I would like to help support Audubon of Martin County’s Birdathon 2009 by pledging to donate
cated by the St. Lucie River Issues Team program. Chair. Perla Franklin joins the Board in the following amount per species identified.
and the City of Stuart, the major thrust has We have had a good year for program the capacity of Secretary, and had a chal-
meetings and field trips and are thankful lenging debut at a particularly busy Board Amount Pledged per species $______________ OR Flat Amount Pledged $____________
been at the Possum Long property, where
pest plants are being replaced with a 1.5- for the efforts of Ed Fielding (programs) meeting. Dan joins the Board as Educa- Name ________________________________________________________________________________
acre wetland that will provide habitat for and Mary Starzinski, Kathy Petteruti and tion Chair. We are pleased that each of
numerous wetland-dependant species. As other members of the field trip committee them have all selected AoMC as the recipi-
who stepped forward to fill a gap to organ- ent of their services! We are still in need
Street ___________________________________________ City _______________ ST_____ZIP _______
the aquatic ecosystem matures, we are
eager to document increases in biodiversity ize these trips. of a properties chair – don‘t be shy – give
and habitat value. We have reached untold numbers of peo- us a call if you‘d like to help. Phone: ___________________________ E-Mail __________________________________
Invasive species removal work is the first ple throughout the community through our
Clip and Mail to: AoMC at 621 SE Palm Beach Road, Stuart, FL 34994
step in AoMC‘s long-term commitment to educational programs and environmental
improving habitat conditions on properties advocacy work, and appreciate the work Remember...Your contribution is Tax Deductible!!!
by our citizen scientists who helped us
4 9
 -of-the-night songsters, nor do they mimic
Yes No I think that the chapter newsletter, the ―Scrub Jay‖ effectively communicates to the membership. Bird of the Month the calls of other birds. Instead, their
By Greg Braun throaty calls are typically made from shrub-
Please list any suggestions for improvement the ―Scrub Jay‖.
height vegetation during the summer-time
Please list your suggestions for future program meeting topics, presenters, field trip destinations or any other suggestion. nesting season.
The bird for our final month be- A shrike‘s tail is not quite as long as that
fore the summer-time break is a of a mockingbird. A close relative, the
relatively small, but highly charis- Northern Shrike, is species that inhabits
matic, black, white and gray year- areas in the northern US and Canada. I
round resident of the Treasure once found a shrike nest amid a tangle of
Please list your suggestions for future program meeting topics, presenters, field trip destinations or any other suggestion. Coast – the Loggerhead Shrike. Typically a species of semi-open greenbrier on a barbed-wire fence, and sus-
upland habitats, our shrike is affectionately nick-named pect the thorny vine may have been selected as the thorns were a
―Butcherbird‖, due to its tendency to impale prey (e.g., grasshop- deterrent to predators.
pers, snakes, small rodents, …) on barbed- AoMC‘s Christmas Bird Count data indicates that the shrike
wire fences and other sharp items. Not population within our increasingly urbanized count area seems to
having the strong be fairly steady, a testament to the tenacity of this bird to
talons and beak of Loggerhead Shrike survive in urban settings. We
raptors, shrikes will (Lanius ludovicianus) hope they‘ll continue to sur-
use these sharp pro- vive without needing any
jections to hold their prey as they pull off particular protection on our part.
pieces to eat. Most shrikes eschew urban
settings, unless urban development has
grown up around shrike territories, which
explains remnant shrike families that re-
main present in small tracts of natural
habitat amid residential neighborhoods.
Looking vaguely similar in color and Shrike with a dragonfly
Shrike’s dinner size to mockingbirds, shrikes are not middle

Why I eBird Enhanced Bird ID

By Nancy Price
I have been ebirding since the end of 2009; it is fun and makes me a
better birder. In my yard and also on my morning walk. I try to iden-
tify and count every bird I see. Everyday I input the observation data
into the eBird website. You can see where your sightings rank in the
county or the state or even the nation. You can find out when the first
bird of the season was reported or where someone has seen a specific
bird. Below see a description of what ebird is from their web site,
ebird.org. Give it a try.
What is eBird?
Affix “A real-time, online checklist program. eBird has revolutionized the
Stamp way that the birding community reports and accesses information
Here about birds. Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and
National Audubon Society, eBird provides rich data sources for basic
information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of spatial
and temporal scales.
eBird's goal is to maximize the utility and accessibility of the vast
numbers of bird observations made each year by recreational and pro-
fessional bird watchers. It is amassing one of the largest and fastest
growing biodiversity data resources in existence. For example, in
Audubon of Martin County 2006, participants reported more than 4.3 million bird observations
across North America.
621 SE Palm Beach Road The observations of each participant join those of others in an inter-
Stuart FL 34994 national network of eBird users. eBird then shares these observations
with a global community of educators, land managers, ornithologists,
and conservation biologists. In time these data will become the founda-
tion for a better understanding of bird distribution across the western
hemisphere and beyond.”
To help identify those semi-identifiable birds, I took
an idea from a friend who also has those ―… just got it
in focus and it flew‖ species. I know, I know, yet an-
other piece of equipment to carry is sometimes too
much to consider, but do consider this. With all the
new digital cameras available today, at reasonable
prices, consider investing in a good point ‗n shoot cam-
era. The magnification ratios have markedly increased,
bringing the bird closer and then making bird ID easier.
When you mange to, at least, get the bird in the lens
and ―click‖, you have a chance to view the bird on your
computer (at a very high magnification) and then flip
through the bird ID book at your leisure to finally iden-
tify that winter plumage migrant or third year gull.
Just a thought.
Daybreak
(a poem by Tony Chatowski)
Red east, pale air,
cardinal song
morning prayer.

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 Audubon of Martin County’s AUDUBON OF MARTIN COUNTY
JOIN Third Annual MEMBER’S QUESTIONNAIRE Spring 2010
Photo Contest! In order to better serve the needs of our community next year, your Audubon Board of Directors needs your help. Please take just a
few minutes to complete this questionnaire about the goals, activities and program topics that you would like us to consider for next
Audubon of Martin County year. Please clip, fold and return it to us AoMC by the end of April so you ideas can be incorporated into our annual plans..

Awards to be Announced! WHY DID YOU JOIN AUDUBON? WHAT FIELD TRIP OR WORKSHOP WOULD YOU
We need your help. Your membership supports (Check all that apply)
ATTEND IF IT FOCUSED ON:
our efforts to safeguard our natural environment. Photos from the 3rd annual event are ___ To get Audubon Magazine
still on display at the Elliott Museum. ___ To promote conservation ___ Wildlife photography
Join today and receive membership in National ___ To attend field trips ___ Creating backyard wildlife habitats
Go over to the Elliott through April 11
Audubon, Audubon of Florida and our local chap- to see the great talent of display and ___ To learn more about birds ___ Citizen‘s role in local decision-making & advocacy
ter, including subscriptions to Audubon magazine, vote for the ―People‘s Choice
___ To meet people with similar interests ___ Identifying plants and animals
___ Other ________________________________________
The Florida Naturalist, and Audubon of Martin Award‖. ___ Habitat restoration work
County‘s Scrub Jay newsletter. New members Come to the April 15 Program WHAT TYPE OF MEETING TOPICS DO YOU FIND THE MOST Other:______________________________________________
INTERESTING?
enjoy the full benefits at the special new member Meeting and see if your favorite im- age is
___ Birding WHAT TYPES OF FIELD TRIPS ARE YOU MOST INTER-
rate of just $20. awarded!
___ Conservation issues ESTED IN ATTENDING?
___ Habitat preservation or restoration
I would like to Volunteer with:
___ Weekend trips ___ Hiking
___ Natural history and wildlife
O Local Issues O Education O Possum Long ___ Weekday trips ___ Plant ID
___ Other ________________________________________
O Bird Counts O Publicity/PR O Properties ___ Canoe/kayak trips ___ Local trips
PLEASE CHECK THE CONSERVATION ISSUES THAT YOU ___ Boat trips ___ Distant locations
O Hospitality O Membership O Loop Rd
BELIEVE SHOULD BE PRIORITIES FOR US ___ Birding ___ Wilderness areas
O Office/Library O Field Trips O Fund Raising
O Sandhill Cranes O Scrub-jays O Bird Island ___ Protection of birds Other __________________________________
O Bluebirds O Bald Eagles O Plovers, Terns Be a Better Birder QUIZ! ___ Protection of beaches & barrier islands
___ Protection of wetlands IN WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WOULD YOU BE INTER-
___ Energy conservation ESTED IN PARTICIPATING ?
Tax Deductible Donations are welcome: Who am I? ___ Land acquisition and habitat protection ___ Assisting at the AoMC office
O Endowment Fund O Bird Collection O Library
O Un-restricted O Possum Long Nature Center ___ Recycling/solid waste management ___ Assisting with fund-raising
O Other AoMC Property O Other______________________ Adult Description ___ Protection of endangered species ___ Assisting with grant writing/administration
Medium-sized songbird. ___ Environmental education ___ Assisting at community events & outreach
Please check one: ___ Other______________________________ ___ Assisting with program meetings
Large silver-gray bill. ___ Assisting the conservation committee
O Full member benefits (outlined above) Individual
or family………….………………………….$ 20 Male deep blue with two brown CHECK IF YOU HAVE EVER CONTACTED A GOVERN- ___ Assisting the education committee
O Senior member (over age 62) or student …………..$ 15 wingbars. Female mostly brown with MENTAL OFFICIAL OR AGENCY ABOUT A CONSERVA- ___ Assisting with public relations
two brown wingbars. TION ISSUE AS A RESULT OF: ___ Assisting the treasurer
O Scrub Jay newsletter only ………….……………...$ 15
___ Assisting with field trips
___ A monthly program meeting ___ Assisting with hospitality
Mail your check, payable to “Audubon ” and mail Male Description ___ An article in the Scrub Jay ___ Birdathon
Black in front of eyes extending ___ Public media
to: down to bill. Flight feathers dark brown to black, with blue edg-
___ Christmas Bird Count
___ Another conservation group ___ Organizing or participating in bird surveys
Audubon of Martin County, Inc. ing. Breeding (Alternate) Plumage: Blue all over, with brown ___ Contacting elected officials
___ Audubon of Florida
Attn: Membership wingbars. Non-breeding (Basic) Plumage: Body blue with ___ Helping with a “telephone tree”
brownish feather edges. I WOULD ATTEND THE BIRD ID COURSE IF IT
621 SE Palm Beach Road ___ Management of AoMC properties
FOCUSED ON: ___ Organizing letter-writing campaigns
Stuart, FL 34994 ____Birding by ear ____habitat & its birds
Female Description ___ Representing AoMC at community mtgs
Brown all over, with some blue feathers on back. Flight feathers ____Plumage variations ____Migration influences ___ Serving on the Board of Directors
Name ___________________________________________________
dark brown to black, with brown edging. ____Backyard birds ____Field work ___ Writing an article for the Scrub Jay
Address _________________________________________________ ____one family group ____Rarities
Name__________________________________________
Immature Description ____Local birds by month ____Right place wrong bird
________________________________________________________ First-year female resembles adult female, with even less blue on Phone:_________________________________________
the upperparts. First-year male, through the first full summer of IF IT WERE HELD ON: Week ___NIGHT ___DAYS
City ______________________________ State ____ Zip _________ life, shows plumage intermediate between that of adult female and Weekend ___ DAYS
adult male, with variable amounts of blue mixed with brown.
Phone __________________________________________________
Range and Habitat Yes I will get my newsletter off the website. (Don’t send me a newsletter)
E-mail __________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________City ________________ST___ZIP____________
I breed from California, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, and New
If you have any questions, call (772) 288-2637 Jersey southward and spend winters in the tropics (Cuba and the Yes I would like to get AoMC Field trip reminders & updates electronically.
Bahamas). My preferred habitats include brushy, moist pastures, Yes I want to receive newsletter notifications via e-mail.
and roadside thickets. Yes I want to receive my newsletter electronically.
Chapter Code: C02E260Z Blue Grosbeak Please provide your email address.______________________________________________

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