Peace River Audubon Society 2008-09 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS:

White Bird
Acting President Cathy Olson ‘09 941-613-6753
Vice President Stu Lewis ’09 941-235-2590
Secretary Sandy Artman ‘09 941-575-0651
Treasurer Walt Williams ‘09 941-235-3352

September 2008 Volume 32, Issue 1 Additional Mike Krzyzkowski ‘10 863-244-2652
Directors: Dave Lancaster ‘10 941-625-0979
Sandy Artman, Editor Eleanor Marr ‘10 941-624-4182
Dan Artman, Dispatcher George Ruby ’10 941-423-0174
Don Youso ‘10 941-235-1298
www.PeaceRiverAudubon.org Starr Zachritz ‘10 941-766-7686

Special Date:
Thursday, September 11, 2008
PRAS AUDUBON MEETING
7:00 PM (refreshments 6:30 PM)
at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
2565 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Dr Robert Fulton
Please join the Peace River Audubon Society on
September 11, 2008 for our very special guest Dr.
Robert Fulton. Dr. Fulton will be visiting us from
North Carolina where he currently resides. He grew
up in Delray Beach and having relatives in both the
‘Glades and the Keys, young Robert’s “natural”
education was this south Florida classroom.

Guest Speaker He participated in the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

search in the Congaree Swamp of South Carolina,
Dr Robert Fulton two weeks with Cornell University’s Lab of Orni-
thology in Arkansas’s Bayou de View, a week along
Search for the the Choctawhatchee River in NW Florida, as well as
private searches in both Carolinas. These experi-
Ivory-billed Woodpecker ences and a life in the outdoors prompted Fulton’s
an eyewitness account latest book, Swamp Drifter, which includes experi-
ences from the Everglades of Florida to the North
Carolina mountains. Whether accidentally paddling
his kayak up the back of a bull gator in the Okee-
feenokee Swamp or waiting for a sunning cotton-
mouth to move so Fulton can retrieve his binocu-
lars, the stories are varied, entertaining, and always
instructional.

Receiving five Florida Outdoor Writers “Excellence

in Craft” awards and the Florida Writers Associa-
tion’s “Royal Palm Literary Award” endorses the
quality of his writing. Fulton’s articles, columns,
and stories have appeared in a variety of literary,
conservation, and education publications.

Dr. Fulton's well-honed sense of humor guarantees

his listeners will be entertained as well as educated.
Please join us for a night that is sure to delight.
 Welcome Back
By Gregg Klowden
Welcome back and I hope you are ready for a fun year.
As usual, there is a plethora of activities planned that I
am sure you will enjoy.
Unfortunately I will not be
there to enjoy them with
you as some rather sudden
changes occurred mid-
summer. I was offered
and accepted a teaching
position in Missouri at Truman State University in the
Department of Biology. I am very excited to begin my
teaching career at this fine University which serves as
the state honors college. While this is a temporary one
year position that may bring me back to Port Charlotte
next summer, I must resign as chapter President. I have
thoroughly enjoyed the honor of representing you and
cherish the many friendships I have made. Filling the
presidential void is not an easy task however PRAS is
fortunate that former president Cathy Olson (2003-5) has
volunteered to step in. Since she also works full time,
she really will need assistance from all of you.
To lend a hand, please contact Cathy at
president1@PeaceRiverAudubon.org. Any time you can
commit will assure that PRAS can continue to be a vi-
brant part of our community as it has for over 30 years.
May Walkabout Report
by Phyllis Cady
Spring was in the air, as a small group of nature lovers met for
our last Walkabout of the season. We headed toward the Caniff
Building, stopped at Freshwater Pond, then headed down Three
Lakes Trail to enjoy Sherman Lake. Phyllis Cady and Cindy
Christel were the guides, who talked about CHEC, and the
plants and animals that live there, as we walked along looking
for birds. More than 20 species of birds were found; Green
Herons, Northern Flicker, Ground Dove, Bald Eagle, Blue-Gray
Gnatcatcher and of course the ubiquitous Red-Bellied Wood-
pecker. A variety of spring wildflowers were in bloom; Sensi-
tive Brier, Camphor Weed, Elliot's Milkpea, Blue Hearts, Dusty
Rose-Myrtle, Bachelor's Buttons, and Painted-Leaf. We saw 2
large alligators in the small ponds along Eagle Point Trail and a
smaller alligator floating at Sherman Lake, with yellowish white
bands on it's tail. We continued along Eagle Point Trail and as
we headed back to our cars, we walked along with beautiful
yellow Tickseed blooming on both sides of the trail. We saw a
Black Racer scoot across the trail, and an Eastern Cottontail
Rabbit freeze as we went by, but the Gopher Tortoise who has
made a mound in the Butterfly Garden was nowhere to be found
today. It's always a great experience to be out walking the trails
at CHEC.
Happy 50th Anniversary
Mary Ann and Bill Hughes
Congratulations and hope you have many more!
A donation has been made to Peace River Audu-
bon Society in your honor.
Your brother, George Shea
Thanks for your service in the past year.
A special thanks to Gregg Klowden for serving as
our President for the past year and a half. He
worked diligently for our organization and repre-
sented us well in conservation issues in the county.
A special thanks to Cathy Olson for lining up the
speakers for our monthly meetings and taking over as President in Gregg’s
absence.
A special thanks to MaryAnn Hughes and Phyllis Cady for their past work on
the PRAS Board. MaryAnn served as the Secretary and CHEC Representa-
tive. Phyllis was the chair of the Hospitality Committee. They both collabo-
rated on our annual Evening with the Audubon. They are both leaving the
board after serving two consecutive terms.
A special thanks to Eleanor Marr for planning our walkabouts and field trips
and organizing our Birdathon.
A special thanks to Bill Marr for heading up our Photography Group and
running the Photo Contest at our Annual Banquet.
A special thanks to Tony Licata for organizing and running the Christmas Bird
Count each year.
A special thanks to Walt Williams for his continued work as our treasurer and
archivist.
A special thanks to Stu Lewis for his continued work as our vice-president
and conservation chairperson.
A special thanks to Mike Krzyzkowski for his continued work as our publicist.
A special thanks to George Ruby for his work as our CHNEP Representative.
A special thanks to Jan Walker for her work as our Education Chair.
A special thanks to Starr Zachritz who has graciously accepted the responsi-
bility of chairing the Hospitality Committee for the upcoming year. When she
asks for your help, please don’t let her down.
A special thanks to Larry Linn and Ken Ferris for their continued work at
Audubon Pennington Park. They are always looking for additional volun-
teers.
A special thanks goes out to Andrea and Jim Story for their work on the Hot
Spot Section of the PRAS Website.
A special thanks to everyone that attends our meetings, participates in our
walkabouts and field trips, and supports our organization in any other way.
 Walkabouts and Field Trips Tentative Schedule of Events
2008-2009
Thanks to Eleanor Marr once again we have an interesting
and varied list of walks and trips planned for 2008-2009.
Some plans are still in the works so keep an eye out for October 7: Walkabout Picnic at CHEC
more details and any changes in future editions of the Phyllis Cady 941-575-4009
Whitebird. October 18: Field Trip Celery Fields
Don Youso *North
WALKABOUT 1st TUESDAY November 4: Walkabout Ollie’s Pond
Meet at site entrance at 8 AM unless otherwise noted Don Youso
November 15: Field Trip Carlton Reserve
FIELD TRIP Usually 3rd SATURDAY Stu and Louise Lewis *West
Meet at designated place (* see under schedule) at 7 AM December 2: Walkabout Sleeping Turtle
unless otherwise noted Stu and Louise Lewis
December ?? Christmas Bird Count
Fund Raising Committee Tony Licata
January 6: Walkabout Amberjack
PRAS is seeking people to serve on its fund- Chuck and Joan Froman
raising committee. No experience necessary. January 17: Field Trip Harns Marsh
Please consider helping PRAS achieve its conservation and edu- Cathy Olson *South
cation goals. Please contact Cathy Olson at 941-613-6753. February 3: Walkabout Yucca Pens
Eleanor Marr
February 21: Field Trip Palm Island
Donate to PRAS and Kevin Edwards *West
give a gift to future generations March 3: Walkabout Tippe II
Stu and Louise Lewis
Your gifts are tax deductible and will help PRAS carry out March 21: Field Trip Babcock-Webb
its mission to protect the air we breathe, Dave Lancaster (meet at entrance station)
water we drink, and wildlife we love. April 7: Walkabout Shell Creek Preserve
Eleanor Marr
Name: ________________________________ April 18: Field Trip Fort DeSoto
Address: ______________________________ Eleanor Marr *North
City, State, Zip: ________________________ May 5: Walkabout TBA
Phone: _______________________________ Phyllis Cady
May 16: Field Trip TBA
Mike Krzyzkowski/Jim Bonk

College Scholarship Fund
To encourage exceptional college students
interested in a career in the environmental sciences.
Audubon Adventures
Environmental educational materials for
area grade schools.
$______ *NORTH—the parking lot by McDonalds at Peachland Mall near I75
and Kings Hwy in Port Charlotte (24133 Peachland Boulevard)
*SOUTH—the parking lot of Sweetbay on US 41 south of the Burnt
Store Road intersection in Punta Gorda (10175 Tamiami Trail)
$______ *EAST - the parking lot of Winn-Dixie on State Route 17 east of
Punta Gorda (27680 Bermont Road)
*WEST the parking lot of Charlotte Stadium, Rt. 776

PRAS Environmental Education Programs $______

Such as Girl and Boy Scout birding programs,
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Welcome to New
lectures to schools and organizations, etc... Members
PRAS General Needs $______
Such as Audubon-Pennington Park, festival Ms. Gail Sorenson J.D. Alexander
displays, literature printing, or based on need any of the funds Mr. Arthur Guerrera Ms. Gena Walck
above. James & Madeline Detlefs Mr. Irving Priest
John & Jean Hill Mr. Bryan Bennett
Ms. Marilyn Gwathney Mrs. Ruth Nash
Send this form along with your gift to
Ms. Velma Wright
PRAS at P.O. Box 510760, Punta Gorda, FL 33951
or call Cathy Olson at 941-613-6753
 Non-profit Organization
The Peace River Audubon Society U.S. Postage Paid
PO Box 510760 Punta Gorda, FL
Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0760 Permit No. 100

Check the “Exp” date on your address label!

“1208” means your PRAS and/or National membership expires
December 2008. To save the cost of sending reminders, please
use the application below to renew your membership. If you
have questions please call Phyllis Cady at 575-4009 or send an
email to: membership1@peaceriveraudubon.org

September 2008
White Bird

Printed on Recycled Paper

C & R Graphics (folding donated)

The Peace River Audubon Society is a 501 ( c )(3) non-profit organization. Our Federal tax ID number is 59-2190872. We do not engage a professional solicitor and 100% of the
funds generated by this request will be used to support our Chapter programs. Our registration number with the FDA Division of Consumer Services is SC-040701.

Electronic White Bird: If you would like to receive the White Bird via e-mail, please send a request to : whitebird1@peaceriveraudubon.org

Bird of the Month: Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes Carolinus)

by Cathy Olson, PRAS Board member

The red-bellied woodpecker is the most common woodpecker in the southeastern U.S. Despite
its name, the red belly is only rarely seen. More prominent is the red hood which extends to the
forehead on the male and only to the nape on the female. This woodpecker is common in for-
ests and in suburban areas where it readily visits bird feeders. Food is often stored for later use
in cracks and crevices of trees which are sometimes raided by other animals. This cavity nest-
ing bird competes vigorously with other cavity nesting birds such as other woodpeckers and the
non-native European starling. Their unused cavities provide nesting and denning sites for other
animals including great-crested flycatchers and flying squirrels.

Peace River Audubon Society Membership Application / Renewal

Join us for some fun and birding. Help protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, & the wildlife we love...help us protect Florida.
___ New Membership Chapter Code: E14-7XCH ( ) $20 Local Audubon Membership Only
___ Renewal Includes the “White Bird” newsletter with local news articles,
Name: ______________________________________ local meetings, field trips, bird walks, & special events.
Organization: ________________________________ All proceeds stay within local chapter
Address: ___________________________________ ( ) $20 Local and National Audubon(new members only, renewals $35)
City, State, Zip: ______________________________ Includes all of the above plus National Audubon magazine.
Phone: ( ) _______________________________
( ) Additional Gift for PRAS
E-mail: _____________________________________
Please help PRAS continue our educational and
MAIL CHECK WITH THIS FORM TO: conservation programs with a tax deductible contribution.
PRAS, PO box 510760, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0760
Total Enclosed $ _________