Saturday, December 26, 2009 -- Christmas Bird Count
Not exactly a field trip, but more! We have numerous teams that spread out close to home to count birds from sunrise to sunset as part of an annual Audubon Society citizen science and conservation project throughout the western hemisphere. This is the 110th year!
Sunday, January 17, 2010 -- Viera Wetlands
Brevard County's Viera Wetlands is actually part of a waste water treatment facility. They use man-made wetlands of several kinds (lakes, marshes, etc.) to absorb remaining nutrients so the water can be released into the environment. The water in these stages is actually quite clean and the birds and other wildlife love it. We have encountered Soras, American Bitterns, Limpkins, and thousands of Blue-winged Teal close up, and upland birds like Caracaras, Harriers, and Kestrels too! Much of our birding will be from our cars, as you can drive on the berms.
Meetings:
Meetings are held at 6:45 pm at the KUA (Kissimmee Utility Authority) Building 1701 W. Carroll St. in Kissimmee
Tues., January 26, 2010 -- Mike Godwin -- Alligators and Wading Birds: A Natural Symbiosis
Too many Floridians seem to think the only good 'gator is a dead one. Did you know alligators are crucial to many healthy Florida ecosystems, and that wading birds actually prefer to nest over swamps crawling with 'gators? This presentation will show you what a successful rookery full of nests of herons, egrets, storks, and even spoonbills can look like in Central Florida. Rumor has it Mike might bring one or more critters with him!
Mike Godwin is the grandson of Gatorland's founder and is on the board of Orange Audubon Society. He has developed what we think is a healthy obsession with creating great photographs of beautiful birds. He keeps telling us, "I'm not a birder," but we beg to differ!
All events are open to the public!!
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