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OASis Newsletter

Vol. 44 Issue No. 7 March 2009

Orange Audubon Society- A Chapter of National Audubon Society & Audubon of Florida--The
regular monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at Leu Gardens, 7 pm, in Orlando. There are
other activities: field trips, bird hikes & identification classes throughout the month. www.orangeaudubonfl.org

Okay, Walking and Nature Study are Good for You – Monthly Program, March 19, 2009, 7 pm
Spring Edition by Bob Stamps, President’s Message
Conservation of Florida Butterflies By
Spring is a great time to observe wildlife—mild temperatures, Marc Minno
few thunderstorms, wildlife exhibiting courting and denning/
nesting behavior, foliage still not fully flushed out so Florida has a rich butterfly fauna with about
observation is easier—so get out and ENJOY! On the avian 170 resident species, including unique
side, one of my favorite spring pleasures is watching the antics butterflies that occur nowhere else. Some of our
and listening to the raucous vocalizations of Purple Martins. rarest butterflies are in danger. In addition to
Seek them out, they will put a smile in your heart. This habitat loss, exotic predatory ants, such as the
gregarious bird is the largest swallow in Florida and, nowadays,
red imported fire ant, are impacting even
depends very much on humans providing them housing since
common species. With studies underway to
they are cavity nesters and fewer and fewer trees with cavities
help imperiled butterflies, volunteers are
are available due to human activities. Contrary to popular
myths, their diet is composed chiefly of beetles and dragonflies, needed to find and monitor colonies.
not mosquitoes. Enjoy them while you can since they will leave Our March speaker will be Marc Minno,
Florida in late June, July and early August for Brazil. On the author, or co-author, of five books on
reptilian side, the Gopher Tortoise is another favorite. Listed as butterflies. Illustrating these species, he will
one of the 117 fauna endangered, threatened or a species of inform us on what is being done to save them
special concern (as of May 2008), this land turtle is one of the and what we can do to help.
oldest living species in North America, perhaps with roots 60 Marc has promised to have some of his
million years old. This is the only living tortoise that occurs books with him for sale. Join us on March 19
east of the Mississippi River and it is able to create burrows up for a fascinating program.
to 40 feet long and 10 feet deep. It is these burrows that are so
important in providing protection for more than 360 other
Orange Audubon Society programs are free
species of animals from predators, freezing weather, fires and
other hazards. In the spring, these herbivorous gladiators joust and held in the Camellia Room of Leu Gardens,
for territory and mates. I have spent much enjoyable time 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando (for directions
watching and photographing these ancient rituals. As with call 407-246-2620).
much of the fauna and flora of the world, the gopher tortoise’s Deborah Green
existence is threatened by habitat destruction as the human race Vice President/Program Chair
continues to expand. These are just two of the thousands of
intriguing animal and plant wonders you can observe and enjoy
outdoors this spring.
www.orangeaudubonfl.org March 2009 Page 2

Lake Jesup see: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/leisure/natland/


jesup.asp
March Field Trip ----
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Lake Jesup Park (immediately
On Saturday, March 21st,
adjacent to the Lake Jesup Wilderness Area)
OAS will visit Lake Jesup
at 5951 Sanford Avenue on Lake Jesup in south Sanford.
Wilderness Area in Sanford.
From the intersection of Ronald Reagan
(Please note change in Blvd (CR427) and East Lake Mary Blvd. (near the
location due to a hunt at Greenway), go east on Lake Mary Blvd., then turn
Seminole State Forest). We right (south) on Sanford Avenue. Bring lunch, drink and
will hike about four miles, on a trail through wet prairie birding gear. Be advised, there are no restrooms
and hydric hammock. Parts may be muddy. For more at the park. If you have questions about our trip,
information about this 490 acre Seminole County Natural call us at 407-851-5416.
Lands property, Mary Keim and Randy Snyder, Field Trip Committee

Limited Edition Field Trips and Grasshopper Sparrow; Brown-


  There are two Limited Edition headed Nuthatch; lots of Bald Eagles
Field Trips (LE-FT) coming up. The including newly fledged young;
next is scheduled for March 14th and Sandhill and Whooping Crane; etc.
our destination will be the Shilo Remember, LE-FTs are limited to
Marsh area of Merritt Island ten people, there's a $10 fee for
National Wildlife Refuge. This members and $15 for non-members
area was described in the February and reservations are required. I will
OASis (See archived February OASis take reservations for the March trip
Orlando Wetlands at www.orangeaudubonfl.org) and it's starting on March 8th and for the
a wonderful spot. HOWEVER! April trip starting on April 5th.
February Field Trip Report For more info please call Bob
There is a possible contingency for
Mary Keim, Field Trip Chair this trip. There is a shuttle launch Sanders, 407-766-5490, or
Eleven birders attended the trip to scheduled for March 12th. Merritt procrow@bellsouth.net.
Orlando Wetlands Park on February Island NWR is usually closed during  
21st, including launches. If the launch goes as The Orange Audubon Society (OAS)
one who joined us from Blackhills planned we won't have a problem promotes the understanding of and an
Audubon in Washington State. The entering the refuge. BUT, if the interest in wildlife and the environment,
group observed at least 59 bird launch is delayed, we'll have to go recognition of the intangible values in the
species including Blue-winged Teal, somewhere else. In that case remaining natural beauty of Florid and
Great Blue Heron (with young in Orlando Wetlands Park in the World and the responsibility for the
conservation of these remaining
nest), American Bittern, Black- Christmas will be our back-up
resources.
crowned Night-Heron, Red- destination. If needed I'll make
shouldered Hawk (carrying a siren or arrangements for us to drive into the Orange Audubon Society
amphiuma), Bald Eagle (with young park. It should be great and very P.O Box 941142
in nest), Crested Caracara (chasing a "birdy" this time of year. Maitland, FL 32794-1142
Red-tailed Hawk), Purple Gallinule, The April LE-FT will run on April
Sandhill Crane, Wilson’s Snipe, 11th (also Birdathon Day) and we President .............................Bob Stamps
Common Ground-Dove, Marsh Wren, will visit the Canoe Creek Road rhs-oas@att.net 407-886-2925
Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, area of Osceola County. We will Address Change..................Mike Daley
Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, bird the Three Lakes Wildlife
miked532@bellsouth.net 386-668-5021
and American Goldfinch. Management Area, Joe Overstreet
Other animals seen were: River Road and Joe Overstreet Landing on Editor........................Loretta Lynn Leda
Otter and American Alligator. the east shore of Lake Kissimmee. lorettalynn@mac.com 321-438-0838
Flowers in bloom included Scenically this area is gorgeous and
The OASis is published monthly from
Coastalplain Willow and Blackberry. one of my favorite places. Birds that September through June and is sent free
The morning started out with frost, we may see include: Snail, Swallow- to all members of Orange Audubon
but warmed up to be a beautiful day. tailed, and White-tailed Kite; Red- Society.
cockcaded Woodpecker; Bachman's http://www.orangeaudubonfl.org
1
www.orangeaudubonfl.org March 2009 Page 3

Beginners’ Bird ID Class Returns 3-way membership in Orange Audubon and National
Orange Audubon Society’s (OAS) Beginner’s Bird Audubon Societies and Audubon of Florida [$20
Watching Class (BBWC) is designed for novice and promotional rate ($15 for seniors/students)]. For a
intermediate birders to enhance skills and enjoyment of the membership application, visit OAS’ official website:
fast-growing ‘sport’ of birding. The spring class will www.orangeaudubonfl.org.
coincide with bird migration. Course includes 2 classroom Space is limited. For reservation, contact Teresa:
sessions April 18th and 25th, Rollins College, with mini- 407-644-0796 or mwilliams@cfl.rr.com; then mail one
field trips to nearby sites, and 1 field session on May 2nd; check payable to OAS, with your name, address, phone
time for all sessions is 8:30 AM–12:30 PM. and e-mail (if joining OAS, include your new member
Class instructor Dr. Leesa Sward is a Biology application) to: OAS/Attn: BBWC, PO Box 941142,
professor with Valencia Community College (VCC), Maitland, FL 32794-1142. For more information, contact
Winter Park; past vice president of OAS; and for the past Leesa Sward: 407-677-5374 or LSward@hotmail.com.
16 years has been an avid birder. Sward developed You know what they say about the early bird! Teresa
Florida Birds, a course she has taught four years for VCC Williams, Treasurer
and recently adapted for OAS’ BBWC to suit your needs!
The course increases knowledge and awareness of North Peregrinations: with Bob Sanders,
American bird species; teaches bird ID techniques, basic BIRDATHON 2009
birding principles, bird topography and anatomy; provides April 11th, is the date for this years Birdathon and one
binocular basics and tips on using field guides and of the most important fundraisers. Our goal this year is 200
checklists and more. species and gather $10,000 in pledges. Every member can
Registration is $25 for Audubon members, $40 for participate, one of three ways: 1) Go birding! 2) Gather
non-members, payable by check or money order to OAS. Pledges, 3) Make a pledge. Details, call bob Sanders
Handouts and parking included. Non-members can join 407-766-5490, procrow@bellsouth.net or Tom Rodriguez
when registering and pay $45 (seniors 62+ and f/t students at 407-905-0054, tom@oaklandnaturepreserve.org.
pay $40), which includes BBWC registration (member
price $25) and an introductory membership for annual

Audubon’s Three-way Membership month, OAS sent you our only


It is time to remind all of our monetary request for the year (and if
members about the way Orange based on your zip code and its you have not yet contributed, please
Audubon Society (OAS) deals with proximity to the zip code of an consider doing so now). When you
its memberships. Although some Audubon chapter. Because of this send support money to any one of
Audubon chapters offer a ‘chapter arrangement, Orange Audubon’s the three organizations, that money
only’ membership, OAS’ board of members are not all from Orange stays with that organization (i.e. it is
directors elected several years ago to County and not all residents of not split among the three) and is
continue to provide only 3-way Orange County who join Audub used to fulfill that groups’ budgetary
memberships to its subscribers. This on are assigned to OAS. Our needs. [For your information,
allows us to enjoy the full power of assigned members encompass some however, because of the vital
all of the Audubon Family when we of Lake, Seminole and Osceola services that they provide, OAS
need to show strength on an issue counties. does budget monetary support to the
and the reciprocal of putting all of If you join OAS through the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
our membership behind efforts of chapter (brochure, OAS website, rehabilitation center in Maitland and
both National Audubon Society photo contest entry form, etc.), you some other local rehabilitators.
(NAS) and Audubon of Florida will be ‘assigned’ to OAS as a OAS also sends financial support for
(AoF). member unless you ask NAS to the conservation efforts of AoF.]
When you join OAS, you become switch you to a different chapter (for I hope this answers any questions
a member of not only our local convenience of attending meetings, that you may have about your
chapter, but also the national because of a move, etc.). However, membership. If you do have
organization [NAS] and the state because of the 3-way membership, questions regarding your
organization [AoF, formerly Florida all renewal notices will come from membership, please feel free to
Audubon Society]. You will receive NAS, not OAS. contact me LNS-OAS@att.net;
Audubon magazine from NAS and Finally, although we are all one 407/886-2925.
The Florida Naturalist from AoF, as Audubon, we are separate entities We are proud to have over 1600
well as our newsletter, the OASis. and each of us (OAS, NAS, AoF) local memberships and happy that
If you join through NAS, they has separate budgets to fulfill. You you are one of those members!!
will assign you to a local chapter, may receive requests for support Loretta Satterthwaite,
from each of us — e.g. just last
www.orangeaudubonfl.org March 2009 Page 4
KUDOS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS! because we had enough helpers that each of us could take
time to relax and enjoy the environs in whatever way we
Acclamations to You!! chose. Orange Audubon appreciates its members who
Orange Audubon Society’s co-sponsorship of the 10th continue to answer our appeals for a helping hand.
annual Orlando Wetlands Park Festival was a big success Loretta Satterthwaite, OWP volunteers coordinator
thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers (of course,
having a perfect day - weatherwise - didn’t hurt either!). Welcome New Board Member
We may have had the biggest crowds ever and things
Orange Audubon Society (OAS) is pleased to
went very smoothly for the most part. The change in
venue (most activities were located or began at Ft. introduce our most recent board member, Loretta Lynn
Christmas Park) caused a few problems, but those will be Leda. Fulfilling our by-laws obligations, the board of
smoothed out and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone directors of OAS has appointed Loretta Lynn Leda to fill
there again next year. the chair recently vacated by Claire Hilliker.
Special thanks to the following volunteers for your Not only did Loretta agree to join the board, but she
efforts setting up/taking down tents, working the willingly has consented to step into the position of Editor
merchandise, conservation/education/outreach or the of the OASis. You are now reading her first endeavor for
kids’ art tables: Chris Gandy, Phyllis Gray, Deborah OAS!
Green, Cyndi Kay, Carole Lamb, Tom Lamb, Joan Please welcome her to OAS’ board. We look forward
LeMosy, Julia Pringle, Sharon Robbins, Ellen Rocco, to working with you, Loretta Lynn!
Ayme Smith, Dick Smith, Gaye Smith, Ted Smith, Randy Thanks for joining us.
Snyder, Bob Stamps, Jennifer Weader, Teresa Williams.
Working at our outreach booths this year was a pleasure Loretta Satterthwaite and Bob Stamps

Goodbye & Good Luck but remember that there will always any discernable trace of humans,
be a warm welcome for you in human-made structures or artifacts,
It is with deep regret that the or non-native species. You may
sunny Florida. Thank you, Claire,
Orange Audubon Society (OAS) enter up to five images in total (limit
for all that you brought to OAS; we
board of directors has accepted the three in a category). Entry fees are
miss you! Loretta
resignation of our fellow member, $3 per image (17 & under), $5 per
Satterthwaite and Bob Stamps image (Audubon members) or $7
Claire Hilliker. Claire joined the
board in July 2002 and within a per image (non-members). Final
month, Claire was asked to serve as Ft. DeSoto Field Trip deadline is May 21st, 2009
OASis editor; she did and the rest is Annual field trip to Ft. DeSoto, (postmark).
St. Petersburg, is April 24, 2009. OAS will again provide its own
history! For six and a half years,
Rooms are reserved at the brand of stimulus to participants
Claire was in charge of the OASis. whose images are received by April
Thanks Claire for your diligence. Continuing Education Center at
16th: an optional, free pre-
Claire also served OAS as its Eckerd College for Friday night,
screening. Participants will be
Birdathon chair. Not only did she $80 per room + $10 for additional notified of any ineligible entry and
go into the field and help us find person in room. If attending during given the opportunity for a free do-
record numbers of species, but she the day only, fee is only $10. Sign over! Replacements must be
also compiled the list of species up sheet at the meeting, or call Ted submitted in compliance with
seen and mailed it along with thank or Gaye Smith at 407-249-3969 or contest rules.
you letters to all those who smith_ted_gaye@bellsouth.net. The Spring 2009 issue of Florida
contributed to this annual fundraiser Naturalist magazine will feature
images from the 2008 contest and
for OAS. Chertok Nature Photo Contest next month’s OASis newsletter will
We could always count on Orange Audubon Society (OAS) announce the images from the 2008
Claire to volunteer for our outreach encourages nature-loving competition that were selected for
events. We have already missed her shutterbugs to participate in its 2009 featured displays at Colonial Photo
smiling face and positive attitude at (21st Annual) Kit & Sidney Chertok & Hobby, 634 N. Mills Avenue,
the Lake Eola Fiesta in the Park and Nature Photo Contest. Themes for Orlando, contest co-sponsor since
the Orlando Wetlands Park festival. this year's digital competition are: 2004. Entry forms & contest rules
Orange Audubon Society wishes Florida Vertebrates and/or Scenics are available on OAS’ website and
and Florida Invertebrates and/or at Colonial Photo & Hobby, or by
you well in your new environs near
Wildflowers. contacting Teresa: 407-644-0796 or
the Windy City! We know that as a Images must be of Florida native
Canadian, you’re used to those mwilliams@cfl.rr.com. Teresa
flora and/or fauna and can not show Williams, Contest Chair
colder temperatures found up north,
Page 5 March 2009 www.orangeaudubonfl.org

Audubon state. The 90-minute multimedia presentation will be


accompanied by live presentations from some of the
Academy artists, including musicians Cathy Dewitt and Janet
Time is flying.  With the Rucker.  Dr.Reed Bowman, Archbold Biological
Audubon Academy only a Station, will be the featured speaker.    
month away it is The public is invited and there is no charge for the
important to REGISTER program only so PLEASE invite your chapter
NOW and SAVE MONEY!  members and friends to attend.  The program will
In fact the early begin at 7:30 p.m., March 28, at the FFA Center,
registration incentive comes to an end this Friday!  5000 Firetower Road, Haines City, FL. 
One of the highlights of the Academy this year is For more information go to
"Natural Florida:  In Word, Image and Deed".  This www.audubonofflorida.org. For more information
program was developed by Florida Defenders of the about the Natural Florida program, visit http://
Environment for the Florida Humanities Council, and naturalflorida.fladefenders.org/ or call 352-378-8465.
is one of only nine programs to be shown in the

Orange Peggy Cox Receives Thank you, Peggy, for your


Award Audubon of Florida invaluable service to our chapter,
Audubon our region, our state and to
On January 31, 2009, at the
Audubon.
Society Offers Central Florida Regional
by Bob Stamps and Loretta
Conservation Committee
Butterfly ID (CFRCC) meeting in Maitland,
Satterthwaite (photo by Larry
Rosen) Pictured Peggy Cox, left,
Class Audubon of Florida (AoF)
and Linda Bystrak.
Orange Audubon Society presented Orange Audubon
is   offering a Butterfly Society (OAS) member Peggy
Return to Roost at Gatorland
Identification class on Saturdays, Cox with a certificate of
The hours before dusk at
April 4, 11 and 18 from 2:30 PM to recognition for her many years of
Gatorland are very special as the
service as a representative for the
5:00 PM. Class involves lectures, birds come flying in to the roost.
CFRCC on the AoF board of
field observation and Thousands of White Ibises and
directors.
identification of butterflies at egrets, herons fly in to rest for the
Peggy was unable to be
Orlando Wetlands Park and night on the trees surrounding
present to receive a similar
Seminole Ranch Conservation Gatorland's Alligator Breeding
certificate for her service to OAS
Area in east Orange County.  Marsh. Gatorland has one of the
from in-coming President Bob
most remarkable rookeries for
Instructors are Orange Audubon Stamps at the June 2008 OAS
wading birds and certainly the
members Randy Snyder and meeting.
most accessible to public
Mary Keim.   For more Peggy has served on OAS’
observation. On March 14 OAS
i n f o r m a t i o n , conservation committee for at
least 12 years, as Chairman for members will be treated to return
including   recommended field to the roost and you can arrive
guides and binoculars,   contact half of those years, and previously
served as Secretary and early to view the breeding marsh
Randy: 407-851-5416.  and any part of Gatorland you
President of OAS.
Cost is $25 for Audubon members wish. Our guide will be Mike
and $40 for non-members. Non- Godwin, of the founding family
members who join when they of Gatorland.
register receive the member Cost is $10 and you must be a
discount rate. To register, contact member to attend (you can
Teresa: mwilliams@cfl.rr.com or join on the spot). Children
407-644-0796. Class is limited to under 13 are $5. Registration
15 participants.  Don't let this is necessary. Call Danielle
opportunity flutter by. Ponsolle at 407-658-4869.
Gatorland Phone
1-800-393-5297.
www.orangeaudubonfl.org March 2009 Page 6

Orange Audubon Society


Calendar of Events
Board of Directors 2008-2009
March 14, 2009 Saturday March 28, 2009 Saturday
PRESIDENT Limited Edition Field Trip, Shilo Lower Wekiva River SR Butterfly
Bob Stamps (10) 407-886-2925 Marsh/MINWR Bob Sanders Survey Randy Snyder
VICE PRESIDENT 407-766-5490/ 407-851-5416
Loretta Satterthwaite (10) 407-886-2925 procrow@bellsouth.net
VICE PRESIDENT (PROGRAMS)
Deborah Green (10) 407-553-0028 March 28, 2009 - Saturday
March 14, 2009 Saturday
SECRETARY Audubon Academy, Haines City,
Dominique Shimizu (10) 407-278-4078 Lee Tract Bird Survey, Lorne Malo www.audubonofflorida.org
TREASURER 407-349-2536/ 407-659-4853 (w)
Teresa Williams (10) 407-644-0796
BOARD MEMBERS April 4, 11, 18, 2009 - Saturdays
March 14, Saturday
Susan Clary (10) 407-968-2010 Butterfly ID Class, Randy Snyder
Return to the Roost at Gatorland 407-851-5416
Maggie DeVane (11) devanem@aol.com
Michele Greco (10)...............................................
just before dusk, rsvp Danielle
Milton Heiberg (10) 407-658-4869 Ponsolle 407-658-4869 April 11, 2009 - Saturday
Loretta Lynn Leda (10) 321-438-0838 BIRDATHON, see details inside
Mary Keim (09) 407-851-5416 March 19, 2009 - Thursday
Danielle Ponsolle (11) 407-658-5742 General meeting, 7 pm Leu April 11, 2009 - Saturday
Sharon Robbins (11) 407-376-4930 Gardens, OAS Board meeting 5:30 Charles H. Bronson State Forest –
Tom Rodriguez (09) 407-905-0054 pm, All Welcome. Bob Stamps Lee Tract Bird Survey Contact
Bob Sanders (11) 407-766-5490 Lorne Malo
407-886-2925
Ayme Smith (10) 407-425-7504
Gaye Smith (09) 407-249-3969 April 11, 2009 - Saturday
Ted Smith (09) 407-249-3969 March 21, 2009 Saturday
Randy Snyder (09) 407-851-5416 Mead Gardens Bird Survey, 8-10 LE-FT - Canoe Creek Rd, Osceola
Pete Vogt (11) 407-855-4122 am, Dexter Richardson Co., Bob Sanders, 407-766-5490,
407-760-8193 dex@dexwine.com or procrow@bellsouth.net

March 21, 2009 Saturday April 18, 25 & May 1, 2009, Sat.
Lake Jesup, 7:30 am, Mary Keim BBWC - Leesa Sward
407-851-5416 407-677-5374 or
LSward@hotmail.com

PERMIT NO. 790


Orlando, FL Maitland, FL 32794-1142
U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 941142
ORGANIZATION
NON-PROFIT Orange Audubon Society

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