SHORELINES
August 2004
Dedicated to the protection of bird and wildlife habitat and a greater appreciation of Northwest Florida’s natural beauty.
Meetings, Bird Walks & Events
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Audubon meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the OWCC
Niceville campus, Student Union, Building K, Room K-151.
August 5: Dotty Blacker will present a slide presen-
tation on the Eglin Air Force Base Sea Turtle program.
Then, a short video titled, “Coral Reefs: Canaries of the
Oceans” will be shown. Thelma Phillips will provide
refreshments.
CHAPTER WALKS & FIELD TRIPS
September 11: Jean Williams will lead a bird walk to
the Fort Walton Beach spray fields and holding ponds.
Meet in the Coach-n-Four restaurant parking lot at 7:30 a.m.
Bring water and insect repellent.
Chapter News
President’s Message
Brian C. Monk, DVM, CAS President
Hello everyone, Brian Monk here, your Choctawhatchee
Audubon Society President. I took this position with only a
poor understanding of what Audubon is and what it hopes to
accomplish. I was never a “joiner” of any organization. But I
felt that the people who I knew from the CAS had always been
there when I needed advice or help, and so I offered my time for
this position. And then I found out what Audubon really is: the
only grassroots conservation organization of its size and politi-
cal clout in the world. The primary goal of Audubon is the real-
istic conservation of irreplaceable natural resources for the
future of our society. Sounds a little high-minded, and possibly
even high-handed, until you consider the word “grassroots.”
This word is defined to mean an organization driven by what is
wanted and needed locally, by the people who live locally. So
another way to define what Audubon's goals are is to say that
Audubon is an organization dedicated to serving the fundamen-
tal environmental needs of the local population.
In part, CAS already accomplishes this goal admirably.
We hold monthly meetings with speakers and topics focused on
local interests, ranging from hummingbird and butterfly gar-
dening to endangered species. We hold sponsored tour events
with expert leaders to introduce people to the birds that live in
this area. We sponsor classroom events and contests designed
to pique the interest of children in the areas of science and nat-
ural history. But we could do more.
We, all of us, are truly blessed to be living in this slice of
paradise. The Panhandle Region of Florida is an amazing place,
with a diversity of flora and fauna that is mind-boggling. I per-
The deadline for Shorelines is the 15th of each month. Articles, letters and notices of upcoming events from members are welcome.
E-mail newsletter input to Shorelines editor Kendra Addington at 2shorelines@earthlink.net or call (850) 862-1282.
Volume XXXIII Number 6
September 18: North American Fall Migration
Count. Call Don Ware, 862-6582 to volunteer.
OTHER WALKS & EVENTS
August 31: Nonie’s Eventures night nature walks at
Big Kahuna Water Park, Destin. Walks start at 8pm. All are
invited, but the focus is on ages 5-10. Call 862-9588 or visit
www.noniesark.com.
October 15-17: Back to Nature Festival , South
Walton County. Includes birding, hiking, boating, exploring
lakes and beaches, kayaking, biking & more! Sponsored by
South Walton Community Council - more info to come!
sonally have seen dolphins, a black bear, 2 kinds of owls, and
wild orchids all in the same day - in two counties! In one coun-
ty alone I have seen 125 species of birds in only 16 hours! And
we have all seen development continue and in some instances
continue irresponsibly. The population continues to grow, and
this presents us with problems that need to be addressed.
Problems such as the quality of water in the Choctawhatchee
Bay. Or the source of our drinking water for the Panhandle for
the next ten, twenty, or fifty years. Or the loss of wild beaches.
Some of these problems seem to derive from ignorance or
greed, such as the question “Do the people who live on the
beaches of South Walton actually care more about their light-
bulbs than they do about sea turtles?”
The problems that we are faced with have answers that
are suitable for all people involved, and the solutions should not
come in the form of absolutes. But common sense needs a
place on both sides of any argument, and the problems we are
faced with are already directly impacting our quality of life.
Being involved in your community means being involved in the
impact you have on the world around you, people and environ-
ment alike. We should consider the air we breathe, the water we
drink, and the environment we and our children live in when we
consider our quality of life. What it is now, and what it will be.
I invite you all to come to a meeting, to encourage some-
one you know to join, to contact me or a board member per-
sonally with concerns you may have with what is happening in
your neck of the woods. I would like to make the
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society better, but I need your help.
Bird Trips
The Vanishing Grouse
Lenny Fenimore, CAS member
I went to Colorado recently to do some birding. One of
my target birds was the Gunnison Sage Grouse (named after
the area in Colorado in which it is found).
The Gunnison Sage Grouse was declared a separate
species in 1998. It was separated from the Sage Grouse (now
named the Greater Sage Grouse) after scientists identified
significant morphological (physical characteristics) and
genetic differences.
The breeding strategy of the Gunnison Sage Grouse
(among a number of other species) is termed "lek polygy-
ny"(pronounced puh-lidge-uh-nee). A lek is a place where a
number of male birds gather to perform elaborate display rit-
uals. Polygyny is the term used to describe the mating of a
male with more than one female.
The birds gather at the lek during the night to perform
their annual breeding displays. The displays of the males
include spreading of the wings and tails feathers, inflating
colorful air sacs on the neck, rapid dancing, and making loud
vocalizations. The displays are believed to determine domi-
nance among the males. Females that attended the lek
observe the displays from the sidelines before selecting a
male. The dominant male is usually responsible for 90 per-
Conservation
Act Locally: Help Select Chapter
Conservation Project
Mathilda Ravine, Conservation Chair
Being an environmentalist can be downright depressing:
rather than lobbying for positive change or enjoying the out-
doors we are more often fighting attempts to clear natural
areas, fill remaining wetlands, and disrupt imperiled ecosys-
tems that house dwindling wildlife populations. With existing
environmental protections under almost constant assault, we
are forced to take adversarial positions. To combat this
gloomy picture and provide a positive role for our members,
I am proposing a chapter conservation project to benefit our
local environment.
To make this a true group effort, I want your help select-
ing a project. Should we landscape a public area with native
plants? Adopt a stretch of beach or highway for litter patrol?
Create brochures to encourage homeowners to use responsi-
ble practices? Encourage creation of backyard habitat?
Remove invasive exotic plants? Build next boxes for local
distribution? Jackson Guard, the Natural Resources Division
Page 2: August 2004
cent of the mating.
Often females will
walk past all the
males, unimpressed,
and fade into the
bushes. Displaying
usually ends shortly
after daybreak.
On the lek I visit-
ed, the only public
viewing lek, the birds
apparently are in
trouble. In 1998, the Gunnison Sage Grouse
average number of
birds visiting the lek each day was 32. In 2003, the average
was eight, a 75 percent reduction. Biologists are uncertain as
to the reason for the sudden decline in the number of birds.
The decline is also being noticed at other leks as well.
Biologists speculate that the decline is due to habitat loss and
degradation. But if they are unable to quickly identify the
specific problem, at the current rate of decline this recently
identified majestic species may soon vanish.
at Eglin AFB, has many worthwhile conservation projects.
Should we participate in one of these rather than develop our
own project?
Please let me know what issues and areas are important
to you. If there's a park or natural area in your neighborhood
that has been neglected, maybe we can help. If you'd like to
be involved, but don't have a specific recommendation,
please call or email (243-2298 or mathilda@cox.net).
We'll still face controversial issues. As your conservation
committee, Gini Simpson, Mary Theberge, and I will try to
keep you informed and offer opportunities to speak out. But
we'd also like to act locally to benefit the environment. Please
call or email with your ideas and talents. We might not
change the world today, but together we can make our corner
of it a little brighter.
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Shorelines
Bird Watching
A Little Bird Told Me...
By Gee
Essentially there are two types of birds you'll find in your
yard: seed-eaters and insect-eaters (tho there are many cross-
overs who eat both!). What type of food you put out is
dependent on what you are trying to attract. If you are want-
ing to attract a wide variety of birds, it is futile to put out
seeds if all you attract are House (English) Sparrows and
Doves! Cardinals are almost exclusively attracted to sun-
flower seeds. However, if you put sunflower seeds in an open
feeder, they will be promptly gobbled up by squirrels! So, it
is worthwhile to invest in a squirrel-proof feeder which clos-
es down with the weight of the squirrel. Or, you can put out
the more expensive Safflower seeds - squirrels are not usual-
ly interested in them, while most songbirds (Chickadees,
Titmice, Finches, Jays, Cardinals, etc.) enjoy them.
A cheaper food that is enjoyable to most is cracked corn.
Scattered on the ground, it keeps Doves and flocks of
Sparrows happy, in addition to Thrashers and others.
Squirrels also really enjoy the cracked corn, but at least it is
relatively inexpensive!
Chapter News
Donations Appreciated!
Special thanks to our recent contributors for the gener-
ous donations to Audubon Adventures:
Col. Edward Newman
Adriaan & Elly Van de Voorde
Charles H. Kelly
Jean & Phil Blumer
General CAS Donation:
Jim & Valerie Beall
Membership
Welcome back returning members:
Pat Baker
Nicole & Bruce Behrens
Charles Kelly
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Shorelines
Another food choice is suet cakes in wire cage feeders -
these are attractive to insect and fruit-eaters like
Woodpeckers, Jays, Mockingbirds, and Thrashers. However,
unless you buy "hot pepper flavor" suet, you may find it
quickly disappears due to squirrels. Birds don't mind the hot
peppers, but squirrels dislike them!
One very satisfactory feeder, I find, is a large wooden
one with a center bin and perches (for safflower seed) and
suet cages on either end. In addition, sugar water feeders will
attract Hummingbirds and House Finches. However,
Hummers can be disappointingly erratic!
Deluxe Feeder with suet cages
This ‘n That
Wildlife-Friendly
Pest Control
Kendra Addington, Shorelines editor
Many of us wonder how to control insect pests in our
yards and flower beds without endangering wildlife. As
we already know, insecticides and fertilizers applied to
our plants can be harmful and even deadly to animals and
birds. In addition, rain can wash these harmful chemicals
into our water supplies! Here is a "recipe" for some NON-
toxic spray you can apply to your plants, flowers and
herbs:
Place the following ingredients in your blender:
Fresh, raw Onions
Fresh, raw Garlic
Cayenne or other Hot Pepper
Water for blending
Blend on "liquefy" setting until smooth. Strain the mix-
ture into a quart or gallon container. (Double straining
may be necessary.) Add some water to dilute. Pour into a
spray bottle. Apply generously to your flowers, plants and
herbs. Re-apply after heavy rains.
August 2004: Page 3
 Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Nonprofit Organization
Shorelines, August 2004 U.S. Postage PAID
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2003/2004 OFFICERS Shorelines is published 10 times a year by Choctawhatchee

Audubon Society, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It is sent to 500
President members and community leaders. To become a sponsor, call
Brian Monk: 586-2473, monkpiper@aol.com
Kendra Addington at 862-1282. Your contributions will be tax-
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Bill Burke: 678-0440, manateeadvocate@hotmail.com
Newsletter sponsors:
Treasurer
Pat Gross: 609-0059, dachsie@cox.net Charlie Parkel, Niceville
In memory of Ken Proteau, Hamiliton and Renee Williams
Recording secretary Pam McKenzie, Los Lunas, NM
Carole Goodyear: 897-2666, carolegoodyear@msn.com Julia Sublett, Shalimar
Corresponding secretary Business World, Fort Walton Beach
Pat Baker: flabirder@cox.net Elizabeth Milum, M.D., Dermatologist, Destin/Niceville
Bird count coordinator Wild Birds Unlimited, Destin
Donald M. Ware: 862-6582, donware@earthlink.net Make sure you renew your local CAS membership when you
Conservation committee chair renew your national Audubon membership. Please indicate that
Mathilda Ravine: 243-2298, mathilda@cox.net you’re affiliated with Choctawhatchee Audubon Society when you
Education renew to ensure your subscription to Shorelines.
Nonie Maines: 862-9588, nonie@noniesark.com
Field trips Introductory Audubon Society Membership (E-11):
Charlie Parkel: 678-4728, mcparkel@bsc.net
Current members: Please do not use this form for membership renewals.
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citizen to join national, state, and local Audubon groups and receive
Programs
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© 2004 by Choctawhatchee Audubon Society. All rights reserved.