Tampa Audubon

Volume XVIII, Issue 5 October/November 2006

Tampa Audubon Society

2006 - 2007 Board Members
OFFICERS:
President- Stanley Kroh (acting)
Immediate Past President- Ann Paul
1st Vice President- Karl Stevens
2nd Vice President- vacant
Treasurer- Stanley Kroh
Recording Secretary- vacant
Corresponding Secretary- Michael Turrisi
DIRECTORS:
Joe Bailey (2005-2007)
John Costin (2006-2008)
Rob Heath (2006-2008)
Christine Malzone (2006-2008)
Michele Northrup (2005-2007)
(2005-2007)- vacant
COMMITTEES & PROGRAMS:
ARC at the Park- Mike & Barbara Mullins
Audubon Adventures- Ann Paul
Conservation Committee Co-Chair- Tom Ries
Conservation Committee Co-Chair- Dave Sumpter
Field Trip Committee Co-Chair- JoAnne Hartzler
Field Trip Committee Co-Chair- Mary Keith
Avocet Editor- Sabina- Espinet-Todd
Publicity/PR- Michael Turrisi
E-Mail Directory- Karl Stevens
Membership Development- vacant
Fund Raising- vacant
Web Site- Sabina Espinet-Todd
Regional Conservation Committee Representa-
tive- Rob Heath
Christmas Bird Count- Dave Bowman
Special Events/Tabling Events- vacant
Endowment- vacant
Programs- Ann Paul

Tampa Audubon is Proud

to Welcome Our IN THIS ISSUE:
Newest Members: TAS Conservation Programs ....... 2
Upcoming Programs ................ 3
Michele Northrup Field Trip Report .................... 4
Joseph Gamble 2006/2007 Field Trips .......... 5 - 9
Audubon Assembly .......... 10 & 11
Marian Reinhardt Announcements .............. 12 - 14
Susan Eriksen Membership Application .......... 15
Senator Victor Crist
Willow LaMonte
Jerry Troya
www.TampaAudubon.org
The publication of the Avocet is funded in part through a grant from TECO Foundation
Tampa Audubon Society Current Conservation Programs
September 2006
1) Colony Monitoring
TAS volunteers monitor and post nesting colonies on Medard Park Reservoir, Orange Lake in the Hillsborough
River, and East Lake Island, as Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Project ColonyWatchers.

2) Assist as volunteers at Audubon’s Richard T. Paul Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary

Make 3 ft X 4 ft white backed, lettered “no trespassing” signs for the Sanctuary. Help with posting the signs.
Assist the Roseate Spoonbill Nestling Banding Project and the re-sighting effort. Assist with prescribed burn
management of brush piles, removal of non-native invasive plant species and replanting of native trees and
bushes.

3) Bluebird Box Maintenance and Monitoring Project at Flatwoods County Park and the County Balm-
Boyette
Scrub Preserve Clean, repair, and replace bluebird boxes at Flatwoods County Park and the Balm-Boyette Scrub
Preserve, and monitor nesting success and failure during the breeding season. Also note use of the boxes by
other species of birds and animals (flying squirrels).

4) Audubon Resource Center at Lettuce Lake Park

Host visitors on Saturday and Sunday access times to the ARC, where changing displays, books, videos, and ac-
tivities entertain and enrich learners of all ages about environmental information, initiatives, and conservation.
Answer questions about the park and its wildlife. Provide meeting venue for environmental groups and plan-
ners. Conduct teacher training workshops and environmental education programs for youth and adults.

5) Conservation Advocacy
Provide TAS representation at local government meetings to advocate for birds, wildlife, habitat conservation
and restoration, and the environment.

6) Host a Lecture Series on conservation topics, including Blueways, Swallow-tailed Kites Research and Con-
servation, Building a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife (two sessions, with the Suncoast Native Plant Society and
other cooperators), Manatee Research and Conservation, Karst and Wetlands in Hillsborough County, among
others.

7) Lead an active Field Trip Series to share bird identification and behavior information and the adventure of
wildlife study.

8) Protect, post, remove trash from, and manage the Westshore Sanctuary Estuary, to sustain healthy man-
grove, sandbars, marsh, and mudflat communities.

9) Participate in the Annual Coastal Cleanup in September to remove trash from Tampa Bay estuaries and
rivers and the Annual Monofilament Cleanup in October to remove entangling line from bird nesting and
roosting island, with Audubon’s Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries and Tampa BayWatch.

10) Participate in committees of the Hillsborough County Greenways Initiative and the Environmental
Lands Acquisition and Protection Program, to conserve native lands and connectivity for wildlife.

www.TampaAudubon.org
2
Upcoming Programs:
Nesting ecology, migration, and survival of the Swallow-tailed Kite:
The annual cycle of a species at risk

Thursday, November 9, 2006

7:00 p.m.

Dr. Ken Myers will be giving a talk on Swallow-tailed Kites at Weedon Island Cultural and Natural
History Center sponsored by Tampa Audubon Society.

Dr. Kenneth Meyer, Executive Director of Avian Research and Conservation Institute, Gaines-
ville, Florida

Dr. Ken Meyer’s 18 years of field research on Swallow-tailed Kites continues as it documents and
develops understanding of the year-round biology of this vulnerable species. This research helps
identify threats that must be addressed in planning for its conservation. Captured and released
Swallow-tailed Kites equipped with solar-powered transmitters, weighing only a few grams, have
shown a long-distance winter migration route to southwestern Brazil. These migrating birds have
intriguing social behavior, including their very large, pre-migration communal roosts. Dr. Meyer will
discuss efforts to develop a long-term monitoring program. Keep your eyes on the skies to see these
incredible Kites, some of those paths of migration cross Pinellas County.

The fee for this program is $3. Pre-registration required. Recommended for adults.

Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg Florida.

For directions and other meeting information, please call (727)453-6500.

BLUEBIRDS AND BOXES!

Saturday, December 9, 2006

Join Mary Miller and her team of Bluebird Trail monitors for a report on their work on the Flatwoods
County Nature Park Bluebird Trail. Mary and her team have been working on the Trail for several
years, repairing and replacing nesting boxes in February, and then monitoring the nesting efforts
of the Eastern Bluebirds that depend on them. We’ll hear about nesting successes, what else uses
the boxes, and other fascinating aspects of the dramatic life of bluebirds. Flatwoods County Na-
ture Park’s habitats, with open lands near pine flatwoods, are perfect for bluebirds, but the loss of
Southeastern U.S. old growth forests, with all those holey trees, has meant that these lovely crea-
tures have trouble finding nesting cavities. Solution: Bluebird boxes! After the meeting, help assem-
bling boxes, for use in your yard ($15 a box) or at the Flatwoods County Nature Park Bluebird Trail!

www.TampaAudubon.org
3
Field Trip Recap
Saddlecreek Park, Lakeland
By Jo Anne Hartzler

Tampa Audubon members and guests joined Winter Haven and Kissimmee Audubon birders
for an early morning bird walk with temperatures already reflecting the coolness of fall.

It was fun to have so many eyes and ears to check out several migratory birds that decided not
to disappoint us. Among those were: Black and white Warblers, Blue-winged warblers, Yellow
throated warblers and a great view of a light morph Short-tailed hawk.

On the walk back, we encountered what several people coined as a “hover fly”. It followed us
along the trail hovering so close we held our hands close in order to actually feel the cool air
fanned by the fly’s wings.

A few die hard birders also ventured to Circle B Bar Ranch in Lakeland where we saw a
vast amount and variety of Herons, Egrets, Ibis, and Wood Storks.

(Photos Jo Anne Hartzler)

Thank you to Bob Snow who lead our trip that day and shared his knowledge and birding
expertise with all of us.
www.TampaAudubon.org
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 Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips
September 2006-August 2007

September 30, 2006(Saturday) 8:00AM Saddlecreek Park,

Lakeland bird walk. Enjoy the height of fall bird migration with
possible Chestnut-sided warbler, Short-tailed hawk, Blue-winged
warbler and other migratory birds. This is also an excellent location for
a variety of butterflies. We will join Bob and Linda Show who are
expert birders and know the ins and outs of Saddlecreek. To carpool,
meet field trip leader, Joni Hartzler at 7AM at I-Hop restaurant parking lot just West of I-75
on the North side of Fowler Avenue or call (813)310-7676.

October 8, 2006 (Sunday), 8:00AM Honeymoon Island. Meet field trip leader, Dave
Bowman at the parking area on the right just inside the gate or call Dave at (813)948-8516.
(This park does have an entry fee.) Directions: Honeymoon Island is located at the
extreme west end of S.R.586, north of Dunedin. From I-75 (north of Tampa):
I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa. Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough
Ave west (SR-580). Take SR 580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-
586 into park. From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north to I-4. I-4 to I-275
north. I-275 to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). SR-580 west to SR-586 fork
then left. Follow SR-586 west into park.

October 21, 2006,(Saturday) Lettuce Lake Park (Details to follow)

October 29,2006(Sunday) Ft. Desoto Park 8:00AM. Leader asked attendees to meet at
the Mulberry tree inside the park. For information and/or directions call Mary Keith field trip
leader at (813)935-6115.

November 4, 2006(Saturday), 8:00 AM, Upper Tampa Bay

Park Bird and Nature Walk. Encompassing 2144 acres and
featuring a 600 acre peninsula on Old Tampa Bay, Upper Tampa
Bay was once home to Florida Indian tribes and Native American
Shell mounds that can still be seen inside the park. See Eagles,
Ospreys, and Swallow-tailed kites from the trails adjacent to
Tampa Bay. We’ll also walk some of the main trails in search of warblers and other
wintering birds. This park is located at 8001 Double Branch Rd in Tampa, on the South side
of Hillsborough Avenue (580) just West of Memorial Highway and East of Oldsmar. Meet
field trip leader, Jo Anne Hartzler,(813)310-7676, at the information center at 8AM. This
will be a half day trip.

November 18,2006 (Saturday) Cockroach Bay. Meet field trip leader, Mary Keith at
McDonald’s just West of I-75 o the S. side of highway 60. (Phone 813-935-6115.) This will
be a short walking trip through restored wetlands just South of Ruskin where we’ll see lots of
shorebirds, migratory waterfowl and good warblers.
www.TampaAudubon.org
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Field Trips (continued)
December 2, 2006 (Saturday) Oscar Scherer & Celery Fields. Meet leader Mary Keith (813-935-
6115) at McDonald’s just west of I-75 on Route 60 at Faulkenburg Road in Brandon at 7:30AM.
There will be a stop in Ruskin to pick up south county people. Bring lunch, or leave for home at noon.
This trip is for Scrub Jays, plus usually Hooded Mergansers, Hawks, Sparrows and possible migratory
waterfowl depending on water levels. Walk on sandy trails, nothing difficult.

December 17, 2006 (Sunday) Alafia Christmas Bird Count.

Contact Dave Bowman, CBC coordinator at (813)948-8516 for
more information.

December 30, 2006 (Saturday) Tampa area Christmas Bird

Count. Contact CBC coordinator, Dave Bowman, at
dsbowman@earthlink.net or (813)948-8516 to participate.

January 6, 2007, (Saturday) 8:00AM University Village Senior Bird Walk . No, the birds aren’t
seniors but those at University Village are just as active as the birds. Enjoy the ponds and trails
around the campus of University Village in this easy walk where we’ll discuss birding basics and study
the birds often seen there.

Those who wish can also visit a trail on the property where we might expect some of the wood
warblers. We will meet at the clubhouse but all non-residents must call in advance since community is
gated. Contact field trip leader, Jo Anne Hartzler at (813)310-7676 for more details or to be added to
the list.

January 13, 2007 (Saturday). Manatee viewing center. This is a field trip
and Audubon outing. Contact leader Stan Kroh at (813)831-3653 for details.
Also, call (813)228-4289 for recording.

January 20, 2007 (Saturday) IMC. Details not yet confirmed with Mosaic Co.
Leave from McDonald’s just west of I-75 on Ft 60 at Faulkenburg Road in Brandon at 7:15. Usually
a fantastic trip with lots of migratory birds from warblers to waterfowl. Mostly driving, very little
walking. Contact field trip leader, Mary Keith at (813)935-6115.

January 27, 2007 (Saturday) Merritt Island . Leave from Denny’s on E. Fowler Ave and Morris
Bridge Rd at 7:30 AM. Bring lunch and water. Mostly driving, very little walking, great waterbirds.
Contact field trip leader Mary Keith at (813)935-6115

February 18, 2007 (Sunday) Fort Desoto Park Contact field trip leader, Dave Bowman at
(813)948-8516 for details.
www.TampaAudubon.org
6
Field Trips (continued)

February 24, 2007 (Saturday) 8:00AM Chinsegut Nature Center in Brooksville. Nesting Owls and
hawks along with numerous songbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, Red-headed woodpeckers,
Turkeys, and butterflies can easily be seen at this beautiful 408 acre wildlife preserve.

L
Leaders are Hank Bowen (813)541-3920/(352)544-0422 and Joni Hartzler (813)310-7676
March 11, 2007 (Sunday) 8:00AM Violet Curry Elapp site on Sinclair Hills Drive, Tampa. Half
day trip to enjoy warblers, waterfowl, sparrows, songbirds and most Florida Woodpeckers.

Directions: I-275 to Bearss Ave, East to Nebraska, North to Sinclair Hills Drive (approx 1 block), right
(East) to Violet Curry located on the North side between 15th Street and Livingston Ave. Meet at
entrance or =contact trip leader, Jo Anne Hartzler, at (813)310-7676.

March 17,2007 (Saturday) Florida Specialties Bus Trip. St. Petersburg Audubon Society.
All day bus trip around central Florida to discover some of Florida’s
unique birds.
Meet at 5:45 AM at Sears located at 94th Avenue North & 9th Street, St.
Petersburg. Pack a lunch & snacks. Leader Dave Goodwin. Contact
Mauri Peterson for reservations. (727)398-4124. Fee $60.

www.TampaAudubon.org
7
Field Trips (continued)

March 31, 2007 (Saturday) 8:00 AM Lettuce Lake Park, Joint field trip with TAS and St.
Petersburg Audubon. Enjoy the trails and boardwalk at Lettuce Lake Park where nesting Osprey are
used to humans. (photo by Ken Arujo)Meet at the Audubon Resource Center at 8:00 AM for a half
day birding adventure with our neighbors from St. Petersburg. Bring a bag lunch if you’d like to stay
for lunch. Lettuce Lake Park is located on the North side of Fletcher Avenue just West of I-75. For
more information, contact field trip leader, Joni Hartzler at (813)310-7676.

April 14, 2007(Saturday) Gibbons Preserve , Details to follow.

April 22,2007 Weedon Island Board Walk Leader Mary Keith. Phone (8130935-6115. Leave
from Borders Books on Dale Mabry and Cypress at 8:00AM. Easy boardwalk through mangroves.
Warblers & shorebirds.

Arpil 23-28. 2007. American Birding Association Convention, Lafayette Louisiana. Enjoy
the heart of French Louisiana Cajun style. Migration will be in full swing. Call 800-850-2473 x 230
for details or visit www.americanbirding.org/mtgs.

May12, 2007(Saturday) Lettuce Lake Park Audubon

Resource Center Cat’s Indoors Poster Contest for
Children. School aged children who have made a poster
for the “Cats Indoors Is Not Just for the Birds” contest will
meet at the ARC to see posters on display and for the
announcements of the winners. Attendees will be eligible for
door prizes. We will have a short walk along the boardwalk
to see some of the living creatures that the campaign is
helping to protect. For more information and to enter the
contest, contact Jo Anne Hartzler at (813)310-7676 or
usarealty@msn.com.

May 19, 2007 Orlando Wetlands 7:30AM Meet at Denny’s on East Fowler Avenue and Morris
Bridge Rd 7:30AM. Bring snacks and water. It’s a circuit around wetland ponds, flat easy walking,
but long, no shade. Purple gallinules, Least Bittern, nesting Black-necked Stilts plus all of the local
waterbirds. Contact field trip leader, Mary Keith at (813)935-6115.

June 9, 2007(Saturday) 8:00 AM Lake Park Nature Walk If you just love the outdoors and want
to know more about nature, this walk is for you. We’ll investigate several trails giving everyone the
opportunity to see things like we’ve never seen before. See amphibians, insects, spiders, birds, and
plants and learn to identify some of the native and non-native vegetation. Bring binoculars. Lake
Park is located on North Dale Mabry highway
in Tampa just South of Van Dyke Road on the
West side of Dale Mabry. For more information,
contact field trip leader, Jo Anne Hartzler at
(813)310-7676 or e-mail usarealty@msn.com.

June 16, 2007(Saturday) Myakka State

Park Details to follow.

www.TampaAudubon.org
8
Field Trips (continued)

July 7, 2007(Saturday) Hillsborough River State Park, Details to follow.

July 14, 2007(Saturday) Lake Park Children and Beginner Bird Walk This easy outdoor walk
is geared to beginning birders, Parents and their school-aged Children. Bring binoculars and learn to
recognize Florida’s resident birds by their songs, antics, and
appearance.

We’ll also learn to recognize native and exotic plants along the way and what they mean to us.

August 5, 2007 (Sunday) J. B Starkey Park Butterfly Walk One of the great things about a
Florida summer is the butterfly. See our state butterfly, the Zebra heliconian, the well known
Monarch and its mimics along with skippers and
dragonflies. For details, contact Jo Anne Hartzler at
(813)310-7676.

August 31, 2007(Friday) 7:30 PM. Frog Listening

Network
at Flatwoods Park See frogs and toads first hand and
learn their chorus of songs and sounds. Put on by the
Tampa Audubon Society and the Hillsborough Rivershed
Alliance, this outing will give you an appreciation for our
lumpy bumpy toads and shiny singing frogs along with
an understanding of their significance to our well being.
This outing fills up quickly so call to be put on the
attendee list and for more details. Contact Jo Anne
Hartzler (813)310-7676.

www.TampaAudubon.org
9
Audubon Assembly 2006
Saving Birds and Special Spaces
Audubon Assembly 2006
October 19-21, 2006
Cocoa Beach

Ruddy Turnstone on beach, © R. J. Wiley

Audubon Assembly Goes to the Beach!
Relax and enjoy the casual, beachfront atmosphere of the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Resort. Join Audubon of Florida for engaging programs that highlight Florida’s coastal environ-
ments and issues that affect their wellbeing. Get inspired and sharpen skills for advocating for
birds and their protection. Hear scientists share insights on global warming and its consequenc-
es for Florida’s extensive coastal areas. Collaborate with other environmentalists and birders
from across the region to shape policies and take an active part in saving our birds, wildlife, and
habitats. Enjoy one of Florida’s best beaches while you catch up with friends, colleagues, and
fellow Audubon members. Field trips will take in some of Florida’s birding hot spots, so don’t
forget the binoculars!

Register by September 27 and pay only $99 for all receptions, meals, programs, workshops, and
even a movie. (After September 27, this all-inclusive package is $125.) Conference costs are
underwritten by Audubon of Florida to keep participants’ costs to a minimum, so make plans
NOW to attend! Download the registration form and mail or fax it in today! You can also con-
tact Vicky Johnston at (305) 371-6399 ext. 134 to have a registration form mailed to you.

Book hotel accommodations directly with the Holiday Inn, and take advantage of the special
rate for Audubon Assembly participants. Oceanfront rooms are available at additional cost.

Chapter Exhibits: Exhibit space will be available for Chapters at the Assembly. Cost is free but
spaces are limited! Reserve your space by October 10, 2006 with Jacqui Sulek, Chapters Coor-
dinator at (850) 251-1297.

Volunteers are needed! Please join Audubon staff by volunteering a few hours during this excit-
ing weekend. Contact Jacqui Sulek, (850) 251-1297 with your availability.

Casual attire, please. Meeting rooms can be cool, so bring a wrap to the sessions. For field trips,
bring your sunscreen, hat, and plenty of liquids. The beach is right outside, so have bathing suit
and towel handy.

10
REGISTER NOW FOR AUDUBON ASSEMBLY 2006
First Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spouse/Guest/First Name ________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________________ State ____________ Zip ____________________________________
Phone ____________________________ Cell __________________________________ Fax ______________________________

Email ____________________________________________ Chapter/Organization ________________________________________

m YES! I would like to volunteer at the Audubon Assembly. Please reach me by m telephone m email
Special dietary needs __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Registration Fee. Per Person.

All-inclusive package includes Thursday beachside reception, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch, and all workshops and programs.
Refund policy: Up to 30 days prior - full refund; 10 or more days prior - $50 refund. Within 10 days of Assembly - sorry, no refunds.
m $99 Early bird registration (up to Sept. 27) m $125 after September 27
m Friday Reception and Awards Banquet (only) ____ @ $40/per person = $____________
Hotel reservations are not included in Registration. Book rooms directly with Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort 1-800-206-2747.
TOTAL DUE $___________________
m Enclosed is my check in the amount of $_______ payable to Audubon of Florida. Charge my m VISA m Mastercard in the amount of $________
Credit Card No._____________________________________Exp. Date_______ Signature ______________________________________

Mail form to Audubon of Florida, 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami, FL 33131 or Fax to 305-371-6398.

FIELD TRIPS. You must reserve by October 10 for ALL trips.

No.of People No.of People

Thursday m Orlando Wetlands Park _________ m Indian River Lagoon Sunset Cruise ($25/person) _________
Friday m Jetty Park and the Canaveral Locks ($10/car) _________ m Black Point/Merritt Island NWR _________
Saturday m Lori Wilson Park _________ m Indian Mound Station Sanctuary _________

Pay field trip fees directly to operator/facility at time of event. Cash or credit cards accepted. No checks.

www.TampaAudubon.org 11
T H E E N V I RO N M E N TA L P ROT E C T I O N C O M M I S S I O N OF
H I L L S B O RO U G H C O U N T Y P R E S E N T S

Environmental Summit 2006

WHO SHOULD
ATTEND?

Homeowner’s Associations
Environmental Groups
Civic Groups
Concerned Citizens
Business Interests

Tuesday, October 10
6:00 p.m.
Environmental Protection Commission
of Hillsborough County
Roger P. Stewart Center
3629 Queen Palm Drive
Tampa FL 33619
T he Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough
County wishes to invite you to its first annual Environmental
Summit scheduled for Tuesday, October 10.
EPC’s Executive Director, Rick Garrity, will present the newly pub-
lished State of the Environment Report. We will open the floor to
take questions, comments and concerns. This is your opportunity
to speak first-hand with EPC staff regarding our environment and
what you feel we need to be doing to safeguard it for future gen-
erations.

If you are concerned about the fragile environment in our fast

growing community, you will want to attend. Learn about the chal-
lenges we face and the accomplishments we’ve made as a com-
munity in preserving our natural resources in Hillsborough County.

For additional information, please contact Barbara Motte

at (813) 627-2600, extension 1008.

www.TampaAudubon.org
12
 Florida Butterfly Festival
The Florida Museum of Natural History, home
of the award-winning Butterfly Rainforest ex-
hibit, will be the host of the inaugural Florida
Butterfly Festival October 14-15, 2006.

Enjoy this destination festival which will

feature lectures by world-renowned naturalists,
expertly guided field trips, specialty vendors
and a photography contest. While enjoying the
weekend festivities, take advantage of the cul-
tural and natural beauties of Alachua County
located in the heart of North Central Florida.

For more information

visit http://www.flmnh.
ufl.edu/butterflyfest or
call (352) 846-2000
ext. 200.

13th ANNUAL MONOFILAMENT CLEANUP

Boaters still Needed!

Tampa Bay’s wildlife needs your help! Coordinated with Audubon of Florida, Tampa
Bay Watch is seeking volunteer boaters to participate in a monofilament (fishing line)
clean up at bird nesting islands around Tampa Bay. Volunteers will remove snarled
fishing line from mangroves and shorelines at sites close to home.
Who: Volunteers with boats or kayaks. Volunteers without boats can participate;
however, there is limited space.
When & Where: Boaters will receive a packet indicating your islands to clean; just go
out anytime on Saturday, October 14th.
This is a great opportunity to help the precious wildlife resources for which the Tam-
pa Bay area is world-renowned.
Reservations are required. If you would like to participate, please contact:
ksanderson@tampabaywatch.org

www.TampaAudubon.org
13
Amazon River Cruise: The Greatest Voyage in Natural History
Terra Incognita Ecotours announces a new ecotour to the Amazon River
Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. an-
nounces a new and exciting offering: a
one-week cruise on the Amazon River.
The rainforest canopy of the Amazon
River shelters the richest and most
diverse ecosystem on Earth, making it
the perfect place for anyone who cares
about nature. We begin in Iquitos, the
world’s furthest inland seaport, and
travel along the Amazon’s tributaries,
going deep into the Pacaya-Samiria
National Reserve - the largest wetland
reserve in the world. These are places
that others simply don’t go. On our
many excursions, we’ll look for the
Amazon’s myriad forms of wildlife
- monkeys, birds, sloths and other
mammals, pink and gray dolphins and
much more.

Join us on one of our weekly departures on a journey of exploration into the heart of the world’s greatest wil-
derness - the Amazon rainforest The amount and variety of natural life here is outstanding. You’ll see a prolif-
eration of wildlife, including many kinds of primates, up to 100 kinds of birds, and nocturnal wildlife such as
caimans, capybaras and common potoos. You might even see the endangered giant otter or the rare harpy eagle.
But don’t just take our word for it! Join Terra Incognita ECOTOURS and see for yourself how easy wildlife
spotting can be from our elegant, classically styled riverboat. She is small enough to traverse the narrow water-
ways that run into the jungle, and our excursion boats take you even further still.

Throughout the cruise on the Amazon River and its tributaries you’ll be accompanied by expert naturalist
guides, they are the friendliest, most knowledgeable and most experienced people you’ll ever meet, with an
uncanny ability to find wildlife and the desire to share their knowledge. An Ecotour Leader will also be with
each group from the moment they land in Lima, to the time you depart. If you have never been to the Amazon,
we certainly hope you’ll join us this year on our most sought-after journey. Please join us on this voyage to the
heart of the Amazon rainforest.

For each person that enrolls, a donation will be made to the World Wildlife Fund to support their important
work in the Amazon River basin.

The tours run weekly, from Friday to the following Sunday. Please see the attached itinerary. The cost per
person is $3,499 (U.K.£1,859).

Terra Incognita Ecotours pledges to engage in responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environ-
ment and improves the well-being of local people. Terra Incognita Ecotours currently has scheduled departures
to Madagascar, Rwanda, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea and Belize. New ecotours to New Zealand
are in the planning stages. For more information please visit: www.ecotours.com
www.TampaAudubon.org
14
 Board of Directors Openings

Tampa Audubon Society currently has vacant po-

sitions on our Board of Directors. Our Board typi-
cally meets once a month for 1-2 hours and dis-
cusses many issues that are vital to our Chapter.
If you are interested in helping to chart the direc-
tion of our Chapter, please consider serving on our
Board of Directors.
Go to The Board is also looking for volunteers to help
http://cafepress.com/tpaaudubon/ with various projects such as fund raising activi-
ties, hospitality, membership management, letter
writing, representing the Chapter at community
events, etc.

Whatever your unique skill or interest might

be, we need you!

Please contact Stanley Kroh, President,

at 228-4257 or smkroh@tecoenergy.com
for more information.

TAMPA AUDUBON MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

YES!
I want to join the Tampa & National Audubon Societies at the special introductory
rate of $25 and save over 35% off regular dues!
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: ____________ ZIP Code: ____________________

Phone: __________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________________

Please make your checks payable to: Tampa Audubon Society

Mail to:
Tampa Audubon Society
P.O. Box 320025
Tampa, FL 33679

I would like to include an additional contribution of $________ to the Tampa Audubon Society.

Your membership supports vital conservation issues. As a member you will receive the bi-monthly Audubon
Magazine, the quarterly Florida Naturalist Magazine and the bi-monthly Avocet Newsletter.

National Audubon occasionally makes its membership list available to carefully selected organizations. To have
your name ommitted from this list, check here.

www.TampaAudubon.org
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