From the President Brenda Bossman Dear Members, I’D Like to Take This Opportunity to Tell You How Much I Love Venice Area Audubon Society

Wings Things Venice Area Society & AuduBON Venice Area AuduBON Society P.O. Box 1381 Spread Your Wings Venice, FL 34284-1381

September 2019 Newsletter From the President Brenda Bossman dear Members, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you how much I love Venice Area Audubon Society. I can’t express to you enough what an extraordi- nary organization we are. From the Center and Rookery Administrator, volunteers and photographers; to the elementary education administrator, educators and volunteers; to the many committees who work behind the scenes much of the time; to the Board of directors and our donors. There is a plethora of talented and dedicated people who make us who we are. I don’t think I fully appreciated all the love and effort that goes into operating our Chapter until I became President. I am humbled by the selflessness I see from each and every one of you who contribute. I don’t say this enough: thank you, thank you, thank you all. The purpose of VAAS is to promote an understanding of and interest in wildlife and the environment I am so very proud to be your Chapter’s President. that supports it, and to foster the cause of conservation with emphasis on birds and their habitats. Now, let’s take a stroll through the Venice Area Audubon Center, the Rookery that we love and care for, and even go off site to the Venice Audubon Center VAAS BOARD Of DiReCTORS Director Membership Chair other areas we serve. (Headquarters) and Rookery Paul de Percin Betty Holcomb President Located on Annex Road, behind the (Fundraising Chair) 941-496-4251 Continued on page 11… Brenda Bossman Our beautiful butterfly garden. R.L. Anderson Administration Building 941-223-0059 Assisted by Glenn Cuddihy [email protected] by Brenda Bossman Venice, Florida (Database Coordinator) 941-270-2961 Director Phone: 941-496-8984 Claire Norton Email: [email protected] 1st Vice President Butterfly Garden Chair (Publicity Chair) Red-Bellied Woodpecker chick and adult. Open Leslie Jones Mailing address: 941-493-7835 by Don Mudd 941-468-5532 Venice Area Audubon Society 2nd Vice President OTHeR VAAS LeADeRS P. O. Box 1381 Open Regional Conservation Venice Audubon Center Venice, FL 34284-1381 Recording Secretary Committee Administrator Open Ann O’Leary Charlie Sample 941-786-7684 is published by the Wings& Things Corresponding Secretary 941-468-1231 Bob Clark Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS). Francie Storey (Christmas Bird Count) As a member of VAAS you receive Rookery Steward/ 941-497-1851 317-294-0080 editions of Wings & Things, information Photo Contest Coordinator on our field trips, chapter meetings and Treasurer Bill Fairbank Youth education Coordinator programs and access to our lending Bill Fairbank 941-412-1610 Linda Soderquist 941-412-1610 library. Individual memberships are Trip and Program Chair 941-270-7994 $30 per year and family memberships Director Jack Foard Communications Team are $40 per year. A lifetime family Open 941-412-5917 Open membership is $1,500. All membership (Newsletter Editor) dues go to the Venice Area chapter of The Center, as we call it, is the heart of it all. It’s where we have our meetings, displays, nature photog- Short Stop the National Audubon Society. raphy, and we accommodate other non-profits in exchange for a donation when we aren’t using it. Our Center Administrator, Charlie Sample, has an office here and you can often find him either working at his desk, or attending to the Audobon Rookery.

12 | Wings & Things Spread Your Wings Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 1 2 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 11 Audubon Center Butterfly Garden A BIG Thank-you to all our Volunteers Spreading their Wings! Did you know the original word for butterfly was FLUTTERBY? kid’s eduCation RookeRy & shoReBiRd stewaRds ButteRfly GaRden VolunteeRs CenteR VolunteeRs VolunteeRs Butterfly Garden Carol McCoy by Brenda Bossman Gina Coke Bill Fairbank Mary Lundeberg Andie Mercer Denise Atkins Bob Clark Cecilia Brown Ann O’Leary Ginny Derrough Shelia Lego Mike Matthews Bill Fairbank Karen Dolejs Marleen Murgitroyde Linda Moreau Bonnie Holder Tom McWhorter Charlie Sample Eileen Gerle Claire Norton Peggy Greenblatt Carolyn Edmunds Nanette Hopkins Connie Spotts Celia Calderon Joanne Robertson Kimberly Whitcomb Earlene Kuhn Cindy Donohue Vicky Sears Leslie Brown Gina Coke Sandy McDade Ron Asselborn Mike Weisensee Janice Zinn Monarch Caterpillar Marlene Fleming Glenn Cuddihy Evelyn MacQueen Joan Burgins by Brenda Bossman Kathi Hodecker Francie Storey JoEllen Blake-Wingate Joanne Fortunato Cindy Donohue Jack Foard Gary Brown Karen Gerner Paula Auth Barbara Johnson Lori Johannessen Ken Wiggins Larry Prager John Colegrande Monarch Butterfly Kris Hleuka Cathy Wiggins by Don Mudd Jane Mack Sandy Colegrande Nanette Hopkins Korinne Mateo Andie Mercer Myra Hollander Bill Buteau Marian Shern Karen Pinder Mary King Kathy Buteau Melinda Schweer Denise Adkins Marian Walters Brenda Curtis Terry Brennan Francie Storey Rick Ozmore Amy Meyer Barry Brennan April Hess Betty Holcomb Brenda Hudachko Craig Lowe Hal Holcomb Cheryl Gish Richard Holder Janet Wertz Mangrove Skipper Mary Ginley From the President continued from page 1… by Don Mudd Levee Owens Cheryl Gish Susan Hoekstra Evelyn MacQueen Now that you have an inkling of the love and dedica- John Hoekstra Barbara Zittel tion that goes into our Chapter please renew your mem- Marlene Fleming Bob Zittel bership. If there is something special that speaks to your Bonnie Hurley Michael Weisensee heart and you want to support please add a donation and Gulf Frittilary on Penta David Workman Bonnie Weisensee dedicate it for that purpose. A membership application is by Don Mudd Karen Pinder Leslie Brown included in the Trips and Program Guide included in this Glen Cuddihy Kate Borduas newsletter. Monarch Butterfly Kathleen Faulisi Paul de Person To our part-time residents, we look forward to welcom- by Don Mudd John Hoekstra Andie Mercer ing you back. To those of you who are here year-round, we Susan Hoekstra Norma Lee Rhines thank you for your hot-weather contributions. Let’s make Agnes Naughton our 2019-2020 year the best year ever! Gulf Frittilary Catapillar Tom Naughton by Don Mudd Sue Babbitt John Babbit Alena Capek Mike Weisensee

Pipevine Swallowtail on Pipevine by Don Mudd 10 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 3 Eastern Bluebirds in Our Backyard

Citizen Science In Action: Shorebird Stewards Friends of Stump Pass, The Florida Shorebird Alliance, Venice Audubon Purple Martin Watch and Venice Area Audubon volunteers collaborate to help beach-goers understand the perils faced by our nesting 2019 VAAS Purple Martin Report shorebirds. They teach visitors how to respect shorebirds by avoiding posted areas, keeping our pets off the beach, and his has been our second year with Purple Martin houses outside the teaching kids how to live in harmony and share the beach Nesting Snowy Plover... VAAS Center next to the Rookery. Unfortunately we did not keep with our avian friends trying to raise their fledglings. Even see how cryptic she is?” Trecords the first year. We did have martins scoping the wooden hous- a leashed dog can cause the parent shorebird or seabird es. The red-bellied Woodpeckers took advantage of the free housing and to fly off the nest to distract the perceived predator away raised some young in the martin boxes. from the nest. Other birds, crabs, lizards and snakes can This year we received some assistance from two experienced martin Purple Martin then raid the unprotected nest. Children running through winter residents, Duke Snyder (Butler, PA). and Bill Wenger (PA). Bill led by Don Mudd bird colonies can step on eggs or fragile hatchlings, disrupt a class for interested persons about the raising of martins and their care. feeding, and cause undo stress during siesta time. Duke donated the pole, racks and 28 guards, and made himself available to us for consultation throughout the nesting season. Stewards on Stump Pass The male martins arrive in January to scout a place to raise young. The Beach State Park females follow. We had 28 hanging guards, 24 attached to the guard rack by Mary Lundeberg and 4 attached to the wooden multi-nest complex. We have 4 wooden Black Skimmer checking on newly hatched chick with eggteeth Least Terns Mating Dance nest houses, two with 3 nesting areas and two with 4 nesting areas. Over- by Mary Ludeberg all our capacity for nesting birds is 42 if all are occupied. The only threats by Mary Lundeberg to the young were some mites. We removed them from the nests. Our two teams checked the nesting boxes twice each week. In June we went to once per week. The fist evidence of nesting was recorded in New Addition of Purple Martin Gourds April. The nesting lasted from April through July 24. During this nesting by Don Mudd window, 32 nests were recorded, 62 eggs with 20 nest checks. We had 36 hatched eggs with 27 known fledges. This represented 14 active nests. Eggs abandoned were put on display at the Center. Our teams recorded a total of 625 volunteer hours. We expect a larger group of martins next season. Wilson Plover fledgling Snowy Plover 2 day-old chick Venice Area Audubon is a member of the The Purple Martin Conserva- by Mary Lundeburg by Bob Clark tion Association. We are participating in keeping data for submission to the Association. Native Plant for Birds Workshop Many thanks to the volunteers who provided weekly house and We offer Adult Education, too. A good example is our Native Plants for Birds Work- guard checks. Leslie Brown, Evelyn MacQueen, Charlie Sample, Bonnie shops. In this workshop you will learn what native plants will attract our native bird and Weisensee, Michael Weisensee, Barbara Zittel and Bob Zitttel. butterfly species. You will learn how planting the right plant in the right space makes If you would like to take part in this fascinating citizen science project, a huge difference in the growing success and beauty of your landscape. Can’t chose contact Charlie Sample, 941-468-1231 or [email protected]. Purple Martin Complex your own landscape due to HOA rules? Maybe you, with expert help from VAAS, can convince your Homeowner’s Association to set aside a natural area for birds and bugs. (Remember...If you don’t have bugs, you won’t have a large variety of birds!) Stay tuned for a workshop to be announced.

Adult Education Workshop Leader Ann O’Leary

Purple Martin Female & Chick Purple Martin Fledglings Purple Martin Native Plant Workshop by Lynne Pedlar by Don Mudd by Don Mudd by Bill Wenger Adult Education by Ann O’Leary 8 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 5

VAAS Kid’s Education Black-bellied Whistling Secure Your Spot for enice Audubon has done an exceptional job educating our area 2nd Grade Elementary Classes for many years. We have not been able to determine the year it started, but we have had grandparents tell us how they remember going Duck the 2019 Audubon Vto our classes when they were in school! If you have never volunteered for these classes, please do. You will find it very rewarding and it will uplift your feelings about the future of our area, state, country and our world. by RichaRd holdeR Assembly!

Schoolyard Bino Practice This is the only duck who puts all its eggs in a Join us in Gainesville on october 25-26, 2019 Second grade classroom session with Bren Curtis. pile. The egg-laying female leaves after appointing two by Linda Soderquist for our annual gathering of grassroots leaders, part- caretakers to take care of nest. ners, and Audubon staff to expand our knowledge Location: Rookery in Chestnut Creek and monitored and skills. Together, we will continue to protect by Richard Holder. Florida’s unique natural resources. This year’s assembly will center on “Water and Land for Florida’s Future: Science-based Strategies for Clean Water & healthy Watersheds.” Registrants will have a chance to attend exclusive birding field trips (sign-up online during registration check-out); hear from Dr. Thomas Frazer, Florida’s Chief Science Officer, during the keynote speech; and learn more about the intersection of land and water in specialized learning sessions. For more information go to: https://fl.audubon. We are working to expand our 5th grade classes to further under- org/about-us/audubon-assembly score teaching our kids about the importance of birds, their habitat, and all the wildlife that shares our area’s wild places. Thank you, Linda Soderquist and your team of dedicated educators! And thank you, Sara- sota County Schools, for including us in your Schools Elementary cur- riculum. Kids at VAAS Rookery by Lynne Pedlar Black-bellied Whistling Duck by Richard Holder

catch some stunning shots at sunset. It’s become a regu- lar stop for many people and they enjoy visiting with The Rookery Sandhill Crane Red Wing Blackbird Male by Don Mudd by Don Mudd us and learning about the birds. Many come for just an Red Wing Black Bird Chick hour to see what is going on but become so interested By sheila lego, marleen murgitroyde by Don Mudd they stay until we head out at dark. and Vaas Volunteers We engage people by getting them to look through the spotting scope and explain what they are looking hen Brenda asked if we could write a brief at and why each species is different, helping them with article about the Venice Rookery, we thought identification, and educating them on the importance of what should we write about: the nesting birds, protecting spaces like the Rookery. W What it comes down to is that, The Rookery is a the new hatchlings, the growing broods, the people and their appetite for knowledge, the pleasure of being out in gift and a treasure to be savored and protected. We are nature, the magic that happens at last light as the birds grateful that Venice Audubon are the stewards of that come in to roost. It’s hard to pick any one element because endeavor. it’s all part of the Rookery and what makes it special and vital habitat. The Great Egret with chicks We are new volunteers to VAAS as the Interpretive by Don Mudd Naturalists at The Rookery on Thursday evenings. We Estimated counts as of 3/7/19 (only nests on the started on January 3, 2019 and were welcomed with a south side are visible). surprise visit from a Roseate Spoonbill. As we surveyed the island, there were already two hatchling Great Blue Great Blue Heron Herons front and center wobbling in their nest. 11 Nests We have shared with the visitors our experience of 12 Hatches watching those first Great Blue Heron chicks grow week The first hatch (2) from late December are almost by week until they can no longer fit in the nest; the Great grown; one has already made short flights from the nest Egrets displaying in hopes of attracting a mate; birds to the shore on the south side. bringing in nesting material and settling down to shield Roseate Spoonbill their eggs; the WOW of watching Anhinga chicks break- by Don Mudd Great Egret ing through their shell, their naked bodies swaying under 27 Nests the protective gaze of momma; and the almost comical 2 Hatches (same nest) antics of a Great Blue Heron bringing sticks to bolster the They have been late in nesting and hatching but we nest only to have his mate toss them away until he found Great Blue Heron saw our first hatch on 3/7/19. just the right twig. by Don Mudd It’s amazing how this small island, just off busy Tamiami Double-crested Cormorant 9 Nests Trail, supports so many birds and avian activity. The Rook- Blue Herons ery is home to Double-Crested Cormorant, Anhinga, by Dark Rush Photography Very hard to determine nests; many at the tree tops Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue and on the north side. Heron, Green Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Cannot see any hatches although we know there are and Yellow-crowned Night Heron, White and Glossy Ibis, young in some of the nests. Common Gallinule. A pair of Sandhill Cranes are often seen wandering the fields. At last light, when you can Anhinga barely see, you may catch the Mexican Free-tailed Bats 24 Nests emerging from the bat houses. Sunset becomes a magical 16 Hatches (including one nest with 5-6 young) Anhinga with Chicks The winners on the number of nest and hatches! time when, in addition to the nesting birds, squadrons of by Don Mudd birds come in to find their roosting spot for the night. In nesting season, the number of nesting birds keeps Black-crowned Night Heron growing week by week as do the visitors. They come from 4 Nests near and far, from all over the country...Scotland, England, 3 Hatches South Africa...all ages and all occupations. Many locals Very difficult to spot since nests are low and deeper have become regulars and come every week to watch the in foliage. One young bird, probably from last year, is birds’ progress. present. Early in the season, we had about 50 visitors but by February we were counting 200+ people coming in to Great Blue Heron & Great Egret by Dark Rush Photography view the spectacle. It’s a favorite spot for photographers to Volunteer Marian Walters assisting visitors. *Editor’s note: The Venice Audubon Rookery is on property owned by Sarasota County. Venice Area Audubon Society is the caretaker, promoter and defender of this sparkling by Lynne Pedlar jewel in Venice. This article was written by Sheila and Marleen around March 9, 2019. 6 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 7

catch some stunning shots at sunset. It’s become a regu- lar stop for many people and they enjoy visiting with The Rookery Sandhill Crane Red Wing Blackbird Male by Don Mudd by Don Mudd us and learning about the birds. Many come for just an Red Wing Black Bird Chick hour to see what is going on but become so interested By sheila lego, marleen murgitroyde by Don Mudd they stay until we head out at dark. and Vaas Volunteers We engage people by getting them to look through the spotting scope and explain what they are looking hen Brenda asked if we could write a brief at and why each species is different, helping them with article about the Venice Rookery, we thought identification, and educating them on the importance of what should we write about: the nesting birds, protecting spaces like the Rookery. W What it comes down to is that, The Rookery is a the new hatchlings, the growing broods, the people and their appetite for knowledge, the pleasure of being out in gift and a treasure to be savored and protected. We are nature, the magic that happens at last light as the birds grateful that Venice Audubon are the stewards of that come in to roost. It’s hard to pick any one element because endeavor. it’s all part of the Rookery and what makes it special and vital habitat. The Great Egret with chicks We are new volunteers to VAAS as the Interpretive by Don Mudd Naturalists at The Rookery on Thursday evenings. We Estimated counts as of 3/7/19 (only nests on the started on January 3, 2019 and were welcomed with a south side are visible). surprise visit from a Roseate Spoonbill. As we surveyed the island, there were already two hatchling Great Blue Great Blue Heron Herons front and center wobbling in their nest. 11 Nests We have shared with the visitors our experience of 12 Hatches watching those first Great Blue Heron chicks grow week The first hatch (2) from late December are almost by week until they can no longer fit in the nest; the Great grown; one has already made short flights from the nest Egrets displaying in hopes of attracting a mate; birds to the shore on the south side. bringing in nesting material and settling down to shield Roseate Spoonbill their eggs; the WOW of watching Anhinga chicks break- by Don Mudd Great Egret ing through their shell, their naked bodies swaying under 27 Nests the protective gaze of momma; and the almost comical 2 Hatches (same nest) antics of a Great Blue Heron bringing sticks to bolster the They have been late in nesting and hatching but we nest only to have his mate toss them away until he found Great Blue Heron saw our first hatch on 3/7/19. just the right twig. by Don Mudd It’s amazing how this small island, just off busy Tamiami Double-crested Cormorant 9 Nests Trail, supports so many birds and avian activity. The Rook- Blue Herons ery is home to Double-Crested Cormorant, Anhinga, by Dark Rush Photography Very hard to determine nests; many at the tree tops Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue and on the north side. Heron, Green Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Cannot see any hatches although we know there are and Yellow-crowned Night Heron, White and Glossy Ibis, young in some of the nests. Common Gallinule. A pair of Sandhill Cranes are often seen wandering the fields. At last light, when you can Anhinga barely see, you may catch the Mexican Free-tailed Bats 24 Nests emerging from the bat houses. Sunset becomes a magical 16 Hatches (including one nest with 5-6 young) Anhinga with Chicks The winners on the number of nest and hatches! time when, in addition to the nesting birds, squadrons of by Don Mudd birds come in to find their roosting spot for the night. In nesting season, the number of nesting birds keeps Black-crowned Night Heron growing week by week as do the visitors. They come from 4 Nests near and far, from all over the country...Scotland, England, 3 Hatches South Africa...all ages and all occupations. Many locals Very difficult to spot since nests are low and deeper have become regulars and come every week to watch the in foliage. One young bird, probably from last year, is birds’ progress. present. Early in the season, we had about 50 visitors but by February we were counting 200+ people coming in to Great Blue Heron & Great Egret by Dark Rush Photography view the spectacle. It’s a favorite spot for photographers to Volunteer Marian Walters assisting visitors. *Editor’s note: The Venice Audubon Rookery is on property owned by Sarasota County. Venice Area Audubon Society is the caretaker, promoter and defender of this sparkling by Lynne Pedlar jewel in Venice. This article was written by Sheila and Marleen around March 9, 2019. 8 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 5

Auction Raises Funds for Rookery and Education Program by FRancie stoRey VAAS Rookery 2nd GradeField Trip n February 26,2019, VAAS hosted a silent auction raising $1231 for our work. Valuable Oitems had been donated during the past couple of years by generous families of devoted Audubon members who have passed. Many volunteers and you, the buyers, made it a success for our Society. Thank you! Positions Open We have Officer and Director positions open on our Board. If you would like to contribute to 2020 nEWSLETTER DEaDLInE Venice Audubon in a very special way, please Newsletter Deadline for Winter, 2020 Wings & contact Brenda Bossman at 941-270-2961, or Things Issue: Please submit articles and photos no email her at [email protected]. later than January 2, 2020. Fifth Grade Scrub Jay Field Trip with Send to: [email protected]. 5th Grade Scrub Jay Education with Linda Soderquist Michael Weisenesee Assisting 48 || WingsWings & & Things Things Veniceaudubon.orgVeniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.orgVeniceaudubon.org WingsWings & & Things Things || 95 Shorebird Stewards CitizenVAAS Kid’s Science Education In Action: Black-bellied Whistling Secure Your Spot for enice Audubon has done an exceptional job educating our area 2nd Grade Elementary Classes for many years. We Friends of Stump Pass, The Florida Shorebird Alliance, Venicehave not Audubon been able to determine Purple the year Martin it started, but weWatch have had grandparents tell us how they remember going andDuck Venice Area Audubon volunteers collaborate to help the 2019 Audubon beach-goers understand the perils faced by our nesting V2019 toVAAS our classes Purple when Martin they were Report in school! If you have never volunteered for these classes, please do. You will find it very rewarding and it will uplift your feelings about the future of our area, state, country and our world. shorebirds.by Richa TheyRd teach holde visitorsR how to respect shorebirds by Assembly! avoiding posted areas, keeping our pets off the beach, and This is the only duck who puts all its eggs in a Join us in Gainesville on october 25-26, 2019 his has been our second year with Purple Martin houses outside the Schoolyard Bino Practice teaching kids how to live in harmony and share the beach Nesting Snowy Plover... Second grade classroom session with Bren Curtis. pile. The egg-laying female leaves after appointing two VAAS Center next to theby Rookery. Linda Soderquist Unfortunately we did not keep with our avian friends trying to raise their fledglings. Even for our annual gathering of grassrootssee how cryptic leaders, she is?” part- caretakers to take care of nest. records the first year. We did have martins scoping the wooden hous- a leashed dog can cause the parent shorebird or seabird ners, and Audubon staff to expand our knowledge T Location: Rookery in Chestnut Creek and monitored es. The red-bellied Woodpeckers took advantage of the free housing and to fly off the nest to distract the perceived predator away and skills. Together, we will continue to protect by Richard Holder. raised some young in the martin boxes. from the nest. Other birds, crabs, lizards and snakes can Florida’s unique natural resources. This year we received some assistance from two experienced martin This year’s assembly will center on “Water and Purple Martin then raid the unprotected nest. Children running through winter residents, Duke Snyder (Butler, PA). and Bill Wenger (PA). Bill led by Don Mudd bird colonies can step on eggs or fragile hatchlings, disrupt Land for Florida’s Future: Science-based Strategies a class for interested persons about the raising of martins and their care. feeding, and cause undo stress during siesta time. for Clean Water & healthy Watersheds.” Duke donated the pole, racks and 28 guards, and made himself available Registrants will have a chance to attend exclusive to us for consultation throughout the nesting season. Stewards on Stump Pass birding field trips (sign-up online during registration The male martins arrive in January to scout a place to raise young. The Beach State Park check-out); hear from Dr. Thomas Frazer, Florida’s females follow. We had 28 hanging guards, 24 attached to the guard rack by Mary Lundeberg Chief Science Officer, during the keynote speech; and 4 attached to the wooden multi-nest complex. We have 4 wooden Blackand Skimmer learn checking more onabout newly the intersection of land and hatched chick with eggteeth Least Terns Mating Dance nest houses, two with 3 nesting areas and two with 4 nesting areas. Over- water in specialized learning bysessions. Mary Ludeberg all our capacity for nesting birds is 42 if all are occupied. The only threats by Mary LundebergFor more information go to: https://fl.audubon. to the We young are workingwere some to expandmites. We our removed 5th grade them classes from to the further nests. under- org/about-us/audubon-assembly scoreOur teaching two teams our checkedkids about the the nesting importance boxes twiceof birds, each their week. habitat, In June we went to once per week. The fist evidence of nesting was recorded in and all the wildlife that shares our area’s wild places. Thank you, Linda New Addition of Purple Martin Gourds April.Soderquist The nestingand your lasted team from of dedicated April through educators! July 24.And During thank you,this Saranesting- by Don Mudd window,sota County 32 nestsSchools, were for recorded, including 62 us eggsin your with Schools 20 nest Elementary checks. We cur had- 36riculum. hatched eggs with 27 known fledges. This represented 14 active nests. Kids at VAAS Rookery Eggs abandoned were put on display at the Center. Our teams recorded by Lynne Pedlar Black-bellied Whistling Duck a total of 625 volunteer hours. We expect a larger group of martins next by Richard Holder season. Wilson Plover fledgling Snowy Plover 2 day-old chick Venice Area Audubon is a member of the The Purple Martin Conserva- by Mary Lundeburg by Bob Clark tion Association. We are participating in keeping data for submission to the Association. NativeAuction Plant Raises for BirdsFunds Workshop for Many thanks to the volunteers who provided weekly house and We offer Adult Education, too. A good example is our Native Plants for Birds Work- guard checks. Leslie Brown, Evelyn MacQueen, Charlie Sample, Bonnie shops.Rookery In this workshop and you Education will learn what native plants will attract our native bird and Weisensee, Michael Weisensee, Barbara Zittel and Bob Zitttel. butterfly species. You will learn how planting the right plant in the right space makes If you would like to take part in this fascinating citizen science project, Program a huge difference in the growing success and beauty of your landscape. Can’t chose contact Charlie Sample, 941-468-1231 or [email protected]. Purple Martin Complex yourby ownFRancie landscape sto Rdueey to HOA rules? Maybe you, with expert help from VAAS, can VAAS Rookery 2nd GradeField Trip convince your Homeowner’s Association to set aside a natural area for birds and bugs. (Remember...Ifn February you don’t 26,2019, have bugs, VAAS you hosted won’t havea silent a large variety of birds!) Stay tuned for a workshopauction to beraising announced. $1231 for our work. Valuable Oitems had been donated during the past couple of years by generous families of devoted Audubon members who have passed. Many volunteers and you, Adult Education Workshop the buyers, made it a success for our Society. Leader Ann O’Leary Thank you! Positions Open We have Officer and Director positions open on our Board. If you would like to contribute to 2020 nEWSLETTER DEaDLInE Venice Audubon in a very special way, please Newsletter Deadline for Winter, 2020 Wings & contact Brenda Bossman at 941-270-2961, or Things Issue: Please submit articles and photos no email her at [email protected]. later than January 2, 2020. Purple Martin Female & Chick Purple Martin Fledglings FifthPurple Grade MartinScrub Jay Field Trip with Native Plant Workshop Send to: [email protected]. by Lynne Pedlar 5thby DonGrade Mudd Scrub Jay Education with Linda Soderquistby Don Mudd Michaelby Bill Weisenesee Wenger Assisting Adult Education by Ann O’Leary 10 | Wings & Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 3 Eastern Bluebirds in Our Backyard

By Charlie Sample and riChard holder FWC Approves New Rule to Stop Illegal Trapping of e are blessed to have brightly colored Eastern Bluebirds inhabiting the Carlton Reserve all year. In the words of Florida’s Songbirds Wthe noted naturalist John Burroughs: “The bird that car- ries the sky on its back and the earth on its breast.” Bluebirds are he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- in the thrush family and characterized by their vivid blue upper mission (FWC) today approved a rule to help pro- parts, rust-colored breast and white belly. tect Florida’s native songbirds from illegal cap- Blue Bird Eggs T Bluebirds are often observed sitting on wires or on pine tree by Richard Holder ture. The new rule within Chapter 68A-16, F.A.C. (Rules lower limbs, waiting for their favorite insect to appear close to Relating to Birds) includes regulations regarding the the ground. They swoop down and grab the unsuspecting meal. use, placement and possession of bird traps, and will go Bluebirds inhabit open woodlands, meadows and fields. into effect later this year. They are fairly common at the Carlton Reserve. They have lost much of their nesting cavity habitat in dead trees to other com- Background: petitors for nesting space. Therefore, they are readily attracted The illegal trapping of native birds has long been a to bluebird nesting boxes made to their requirement specs concern in the state, particularly in south Florida where In 2016 Richard Holder and Charlie Sample were aware of trapping is believed to be widespread. Birds are lost the problem and received permission from VAAS and Sarasota from the wild population and, in many cases, may be County to establish a Bluebird trail at the Carlton Reserve. To Blue Bird Chicks mistreated and are sometimes killed or injured when get started we located bluebirds along Trail 11 near the water by Richard Holder illegally trapped. The new rule will provide an addi- treatment plant. We located 9 bluebird boxes sitting in the main- tional tool for law enforcement officers to help stop the tenance building. Richard repaired the boxes and we located 9 poaching of these birds, while still allowing for lawful baffles that attach to the poles to discourage predators from tak- uses of bird traps. ing young bluebirds from the nest boxes. The first year several Report any instances of illegal trapping to the FWC’s boxes had partial nests and two boxes contained 4-5 eggs laid at Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404- a rate of one egg per day sometime during March and July. The 3922) or by email or text to [email protected]. adult bluebird would not incubate the eggs until all 4 – 5 eggs were in the nest. In this first year, we had 9 fledglings. In our second year (2017), there were 3 successful bluebird nestings and a surprise nesting… 4 eggs from a Tufted Tit- mouse. Bluebirds can have two broods and we did have two later Sarasota County Master Blue Bird Chicks broods. Some eggs did not hatch and were abandoned for rea- by Richard Holder Garderner Annual sons unknown. Birding With Charlie In 2018 the nesting bluebirds increased to 6 nest boxes from February through July, with 13 bluebird chicks fledged. Again, Richard Holder, Debbie Blanco, Carlton Sarasota County Parks is offering birding trips lead by Plant Sale Park Manager, and Charlie Sample Charlie Sample at the Carlton Reserve. there were several partial abandoned nests without signs of a dis- he Sarasota County’s Master Gardener turbance to discourage nest completion. The titmouse again used Walking Birding Trip - 2 miles Volunteers invite the public to their annual a nest box to raise 4 young. The nine nest boxes survived a con- Starting from the Carlton parking area at 8 a.m. on January 11, Tplant sale to be held Saturday, October 12, trol burn in the area. February 22, March 28, and April 11. Registration required (refer 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of UF/ This year we placed 10 bluebird nest boxes with predator baf- to registration contact below). IFAS Sarasota County Extension Green Building fles along Trail #11 in the Carlton Reserve on February 10th. Six of the ten boxes were not used. In the remaining four boxes, we car Trips into carlton Back country - 7 miles which is located at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd., counted 20 eggs resulting in 7 fledglings. We noted there were a Starting from the Carlton parking area at 7:15 a.m. until 12:30 Sarasota. Admission is free; cash or checks only. lower number of bluebird sightings in the area. Our returning tit- p.m. We stop and bird along the way where the birds pose for The sale offers an extensive array of trees, shrubs, mouse nested in an unused box with 4 eggs hatched and 4 birds us. Car trips are limited to 15 participants (ages 15 and up), annuals, perennials, edibles and many other types fledged. The second brooding of two bluebird nests produced 4 limited to five vehicles. Car trip dates: January 18, February of Floridafriendly plants. eggs each and 7 fledglings. One chick was found dead in the 8, March 14, and April 18. All trips are free and available to For more information on the Master Gardener nest. Being done for the season, we removed the boxes on 7/25. attend several times. Volunteer program, contact the Sarasota County Extension volunteer coordinator at 941-861-9900 The team has high hopes for more successful nesting Blue- registration required: or [email protected]. birds in 2020. Contact Charlie, 941-468-1231 to register. Won’t you join us? 210 | | Wings Wings & & Things Things Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org WingsWings & & Things Things | | 11 3 Audubon Center Butterfly Garden A BIG Thank-you to all our Volunteers Spreading their Wings! Did you know the original word for butterfly was FLUTTERBY? Eastern Bluebirds in Our Backyard kid’s eduCation RookeRy & shoReBiRd stewaRds ButteRfly GaRden By Charlie Sample and riChard holder VolunteeRs CenteR VolunteeRs VolunteeRs FWC Approves New Rule Butterfly Garden Carol McCoy by Brenda Bossman Gina Coke Bill Fairbank Mary Lundeberg Andie Mercer e are blessed to have brightly colored Eastern Bluebirds to Stop Illegal Trapping of Denise Atkins Bob Clark Cecilia Brown Ann O’Leary inhabiting the Carlton Reserve all year. In the words of Ginny Derrough Shelia Lego Mike Matthews Bill Fairbank the noted naturalist John Burroughs: “The bird that car- Florida’s Songbirds WKaren Dolejs Marleen Murgitroyde Linda Moreau Bonnie Holder ries the sky on its back and the earth on its breast.” Bluebirds are Tom McWhorter Charlie Sample Eileen Gerle Claire Norton he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- in the thrush family and characterized by their vivid blue upper Peggy Greenblatt Carolyn Edmunds Nanette Hopkins Connie Spotts mission (FWC) today approved a rule to help pro- parts, rust-colored breast and white belly. Celia Calderon Joanne Robertson Kimberly Whitcomb BlueEarlene Bird Eggs Kuhn tect Florida’s native songbirds from illegal cap- Bluebirds are often observed sitting on wires or on pine tree T Cindy Donohue Vicky Sears Leslie Brown by RichardGina HolderCoke ture. The new rule within Chapter 68A-16, F.A.C. (Rules lower limbs, waiting for their favorite insect to appear close to Sandy McDade Ron Asselborn Mike Weisensee Janice Zinn Relating to Birds) includes regulations regarding the the ground. They swoop down and grab the unsuspecting meal. Monarch Caterpillar Marlene Fleming Glenn Cuddihy Evelyn MacQueen Joan Burgins use, placement and possession of bird traps, and will go Bluebirds inhabit open woodlands, meadows and fields. by Brenda Bossman Kathi Hodecker Francie Storey JoEllen Blake-Wingate Joanne Fortunato into effect later this year. They are fairly common at the Carlton Reserve. They have lost Cindy Donohue Jack Foard Gary Brown Karen Gerner much of Paulatheir nestingAuth cavity habitat inBarbara dead trees Johnson to other com- Background: Lori Johannessen Ken Wiggins petitors Larryfor nesting Prager space. Therefore,John they Colegrande are readily attracted The illegal trapping of native birds has long been a Monarch Butterfly Kris Hleuka Cathy Wiggins to bluebirdJane nesting Mack boxes made to theirSandy requirement Colegrande specs concern in the state, particularly in south Florida where by Don Mudd Nanette Hopkins Korinne Mateo In 2016Andie Richard Mercer Holder and CharlieMyra Sample Hollander were aware of trapping is believed to be widespread. Birds are lost Bill Buteau Marian Shern the problemKaren andPinder received permission fromMary VAAS King and Sarasota from the wild population and, in many cases, may be Kathy Buteau Melinda Schweer CountyDenise to establish Adkins a Bluebird trail atMarian the Carlton Walters Reserve. To Blue Bird Chicks mistreated and are sometimes killed or injured when Brenda Curtis Terry Brennan get startedFrancie we Storeylocated bluebirds alongRick Trail Ozmore 11 near the water by Richard Holder illegally trapped. The new rule will provide an addi- Amy Meyer Barry Brennan treatmentApril plant. Hess We located 9 bluebirdBetty boxes Holcomb sitting in the main- tional tool for law enforcement officers to help stop the Brenda Hudachko tenance Craigbuilding. Lowe Richard repaired theHal boxes Holcomb and we located 9 poaching of these birds, while still allowing for lawful baffles thatCheryl attach Gish to the poles to discourageRichard Holderpredators from tak- uses of bird traps. ing youngMary bluebirds Ginley from the nest boxes.Janet The Wertz first year several MangroveReport Skipper any instances of illegal trapping to the FWC’s From the President continued from page 1… boxes hadLevee partial Owens nests and two boxes containedCheryl Gish 4-5 eggs laid at Wildlifeby Don Mudd Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404- a rate Susanof one Hoekstra egg per day sometime Evelynduring MacQueenMarch and July. The Now that you have an inkling of the love and dedica- 3922) or by email or text to [email protected]. adult bluebirdJohn Hoekstra would not incubate the Barbaraeggs until Zittel all 4 – 5 eggstion that goes into our Chapter please renew your mem- were Marlenein the nest. Fleming In this first year, we hadBob 9 fledglings. Zittel bership. If there is something special that speaks to your In Bonnieour second Hurley year (2017), thereMichael were Weisensee3 successful blue-heart and you want to support please add a donation and bird nestings and a surprise nesting… 4 eggs from a Tufted Tit- Gulf Frittilary on Penta David Workman Bonnie Weisensee dedicate it for that purpose. A membership application is mouse. Bluebirds can have two broods and we did have two laterincluded in the Trips and Program Guide included in this Sarasota Countyby Don Mudd Master Karen Pinder Leslie Brown Blue Bird Chicks broods. Some eggs did not hatch and were abandoned for rea- Glen Cuddihy Kate Borduas newsletter. by Richard Holder sons unknown. To our part-time residents, we look forward to welcom- Birding With CharlieMonarch Butterfly Garderner Annual Kathleen Faulisi Paul de Person by Don Mudd In 2018John Hoekstrathe nesting bluebirds increasedAndie to Mercer 6 nest boxes froming you back. To those of you who are here year-round, we February through July, with 13 bluebird chicks fledged. Again,thank you for your hot-weatherRichard Holder, contributions. Debbie Blanco, Let’s Carlton make Sarasota County Parks is offering birding trips lead by Plant Sale Susan Hoekstra Norma Lee Rhines Park Manager, and Charlie Sample Charlie Sample at the Carlton Reserve. there Agneswere several Naughton partial abandoned nests without signs of a dis-our 2019-2020 year the best year ever! turbance to discourage nest completion. The titmouse again used Gulf Frittilary Catapillar he Sarasota County’s Master Gardener Tom Naughton Walking Birding Trip - 2 miles by Don Mudd Volunteers invite the public to their annual a nest boxSue to Babbitt raise 4 young. The nine nest boxes survived a con- Starting from the Carlton parking area at 8 a.m. on January 11, Tplant sale to be held Saturday, October 12, trol burnJohn in the Babbit area. February 22, March 28, and April 11. Registration required (refer 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of UF/ ThisAlena year we Capek placed 10 bluebird nest boxes with predator baf- to registration contact below). IFAS Sarasota County Extension Green Building fles alongMike TrailWeisensee #11 in the Carlton Reserve on February 10th. Six of the ten boxes were not used. In the remaining four boxes, we car Trips into carlton Back country - 7 miles which is located at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd., counted 20 eggs resulting in 7 fledglings. We noted there were a Starting from the Carlton parking area at 7:15 a.m. until 12:30 Sarasota. Admission is free; cash or checks only. lower number of bluebird sightings in the area. Our returning tit- p.m. We stop and bird along the way where the birds pose for The sale offers an extensive array of trees, shrubs, mouse nested in an unused box with 4 eggs hatched and 4 birds us. Car trips are limited to 15 participants (ages 15 and up), annuals, perennials, edibles and many other types fledged. The second brooding of two bluebird nests produced 4 limitedPipevine to five Swallowtail vehicles. on Pipevine Car trip dates: January 18, February of Floridafriendly plants. by Don Mudd eggs each and 7 fledglings. One chick was found dead in the 8, March 14, and April 18. All trips are free and available to For more information on the Master Gardener nest. Being done for the season, we removed the boxes on 7/25. attend several times. Volunteer program, contact the Sarasota County Extension volunteer coordinator at 941-861-9900 The team has high hopes for more successful nesting Blue- registration required: or [email protected]. birds in 2020. Contact Charlie, 941-468-1231 to register. Won’t you join us? Wings Things Venice Area Society & AuduBON Venice Area AuduBON Society P.O. Box 1381 Spread Your Wings Venice, FL 34284-1381

12 | Wings & Things Spread Your Wings Veniceaudubon.org Veniceaudubon.org Wings & Things | 1