Southeast American Shoreline Studies

Bahia Honda - Florida Keys

2012-02-01T17:13:00.002-05:00

7-mile bridge from Bahia State Park

Spans of the old bridge were removed when the new bridge was built.

That old bridge was scary to drive over.

The Bahia Honda State Park is a great place to camp and kayak.

There is a marina if you wish to boat in. Marathon is 17 miles north for beer.
Key West is way south for more beer.

(Photos by John Sarkozy who was probably camping down there.
Marinell lived in Marathon when she was a kid. That was like camping out all the time.)

Below is the lovely jungle of native plants on the Bahia Honda hill.

Bay Life Search: Seining Trips 2012

2012-02-01T10:28:00.002-05:00

Feb 11
March 10
April 14

Lemon Bay Park, near Englewood

Explore the sea life near our shores with American Littoral Society biologists. Using hand and seine nets, we will be searching shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay. Call for reservations. Call Chuck at 941-488-8998

Saturdays (see list for dates) from 9:30-11:30 am. Wading shoes suggested.

7 year apple - Big Pine Key

2012-01-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

The seven year apple is neither an apple nor does it take seven years for its fruit to mature. I

This leathery denizen of beach fronts flowers and forms fruit at the same time, which is a good thing because it takes a full year for the fruit to ripen. When it does ripen it is devoured by mockingbirds that hollow out the tasty fruit and leave a dead skin hanging in the tree. Butterflies use it as a larval host plant, and the mangrove skipper and others that use it for nectar float around it.

Hermit Crab

2012-01-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Probably in no other species of marine aquatic animal is this mode of behavior as easy to study as the hermit crab. Because they are ceaselessly active, hermits make good aquarium additions. They are easy to maintain. Feed them brine shrimp and an occasional bit of seaweed. Forget hunks of met that might entice other crabs; hermits eat only small fragments and will not tear big pieces apart.

Unlike other critters of the order Decapoda (prawns, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters), hermit crabs do not come equipped with a full suit of armor. They lack any hard parts aft of their cephalothorax, which leaves their soft and defenseless hindquarters exposed to easy assault.

Their evolutionary response to nature providing only plated gloves and jacket but no pants has been to employ empty snail shells as leggings. Since hermits of various species come in different sizes, each must habituate the haunts of a similarly sized snail host to find a custom home". -- Dave Bulloch

Florida Couple Fined 1.6 million dollars for cutting mangroves

2012-01-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/26/florida-couple-fined-16-million-cutting-mangroves/

Naples candidates don't all agree city is doing what it can to fix Naples Bay

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/25/bay-city-council-candidates-environment-positions/
- Naples News

Carefree Learner Sailing Soon

2012-01-24T19:52:00.002-05:00

Hands on learning experience about the critters of the Bay and views of nesting bird life on board the Carefree Learner. Leave from Bayfront Park . The Carefree Learner is docked next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle

All trips are on Thursdays,from 1 to 3 pm.
Members $15, non-members $20.
Kids (12 and under) $10.

Make reservations early. For reservations on charters from Jan.26 to Feb23, call Bobby at (941) 927-3409. For charters from Mar.8 to May 3, call John at (941)966-7308.

Sarasota Bay Bio Cruises
Jan 26
Feb 9, 16, 23
March 8, 22, 29
April 5, 19
May 3.

Drainage pipes across Naples beaches can stay

2012-01-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/18/dep-drainage-pipes-across-naples-beaches-can/

- Naples News

Beaded sea cucumber.

2012-01-24T11:25:00.001-05:00

Photo by Dave Bulloch

This is a long, wormlike sea cucumber, so extensible that exact measurements are difficult. Its skin is sticky because spicules extend from it. A ring of obvious tentacles surround the mouth area (E. lappa). The color is light gray to light brown and can be covered with patches of white.
Size: up to 10 inches, but it can extend to over 20 inches.
It hides under old coral heads during the day, often active at night.

Save Matheson Hammock Park

2012-01-23T18:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.saveourmathesonhammock.com/

Ed. note: OK, I'll admit that I'm from Miami and Matheson Hammock was one of my favorite places.

Cousteau: mangrove restoration 'about saving ourselves'

2012-01-22T10:37:00.001-05:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/17/cousteau-mangrove-restoration-about-saving/- - - -Naples News

Estuary Conservation Association hosting manatee forum

2012-01-22T10:34:00.000-05:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/19/estuary-conservation-association-hosting-manatee/

- Naples News

Can you find an animal in these photos?

2012-01-21T18:44:00.002-05:00

PLANT: Green fleece, with spongy, dirty-green fingers, is a green algae,

It's attached at a single base to the sea bottom.

ANIMAL: Dead-man's fingers have spongy, finger-think "branches".

They are commonly beached

PLANT: Sargassum with it's tooth-edged leaves.

Normally, one can see tiny balls which are air-filled bladders.

Manatee County:Leftis Key

2012-01-20T10:13:00.001-05:00

Leffis Key is Mabatee County's "island preserve," located just off of the southern end of Anna Maria Island. Access is via a short bridge from Coquina Beach Bayside .

http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/natural-resources/resource-management/leffis-key.html

Tourist Season on South Lido

2012-01-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

Surf fishing on South Lido

2012-01-19T11:59:00.002-05:00

Sand perch are one on the more common catches along beaches and inlets in Sarasota County. At least, this is the fish I have seen most often at the end of a line on in a pail . The perch has an interesting "tooth" structure which can be seen better in an earlier blog post.

yet another photo of a Tulip Snail Egg Case

2012-01-19T11:45:00.001-05:00

(Search on "tulip" to find more photos)

Holiday kayaking at Punta Gorda Isles

2012-01-17T12:01:00.001-05:00

What group is this? It looks like Venice-Lemon Bay Kayak Explorers.

Manatee deaths

2012-01-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

http://amisun.com/headlines.htm#two

- Anna Maria Island Sun

Mullet Fishermen at Venice

2012-01-14T12:52:00.002-05:00

These fishermen are using "cast nets".

Sometime, the water is "chummed" with bait to draw the schools of mullet.

Another method is seine fishing which employs a large net that hangs in the water like a fence with weights along the bottom edge and floats along the top.
Seine nets are used to encircle a school of fish, with the boat driving around the fish in a circle, .The two main types of seine net: are purse seines and Danish seines..

Seagrapes in Winter

2012-01-11T11:37:00.002-05:00

Seagrapes, as other tropical trees, drop their leaves late winter to early spring. These seagrapes are on the back beach and parking lot at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Many leaves have turned yellow and brown.

Cold Weather

2012-01-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

Ibis and other birds flock to inland canals and lagoons. These ibis are in The Meadows neighborhood.

Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium

2012-01-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

February 15-17, 2010 Sudakoff Center, Sarasota, FL

The 2012 Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium will bring together scientists, managers, policy makers, educators and the interested public for exciting discussion, networking, and learning about Sarasota Bay and her watersheds.

Neighborhoods across the Sarasota Bay and Phillippi Creek Watersheds will be featured. Topics will range widely across science, policy and education from sustainable seafood, eco-tourism, and citizen science, to the economics of healthy bays, innovative stormwater retrofits and low-impact design and the role of the community in habitat restoration and policy-making.
http://www.sarasotawatershed.com/

Service Park Picnic Pavillions

2012-01-05T12:09:00.002-05:00

Service Park is on north Casperson Beach south of Venice, FL.

Some habitat restoration work is being done there.

Photos by John Sarkozy

Argh! Pirate-themed ship runs aground in west Florida

2012-01-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/31/us/florida-pirate-ship/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

- CNN.com

Venice Pier

2012-01-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

http://www.guideu.net/place/guideu/venice-pier

Let's Go Kayaking !

2011-12-29T17:43:00.001-05:00

Leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going.
Call John at (941)966-7308 for reservations. Members who own a kayak and life vests are welcome to go on trips marked with an asterisk(*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 members, $25 non-members unless otherwise noted. Trips into State parks require an additional entrance fee.
2012
*Jan 5 Waterways of Nokomis 10am - 1pm

Jan 7 Myakka State Park 10:30am - 1:30pm

* Jan 11 Caspersen Beach Park/Lemon Bay 1pm - 4pm

* Jan 19 Don Pedro State Park/Englewood 10am - 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non- mem

* Jan 21 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 22 Bird Key/South Lido Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 28 Blackburn Pt/Oscar Scherer State Park 11am – 2:30pm

* Jan 29 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Jan 31 Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

Public beach access on North Longboat Key

2011-12-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

The North Shore Road public beach access on the NE end of Longboat should be open by now. The entry point was closed in November for seawall repair to protect the nearby roadway from potential erosion.

Apalachicola, Florida

2011-12-28T17:14:00.002-05:00

Today, Apalachicola is a small, lovely, tourist town

on the shores of Apalachicola Bay and the Apalachicola River on Florida's Panhandle.

Many Gulf of Mexico shrimp boats bring their catches here.

Photos by John Sarkozy

Mottled Ducks

2011-12-22T16:14:00.000-05:00

"Mottled Ducks feed by dabbling in shallow water, and grazing on land. They mainly eat plants, but also some mollusks and aquatic insects. The ducks are fairly common within their restricted range; they are resident all-year round and do not migrate. The breeding habitat is coastal marshes. The nest is built on the ground amongst vegetation, such as bull-rush and marsh grass." -- Wikepedia

Mottled Ducks Dipping (Tails Up)

Eating on the Bay: Drydock Restaurant on Long Boat Key

2011-12-21T16:43:00.001-05:00

Winter Kayaking in Florida

2011-12-19T10:18:00.001-05:00

Here's a kayaker and his dog.

It was freezing outside... about 60 degrees F.

The dog had no choice.

Sarasota Bay Watch Releases Scallops in Sarasota Bay

2011-12-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

http://sarasotabaywatch.org/

Bud Doyle's Beach Beat:: Scallops and River Otters

2011-12-17T11:07:00.001-05:00

On that recent blow two weeks ago, I found hundreds of bay scallop shells on North Jetty Beach. Normally, I am able to find a number of calico scallop shells and a few bay scallops. However, on this occasion, there were only a few calicos and, as I mentioned, humdreds of bay scallop shells. I have been unable to find any answers to the above.

One more interesting note, as we were hiking the coastal forest behind Caspersen Beach we came upon a river otter swimming along in the Intracoastal Waterway. It turns out that they have been coming on to the beach from Red Lake to feed on ghost crabs. So the otters are enjoying crabs for breakfast at Caspersen Beach while I am eating cheerios on Albee Rd. in Nokomis - what's wrong with this picture??

Bud Doyle's Beach Beat : SEA GRAPES

2011-12-16T12:52:00.003-05:00

For the past 7 years, groups on my nature walks have enjoyed tasting sea grapes on the North Jetty walks. There have always been hundreds, no thousands of grapes that we enjoyed from October into January. However, this year there are none to be found.

Last year's sea grape.

(Ed. Note:

On the second and third Thursdays from now until April, Bud will conduct guided nature walks at North Jetty Beach Park on the north side of Venice Inlet. Give Bud a call if you want to join him: Bud Doyle at 941 488-4158 )

Legacy trail leads to bike and swim at Caspersen Beach

2011-12-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2011-12-09/section/recreation/legacy-trail-leads-to-bike-and-swim-at-caspersen-beach/
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Quiet Water Kayak Trips: Jan 5, 2012 - Feb 29, 2012

2011-12-11T20:19:00.000-05:00

*Jan 5 Waterways of Nokomis 10am - 1pm

Jan 7 Myakka State Park 10:30am - 1:30pm

* Jan 11 Caspersen Beach Park/Lemon Bay 1pm - 4pm

* Jan 19 Don Pedro State Park/Englewood 10am - 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non- mem

* Jan 21 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 22 Bird Key/South Lido Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 28 Blackburn Pt/Oscar Scherer State Park 11am – 2:30pm

* Jan 29 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Jan 31 Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

* Feb 2 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary 10am – 2pm

$30 mem, $35 non-mem + $5 private boat launch fee

Feb 4 Myakka River State Park 10:30am – 1:30pm

* Feb 5 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 11am – 2pm

* Feb 8 Waterway7s of Nokomis 11am – 2pm

Feb 10 Myakka State Park 10:30am – 1:30pm

* Feb 12 Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

* Feb 15 Historic Cortez/Kitchen Preserve 10am – 1pm $25 mem, $30 non-mem

* Feb 23 Edwards Island/Roberts Bay Bird Rookery 10am – 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non-mem

* Feb 25 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Feb 26 Bird Key/South Lido Park 10am – 1pm

* Feb 29 Apollo Beach – see Feb 2 above

Hooded Mergansers

2011-12-11T18:08:00.001-05:00

The "snow birds" are here in Sarasota for the Winter. They come down from swamps and wooded ponds of the northern half of the United States and southern Canada. Mergansers are occasionally seen on Sarasota Bay. The visitors pictured were cruising in The Meadows Community pond. Check out the Celery Fields for a possible sighting.

The single bird above is a male. He is seen with 2 females in the top photo.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

2011-12-11T10:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

The rich and beautiful marshes of the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge,in the Florida Panhandle

2011-12-11T10:26:00.001-05:00

Photos by John Sarkozy

AJAJA

2011-12-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

What an interesting genus name for Roseate Spoonbills! These birds breed on the gulf coasts of the United States. Peg Conklin phographed this flock at an inland site near Sarasotaon a cool day.

3 Million Baby Scallops Released

2011-12-10T09:12:00.000-05:00

http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/default.aspx?id=345138#http://ibis.htcreative.com/getGalleryImages/uploadedImages/photos/2011/12/09/zoom/2583733.jpg

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

WPBT's Changing Seas

2011-12-08T18:31:00.000-05:00

Wild Cotton

2011-12-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

Wild cotton is related to commercial cotton, The USDA attempted to wipe this plant out in Florida in the early 1900s due to the fact that it is a potential host to the boll weevil. This specimen was growing at the Orman House State Historical Park in
Apalachicola.

Service Park: on the Gulf south of Venice, FL

2011-12-06T10:49:00.001-05:00

Service Club Park, south of Venice, has a coastal oak/scrub and pine forest found nowhere else on the west coast below Pinellas County. This park is next to the old Loran coast guard station which shares the same habitats plus isolated wetlands.

Note: LORAN (LOng RAnge Navigation) is a terrestrial radio navigation system using low frequency transmitters in multiple deployment to determine the location and speed of the receiver. -- Wikipedia.com

Photos by John Sarkozy

Family Days at Bay Preserve in Osprey

2011-12-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

Chuck Idleberger and John Sarkozy from the Southeast American Littoral Society helped out at the Bay Preserve fundraiser. Chuck led invited kids in seining activities.

Wildflower Arrangement

Tampa Bay, Sunshine State Parkway Rest Stop

2011-11-29T17:03:00.001-05:00

We always stop at the rest area on the north end of the Sunshine State Parkway to stretch our legs. There are picnic tables, restrooms, bay views and a couple of memorials to those who have died in shipwrecks on the Bay.. Those exotic Australian Pines provide welcome shade and large rocks have been brought in to prevent shore erosion.

Scientists dissect BP oil spill's effects on marine life

2011-11-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.pnj.com/article/20111127/NEWS01/111270321/Scientists-dissect-BP-oil-spill-s-effects-marine-life?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

- Pensacola News Journal

American Littoral Society News

2011-11-26T19:23:00.003-05:00

COASTAL REPORTER November 2011

NJ Supreme Court rejects attempts to gut clean water regulations, but fight not over: The NJ Supreme Court has rejected a request from the developer's lobby to overturn a lower court decision upholding New Jersey regulations preventing sewers in environmentally sensitive areas. The American Littoral Society participated in the lawsuit as a friend of the court in defending the clean water regulations. The ink had not dried on the high court's rejection of the developer's request before the New Jersey legislature introduced a proposal to do what the developers wanted. The Littoral Society will continue its fight to prevent development in environmentally sensitive areas and will oppose this bill. Read proposed bill

Society Fights Plan to Dump Toxic Chemicals into Jamaica Bay: JFK International Airport has proposed a plan to increase the amount of toxic plane de-icing and other chemicals it dumps into Jamaica Bay. Don Riepe, Northeaset Chapter Director and Jamaica Bay Guardian opposed this plan at a recent meeting of the Jamaica Bay Task Force. To learn more

NJ Fertilizer Law Takes Effect: Help spread the word, not the fertilizer! As of November 15, NJ residents cannot apply fertilizers to their lawns until next spring. Commercial applicators of fertilizer have until December 1 to complete their customer service cycle of late Fall fertilization. Fertilizers cannot be applied onto lawns again until March 1st. NJ's Fertilizer Law was established as part of the Governor's 10-point action plan to restore and protect Barnegat Bay and is one of the most stringent fertilizer laws in the country. The Society played a key role in passing this law. To learn more

Restoring Shrewsbury Island: Earlier this month, Society staff and members joined forces with volunteers from the J. M. Huber Corporation to remove marine debris from a dredge spoil island in the Shrewsbury-Navesink estuary, a few miles south of Sandy Hook.

To learn more

Call for Proposals: 6th National Conference on Coastal & Estuarine Habitat Restoration: The Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) National Program Committee is accepting proposals for dedicated sessions, presentations, & posters for this conference, which we co-host. To learn more...

Celebrating 50 Years of Caring for the Coast

www.littoralsociety.org

Casperson Beach Scenes

2011-11-26T13:44:00.000-05:00

Sandpiper at Casperson Beach

2011-11-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

It's not easy to tell the sandpipers apart. Above is either a semipalmated sandpiper or a western sandpiper. Black bills and feet, dark mottled back, and streaked breast, both are about the same size. The books say that some "cherp" and some "cheep". (My parakeet "cheeps".)

As task force prepares oil spill report, questions arise on who will pay to restore the gulf

2011-11-26T11:19:00.001-05:00

As task force prepares oil spill report, questions arise on who will pay to restore the gulf

- St. Petersburg Times

Florida bans the killing of some shark species - Living Green - BradentonHerald.com

2011-11-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

Florida bans the killing of some shark species - Living Green - BradentonHerald.com

Wave barriers promise erosion control for wading bird habitat

2011-11-24T21:57:00.025-05:00

http://www.observernews.net/thisweek/front_page/3743-Wave_barriers_promise_erosion_control_for_wading_bird_habitat.html

- The Observer News
(contributed by Naturelady, Apollo Beach)

Varnish Leaf

2011-11-24T16:52:00.005-05:00

Having a really pretty flower, this shrub was found on the near beach dunes at Caspersen Beach. The Varnish Leaf usually grows to less than 10 feet tall.
In Florida, it is restricted to coastal strand and coastal hammocks.

Casperson Beach: New Buildings still in progress

2011-11-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

Gulfside Pavillion

Bayside Pavillion (Restrooms?)

Beachside Pavillon

Sarasota Bay Watch Featured on "A Gulf Coast Journal"

2011-11-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

This Thursday November 24, 2011, Thanksgiving evening, please join us in watching
"A Gulf Coast Journal" with Jack Perkins
on WEDU Channel 3 at 8:30 PM.

In August a production crew from "A Gulf Coast Journal" filmed the 4th Annual Sarasota Bay Watch Scallop Search and president Rusty Chinnis speaking about the vision of Sarasota Bay Watch. The segment will include footage from the Scallop Search and Sister Keys, as well as interviews with our board members John Ryan and Ed Chiles.

December Programs at Weedon Island Preserve

2011-11-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

December Programs

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, Fl. 33702

Register at least 24 hours prior by visiting www.weedonislandpreserve.org, and click on the “Events, Classes, & Hikes” button on the homepage. Event information call (727) 453-6500.

Salty Topics: Global Change in the 21^st Century – Do Coral Reefs Have a Future?

Thursday, December 1, 2011, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Presented by Dr. Pam Hallock Muller of the University of South Florida College of Marine Science. Studying both the geologic record and modern coral reefs, students gain insight not only into environments of the past and present, but also the effects of human activities on future tropical benthic ecosystems. Their work has implications for cell biology, coral-reef ecology, environmental management, global environmental change, evolution, paleoceanography, sedimentology and hydrocarbon exploration. Pre-Registration required. Free

Weedon Walkabout

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 9:00am – 11:00am

Enjoy this guided walk through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve while learning about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Water and a snack, along with a hat and closed toe shoes are recommended. All ages welcome, children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. Pre-registration required. Free

Wee-Time at Weedon

Thursday, December 8, 2011, 10:30am – 11:15am

In this week’s book, children will hear a great story about, Great Sharky Shark: A Tale of a Big Hunter, by Suzanne Tate. Recommended for ages 3 to 5. Pre-registration required. Free

Great Weedon Bird Quest

Friday, December 9, 2011, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Learn identifying marks and behaviors of the feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while helping to compile an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. Hikes are designed for all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. Recommended for adults. Pre-registration required. Free

Holiday Arts and Crafts

Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Enjoy creating special holiday decorations and gifts with Environmental Educator, Colleen Gray. Pre-Registration required. Free

Archaeology Lecture Series: Competition and Cooperation at Crystal River

Thursday, December 15, 2011, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thomas Pluckhahn, PhD, presents a National Science Foundation project to examine the formation of early village societies using the important Crystal River site as a case study. Pre-Registration required. Free

Photography Hike

Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

After a brief classroom session, center volunteer guides highlight seasonal features of the preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island preserve. Recommended for Adults. Pre-registration required. Free

Weedon Walkabout

Saturday, December 17, 2011, 9:00am – 11:00am

Feds scrub colored lobster trap line idea

2011-11-21T19:22:00.001-05:00

http://keysnews.com/node/36067

- Florida Keys News

Roseate Spoonbill and White Ibis at Myakka River State Park

2011-11-21T14:42:00.001-05:00

As you might expect, the spoonbill and white ibis are closely related.
To help confuse things, the immature white ibis is brown and
the immature roseate spoonbill is white.

...and some other water creatures (below) enjoying a pleasant cruise.

Photos by Peg Conklin

Wood Ibis at Myakka River State Park

2011-11-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

3-foot tall coastal wading storks, wood ibis are really ugly!

Well, at least their heads are ugly.

They catch fish in shallow waters using "grope feeding".

Touch their bill underwater and you get snapped up!

Photo by Peg Conklin

Puerto Rico - View from Fort San Felipe del Morro

2011-11-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

"Morro Castle" is a 16th-century citadel located on a peninsula

jutting out on San Juan Bay, Puerto Rico.

The City of San Juan can be seen in the background.

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and is the

second oldest European-established city in the Americas.

Beach south of Ponce (town in south central Puerto Rico)

2011-11-14T19:12:00.005-05:00

4 feet long tarpon cruised by the shoreline docks waiting for handouts.

There are also many of these 5 inch wide red starfish

in shallow waters near docks.

Lookout tower near picnic area

Boat basin near beach.... Here, as in many places in Florida,
Australian pines are used as a wind and water break
on the outer rim of the bay.

What do you see in the background? A Thing of the Dead?

Looking south at the profile of Caja de Muertos Island off the south coast of Puerto Rico,

which is so named because it looks like a coffin. The island is visited by

tourist ferries and yachts, but is uninhabited.

Puerto Rico: A Southeast American Shoreline at Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserva

2011-11-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

Lonely Planet review for Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserva Natural ‘El Faro’

"A 316-acre nodule of land on Puerto Rico’s extreme northeast tip, the Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserva Natural ‘El Faro’ protects an historic lighthouse, a bioluminescent bay, rare flora and fauna, lush rainforest, various trails and boardwalks, and an important scientific research center. Despite its diminutive size, the reserve shelters seven – yes seven – different ecological systems, including beaches, lagoons, dry forest, coral reefs and mangroves. Animal species that forage here include big iguanas, fiddler crabs, myriad insects and all kinds of birds. Such condensed biodiversity is typical of Puerto Rico’s compact island status and ‘Las Cabezas’ is highlighted as an integral part of the commonwealth’s vital – but dangerously threatened – northeast ecological corridor."

December 2011 Quiet Water Kayak Trips

2011-11-14T15:46:00.000-05:00

Leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going.
Call John at (941)966-7308 for reservations. Members who own a kayak and life vests are welcome to go on trips marked with an asterisk(*) or a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 members, $25 non-members unless otherwise noted. Trips into State parks require an additional entrance fee.

Dec 1     Myakka River State Park 8:30am - 11:30 am
Dec 4     Cockroach Bay State Park 10am-2pm $30mem-$35 non-mem
*Dec 7   Blackburn Pt. / Oscar Scherer State Park 10am-12:30pm
Dec 10 MYAKKA DAZE all day down the Myakka River $50 includes kayak -- $35 own kayak
    Call John for details.
Dec 17   Myakka River State Park 8:30am-11:30am
*Dec 18 South Lido Park/Bird Key 10am-1pm
Dec 23    Myakka River State Park 8:30am-11:30am
Dec 24    Myakka River State Park 8:30am-11:30am
*Dec 25 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt. Park 10am-1pm

AH, a week's vacation....

2011-11-05T19:30:00.003-04:00

to a more southeastern shoreline....
Puerto Rico with Road Scholar.
- Marinell

Group funds ship's sinking

2011-11-05T10:11:00.000-04:00

http://keysnews.com/node/35687

- Key West Online News

Saw palmettos at Oscar Scherer State Park

2011-11-04T13:34:00.000-04:00

Shorebird walks with Audubon Society

2011-11-04T11:17:00.000-04:00

Lido Key

Saturday, Nov 5th: Kathryn Young (612-760-1771), leader. Meet at N. Lido parking area at 8am. Directions = Lido Key – follow John Ringling Dr. to the end small parking lot at very west end of J.Ringling Dr. If you get to the public beach you have gone to far. This small parking lot is right after N. Polk Dr.

Anna Maria Island Shorebirds

Tuesday, Nov 15th: Dan Irrizary (305-585-5786) will help us find shorebirds. Meet at Holmes Beach parking area (where Rt 64 ends) at 8am.

Poison Ivy

2011-11-03T00:18:00.000-04:00

Sand loss prompts beach warning

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/News/1102201115118/Sand-loss-prompts-beach-warning

- Longboat Key Observer

Blue Porterweed

2011-11-01T14:53:00.001-04:00

All so familiar, blue porterweed

is found in plantings at Siesta Beach park.

They are drought tolerant evergreens,
but may die back a little in winter.

Robinson Preserve

2011-10-30T11:03:00.005-04:00

Welcome Center - Refurbished Robinson house

Kayaks are available to rent.

Crotalaria , aka showy rattlebox ,

takes on the appearance of an inflated cylindrical pod.

The fruit turn brown to black when mature and the seed within the fruit

often become unattached resulting in a ‘rattlebox’ sound when shaken.

A surprising variety of plant and animal life survives on these Salt Flats.

Glasswort

View north with Tampa Bay in background

more Crotolaria

Muhly grass at Caspersen Beach

2011-10-27T22:08:00.001-04:00

Clump forming and fast growing, the grand show of muhly grass lasts from late summer to fall Thin, arching leaves are characteristic of this native grass. Foliage is finely textured and a blue green color. The flowers turn a buff shade in winter, providing continual visual interest.

Photo by John Sarkozy

Love vines cover live oak trees at Casperson Beach

2011-10-27T09:55:00.004-04:00

Native love vines like sandhills, scrub, pinelands, and hammocks. They are parasitic plants which attach themselves to host plants. Then, they detach from their roots and will eventually kill the host. The vines are leafless with dense clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers on orange-yellow stems

Photo by John Sarkozy

Juvenile manatees try to mate with dead manatee mom in Miami Beach

2011-10-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/26/2472758/juvenile-manatees-try-to-mate.html

- Miami Herald

Lego man washes up on Siesta Key

2011-10-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/?id=342973#http://spotted.heraldtribune.com/images/100047/photos/2011/10/25/zoom/2522483.jpg

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Inland Waterway and Venice Boat Ramp

2011-10-25T18:34:00.000-04:00

Below is a view of Florida's Inland Waterway

looking south from the Venice Boat Ramp

The historic Venice train station can be seen to the left.

Click link for info on the Historic Train Station.

http://www.venicegov.com/Archive_links/train_station.htm

Hidden Sarasota: Point of Rocks

2011-10-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/?id=342928#http://spotted.heraldtribune.com/images/100047/photos/2011/10/24/zoom/2521418.jpg

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Wildflowers of Nokomis Waterway

2011-10-24T08:43:00.032-04:00

The horsemint's white flowers above are of the elongated flower cluster type.

The gold flower below has disk florets and ray florets and brown center..
It's difficult to tell whether it's a beach sunflower or a close relative
without a better look at the leaves.

The gold flowers above have disk florets and ray florets AND yellow centers.

Poisonous painted leaf is related to the poinsettia.

Tiny flower clusters gather above the bright red upper leaves.

Clam Pass Dredging

2011-10-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/oct/22/county-clerk-brock-clam-pass-permit-dredge-pelican/
- Naples News

Bonita residents celebrate their river

2011-10-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

http://www.news-press.com/article/20111023/NEWS0102/111022028/Bonita-residents-celebrate-their-river?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p

- Fort Myers News Press

Ft. Clinch, at the NE tip of Florida, guards the Amelia River

2011-10-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

"Fort Clinch is a 19th century brick fortress begun in 1847 after the end of the Second Seminole War. It was named in honor of General Duncan Lamont Clinch, important figure in the First and Second Seminole Wars. The only battle to occur at Clinch was when Union troops recaptured the fort in 1862 after Confederate forces seized control the previous year. Fort Clinch served as the base of Union operations in the area throughout the Civil War.

In 1935, the State of Florida bought 256 acres (1.0 km²) that included the then-abandoned fort and the surrounding area. Fort Clinch State Park including the fort, opened to the public in 1938." -- Wikipedia

Photos by John Sarkozy

Stone crab season begins, Mullet on horizon

2011-10-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

http://www.islander.org/2011/10/stone-crab-season-begins-mullet-on-horizon/

- Anna Maria Islander

Coral Bean

2011-10-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

This coral bean was planted at Hammocks of Nokomis Waterways

last Spring by a group of SE Littoral Society members.

Photo by Peg Conklin

Bacteria issues at Turtle Beach

2011-10-22T10:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20111021/ARCHIVES/110211060

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

BP wins approval to resume drilling in Gulf of Mexico

2011-10-21T20:06:00.000-04:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15412205

- BBC News

Manatee County : Calendar of Natural Resources Events

2011-10-21T18:17:00.000-04:00

http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/natural-resources/nrd-headlines/edu-program.html

BIRD KEY: Bay Life Search, tomorrow

2011-10-21T13:46:00.004-04:00

Explore the sea life near our shores with American Littoral Society biologists. Using hand and seine nets, we will be searching shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay. Call for reservations. Call Chuck at 941-488-8998

tomorrow: Saturday : 9:30-11:30 am. Wading shoes suggested.

Alligators at Myakka River State Park

2011-10-21T11:19:00.001-04:00

John Sarkozy and Littoral Society Kayakers

Photos by Peg Conklin

Common Gallinule

2011-10-20T21:49:00.004-04:00

Here's a close-up from Nancy's earlier photo.

Note the greenish-yellow tip on the red bill.

Also, there is a rd band at the top of the green legs.

Gators and birds

2011-10-20T21:41:00.004-04:00

These photos were taken by Nancy Cadieux from her kayak last winter

The photo below looks like some fortunate person's back yard.

White pelicans are in the middle of the photo with cormorants on their left.

The birds on shore are probably laughing gulls.

Note the lonely galinule in the foreground..

"Birds of a feather stick together."

Wind and Waves at North Lido

2011-10-20T21:03:00.001-04:00

Winds were blowing sand across the beach yesterday at Lido.

Red flags flying at lifeguard stations mean "Stay out of the water".

A very few people were walking the beach.

These very small sandpipers were shielded from the wind by small clumps of brack.

Larger birds, black skimmers and terns, faced into the wind.

Invasive Species Removal at the F.I.S.H. Preserve

2011-10-20T17:25:00.001-04:00

Sarasota Bay Guardians Host Volunteer Event -

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Bay Guardians are teaming up with Around the Bend Nature Tours to remove invasive plant species at the F.I.S.H. Preserve.

Encompassing over 100 acres of environmentally sensitive bayfront land immediately east of Cortez, this site has long been an important fisheries habitat for the section of Sarasota Bay locals fondly refer to as "the kitchen." It was here people could find a bounty of fresh seafood to feed their families and trade with their farmer neighbors in the past. Unfortunately, the land fell into misuse but is now being restored thanks to help from the community!

This event is suitable for all ages.

Please wear hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes (old tennis shoes work great), clothes that can get dirty and work gloves. Also, please bring a reusable water bottle if you have one to reduce our plastic pollution.

Bay Guardians shirts will be available for all volunteers! If you already have one please wear your shirt to the event. Parking is limited. Please carpool if you can!

WHAT: Bay Guardians Invasive Species Removal

WHERE: F.I.S.H. Preserve, 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, FL 34215

WHEN: Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 9:00am-12:00pm

Lunch will be provided for all volunteers after the planting is done!

Feel free to bring your own folding chair to sit in during lunch.

RSVP Required: Click here to register!

Questions? Contact sara@sarasotabay.org, 941-955-8085 or Karen@aroundbend.com,

941-794-8773.

The preservation of this incredibly unique area is due largely to support from the tightly-knit fishing village of Cortez. Because of their spirit, and the cooperation of many other groups including Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, we will preserve this vital biodiverse part of the Bay.

2011-10-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

Participate in photo project
documenting next week's King Tide

Photo copyright John Holmes, UK. Here's a great example of how rising sea level has the potential to affect existing infrastrusture.

Any and all photographers and nature-lovers are welcome to participate in the nationwide king tide photo initiative.

During the last week of October Sarasota Bay area is anticipating high, or "King," tides of over two feet. King tides occur when the moon and sun align on one side of the Earth and their gravitational forces combine to create extraordinarily high tides. While these tides are completely natural occurrences, they provide us with a sneak-peak of what our landscape will have to contend with in the coming years as the sea level rises.

SBEP is looking for participants to photograph our coastline, flooded roads, full pipes and ponds and anything under the sun that will be affected by the rising waters this October and potentially in the future.

October 2011 King Tide Best Photographing Opportunities:

October 25th 1:17 pm with a high tide of 2.08 ft

October 26th 2:15 pm with a high tide of 2.01 ft

October 27th 3:13 pm with a high tide of 1.89 ft

Tips:

Try to capture areas inundated with water
Be sure to record the exact time and location of your photos
If possible, photograph the same site at low tide for comparison
Be creative and HAVE FUN!

Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Programs will be compiling your pictures of the high seas on our Florida Tide Watch Flickr webpage.

Please email pictures to info@sarasotabay.org and we will upload them to our

Facebook page and the Florida Tide Watch Flickr webpage.

Make sure you check out the photo pages to see

everyone's photos from around the gulf coast!

Thanks and happy snapping!

Please email info@sarasotabay.org with any questions

Bud Doyle's Beach Nature Walks - November thru April)

2011-10-19T13:06:00.000-04:00

Beach nature walk (2nd and 3rd Tuesday from November thru April)
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Caspersen Beach, south end of Harbor Drive.
Notes: Join naturalist Bud Doyle on a guided tour of Venice's rural beach, Caspersen.
Free; open to the public; meet at the first parking lot.For further information, call Bud at 941 488-4158 .

Beach nature walk (2nd and 3rd Thursday from November thru April)
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Where: North Jetty Beach Park, south end of S. Casey Key Rd., Nokomis.
Notes: Join naturalist Bud Doyle on a guided tour of one of Florida's great shelling
beaches, North Jetty Beach Park.
Free; open to the public; meet at beach side of parking lot.
For Further information, call Bud at 941 488-4158.

Camping on Rattlesnake Key near the Venice-Nokomis Inlet

2011-10-18T10:39:00.001-04:00

Rattlesnake Key is open to the public.

Native plants have been planted in the interior of the island

by SE American Littoral Society and others.

Photos by John Sarkozy

Roseatte Spoonbills

2011-10-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

Photos by John Sarkozy

Goliath grouper's comeback creates conflict

2011-10-17T19:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20111016/ARTICLE/111019650/2416/NEWS?Title=Goliath-grouper-s-comeback-creates-conflict

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Stone crab fishermen risk everything for their catch

2011-10-14T16:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20111014/ARTICLE/111019759/2416/NEWS?Title=Stone-crab-fishermen-risk-everything-for-their-catch

- Sarasota Herald Tribune