Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wave barriers promise erosion control for wading bird habitat
- The Observer News
(contributed by Naturelady, Apollo Beach)
(contributed by Naturelady, Apollo Beach)
Varnish Leaf
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.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Casperson Beach: New Buildings still in progress
Gulfside Pavillion
Bayside Pavillion (Restrooms?)
Beachside Pavillon
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sarasota Bay Watch Featured on "A Gulf Coast Journal"
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.
"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
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 21st 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
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
Monday, November 21, 2011
Roseate Spoonbill and White Ibis at Myakka River State Park
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.
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
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Wood Ibis at Myakka River State Park
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
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Puerto Rico - View from Fort San Felipe del Morro
"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.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Beach south of Ponce (town in south central Puerto Rico)
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
Saturday, November 5, 2011
AH, a week's vacation....
to a more southeastern shoreline....
Puerto Rico with Road Scholar.
- Marinell
Puerto Rico with Road Scholar.
- Marinell
Friday, November 4, 2011
Shorebird walks with Audubon Society
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.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Blue Porterweed
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.
but may die back a little in winter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)