The Limpkin Times

Apalachee Audubon Society Mission Statement:
Protecting the rich biodiversity of the Florida panhandle through education, appreciation, and conservation.

December 2021

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President's Message
Meet at Waterworks for a holiday social with Big Bend Sierra Club

Winter Nature Social
 
When: Thursday, December 9, 2021 — 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Waterworks Tiki Bar and Restaurant, 1133 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee
 
It’s time to party! This Thursday, join members and friends of our chapter and the Big Bend Sierra Club for our annual, jointly-hosted holiday event. Snacks will be provided and beverages can be purchased from the restaurant. Leadership from both organizations will make a few quick announcements, sharing what's been done this year and what we can expect from the next. Help us make this a COVID-safe event. We ask you to attend only if you’re vaccinated and suggest wearing a mask if you’re not eating or drinking.
 
In Person Programs: As of this date, we are planning to resume in person meetings at the King Life Science Building (Florida State University) beginning in January. We hope to livestream the programs as well, but if that doesn’t work out they will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel. Below are the programs we’re looking forward to bringing you in 2022. Click here for more information.
  
January 20: Acoustic Escapades from the Field with Natasza Fontaine
February 17: Conservation Lands in Florida and Benefits to Birds: A Panel Discussion
March 17: Conservation Ecology of Short-tailed Hawks, Swallow-tailed Kites, and Snail Kites with Gina Kent
April 21: Declining Insect Populations and the Effect on Birds with Dr. Bob Cooper
May 15: Potluck Picnic at Tall Timbers: Firebirds and the History of the Stoddard Bird Program with Jim Cox
 
 
November Program on YouTube
Swamp Chestnut Oak and Friends
 
Our deepest apologies to those who were unable to access our November Zoom program. It was caused by a technical glitch on our part.

 
 
Best wishes for this holiday season!

Sincerely,
Kathleen Carr
President, Apalachee Audubon
 
In this Issue:
December Chimney Swift Tower Update 
Upcoming Chapter Field Trips
Save the Date! Wildlife-friendly Yard Tour
December Chimney Swift Tower Update
The Chimney Swift tower has been installed at Lake Elberta Park 

The Chimney Swift tower is up at Lake Elberta Park! Next step: we will be meeting with artist and biologist Natasza Fontaine to discuss artwork on its sides. Right now, the tower has two coats of neutral base paint. It will be beautiful when finished, an asset to the park even without its future inhabitants. Ann Morrow, writer and retired biologist, has submitted a rough draft of text for the interpretive sign, so that is also in the works.

Our goal is to raise $3,000 to cover its costs and we appreciate donations of any amount. Click this link to to donate or mail a check and be sure to write ‘Swift Tower’ on your check.
Upcoming Chapter Field Trips
Henslow’s Sparrow
 
Sunday, December 12 at Tall Timbers: Ornithologist Jim Cox will teach us about winter sparrow identification with a banding demonstration! This field trip is restricted to 12 people, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible by emailing our field trip coordinator at [email protected]. Additional details will be provided upon reservation.
 
 
Sunday, January 9 at St. Marks NWR: Winter Ducks, trip leader TBA. Reserve your spot by contacting  our field trip coordinator,  [email protected]. Additional details will be provided upon reservation.
 
Sunday, January 23 — 8-11 AM, location TBA: Natasza Fontaine will take novice birders to the next level by teaching them how to bird by ear and how much of a difference it makes experience and species-wise! Reserve your spot by contacting  our field trip coordinator [email protected]. Additional details will be provided upon reservation.

Save the Date! Wildlife Friendly Yard Tour

February 19, 2022 — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
We are back! Make plans now to join us for our 13th Annual Wildlife-Friendly Yards Tour and fundraiser to benefit Apalachee Audubon.  We invite you to take a self-guided tour of five local yards that are wildlife havens. Tickets are still only $10 and will be available for purchase beginning in January. 

Each yard has unique features to attract a variety of birds and other wildlife such as wintering hummingbirds, orioles, tanagers, finches, and pine siskins, as well as our year-round residents. This year, we have our usual wide variety of sizes and features from our yard hosts, plus some new ideas for inspiration for your own wildlife-friendly yard.

For more information contact:  Tammy Brown, [email protected], or 850-933-8154.  .
Apalachee Audubon Society A North Florida Chapter of the National Audubon Society