Be sure to check out the FIELD TRIPS link for new trips as well as birding and other natural history courses being offered. Also you might like to review a sumary of the 2007 Christmas bird count
Let it be known that we advocate personal responsibility
                    to protect and restore natural habitat; that we

Exist as a clearing house for environmental information;
Administer nature based education
                    and recreational programs; and

Defend our wildlife...

So that our rich, natural heritage sustains our future.

   Whooping Cranes over Dunnellon, FL Airport
by Ron Broman

Whooping Cranes, photo by Ron Broman
For a larger photo of the cranes and a story of the
"Operation Migration" project by Ron Broman,
click on the CONSERVATION link.
Calling All MCAS Nature Photographers:

Give us your best shot(s). Starting now, MCAS will experiment with a special web section for beginner and advanced nature photography buffs. All you have to do is submit one or a few (no more than three at a time please) of your best nature photographs. I would prefer you send them in .JPG file format as attachments to my e-mail address jyaich@madbbs.com . All photos should include as much information as possible (i.e.; name of plant or animal, approx. date & location where taken, camera used, lens, settings if possible, etc.).

For the time being there are few rules. Preference will be given to wild (non domestic) animals and plants. However, cultivated plants, domestic animals, and landscapes will also be considered. Color and black & white photos will be considered. Also, for the time being, I will decide which photos will be selected for the site and how long the photos will remain on the site. I know I'm sticking my neck out here and I'm sure I'll make a few people unhappy. So until someone else volunteers to be on a photo selection committee, I'll be willing to take the hits. Every effort will be made to give everyone a fair chance to have their photos presented.

Since we are just getting started at this, I'm sure the project will evolve over time. I welcome all questions and suggestions you may have. We hope to make this a fun, entertaining, and educational activity. I'll be looking forward to your response and photos.

Sincerely, Jim Yaich, MCAS webmaster.

 
Photo by Robert Stenstrom of 4 Cormorants.
(Click here for a larger image of these photos.)		  
Photo by Robert Stenstrom of garden flower.
(Click here for a larger image of these photos.)		    
Photo by Erika Ritter.
(Click here for a larger image of these photos.)		  
  Hi,
I haven't talked to you in a while mostly because I have been busy working and going out of town. John is taking this wetlands class and we went on these camping trip/field trips. We went to Merrit Island in Cocoa Beach and there is this park where you can get real close to the Florida Scrub Jays it made me think of you so here are 2 pictures. It was pretty cool.
Gina Ivins

Thanks to Gina for keeing in touch with Marion Audubon through Judy Greenberg.

  
Photo of Scrub Jay by Gina Ivins
    
Photo of Scrub Jay by Gina Ivins.		  
         

Audubon is Florida: by Gina Ivins

The Audubon Society is the oldest conservation organization in the state of Florida. There are 45 community based chapters with over 40,000 members throughout the state. Since the early 1900 the Audubon Society has been conserving natural ecosystems and protecting Florida’s wildlife. Without protection from the Audubon Society ecosystems and wildlife in Florida would not exist as it does today. Audubon doesn’t only work to protect wildlife but also to educate people on the importance of wildlife and how they can help in a variety of areas.

The Florida Audubon Society has been a vital part in the preservation of Florida wildlife from trees all the way to alligators. Throughout the years Audubon has made some significant steps for Florida’s future. In 1903 they established Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon as the first federal bird reservation. Within the next few years the Audubon Society along with President Roosevelt would establish several sanctuaries, and nine more bird reservations. The Audubon Society is also in part responsible for the passage of important legislation as well as establishment of the State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

The Audubon Society in Florida has nurtured hundreds of birds back into the wild. There was a time back in 1915 when three members had to carry over eight hundred egrets safely through their nesting season due to lack of protection from hunters. Audubon has come a long way, since the Clean Water Act and the Wetlands Protection Act; many animals can roam free in their own territory. Thanks to the members of Audubon for their hard work and dedication in making numerous legislation changes all for the safety and future of our wildlife and natural habitats.

There are several Audubon centers throughout Florida that people can visit, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Babson Park Nature Center, Blair Center at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Hyatt Nature Center, and Street Nature Center. The Audubon Society has regular field trips that anyone can attend through their many chapters across Florida. In 1900 the first Christmas Bird Count was organized and has been a tradition ever since now over 2,000 people participate a year. Each Chapter has regular meetings and events for members and nonmembers. The Audubon Societies have newsletters specific to their chapter and Audubon of Florida publishes a magazine three times a year called The Naturalist.

The Audubon Society is special to Florida because of our unique ecosystems and the Everglades. Many people have worked very hard to make sure that these ecosystems still exist today. It is important that we continue to work just as hard as our previous members did to ensure the safety and preservation of the many beautiful natural areas we have left.

Gina Ivins, Maroin County Audubon Society intern 2007