President's Message June. Hot, humid, dry. Less traffic, more time indoors, and way more ice cream! It’s the Summer of 2024 in Venice.
So far, the native plants that were recently installed between the Audubon Center and the pond are taking the weather in stride, pushing out new greenery as their roots seek moisture to continue their establishment. Most of the nesting birds have left the rookery while the last of the immature birds perfect their survival skills and prepare to disperse.
Every day there are still visitors, both human and animal, enjoying the scenes around Rookery Park and the pond. Stop by any day to enjoy the shade of the pavilion. Take a walk around the pond or the Pollinator Garden by the Center. Sit on the bench under the oak trees and listen to the Purple Martins chatter as they prepare to migrate to Brazil in the coming weeks. It’s a 100% guarantee you’ll see something to capture your attention and wonderment.
Our monthly Book Club offers a new way to kick off the summer, stay connected, and acquire thoughtful insights beginning with Rachel Carson’s eye-opening book, Silent Spring. If you’re available, join us for discussions in person at the Venice Audubon Center on June 10 or online through Zoom on June 12; details are on the Events calendar. Please note that a reservation is needed for the Zoom discussion to ensure you receive access to the Zoom meeting. The July selection, Birding Without Borders: An Obsession, a Quest, and the Biggest Year in the World by Noah Strycker, takes readers along on his amazing year-long birding journey. Our August selection will be announced in mid-June. If you’re unable to participate in the discussions, consider reading along with us anyway. I’m certain that references to these books will continue to pop up throughout the coming year.
This is also a good time of year to get caught up with National Audubon, Audubon Florida, and other local chapters and organizations that keep the public informed about environmental concerns and issues. Staying abreast of local, state, national and even international news regarding water, weather, and land development topics is crucial to protect the environment and all species (including humans) for the present and the future. The environment is in critical need of our attention and worthy of our informed decisions to protect it.
Enjoy the long days of June and opportunities to watch summer unfold. The natural world is an amazing place.
- Jean Pichler, President
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Lest you think “next season” is too far away, our field trip leaders have been out and about discovering new birding locations. We look forward to offering a terrific lineup of walks and trips that will engage bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, so clean those binocs and break in your new shoes this summer! If you have a suggestion for a field trip location or would like to lead any field trips, please send an email to info@veniceaudubon.org.
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Northern Bobwhite
BIRD OF THE MONTH
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A striking male Northern Bobwhite. Photo by Margaret Viens.
Wellen Park, Grand Lake, Northport FL. VAAS walk April 2024.
The Northern Bobwhite is a small, round quail with short legs, about 9.75 inches long, and with a wingspan of about thirteen inches. Males have an intricate rusty pattern on most of the body, with a distinct black and white pattern on the head. Females are less showy, and are predominantly brown. The Bobwhite is the only quail in most of its range, which extends from the Great Plains, south to Florida, and into Mexico. There is considerable variation by area, with the Florida subspecies smaller and darker with extensive black on the breast and flanks of males. When not in breeding season, bobwhites can be found in groups or coveys of birds, foraging on the ground at the edges of fields, agricultural pastures and brushy woods, looking for seeds and leaves, but occasionally insects and spiders. If you get too close the covey will flush or scurry away. Males may be seen perched on a low branch or fence post, giving their whistled “bob- WHITE” call. They are often heard more than seen. Bobwhites are prolific breeders and in one season may have 2-3 broods totaling 25 or more offspring, from nests or scrapes on the ground. The Northern Bobwhite is a near threatened species due to loss of habitat and is a high priority for conservation.
References - Sibley, D. A. (2014). The Sibley Guide to Birds, second edition. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY, USA.
- All About Birds
- iBird Pro 13.4 – Mitch Waite Group
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Coral Honeysuckle
NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH
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Introducing our June native plant spotlight, the captivating Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)! This stunning vine is a must-have for any native garden enthusiast. With its vibrant coral flowers and long stems ranging from 12 to 15 feet, it brings a touch of elegance to any landscape. Blooming from spring to fall, this long-lived perennial is not only visually striking but also serves as a haven for wildlife. Whether used as a hedge with a trellis or fence, or as groundcover with support for enhanced blooming, coral honeysuckle thrives in various light conditions from full sun to shade. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, and other birds like cardinals, enjoy the seeds. Occasionally you may even find a nest amongst the vines. Additionally, it acts as a larval host for Spring Azure and Snowberry Clearwing butterflies, adding to its ecological value. Let the coral honeysuckle grace your garden with its beauty and ecological benefits! You can find coral honeysuckle climbing a trellis along the path in Venice Audubon Center pollinator garden! |
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Birding at North Port Public Library
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North Port Public Library is currently featuring a display by Venice Area Audubon Society. Stop by the library to view some of the chapter’s history as well as recent activities. Register your child for the June 3rd Youth Birding 101 program with Linda Soderquist as part of the library’s summer program. On June 20th, Eileen Gerle will present Birdwatching 101 for adults. Registration is required.
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This message was sent to you by the Venice Area Audubon Society.
veniceaudubon.org / PO Box 1381 Venice, FL 34284 / 941-496-8984
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