President's Message
This past month our chapter kept busy, albeit more slowly than other times of the year. The North Port Public Library hosted two bird education programs, one for children and another for adults, presented by VAAS Board members Linda Soderquist and Eileen Gerle, respectively. One of the Venice area P.E.O. International chapters enjoyed a morning presentation in the Venice Audubon Center followed by birdwatching from the shade of the Rookery Park Pavilion. Volunteers continued to faithfully monitor the last of our Purple Martin colony as the breeding season winds down and we kicked off our inaugural book club discussions with insightful conversations and thoughtful questions in person and on Zoom. Education materials were sorted and organized for the upcoming year while plans for the 2024-2025 season activities and programs continue to develop. Slow-busy is a welcome pace as the summer progresses.
There’s a movement called “slow birding” that’s become popular in recent years and it fits into the summer slower mode nicely. In a nutshell, slow birding means to literally slow one's pace when birding. Instead of going far and wide in search of species or to add to bird lists, it advocates observing birds in one’s own yard or a location close to home and concentrating on just a few birds, maybe only one or two, for about an hour. Slow birding engages one's observational skills as birds do their normal ‘bird things’, encouraging an engaged watcher to notice and appreciate the local and sometimes overlooked bird scene in an intentional way.
Taking in the details as a bird moves about in their natural surroundings can be captivating and revealing to the observant birder who isn’t in a hurry. Give it a try. You may find yourself with a new and relaxing summer activity wherever you are.
Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July and more!
Jean Pichler, Chapter President |
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Students return to Rookery Park
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Joshua and Jackson from Taylor Ranch Elementary School |
In early June, Taylor Ranch Elementary School students Joshua and Jackson visited Venice Rookery Park with their field guides in hand and family members in tow. Both Joshua and Jackson were eager to share what they learned during their field trip with their family and they also hoped to see some new favorite birds they read about in their books. When asked if the boys were enjoying their field guides, one parent responded, “They are obsessed with these books. That’s all they talk about.” Friends of Venice Public library presented The Kids' Guide to Birds of Florida by Stan Tekiela to every student who took part in a field trip this spring. We are grateful for their impactful support to provide environmental education materials to our local Sarasota County Public Schools. |
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NEW! Student Memberships now available.
We’re pleased to introduce a new membership level for all students from elementary school through college. Venice Area Audubon Society Student Memberships are offered at a discounted rate of $10 per year. We look forward to meeting our young members during student birding field trips, programs, and volunteer activities this year! |
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Purple Martin Colony Update
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A nest of newly hatched Purple Martins As of Saturday, June 22, we still had two nests with an active number of hatchlings. The season was slow to start and it has been slow to end. We have conducted 45 nest checks. With an average of ten volunteers for each occasion, that adds up to a lot of volunteer time and participation.
The delight on peoples’ faces as they witness the progression of jelly-bean sized eggs, then tiny sightless, featherless ‘pinkies’, followed by creatures that finally look like birds, with feathers and strong wings, makes all of the work so worthwhile. Not to mention how we are all contributing to the continuing existence of this beautiful species! This is a labor of love and conservation. Thank you to each of you for sharing your time with us. You are to be applauded.
Barbara Zittel, Ph.D. |
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Costa Rica
SPRING INTERNATIONAL BIRDING ADVENTURE
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Resplendent Quetzal
Following two highly successful birding excursions to Ecuador last season, Venice Area Audubon Society is offering another international birding adventure this season, to Costa Rica.
Hosted once again by Holbrook Travel, the trip is scheduled for March 7-17, 2025. It will encompass birding in Savegre, Sarapiquí, Arenal, and Carara to visit birding hotspots such as Caribbean lowlands, premontane forest, tropical dry forest, mangroves, páramo, and more—during hikes, boat rides, and a hanging bridge canopy tour. Accompanied by one of Holbrook’s expert Costa Rican birding guides, we'll look for sought-after residents and migrant species and experience the breadth and depth of the country's diverse natural beauty.
The cost of the trip is approximately $3,300 plus airfare. For more information, contact Eileen Gerle at info@veniceaudubon.org.
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Watch for wildlife this summer
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Nuttall's Woodpecker. Photo by Jean Pichler. Please keep an eye out for wildlife as 4th of July celebrations and other summer activities take place. Fireworks, boating, fishing, beach activities, and yard clean-ups can disrupt, disorient and potentially injure birds, turtles and other wildlife.
- When planning to trim or remove trees and bushes, be aware of birds in the crowns and tree cavities. If possible, delay trimming or removing trees until fall when bird nesting season and migration are over.
- Consider leaving some natural areas on your property to provide habitat for wildlife.
- Maintain appropriate distances from rookeries, nest sites, and young birds as they develop and practice the skills necessary to survive and thrive.
- Honor all signage posted on land and in the water indicating protections for wildlife. This includes closed trails, restricted areas around islands, speed limits, etc.
- Dispose of fishing tackle in designated recycle containers only. This is especially important for fishing lines, hooks, lures, and weights. If you hook a bird, don’t cut the line. Use the FWC resources to safely learn to reel, remove and release.
- Keep dogs leashed on trails, beaches and in fields and parks unless in a designated off-leash area.
If you find any bird or other animals that is injured or in distress, always contact a licensed rehabilitation center in your local area to ensure the animal’s best chance at a second chance. Venice-area resources are available on our website. |
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Green Heron
BIRD OF THE MONTH BY TOM LITTERAL
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An adult green heron in Myakka River State Park. Photo by Tom Litteral. The green heron may be one of the smallest birds of the heron family but makes up for that with special skills and an incredible reach. It is the size of a mallard or American crow but has a long neck. Green herons have a metallic green back, chestnut front for adults, and yellow-orange legs. It has a dark cap which may be raised like a crest when alarmed or in courtship.
“In Florida, the green herons construct their nests on trees near water, using sticks, leaves, and other natural materials. These herons lay typically 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month.”1
“Green herons found in Florida have a diverse diet that includes fish, frogs, snakes, insects, and small mammals. They are unique among herons and most birds in their ability to use tools to capture prey, such as dropping bait, like bread or insects, into the water to attract fish.”1 They are able to remain very still while watching and waiting before a lightning quick grab to catch prey. Look for green herons at the Rookery Park where they are commonly seen feeding both on the island and along the shore. They also may be found in many wetland areas in Sarasota County such as this location seen in the photo below. Do you recognize this place? It may be the biggest “waterfall” in the entire county! We invite you to discover your own hidden gem while birding this summer.
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A juvenile green heron next to a Sarasota County water feature*. Photo by Tom Litteral.
Sources: - AVIBIRDS: The Herons of Florida, Jacob Irgens-Moller Nielsen
Cornell Lab: All About Birds
Northern Woodlands: Green Herons; Birds That Bait, Todd McLeish
*The water feature is the outlet spillway of the lower pond in Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.
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Yellow Necklacepod
NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH
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The July plant of the month is Yellow Necklacepod (Sophora tomentosa var. truncata), a remarkable shrub that grows 6-12 feet tall. This native plant boasts vibrant yellow flowers and interesting silver foliage that is soft and fuzzy. It blooms year-round except during cold or drought periods and is known for its easy maintenance. Ideal as an accent tree or shrub, the Yellow Necklacepod tolerates poor soils and thrives in full sun. It is highly tolerant of salty wind and salt spray, making it perfect for coastal areas. Additionally, it attracts a variety of wildlife, including small birds, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and moths, adding both beauty and ecological value to any garden!
You can find this plant in the Native Plant Garden near the Venice Audubon Center.
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2024 Giving Challenge Wrap-up. We recently received $10,721.32 for the total funds earned by Venice Area Audubon Society during the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 2024 Giving Challenge this past April. The 2024 Giving Challenge was presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, and additional support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and Manatee Community Foundation. We are grateful to ALL our donors for their gifts to support VAAS’s south Sarasota County Public Schools education programs and our community education programs through this year’s Giving Challenge fundraising effort.
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July’s book is Birding Without Borders by Noah Strycker. In-person discussion at the Venice Audubon Center is on July 8 at 10 AM and the Zoom discussion will take place on July 10 at 6:30 PM. Register for the Zoom discussion on the website Calendar page.
Our August book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan, provides an entertaining view of the author’s backyard birding experiences revealed through her observations, drawings, and storytelling. Details about August’s in-person and online discussions are on the Calendar page of our website.
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