President's Message
Happy New Year! January is a wonderful time to take in some restorative and relaxing nature views in backyards, along trails, and on beach sands especially after a busy time of year. So take that nap, lace up your shoes, and grab your binoculars!
‘Tis the season for visitors and part-time residents in the Venice area and we are ready for lots of adventures! In addition to our ongoing activities like local bird walks, 3rd Tuesday Program Nights, and the monthly Book Club, January’s calendar rolls out several seasonal offerings. Friday Sunset Walks at the Rookery begin on January 3rd and continue through Easter, Mondays @ 10 programs kick off on January 6, and special field trips highlight the coming months. And of course, put Rookery Day on your calendar for February 22! Check out our website calendar for additional details.
Our Florida legislators are working in various committees during January and February in preparation for the Florida Legislature Session that begins on March 4, 2025. Important topics are at hand such as FWC’s request for public input regarding a black bear hunting season, a bill proposing Florida State Parks protection from development, and various national and state conservation lands and water issues that impact our state.
Audubon Florida’s The Advocate e-newsletter provides weekly updates during the committee weeks and throughout the legislative session about critical conservation issues in Florida. Please sign up for The Advocate to be an informed participant in protecting our state’s natural resources.
Lastly, a hearty congratulations and thank you to all those who organized and participated in December’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on December 15! Be sure to read the highlights below.
- Jean Pichler, President
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Christmas Bird Count Highlights
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Here are a few notables from the 2024 Christmas Bird Count for our Englewood-Venice Circle:
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- 25 new volunteers
- 2 boat surveys in addition to land surveys
- New record of 140 species identified
- Total number of birds counted increased from 2023
- 6 species considered very rare or uncommon for time of year and/or location, including Groove-billed Ani and White-faced Ibis.
CBC Coordinator Bob Clark’s full report will be in February’s ChipNote once all our data has been submitted to National Audubon and verified.
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White-faced Ibis by Mike Weisensee
Groove-billed Ani by Tom Litteral
Boat survey |
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The Wild Dolphins of Sarasotate Bay
MONTHLY PROGRAM NIGHT |
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The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, established in 1970 to study the wild dolphins of Sarasota Bay, is now the longest running study of a wild dolphin population in the world. Join us as we learn about this unique research program and what insights researchers have gathered in over 50 years of data in a changing environment. In addition to the dolphins, all marine species and birds that utilize Sarasota Bay and its connected waterways are facing challenges to their ecosystems. How can we respond to ensure the survival of species in Sarasota Bay?
Our presenter will be Dr. Randall Wells, Director of Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.
Visit Sarasota Dolphin Research Program's website.
January 21, 2025
6:00 pm refreshments
6:30 pm program begins
Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall
620 Shamrock Blvd, Venice
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Save the Date!
Saturday, February 22, 9am-Noon
Guided walk, activities, native plant sale and more!
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Loggerhead Shrike
BIRD OF THE MONTH BY MARGARET F. VIENS
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Loggerhead Shrike at Shamrock Park in Venice by Margaret Viens
The Loggerhead Shrike is striking in appearance and is the only species of the world’s 30 true Shrikes to be found solely in North America. It is most often seen singly in open brushy fields, often perched conspicuously on wires, posts or trees as it searches for prey. The Loggerhead Shrike is unique in that it is a predatory songbird that feeds on insects and other small animals such as rodents, lizards and even small birds. It is known to impale captured prey on a thorn, sharp twig or barbed wire for later consumption, allowing it to eat larger prey, much like a raptor, and earning it the nickname “butcher bird.”
In central Fl, the Loggerhead Shrike is relatively common but is declining in population due to habitat loss. It is very similar to the rarer and slightly larger, Northern Shrike. The Loggerhead Shrike has a small, thick hooked bill, and a broad black mask on a fairly large head for its body, hence its name – Loggerhead – or “blockhead”. These features distinguish it from the superficially similar sized and colored Northern Mockingbird, which is also gray with white wing patches seen in flight, but which lacks the black wings and mask.
A pair will search for a nest site together, often in the crotch of a tree with thorns, for added protection. The female builds the nest, typically laying 5 eggs which she incubates for 16 days. The male brings her food during this time. Young are altricial and sparsely downed, and tended by both parents. They are fully feathered at around 15 days, leave the nest by three weeks, but are not independent till about 45 days after hatching.
References:
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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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