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Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 13 - 17, 2002 -- Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 13 - 17, 2002 -- Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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2002 SEMINARS
HomePage | Keynotes | Field Trips | Workshops | Seminars | Biographies |
When you register for the Festival ($20.00), your ID is coded so you can enter the Seminars for free.
Otherwise, you pay the $3.00 at the door (except for the special free seminars).
Satellite Telemetry: A New Frontier for Wildlife Research
Presenter: Fred Anderka
Telemetry used to track wildlife has advanced dramatically over the past two decades. The first system developed was the Global Positioning System (GPS), in which an animal carries a GPS receiver which receives data from low polar-orbiting satellites to calculate the position of the subject. GPS represents a highly reliable way for increased position accuracy from extremely remote locations at a level never before possible. Holohil Systems Ltd. was formed to supply the research community with state-of-the-art radio-tracking equipment and related services. A miniature, satellite based tracking system light enough to be carried on the backs of birds was first developed in the mid 1980's. From the beginning, use of radio tagging has always been based on careful consideration of the effects of the transmitters on birds' behavior and flight. By the close of the decade, projects on eagles, cranes, geese and other wildlife applications were underway and the technology had become an operational tool for tracking the long range movements of animals. Since the early 1990's, more than 500 transmitters have been applied to more than 20 avian species on a global scale. Satellite monitored radio tracking methods have been used on large whales (blues, humpbacks, grays, rights and bowheads), dolphins (bottlenose, pilot whales and white-sided) and manatees to reveal important aspects of behavior, habitat utilization and migration. An emphasis at Holohil Systems Ltd. to decrease the size of transmitters allows the study of much smaller animals, including bats and small songbirds, snakes and even insects.
A new and more capable generation satellite tracking system containing a GPS receiver and a suite of advanced sensors is now being developed. These advanced sensors may include a digital acoustic sensor and a tiny black and white camera, along with other sensors to provide meteorological and animal physiological data. This new satellite tracking system will allow researchers to track target organisms with greater accuracy, as well as obtain near real-time animal behavior and habitat information. The acoustic sensor is designed to recognize animal vocalizations, thus remotely allowing for the first time, thorough evaluation of animal behaviors and specific activities. The data provided by the black and white television camera can provide groundbreaking information, such as clutch or brood size, reproductive success and preferred microhabitats and nesting locations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can then relate animal movements and activities to jurisdictional boundaries, habitats, ecological community structures and land-use activities with far greater accuracy than currently possible. Tagged animals may act as sentinels, or indicators, in their populations and in their ecosystems. These sentinels, moving in herds or flocks, can reflect the activities of many animals and can dramatically enhance sampling methods. Such information may lead to the development of a monitoring system to forecast bird flight vectors and help mitigate bird strikes by military and commercial aircraft. Meteorologists and climatologists can also benefit from this new technology. Time-coded location and sensor information received from the tagged animals can contribute significantly to meteorological and climatological studies. Relevant information can be obtained aloft from the backs of birds , including some avian species that migrate over currently unmonitored expanses on land and at sea.
Advanced biotelemetry capabilities that incorporate the latest innovations in microelectronics, geographic information systems (GIS), and computer modeling offer great promise in helping to define and characterize human impacts on important species and ecological communities and to identify strategies to ensure their sustainability in the face of expanding human enterprise. The ability to characterize specific migration routes, breeding areas and wintering locations for any species (avian, terrestrial, aquatic or marine) large enough to carry a satellite transmitter offers a tremendous potential toward defining and achieving sustainable development. Visit www.holohil.com
Nov 14, 1pm-2pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
The History of the Patuxant Wildlife Research Center
Presenter: Kathleen O’Malley
The Patuxant Research Center, located in Laurel, MD, was founded in the 1930’s, during the birth of wildlife conservation in the United States. For over 60 years, researchers at Patuxant have studied ways to restore wild populations and endangered species, land management and the effects of pesticides on birds. Rachel Carson based much of her book, Silent Spring, on Patuxant research. Today, Patuxant spans 12,800 acres, preserving critical wildlife habitat in the congested Washington, D.C.-Baltimore corridor, supporting many public use activities, while its researchers continue their important studies. Kathy will review the history of the country’s first wildlife research institute through films and slides. Many of the historic photographs are very old.
Visit www.pwrc.usgs.gov
Nov 14, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; $3.00TOP
Lifestyles of the Ancient Nomads: the Global Travels of Brevard’s Leatherback Turtles
Presenter: Larry Harvey
The world’s largest reptiles, Leatherback Sea Turtles are giant marine turtles that can reach 6 to 8 feet in length and weigh 1200 to 1500 pounds. One of the oldest reptiles on Earth, Leatherbacks are one of the most highly endangered species of marine turtles. Leatherbacks have the widest migration range of any reptile, but live primarily in cool northern or southern waters, eating only jellyfish. In a prime example of how innovative partnering, space technology and good timing can advance discoveries in marine biology, University of Central Florida and Hubbs Sea World marine biologists have succeeded in attaching satellite transmitters to Leatherbacks. The transmitters are used to track their migration after nesting in Brevard County’s Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Larry Harvey, of the Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute, will discuss the use of modern technology to unlock the secret travels of one of our most ancient – and endangered species – the Leatherback Sea Turtle.
www.hswri.org www.cccturtle.org
Nov 14, 2:30pm-3:30pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; $3.00TOP
Natural History of the Osprey
Presenter: Mike McMillian
A highly specialized raptor that preys upon fish, the Osprey, also known as the "Fishing Eagle", or Fish Hawk, is a large, powerful predator, long admired for its spectacular arial displays. Their numbers severely depleted in the 1950’s and 60’s as a result of accumulation of DDT in fish, Osprey have rebounded in the state of Florida. They can regularly be seen soaring over the water searching for fish. Keen eyesight, sharp curved talons and the ability to dive feet first into the water make the Osprey an unusually efficient predator. Designed for grasping live fish, the structure of its feet and claws is so peculiar that it has been placed in a separate subfamily, the Pandioninae, of which it is the sole representative. Besides being a magnificent representative of North American wildlife, as a top predator, the Osprey acts as a biological indicator of environmental problems. Archbold Biological Station wildlife biologist, Mike McMillian, has been working with Ospreys on Lake Istokpoga (fifth largest lake in Florida) for the past 12 years and Lake Arbuckle, Polk County, for the past 5 years. With a fleet of volunteers, Mike has been able to color band more than 700 Ospreys to date. Many of these banded nestlings have returned to become breeders themselves. All aspects of Osprey natural history are being studied and some interesting findings have emerged.
www.archbold-station.org
Nov 14, 2:30pm-3:30pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
THE FLORIDA MOTTLED DUCK – A RADIO TELEMETRY STUDY AND HYBRIDIZATION PROBLEM
Presenter: Ron Bielefeld
The Florida mottled duck is a species of duck that occurs nowhere else in the world but peninsular Florida. A recent study of Florida mottled ducks using surgically implanted radio transmitters to track their movements throughout the year has provided new information on how mottled ducks live and die in South Florida. Specifically, the study provided data on habitat use, movements, and survival of adult females. It was determined that birds moved on average short distances, used a variety of types of shallow wetlands containing emergent plants, and had a 50:50 chance of surviving to the next year. In addition, recent observations by biologists suggest that feral, captive-reared mallards threaten this unique bird. These released mallards are interbreeding with the native mottled ducks producing fertile hybrid offspring. It is believed that if captive-reared mallards continue to be released into the wild, the Florida mottled duck may be lost as a distinct species.
Visit www.wld.fwc.state.fl.us.
Nov 14, 4:00pm-5:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
The Florida Scrub Jay and Scrub Fire Ecology
See the Special Seminars for a description of the presentation.TOP
Florida’s Special Butterflies
Presenters: Buck and Linda Cooper
With 160 species, Florida has more butterflies than most states, with many found only in Florida. Take an in depth look at Florida's special butterflies with reknowned Florida naturalists, Buck and Linda Cooper, as they share some adventures they experienced while traveling the state to see and photograph all of the 163 species of butterflies found in Florida. Caterpillars, butterfly plants and tips on attracting these magical creatures to your garden are part of this fascinating presentation.
Visit www.naba.org and www.butterflywebsite.com.
Nov15, 10:00am-11:00am: BCC Gymnatorium Stage; $3.00TOP
Breeding Terns from the Arctic to the Tropics
Presenter: Dr. Glen Woolfenden
Rescheduled for 2003
Two species of terns in the genus Sterna that occur off the coast of Florida breed in very different habitats. The Arctic Tern (S. paradisea) breeds in the arctic, but south to Maine, and the Sooty Tern (S. fuscata) breeds in the tropics, but north to the Dry Tortugas. The breeding of these two colonial species will be compared.TOP
Status of Non-migratory Whooping Cranes
Presenter: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
History was made June 7, 2002 when a young Whooping Crane spread its mighty wings and flew across the Leesburg marsh in which it hatched and was reared by first time parents. The fledgling, named "Lucky" by volunteers, survived dogs, eagles, cold temperatures and drought to become the first of its kind to fledge in the wild in the United States in 63 years. Biologists and volunteers have monitored the Leesburg Whoopers closely since the pair arrived at the small wetland last December and began showing an interest in nesting there. By mid-February the female was sitting on eggs and on March 12, Lucky, the first of two chicks, hatched. Two days later the second chick hatched but survived only a few hours before it was taken by a Bald Eagle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, working in a cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the International Crane Foundation and several private land owners, has been involved in a large scale project to restore this magnificent bird to its former range in the southeast. The Non-migratory Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project began nearly 22 years ago, with 13 years of preliminary study of Sandhill Cranes before the first captive-reared Whooping Cranes was released in Florida in 1993. This bird’s parents were released in 1999, and are the first Whooping Cranes raised in captivity to survive long enough to breed, nest, hatch offspring and have hatchlings survive long enough to fledge. Only four chicks have hatched in the wild, Lucky is the lone survivor. The bird’s solo flight is a milestone in the FWCC’s efforts to establish a non-migratory flock of Whooping Cranes in the southeastern United States. Now that it can fly, it has the same chance for survival as its parents.
Visit www.floridaconservation.org, www.bringbackthecranes.org and www.savingcranes.org.
Nov 15, 2:30pm-3:30pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classrooom 4121; $3.00TOP
Birds of the West Indies
Presenter: Larry Manfredi
Larry Manfredi, of South Florida Birding Tours, will take you on a photographic tour of the West Indies to see a sampling of the birds from such far away places as Montserrat, Grenada, St. Vincent, Martinique, Guadeloupe and the not so distant Bahamas. Larry will also show photos of some of the exotic reptiles and butterflies, as well as some scenic views of the islands.
www.southfloridabirdingtours.com
Nov 15, 2:30pm-3:30pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
Current Research and Restoration of the Whooping Crane
Presenter: Kathleen O’Malley, Co-presenter: Anne Moroz
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center has been the home of the largest captive Whooping Crane population since 1965, spearheading critical research and restoration efforts for this critically endangered species. Current research efforts include establishing a non-migratory flock of Whoopers in Florida, and establishing a migratory block that would travel from Wisconsin to Florida. In December 2001, after an exciting journey, the first Whoopers trained to follow an ultra-light aircraft landed at Chassahowitzka NWR on Florida’s Central West Coast, 48 days and 1218 miles from their starting point. Six months later, they returned to Necedah NWR in Central Wisconsin on their own in only 7 days. The cranes are being closely monitored to see if they return to Florida. If they do, they will become the first successful migrating Whoopers east of the Mississippi River in more than 100 years! In 2002, the first Whooping Crane chick to fledge in the United States in 60 years was produced by Patuxent-reared birds.
Visit www.pwrc.usgs.gov, www.bringbackthecranes.org and www.savingcranes.org.
Nov 15, 4:00pm-5:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; $3.00TOP
Interpretations of Nature
Presenter: Milton Heiberg
Let yourself float in a pool of total relaxation, and with open eyes, dream of the earth’s finest products. Noted wildlife photographer, Milton Heiberg, presents Interpretations of Nature, a dissolve-unit slide show of his exceptional work put to music. It tells a story of the earth that you, the viewer, may reflect upon. You bring something of yourself to it and take something away with you. It’s a "Must See."
To view some of Milton’s work, visit www.miltonheiberg.com.
Nov 15, 4:00pm-5:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
Birding at the Speed of Drift
Presenter: Sandy Huff
Join prize winning outdoor and travel writer, Sandy Huff, for a photographic tour of the very best of a state famous for its scenic waterways, Florida, the "Quiet Water Paddling Capital of the World". Florida’s waterways are filled with exotic flora and fauna, and paddling a canoe or kayak offers the best opportunity to move silently down the Sunshine State’s many rivers, creeks and coastal flats to view them. Author of the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information on paddling in Florida, the Paddler’s Guide to the Sunshine State, Sandy is an avid birder who has mastered the art of using a low profile kayak to get really close to wildlife in some of the most exotic and seemingly inaccessible places in the world.
www.paddlefl.com
Nov 16, 2:30pm-3:30pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; $3.00TOP
Historical Bird Photos
Presenter: Wes Biggs
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Nov 16, 4:00pm-5:00pm: ; $3.00Special Seminars: Merritt Island; A World Class Refuge
In March, 2003 we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. As we move toward the Centennial Celebration, the citizens of Brevard County are fortunate indeed to share the oldest National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island NWR, and one of the newest, Archie Carr NWR. We can also claim bragging rights to the National Wildlife Refuge that is home to more species of endangered plants and animals than any other National Wildlife Refuge in the continental United States. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a crown jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System, supporting a rich diversity of upland, wetland, estuarine and marine species and natural communities, including several natural community types of global ecological significance. Some of these include sea turtle nesting habitats and critical habitats that support neotropical migrants. Its latitudinal position spanning temperate, sub-tropical and tropical climatic zones contributes to a rich biological diversity. The Refuge includes portions of the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian and Banana Rivers. This system is recognized as one of the most biologically diverse estuarine ecosystems in North America. The estuaries and nearshore ocean waters of Merritt Island NWR support large populations of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, economically important fisheries and numerous rare, threatened, endangered and endemic species. Hundreds of birds, animals and marine species coexist with the infrastructure of space technology on Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral. This area has international significance as a conservation area and the world’s "Gateway to Space."To honor the 100th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System, The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival Steering Committee proudly presents a series of free seminars that focus on this vital sanctuary and some of the animals that call the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge home.
TOP
The Florida Scrub Jay and Scrub Fire Ecology
Presenters: Dave Brieninger and Dr. Paul Schmalzer
The Florida Scrub Jay, fascinating from both biological and conservation perspectives, is the only avian species restricted entirely to Florida. Endemic to the scrub habitats of peninsular Florida, scrub jays exhibit a suite of remarkable adaptations, the most noted of which is their propensity to live in family units, occupying and defending distinct territories. Scrub habitat evolved when North America was much drier, and desert animals from Texas and Mexico colonized Florida. When the oceans rose, the plants and animals remained, and evolved into an ecosystem unlike any other in the world, one that is highly dependent on fire. Florida’s desert-like prehistoric sand ridges are home to wondrous animals such as the Gopher Tortoise, Indigo Snake, Scrub Lizard, Crested Cara Cara and the Florida Burrowing Owl. Dozens of plants and animals living in the Florida scrub are found nowhere else in the world. The presentation will focus on Florida Scrub Jay habitat use, demography and sociobiology in different types of habitat with an emphasis on fire ecology.
A free carpool field trip to see Florida Scrub Jay families will follow the presentation. See the field trip description.
www.archbold-station.org www.usgs.gov search Florida Scrub Jay
Nov 15&16, 8:00am-9:00am: BCC Gymnatorium Stage; FreeTOP
Natural History of Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island NWR
Presenter: Deborah Greene
This Central Florida environmental educator and natural history writer worked five years on her recently published 120-page illustrated natural history guidebook to Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island NWR. The book is entitled Paradise Preserved, in recognition of the unique preservation of natural habitats resulting from NASA’s purchase of acreage for the nation’s space program. Habitats illustrated in the book and in Deborah’s presentation range from the harsh ever-changing beach with hurricane-pounded dunes and salt-trimmed coastal strand, to the shallow estuary, lined with salt marsh and mangroves and teeming with seagrasses, vertebrate and invertebrate life. Also illustrated are Florida’s northernmost maritime tropical hammock, the tallest aboriginal Native American shell midden in Florida, saltmarsh restoration and the movement of migratory birds in the area. You will leave Deborah’s presentation with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of these areas.
www.sabalpress.com www.nbbd.com/godo/cns www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr
There is a free Natural History Walk following this presentation. Meet at the Eddy Creek parking lot at Canaveral National Seashore at 10:30am. There is a $5.00 charge for festival non-registrants to access the National Seashore.
Nov 16, 9:00am-10:00am: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; FreeTOP
Wetland and Wildlife Management, Restorationand Enhancement: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Presenter: Marc Epstein
Senior Refuge Biologist, Marc Epstein, will give an overview of how the Merritt Island NWR is moving forward to meet the challenge of biological conservation at ecosystem levels. One example is a large project involving multiple partners working to reconnect historic salt marshes that were impounded and turned into fresh water ponds for mosquito control in the 1940’s and 50’s. Of the approximately 140,000 acres that make up the Refuge, there are more than 80.000 acres of open water and wetland habitats. Of this, about 33,000 acres make up 76 wetland impoundments. The original impoundment construction created mostly closed systems with 95% or more of estuary wetlands impounded and/or modified. Since the 1960’s, the Refuge has been installing water control structures for habitat enhancement and management. This program continued until 1993-94, when multiple partnerships (St. Johns River Water Management District, Brevard County Mosquito Control, NASA, Ducks Unlimited, East Volusia County Mosquito Control, U.S. Air Force and FWS Division of Fisheries) significantly accelerated the wetland reconnection/restoration program. Since 1997, more than 600 acres of salt marsh impoundments have been completely restored to a natural state by pushing the earthen dikes back into the borrow ditches. Mosquito control continues to be a concern in restoring impoundments.
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Regfuge management follows the National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997 and the original purpose for which the Refuge was established, which is management for migratory birds. Refuge wetlands and open water habitats are presently managed under a multi-species management program with multiple considerations for fish, wildlife, plant communities and consumptive and non-consumptive public uses. Biological programs include monitoring and collecting inventories of sea turtles, waterbirds (beach, wetland use and rookeries), waterfowl, neotropical migrants, Florida Scrub Jays, nesting Bald Eagles, water quality and habitat management. Additionally, the Refuge issued 38 Special Use Permits in 1999 for biological research for independent research projects
The National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997 mandates "Wildlife First," which includes all fish, wildlife and plants as the first priority consideration. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is working with others to accomplish goals, adapting new concepts and meeting the challenge of national mandates.
Some of Marc’s photography may be viewed at www.marcepstein.homestead.com.
Visit the Refuge websites at www.merrittisland.fws.gov and www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr.
Nov 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; FreeTOP
Manatee Biology and the Challenges for their Conservation
Presenter: Dr. Jane Provancha
Brevard county’s location, the presence of a warm water refuge, ample forage and a protected area in the north Banana River make Brevard ideal habitat for manatees. Brevard County has the largest spring and winter manatee aggregations documented in the state. Join Dynamac Corporation Conservation Group Leader, Dr. Jane Provancha, for a brief overview of the biology and natural history of manatees. Current understanding of the status of manatees at the local and global level will be reviewed, as well as challenges to conserving the species and their habitat.
www.usgs.org search Manatee
Nov 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4123; FreeTOP
Bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon
Presenter: Dr. Daniel K. Odell
How many are there? What do they eat? Can you feed, touch or swim with them? [NO!] Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of the Indian River Lagoon and are a common sight for boaters, fishermen and crabbers who spend time on the water. Bottlenose dolphins are not an endangered species but they have been protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972. But what do we know about these animals? Do they spend their entire lives in the Lagoon? How long do they live? What do they eat? Do they have home ranges? What is their social structure? How many of them are there? How ‘intelligent’ are they? Do they have ‘enemies’? What are their diseases? How big do they get? How much do they eat? Studies on the biology of bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon began in the mid-1970s. This presentation will review dolphin biology, past and present research activities and their legal status.
Visit www.hswri.org.
Nov 16, 4:00pm-5:00pm: BCC Gymnatorium Classroom 4121; Free
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