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Nikon and The Brevard Nature Alliance present Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 16 - 20, 2005 in Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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Nikon and The Brevard Nature Alliance present Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 16 - 20, 2005 in Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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Optics
Presenter: Kate Fitzmier
Sponsored by Eagle Optics
Start your birding festival experience on the right track with the right optical equipment for you. Binoculars are the mainstays of birdwatching, yet the vast array of choices can make it difficult to choose the ones that are best for you. How do binoculars and scopes work? What are the best binoculars and spotting scopes? How can I adjust binoculars so I can see best? What are the pros and cons of the different types of optics? How do I care for my equipment? All of these questions will be answered. Kate will provide the opportunity to try a wide variety of types and manufactures of birding optics.
www.eagleoptics.com.
Nov 17, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Gymn Class 121; Free
Choosing the Right Optics For You
Presenter: Jim Danzenbaker
Sponsored by Brunton
Everyone needs optics to pursue our passion of birdwatching and nature observation, but there's a lot to learn about optics before buying. This workshop will cover the details, including questions to ask about your optics usage, explanation of key features and how to test optics. We'll explore all these areas in a simple and easy to understand format. Bring your binoculars and your notepad! Following the presentation, Jim will take a variety of optical pieces outdoors for you to try.
www.brunton.com
Nov 19, 9:00am-10:45am: BCC Gymn Class 121; FreeAnd Were Afraid to Ask: Optics
Presenter: Stephen Ingraham
Sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics
Start the Festival off right with all of your questions about optics answered! Steve Ingraham, former editor of the ABA's Tools of the Trade, and Founder of Better View Desired and betterviewdesired.com, with more than 20 years of optics testing behind him, will give candid (or at least inventive) answers to any and all of your optics questions. Steve is currently the Birding and Observation Product Manager for Carl Zeiss Sports Optics and was directly involved in the design of the successful new FL line of Binoculars. So, from "how to choose" to "how to use" binoculars, and from chromatic aberration to the phyco-physical effects of the roof prism design: just ask.
www.zeiss.com/sports
Nov 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Gymn Class 119; FreeDissection of Barn Owl Pellets or "What's For Dinner?"
Presenters: Richard Raid & Jason Martin
University of Florida Barn Owl Project Coordinators
This workshop is nature's version of CSI! Have you ever wondered what sort of prey raptors capture and feed on? Due to the alkaline nature of a Barn Owl's stomach, many of the bones, fur, and chitinous parts of a barn owl's prey are left undigested. Such remains are routinely regurgitated through the mouth in the form of a compact pellet. By collecting and dissecting these pellets, researchers can find out exactly what these marvelous raptors have been eating. Discover for yourself why Barn Owls have frequently been termed "The most beneficial bird on the planet". This workshop will enable each adventurous participant to dissect their very own owl pellet(s), discovering what lies inside. Then, by comparing skeletal remains utilizing bone charts, you will be able to figure out exactly what a barn owl eats. With a bit of collaborative sleuthing, participants may even discover what type of ecosystem the owls who spit up these pellets inhabit. Think picking through owl regurgitation is disgusting? Think again! Believe it or not, pellet dissection is a favorite lesson at many schools throughout the nation. Adults, but especially kids of all ages, will find this workshop highly entertaining and informative. Sterilized owl pellets, dissecting tools, and bone charts will be furnished to all participants free-of-charge.
http://www.owlpages.com/species.php?genus=Tyto&species=alba
Nov 19, 9:00am-10:30am: BCC Outside Gazebo; Free (Requires Pre-registration)Owl House of Dreams: If You Build It, They Will Come!
Presenter: Richard Raid & Jason Martin
University of Florida Barn Owl Project Coordinators
Barn Owls, as can be deciphered from their very name, love man-made structures. Referred to as "cavity nesters", Barn Owls take readily to nesting boxes. This workshop will display and discuss a number of Barn Owl nesting box designs, constructed of assorted materials. Additionally, tips on nesting box placement will be provided to enhance the likelihood of colonization. Nesting box display models and schematics for a number of other owl species, namely Screech Owls, Barred Owls, and Burrowing Owls, will be available for those whose land may be better suited for those particular species. The workshop will also provide participants interested in assisting these wonderful raptors with an opportunity to get personally involved. Volunteers will construct nesting boxes on site for future placement through out the state. Tools and construction materials will be supplied by the University of Florida's Barn Owl Project. Adults take note: This workshop represents an ideal opportunity for kids who love to work with tools. Help them acquire the 'sense of contribution' that one gains in knowing that you have donated time and effort for a worthy cause.
www.owlpages.com
Nov 19, 11:00am-12:30pm: Outdoor Gazebo; Free (Requires Pre-registration)- This Workshop is filled.Florida Bird Detective
Presenter: Adam Kent
Trip Leaders: Adam Kent, Kevin Karlson, Andy Bankert and Betty Salter
Recent trends show birding is growing faster in people under 25 than in any other age group, and youth birding is on the rise! Explore the six clues to bird identification; body type; distinctive marks; bills; behavior; habitat; and sound. What do these clues teach us about a bird's identity? What else can we learn about birds from examining these clues? Bird Detective was written for third through fifth graders, but is useful and fun for beginning birders of all ages. Join us after this workshop for a morning of birding on Black Point Wildlife Drive. This trip is sure to please, with large, colorful, rare birds like roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets and more! Binoculars will be available and instruction will be provided on binocular use. The first 10 registrants will tour the Wildlife Drive in the Refuge's comfortable 12-passenger van (the rest will car-pool), stopping and disembarking to view the Refuge's mudflats, which teem with shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl. Adam Kent designed the program and wrote the guide for Florida Bird Detective for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
http://myfwc.com/educator/JrBirder/jr_booklet_sig.pdf, www.fws.gov/merrittisland http://www.geocities.com/ms_betsy_21/Lady_luvs_nature.html
Meet at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 8:45am. Bring snacks and water.
Nov 20, 8:45am-12:30pm: Limited to 30 registrants; FreeSeven-fold Path to Better Birding
Presenter: Stephen Ingraham
Sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics
What do good birders know that you don't (yet)? Here are seven simple disciplines that will make any birder a better birder, and increase your enjoyment of the time you spend in the field. Great for beginners and any birder who wants to improve! Steve Ingraham is the Birding and Nature Watching Specialist for Carl Zeiss Optics. He is well know from his years as the editor of the "Tools of the Trade" section in Birding magazine, his frequent articles in Wildbird, Birder's World, and Birdwatch (UK) magazines, his appearances at ABA conventions and birding events around the country...and as the founder and editor of Better View Desired and betterviewdesired.com on the world wide web. This is an ideal class to take before this afternoon's Beginning Birding session on the Merritt Island NWR.
www.zeiss.com/sports
Nov 19, 10:15am-11:15am: BCC Gymn Class 123; FreeBeginning Birding
Presenter: Nancy Corona and Cary Salter
Birdwatching is far more than a hobby. It is an open door to the world of nature, a touch point that connects people to the outdoors.Birdwatching inevitably leads to a discovery of turtles, butterflies, wildflowers and all the interconnections of nature. In this informative talk, Nancy will cover field guides and other literature. She will provide helpful hints for beginners on where to find birds and how to identify them, pointing out interesting behaviors, typical silhouettes and identification tricks of the birding trade. Cary will give an overview of optical equipment and how to properly use it. A free car-pool field trip to Black Point Wildlife Drive will follow the classroom session so you can get right out in the field and put your new knowledge to work. Nancy Corona is the Merritt Island NWR Public Programming and Education Coordinator. Cary Salter is an outstanding Refuge volunteer. He and his wife, Betty, lead free Refuge birding trips twice a week throughout birding season. They have introduced countless people to the wonders of the wildlife of Merritt Island NWR.
www.fws.gov/merrittisland
Nov 17, Seminar, 8:30am-9:30am: Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center; Free
Carpool to Black Point Wildlife Drive, 9:30am-12:30pm; Free
Nov 19, Seminar, 1:00pm-2:00pm: Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center; Free
Carpool to Black Point Wildlife Drive, 2:00pm-5:00pm FreeShorebirds Made Simpler: Identification by Impressions
Presenter: Kevin. T. Karlson
Jaeger Tours
Murray Gardler will join Kevin for the outdoor sessions.
This indoor session will concentrate on removing present confusion that exists with field identification of shorebirds as Kevin reveals an exciting and simpler method of bird identification. Formerly considered a very difficult task reserved for experts, shorebird ID will become easier for all levels of birders if a relatively simple approach is taken. Starting with basic principles of size, structure and behavior, as well as other important non-changeable characters such as bill length and shape, a simple, accurate first impression is formed. By concentrating on the "basics" and an overall comparative view of each shorebird before applying the classic "field mark" system of identification, much of the confusion created by seasonal plumage variability of shorebirds is removed. This workshop, due to its short length, will not cover every shorebird species seen in North America, but will concentrate on the process of analysis that will help each person to confidently continue this method in the field. The outdoor session will be an interactive experience concentrating on the use of the simplified techniques. By concentrating upon non-plumage field characters such as size, shape and behavior, participants will be able to practice their general impression approach, share observations and ask questions. This workshop is especially helpful when shorebirds are in non-breeding plumage, since the criteria for identification relies on non-changeable field characters. Kevin recently signed a contract with Houghton Miflin Publishers to produce a book called The Shorebird Guide, with co-authors Richard Crossley and Michael O'Brien. This comprehensive field guide, due to be released in spring of 2006, will contain almost 700 photos and outline a simpler method of bird identification for beginners and experts. Field trip location will be pre-determined.
www.jaegertours.net
Nov 17, 6:30am-8:15am: BCC Gymn Class 119; $5.00
Nov 19, 6:30am-8:15am: BCC Gymn Class 123; $5.00
Field trip: Nov 17 and Nov 19: 8:30am-12:30pm, Limited to 19 registrants; $30.00/personAdvanced Shorebird Workshop
Presenter: Brian A. Harrington
Murray Gardler will join Brian for the outdoor sessions.
Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
Brian is the Senior Scientist, Shorebird Research and Conservation Program, with Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, where he has been working with and teaching about shorebirds for three decades. This advanced identification session will spend a brief time inside and then turn to the field to put advanced skills to the test. Inside, we'll use slides and talk to discuss how molt schedules in shorebirds (changes between breeding and winter plumages) affect identification potential. We also will discuss identifying juvenile from adult shorebirds. In our field practicum, we will especially focus on separating those small "peep" sandpipers from one another and on using behavioral and audio cues in identification of all species. The field trip location will be predetermined.
www.manomet.org, www.shorebirdworld.org, shorebirdplan.fws.gov/
Nov 18 & 20, 6:30am-8:15am: BCC Gymn Class 119; $5.00
Field Trip: Nov 18 & 20: 8:30am-12:30pm, Limited to 19 registrants; $30.00/personGull and Tern ID
Presenter: Jeff Bouton
David Simpson will join Jeff for the outdoor sessions.
Leica Sports Optics, Birding With David Simpson
Gulls and terns can be a dizzying group to separate (some individuals even baffle experts). Their propensity to wander great distances makes them a favorite of veteran birders everywhere. However, they are also a perfect group for beginners as they are easy to approach and sit in plain view for extended periods. This study will begin with a classroom session to review basics such as: "bird topography," and a basic understanding of age and seasonal variations in plumages and molt sequences. Photos of some of the many plumages shown by commonly occurring Florida species will be shown. A trip to Jetty Park at Port Canaveral will follow the class. This area is consistently productive for many gull and tern species. Whether you are a beginner just learning these skills or a veteran refreshing them, this class promises to be a fun and interactive experience. Jeff Bouton is the Leica Sports Optics Product Specialist for Birding/Naturalist Markets.
www.leica-camera.com/sportoptik, homepage.mac.com/simpsondavid/
Nov 19 & 20, 6:30am-8:15am: BCC Gymn Class 121; $5.00
Field Trip: Nov 19 & 20: 8:30am-12:30pm, Limited to 19 registrants; $30.00/personBeach Birds
Presenter: Adam Kent David Hartgrove will join Adam for the outdoor sessions.
Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyons will join in on Nov 19.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
You see them all of the time -- running from the surf, perched on pilings, soaring over the water and wading through wetlands. Wouldn't it be nice to know a little more about them? Have fun learning identification and natural history of different groups of birds commonly found on Florida's beaches. What's the difference between a tern and a gull? Between a sandpiper and a plover? Where does the Willet fit in? And what are all those little gray birds running around like crazy at the edge of the water? Learn what your fingers and a butter knife can teach you about the Black Skimmer (no, we aren't going to eat them). This is not an advanced shorebird or gull/tern workshop but an introduction to different groups of birds you may find on a trip to a Florida beach in the winter. A field trip to Volusia County's beautiful Smyrna Dunes Park at Ponce Inlet will follow. Located on the south side of Ponce Inlet, this beachside park offers panoramic views of ocean, inlet and estuary via two miles of boardwalks that wind around its perimeter. You can spot a variety of birds as the boardwalk passes through hammock, which is good for warbler landfalls in fall and spring, then on to the oceanfront where you can check the beach for loafing gulls, terns and shorebirds and scope the water for loons and ducks.
www.ventbird.com
Nov 17, 6:30am-8:00am: BCC Gymn Class 121; $5.00
Nov 19, 6:30am-8:00am: BCC Gymn Room 153; $5.00
Field Trip: Nov 17 & 19, 8:15am-12:30pm, Limited to 19 registrants; $30.00/personBirding by Ear
Presenter: Paddy Cunningham Pascatore
Birding by ear is a great way to identify birds. Advanced birders use it for 70% of identifications. Learn more about this essential tool to better your bird identification ability. Find out how to determine various types of birds based on different sounds they make and why they make them. In-the-field, work begins before daylight as woodland birds awaken and begin singing. Midway through the morning, the group will have a classroom session at the Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center. Following the class, the group will move to a wetland to listen for water birds. Paddy Cunningham Pascatore has been a naturalist in South Florida for more than 20 years, teaching Tools for and Advanced Tools for Better Birding for 13 years. Her business, Birding Adventures, takes birders anywhere birds can be found throughout Florida as well as Panama and Costa Rica.
birdpaddy@yahoo.com, 954-926-5458
You will drive your own car on this trip. Meet at the parking lot for the Oak Hammock Trail, 1/2 mile east of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Visitor Center at 6:00am.
Nov 19 & 20, 6:00am-12:00pm, Limited to 15 registrants; $20.00/personRaptors of Florida Part I: Accipiters, Kites and Falcons
Presenter: Jeff Bouton
Leica Sports Optics
Jeff will explore the finer points of raptor identification, looking at the subtleties beyond the obvious (e.g. square tail, round tail) including wing flap differences, typical flight profiles in soaring and gliding birds, age and sex characteristics and how these can be beneficial in identification. Eleven species will be covered with special emphasis on similar species such as Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks and others, including Swallow-tailed Kite, White-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, Mississippi Kite, Northern Harrier, Northern Goshawk, American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Jeff Bouton is the Leica Sports Optics Product Specialist for Birding/Naturalist Markets.
www.leica-camera.com/sportoptik
Nov 17, 3:30pm-5:30pm: BCC Community Dining Room; $5.00Raptors of Florida Part II: Buteos, Vultures, Eagles and More
Presenter: Jeff Bouton
Leica Sports Optics
Jeff will discuss some of the confusing "soaring species," covering 11 species with special emphasis on age classes of the two eagle species and tips on how to separate them. Full coverage will be given to the various ranges of plumages in the buteos. The Red-tailed Hawk has at least five different named subspecies, can be either light or dark morph in many of these, and then can be either immature or adult, leaving the average person spinning. He will point out the differences between Swainson's, Red-tailed, Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks in their various plumages and will cover Broad-winged, Short-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks as well as Osprey and Crested Caracara. Jeff Bouton is the Leica Sports Optics Product Specialist for Birding/Naturalist Markets.
www.leica-camera.com/sportoptik
Nov 18, 3:00pm-5:00pm: BCC Community Dining Room; $5.00Seabird Identification
Presenter: Larry Manfredi
Larry Manfredi Birding Tours
Learning how to identify seabirds while on a moving vessel as they fly past the observer is not always an easy task. Veteran Florida birder Larry Manfredi will give you the opportunity to learn seabirds as they are actually encountered from a boat. This workshop will introduce the beginning seabirder to some of the common pelagic birds that might be encountered off the East Coast of the United States. Among the birds discussed will be Audubon's, Cory's and Greater Shearwaters, Masked Booby, Brown Booby, Sooty Tern, Bridled Tern, Brown Noddy and Pomarine Jaeger. Larry Manfredi is the Founder and President of his birding tour company.
www.southfloridabirdingtours.com
Nov 18, 1:00pm-2:30pm: BCC Community Dining Room; $5.00Sparrow Identification
Presenter: Adam Kent
This workshop introduces the basics of sparrow identification in Florida. Even though most North American sparrows lack the bright colors of many warblers, sparrows' distinctive shapes, interesting behaviors and subtly beautiful patterns can allow us to identify them with often only a quick glance. Sure sparrows and their often-secretive behaviors can present identification challenges in Florida in the winter. The trick is being prepared. Once you understand the basics of the combination of shapes, behaviors and patterns, you, too, can do away with the term "Little Brown Job." You may even find yourself saying you are going "sparrowing" instead of birding this winter.
Nov 19, 3:30pm-5:00pm: BCC Community Dining Room; $5.00When I Get Around to It: Steve Ingraham's Sure-Fire Solution for Empidonax Flycatchers, LBJs, Peeps and Immature Gulls
Presenter: Stephen Ingraham
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics
Part of what we enjoy about birding is the challenge: always something new to learn, always new birds to see and identify. On the other hand, why go out of your way to make your life difficult? There is, for many of us, an easier way, a less intimidating way, a way that leads to a long life of enjoyment in the field. If you can stand some humor and you are ready to have your ideas of what "real birders" do expanded, come along as we get around to it. Steve is currently the Birding and Observation Product Manager for Carl Zeiss Sports Optics.
www.zeiss.com/sports
Nov 19, 1:00pm-2:00pm: BCC Community Dining Room; $5.00
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