BE ON LOOKOUT FOR LEAST TERNS: A colony of 70 of these rare and often classed as endangered birds has been seen nesting on Sailfish Point in Martin County to the south. The 9-inch terns could also be moving into St. Lucie County. This photo by Hart Rufe was not taken locally but is a good guide of what to look for. Also check out View 1 and View 2 and read the article on TCPalm.com

Message from the President:

VIGILANCE NECESSARY

I finished viewing a three-DVD set The Life of Birds, narrated by David Attenborough. The video photography is spectacular. This is an in-depth study of bird behavior. A must-see for every birder.

David Attenborough closes with this thought: "Birds have been flying over this Earth long before man arrived, but we have taken over the land, sea and sky. If we are to continue to enjoy the birds with all their beauty and variety, we must secure a place for them. With knowledge, skill and care, we can secure a a place for them and surely we should."

Eric Draper, interim director of Florida Audubon, in a letter to chapter leaders closes with these remarks: "Let us honor our conservation inheritance by resolving to give our successors a Florida abundant with birds and other native species and where people are connected with nature."

The St. Lucie Audubon Society serves as an "Advocate for the preservation of the Earth's diverse ecosystems." We must remain vigilant for change which could endanger our bird population.

The SLAS officers, board members and chairpersons will be busy during the summer months arranging for monthly meeting speakers, bird identification classes, monthly field trips, special events and working with the county officials to secure a permanent home for the society. We should also develop and implement a strong education program for young people. If you are able to assist and/or can make a positive contribution to the Society, please contact an officer or board member.

It has been an honor to serve as your president for the past two terms and I wish to thank you for your support.

Dan Walma, Out-going President of St. Lucie Audubon Society

Missing the birds of St. Lucie?
Too hot to hike?

Check out this Birds of St. Lucie video on YouTube, including some calls. Practice your field skills ... or just bring back happy memories while waiting for the weather to cool.

For a better quality video in .wmv format (Windows Media Player), click here.

Calendar

Meetings and events resume in October 2010

of special interest

National Audubon's Oil Spill Response Center

Audubon's suggestions re oil spill

How to volunteer to help in oil spill aftermath

Florida Fish and Wildlife:
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response

Florida's plan to clean up
North Fork of St. Lucie River

in the news

Updated June 20, 2010

In rare move, endangered birds called least terns return to beach on Sailfish Point
Stuart man finds large, rare octopus washed up at St. Lucie Inlet
Alligators: Out and about 'routine for this time of year
Loop Current split holding oil back from Florida
Risk of rip currents today (5/21), through weekend on Treasure Coast
Rarest of Rare Species Make New Endangered List
Robins woozy after eating fermented Brazilian pepper berries

For more on these and other headlines click here,