Page 72 - March-2015-Life-in-Naples-Magazine

ROOKERY BAY

BANDED SPOONBILL
among highlights seen during Naples Christmas Bird Count

by Renee Wilson

R esearch staff with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve recorded a
banded roseate spoonbill while conducting the annual Naples Audubon Christmas
Bird Count by boat between Naples and Marco Island on December 26, 2014.
The faded red metal band on the spoonbill’s upper left leg was seen as the bird was
feeding among the mangroves lining the Rookery Bay backwaters.

“I’ve looked at hundreds...maybe even thousands of spoonbill legs over the past ten
years and this is the first one I’ve found with a band” said Beverly Anderson, Rookery Bay
biologist. “Using binoculars, I was able to make out CV inscribed on it.”

Anderson contacted the Florida Audubon research center in Tavernier and learned the
bird was banded by Audubon scientists as a chick at the Alafia wading bird colony near
Tampa Bay on April 25, 2007. It was last reported from Alafia on June 21, 2007 and has not
been reported again until now.

“Re-sightings of banded individuals help us better understand where birds disperse to
find feeding grounds, as well as the age at which they mature and their longevity,” said
Tavernier research center manager Peter Frezza.

Other Naples Christmas count highlights were three peregrine falcons, two common
loons and six northern gannets.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Register online at rookerybay.org

March 14 (6 - 10 p.m.) also provides an overview of binocular styles and functions, including
Batfish Bash for the Bay Annual Fundraiser adjusting the diopter and other “tricks of the trade.” The classroom
More than 200 guests can enjoy cocktail session will be followed by a field trip to a nearby park to practice new
hour and silent auction among the aquariums skills. Cost is $30 ($25 for members). Also offered April 11.
and art gallery, sunset on the bridge over
Henderson Creek, and a wild live auction on the March 23 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
center’s back lawn. This year, the Batfish Bash World Water Day
will feature an amazing dining experience with In celebration of World Water Day, the Rookery Bay Environmental
Service By Jordan. Upbeat and catchy music from the Girl Meets Boy Learning Center offers “buy one, get one free admission.” Registration
band will have you grooving on the outdoor dance floor. Proceeds from
the wild live auction will help support research and education for future NOT required.
scientists. Event sponsors include Minto, Arthrex, First Florida Integrity
Bank, WCI communities, and many other members of the community. March 23-27 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
www.rookerybay.org/bash Art Class: Realistic Painting in Acrylic
Learn how to paint anything realistically in this informative class.
March 19 (9 a.m. to noon) and March 20 (7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) Lee Hammond demonstrates easy methods for students at all ability
Nature Photography Workshop levels; no experience required. Supplies are not included. Cost is $375.
This two-day workshop is designed as a skill building session for relative Maximum class size is 12 people.
newcomers to digital SLR photography. There will also be three hours
of one class dedicated to practicing new skills in the field. Required March 27 (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
equipment: digital SLR camera with detachable lenses. This class is Amazing Adventures
not designed for point-and-shoot camera users. Maximum number of The March lecture will feature several presentations meant to ignite
participants: 7. Cost: $150 for two-day class. and inspire the audience. This group of southwest Florida biologists
will make presentations using only 20 slides, each with a time limit
March 21 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) of 30 seconds, letting their passion for the environment serve as
WING IT: A Beginning Birder Workshop the backdrop for anecdotes from the adventures of their lives with
Learn basics of birding, including how to use field guides, plumage, accompanying illustrative images. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for
flight patterns, behavior and field marks in bird identification. This class refreshments, the speakers’ presentation is 6 to 7 p.m. followed by
questions and mingling. Admission is $10, free for members.

72 Life in Naples | March 2015