*** NEWS RELEASE ***
The Cedar Keys Audubon Annual Membership Meeting was held March 26 at the Island Hotel patio. Over 50 people were in attendance. It was announced at the meeting the Cedar Keys Audubon chapter will phase out management of all local bird rescue activities. The chapter board felt if we cannot excel at providing bird rescue support, it is something we cannot continue. Our mission for bird advocacy and conservation will remain strong and continue to grow in the future.
Bird rescue will continue in Cedar Key. Cedar Keys Audubon is phasing out of the lead role in management of bird rescue, but the program will continue under another entity with the full support of the Cedar Keys Audubon.
If you come upon an injured bird, please call 352-477-0057.
The Cedar Keys Audubon Annual Membership Meeting was held March 26 at the Island Hotel patio. Over 50 people were in attendance. It was announced at the meeting the Cedar Keys Audubon chapter will phase out management of all local bird rescue activities. The chapter board felt if we cannot excel at providing bird rescue support, it is something we cannot continue. Our mission for bird advocacy and conservation will remain strong and continue to grow in the future.
Bird rescue will continue in Cedar Key. Cedar Keys Audubon is phasing out of the lead role in management of bird rescue, but the program will continue under another entity with the full support of the Cedar Keys Audubon.
If you come upon an injured bird, please call 352-477-0057.
Bird Workshop Success!! January 20, 2023
The room was packed.
Coffee cups were full. Muffins and fresh oranges were piled high on platters.
Chatter filled the air.
Was this a social event not to be missed?
It was certainly an event not to be missed…
by anyone wanting to help wildlife of Cedar Key.
This was a Bird Rescue Workshop!
Sponsored in part by private donors and Cedar Keys Audubon, with Nature Coast Biologic Station’s generous offer allowing the use of their third-floor conference room, the workshop leaders flew into action at 9:00 Friday morning, January 20.
After greetings and introductions, the program began with slides and captivating videos prepared by the first speaker, Savanna Barry, with UF/IFAS Extension and past head of the successful Rescue Program. Her presentation included instructions for the novice rescuer, as well as success stories of more-seasoned bird handlers. Savanna’s presentation proved to be so inspiring for many of the newcomers to the Workshop that they soon signed up to learn more and to be part of the Bird Rescue effort.
The team is hopeful to have Savanna’s slides and videos available online soon for those who missed the event. Stay tuned to the Cedar Keys Audubon site.
Next up at the podium, Maureen Magee, also of the Bird Rescue Team, joined Savanna.
Together they presented points prepared by Doug Maple, known to most of Cedar Key
residents as Captain Doug, famous for his educational boat tours, flawless bird identifications, and tireless support of the rescue program. His notes included not only great advice on a serious level but also some fun, embarrassing stories such as trying to outrun an oyster-catcher down the side of the highway or leaping into the air with a net, trying to get a bird in flight. If only video were available!
During a short break, attendees could wander along the displays of equipment used in the Bird Rescue Program, including leather gloves, wire clippers, and of course, sign-up sheets.
Our final speaker shifted the topic from shore and water birds to raptors. Janie Veltkamp, president of the local Audubon and head of an Idaho raptor rescue facility, is the most experienced raptor educator our team could have hoped to engage as a speaker. Janie explained clearly how best to approach a raptor in need of help, how to secure the talons and how to calm the bird.
Adding to the excitement was the grand finale to the workshop; Janie led the attendees out to the State Museum grounds where she stepped out of her car with two Red Shoulder Hawks, one on its way to rehab and one ready for release. Janie’s husband, Don Veltkamp, assisted as Janie explained the rehabbing, the choice of release territory, and the diet of this raptor.
In the hush of the moment of the release, cameras were clicking. And then the excited chatter began again as everyone watched the hawk circle over the tree tops once, twice and… then he was gone. (Photos courtesy Ann Kamzelski and Ida Little)
*To request information on joining the Bird Rescue Team, text only: 239-253-8824.
Ask about the three parts: Dispatch, Rescue, Transportation.
You may choose to help in one, two or all three parts whether year-round or seasonally.
Note from a new Workshop attendee
“I did my first bird rescue today.
Before the class Friday, I probably wouldn’t have attempted it.
A man fishing cast his line just as a pelican was flying by.
The line caught the pelican around the neck.
I grabbed a folded beach towel and the fisherman slowly reeled in the pelican.
I carefully got the beak and covered his head with the towel.
We controlled the wings.
Then with a calm bird we got the line off of him, checked him for injuries, and then released him.
Thank you for putting on the class so that I knew what to do.”
Cedar Key Audubon Society Plans Bird Rescue Program
Members of the Cedar Key’s fledgling Audubon Society met with Tiffany Black of the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) and Dr. Savanna Barry University of Florida biologist and Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBC) Extension Officer to discuss how to better serve injured birds in Cedar Key. Chamber of Commerce’s and City Commissioner Sue Colson foresees the success of such a program emanating from a partnership between the City and County, with participation also from the Audubon, the FWC and the NCBC operating here in town as well as on Seahorse Key. Short term goals include the posting of signage explaining what to do if a bird is hooked by a fish hook or is otherwise in need of medical attention. In addition, Cedar Keys Audubon Society president Bill Rucker stressed the importance of creating a volunteer list, where locals could assist trained professionals in the rescue and transportation of injured fowl. Also in the works is a training program for those interested in how to approach and handle the birds. Colson further announced that she would be adding a unit in the Summer Youth Programs dedicated to instructing junior high and high school students in bird rescue. Anyone interested in either the volunteer/training sessions or the Summer Youth program should be alert for further announcements on these and other developments.
Members of the Cedar Key’s fledgling Audubon Society met with Tiffany Black of the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) and Dr. Savanna Barry University of Florida biologist and Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBC) Extension Officer to discuss how to better serve injured birds in Cedar Key. Chamber of Commerce’s and City Commissioner Sue Colson foresees the success of such a program emanating from a partnership between the City and County, with participation also from the Audubon, the FWC and the NCBC operating here in town as well as on Seahorse Key. Short term goals include the posting of signage explaining what to do if a bird is hooked by a fish hook or is otherwise in need of medical attention. In addition, Cedar Keys Audubon Society president Bill Rucker stressed the importance of creating a volunteer list, where locals could assist trained professionals in the rescue and transportation of injured fowl. Also in the works is a training program for those interested in how to approach and handle the birds. Colson further announced that she would be adding a unit in the Summer Youth Programs dedicated to instructing junior high and high school students in bird rescue. Anyone interested in either the volunteer/training sessions or the Summer Youth program should be alert for further announcements on these and other developments.
Success story: Cedar Key Bird Rescue members Robin Gillies and Anne Lindgren released a rehabilitated pelican at the Cedar Key Marina on 8/14/2017. This pelican was originally rescued by Crosby Hunt and Deborah Anderson and was rehabilitated by Mary Opall and team at Nature World Wildlife Rescue center. It tipped its wings in appreciation once it hit the water.
Doug Maple Anne Lindgren Robin Gillies
Doug Maple Anne Lindgren Robin Gillies
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