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.