May 2014
Dear Humans, Elephants and Birds
The magnificent bald eagle was extirpated in most of its range due to the use of DDT by the agriculture industry. Now, 25 years after DDT was banned, the population of bald eagles has increased tenfold. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the number of peregrine falcons, ospreys, and brown pelicans have rebounded as well, All victims and near extinction from the use of that same chemical. How lucky we are then to have a growing number of bald eagles right here in our county. Some are seasonal visitors and others live here the entire year. One of my favorite winter activities is going "eagle watching". One day I was lucky enough to see 17 of these beautiful birds going about their daily lives, catching fish, which comprises about 90% of their diet, and flying majestically through the air, circling, hovering and diving.
Tonight our bird club program is a photographic display of bald eagles presented by Gene Weinstein. Mr Weinstein has been to our club before and his photos and his program is a joy to watch and from which we can learn so much.
On the home bird front, Aristophanes is still living in the elephant room on his bird stand and is a much happier bird for the change. Emma (Emmet) is doing ok, but not getting as much attention as he should, something with which I have to deal. Zeke flies around happily, exploring and investigating his limited world. Aristophanes' allergies are still in check and that, in particular, is a very good thing.
We have a wonderful program for our 28th anniversary dinner this summer which will be held on Thursday night, July 10th. Daria Feinstein of Miami Florida is going to do a multi media presentation of the wild parrots of Miami. From my understanding, there is a growing population of feral blue and gold macaws down there as well as many other species of psittacines. I am really looking forward to hearing her talk and seeing what she has to show us. I will give you all the details of that meeting and dinner. I have to speak to Mr. Willy's Restaurant and find out prices etc. I will let you know as soon as I do and we can get our reservations in as soon as possible. Please start getting donations for our silent auction that we also hold that night.
Next month, John Haas will regale us with stories and information about the wild birds that are native to our area. John has written two books on birds which, I am sure, he will have for sale that night. He also works extensively at the Bashakill reserve and offers guided tours of the bird life there.
Like always, please give me the names of people or organizations you would like me to contact to bring more speakers to our meetings.
Have a great month.....the weather is beautiful and I am doing my best to visit with Fritha the elephant every chance I get.
Love,
Richie
The magnificent bald eagle was extirpated in most of its range due to the use of DDT by the agriculture industry. Now, 25 years after DDT was banned, the population of bald eagles has increased tenfold. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the number of peregrine falcons, ospreys, and brown pelicans have rebounded as well, All victims and near extinction from the use of that same chemical. How lucky we are then to have a growing number of bald eagles right here in our county. Some are seasonal visitors and others live here the entire year. One of my favorite winter activities is going "eagle watching". One day I was lucky enough to see 17 of these beautiful birds going about their daily lives, catching fish, which comprises about 90% of their diet, and flying majestically through the air, circling, hovering and diving.
Tonight our bird club program is a photographic display of bald eagles presented by Gene Weinstein. Mr Weinstein has been to our club before and his photos and his program is a joy to watch and from which we can learn so much.
On the home bird front, Aristophanes is still living in the elephant room on his bird stand and is a much happier bird for the change. Emma (Emmet) is doing ok, but not getting as much attention as he should, something with which I have to deal. Zeke flies around happily, exploring and investigating his limited world. Aristophanes' allergies are still in check and that, in particular, is a very good thing.
We have a wonderful program for our 28th anniversary dinner this summer which will be held on Thursday night, July 10th. Daria Feinstein of Miami Florida is going to do a multi media presentation of the wild parrots of Miami. From my understanding, there is a growing population of feral blue and gold macaws down there as well as many other species of psittacines. I am really looking forward to hearing her talk and seeing what she has to show us. I will give you all the details of that meeting and dinner. I have to speak to Mr. Willy's Restaurant and find out prices etc. I will let you know as soon as I do and we can get our reservations in as soon as possible. Please start getting donations for our silent auction that we also hold that night.
Next month, John Haas will regale us with stories and information about the wild birds that are native to our area. John has written two books on birds which, I am sure, he will have for sale that night. He also works extensively at the Bashakill reserve and offers guided tours of the bird life there.
Like always, please give me the names of people or organizations you would like me to contact to bring more speakers to our meetings.
Have a great month.....the weather is beautiful and I am doing my best to visit with Fritha the elephant every chance I get.
Love,
Richie