Hernando Audubon April Activities

Hernando Audubon meeting: Dr. Savanna Barry will speak about Sea Grass, Water Quality, and the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Dr. Barry will cover background information about the designation of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve and how Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida collaborated with community stakeholders to draft the management plan. She will also relate information about the ongoing monitoring programs focused on water quality and seagrasses, and will highlight some of the current science around seagrass ecology and conservation in the region. The meeting will be held on April 27, 7 p.m., at Brooksville Woman’s Club, 131 S. Main Street, Brooksville. Free, all are welcome. Information: 352-686-0460 or bevalhansen@gmail.com

Hernando Audubon birding trip to Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, Saturday, April 1. At 6:45 a.m. meet on the south side of Croom Road (CR-480) at the horse corral at the intersection with Forest Road 7. This is 7 miles east of US-41. Find Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow, and other resident forest birds and look for early spring migrants. Contact Bev: 352-686-0460 or bevalhansen@gmail.com

Hernando Audubon and Citrus County Audubon are sponsoring a Baby Bird Shower, Saturday, April 15: This is a benefit for Michele Kline’s HOPE Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc., located in Citrus County, and Sherri Shelley’s Athena’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Hernando County. These two local organizations focus on giving care to injured or orphaned wildlife in Central Florida. It will be held at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. There will be a bird walk at 8 a.m. At 9:30 Michele Kline will speak about her experiences rehabilitating wildlife and will bring Ms. Spencer, an ambassador Barred Owl, for viewing. Throughout the morning, native plants will be available for a donation, and a rummage sale and bake sale will be held.

It’s traditional to bring a present to a baby shower. If you would like to give a present to the baby birds that need to be rehabilitated, here is a list of some of the supplies needed: paper towels  (“select a size” type), Dawn dish detergent original, laundry detergent, dark colored towels, bleach, white vinegar, and OxiClean. Contact Linda: text 352-428-2629 or lindalark85@ozello-lady

Hernando Audubon Beginning Birding,Friday, April 28. Meet at 8 a.m. at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. Learn to identify birds at feeders and during a short walk. There will be binoculars available for use. Contact Linda: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629.