Orange Audubon Society

A Florida cattle ranch that provides an ideal environment for cattle also benefits other kinds of wild creatures and plants and might be called “Florida’s outback.” The Treasure Hammock Ranch in Indian River County is an example of a well-managed ranch that has, in addition to wildlife, many unique lineages of cattle and an important agricultural way of life. Indian River County a few years ago purchased development rights for the ranch, which has led to the protection of the land through a conservation easement. Bob Montanaro, who presented for us on Osprey’s several years ago, became interested in how Florida ranching preserves habitat for wildlife. For our February program, Bob will present for us with slides and video about the wildlife and work of a Florida cattle ranch. For a preview, visit www.floridacattleranch.org.

Join us February 16 for a fascinating program. Orange Audubon Society programs are free and no reservations are necessary. Programs are held in the Camellia Room of Leu Gardens,1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando (for directions call 407-246-2620).

Deborah Green, President

Field Trip—January 21, 2012

Three Lakes WMA/Joe Overstreet Rd

Orange Audubon Society will explore Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area and nearby Joe Overstreet Road in January. This Osceola County area is a well-known birding hot spot and exceedingly beautiful. Bird species we may encounter include: Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow, Crested Caracara, White-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, numbers of Sandhill Cranes, waders, waterfowl and assorted passerines. Also, the nesting density of Bald Eagles in this area is one of the highest in the state.
Since this area is rather remote, participants are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks—there are no stores!
We will meet to carpool at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the now-closed Albertson’s at the corner of S. Orange Avenue & Michigan St. (a Publix and an Office Depot are also in this shopping center). For more information contact Bob Sanders (407-454-0542).

For more information, and other field trips,

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Special OAS Fundraising Field Trip:

A Boat Ride

Through Old Florida

Saturday, April 7, 2012 from 3:00–5:30 p.m.

Spend a leisurely afternoon touring the backwaters of the St. Johns River and help OAS at the same time. Captain Gary Randlett, a knowledgeable naturalist, will guide us through parts of Florida that civilization forgot—but you never will. The prolific wildlife along the way calls this home just as they did before the European settlers arrived.

This eco/nature boat is a 49-passenger pontoon boat in Deland, FL, across the river from Hontoon Island State Park, a beautiful nature lover's paradise. April is also an active time for nesting wading birds. Remember, OAS' Chertok photo contest deadline is fast approaching and this is an ideal place to take winning images.

This is an Orange Audubon Society (OAS) fundraising field trip. We need to know that at least 35 people will sign up for this trip before we reserve the boat. The cost is $25/ person. Deadline is fast approaching. Please contact Danielle Ponsolle at dponsolle@cfl.rr.com to make your reservation. Wheelchair-friendly, handicap accessible.

Click here to register

Shop with OAS

Don’t miss this opportunity to do your holiday shopping at Orange Audubon Society’s (OAS) November 17th meeting. Our popular nature oriented merchandise (adult and youth t‐shirts, nest boxes, tote bags, signs, mugs and books) will be available at our meeting at Harry P. Leu Gardens (please remember cash or check only; no plastic). We have 14 new adult designs, 9 new youth designs, and new totes, signs and mugs!! If you wish to purchase items, please try to arrive about 6:30 p.m. so you don’t miss any of the exciting program on Hummingbirds. If you can help at our merchandise tables, please contact Loretta at LNS_OAS@att.net or 407-886-2925 (recorder and eve.) or Teresa at mwilliam@cfl.rr.com or 407-644-0796 (eve.) to volunteer.