4 May: Monthly Meeting and Presentation: “Gopher Tortoise Biology and Conservation” By Erica Laine, Wildlife Biologist, Eglin AFB Natural Resources. Eglin AFB has recently undertaken a large project to provide habitat for tortoises displaced by commercial development in other regions of Florida. Ms Laine will describe the scope of the project and the importance that the gopher has to Eglin’s ongoing habitat/wildlife restoration programs.
The meeting will be held in Room 130 of the student services building (Bldg 400) at the Northwest Florida State College – Niceville campus. Socializing begins at 6:30 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public. Call or e-mail Dr. Don Baltz at (225) 252-2760, dbaltz@lsu.edu. for more information. Please visit our website at Choctawhatcheeaudubon.org. and our Facebook page at Choctawhatchee Audubon Society.
6 May Field Trip: Okaloosa Landfill. The County landfill north of Wright offers one of the more interesting opportunities to see a variety of birdlife practically in our backyard. Bruce Purdy will lead this excursion. Meet at Pepitos, 1313 Lewis Turner Blvd at 7:30 AM on Saturday the 6th. Wear closed toed shoes, bring binoculars and a camera. Contact Bruce at (305) 926-6030 for more information. Visit our website at Choctawhatcheeaudubon.org and Facebook page at Choctawhatchee Audubon Society.
13 May Field Trip: Join Malcolm Mark Swan and search for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows on Eglin Reservation. You must obtain a reservation permit to participate. These can be obtained at Jackson Guard or online at Eglin.gov. Meet at the Armament Museum Parking Lot at 7AM on the 13th. Contact Malcolm at (210) 343-9082 for more information. Please visit our website at Choctawhatcheeaudubon.org and Facebook page at Choctawhatchee Audubon Society.
20 May Field Trip: Visit Bay County Audubon’s Laidlaw Plantation to see a diverse collection of birdlife and restoration efforts by the chapter to restore this 400 Acre tract. Meet at the CVS parking lot in Oak Creek Shopping Plaza in Niceville at 7AM and caravan to Laidlaw in Holmes County. Bring a sack lunch and wear sturdy shoes. Contact Ron Houser, Bay County Audubon at (850) 381-5651 for details. Please visit our website at Choctawhatcheeaudubon.org and Facebook page at Choctawhatchee Audubon Society.