Popular lecture series to return to refuge next year

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d s o f t h e R e f u g e reported that after two years of social distancing and one year of cancellation due to Hurricane Ian, the “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will return to where it belongs the Visitor & Education Center at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. The schedule of lecturers is under design now, slated to begin in January

S p e a k e r s w i l l i n c l u d e w o r l dfamous nature photographer Clyde B u t c h e r a n d R i c h a r d C r o s s l e y , author and artist of his eponymous bird ID guides, along with other experts in the fields of nature and art F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www dingdarlingsociety org/ articles/lecture-series

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“The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl” by Richard Crossley

From page 14

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Impor tant reminders

Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp:

∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays

∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee

∫ There is no beach access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time.

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250 Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine

Some beach park facilities on Sanibel are still closed F department/useful-links/parks-public-beaches

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any thirdparty’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

SCCF: Successful start for snowy plover season

On May 16, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the second snowy plover nest of the season had hatched on Sanibel, bringing the total to six hatchlings this year since April Last year, five snowy plover chicks reached fledgling age on the island

S C C F s h o r e b i r d s t a f f s a i d t h e a f t e r m a t h o f Hurricane Ian may be working in the plovers' favor

“Since Hurricane Ian, there have been significantly less people, dogs and boats on the beach in comp a r i s o n t o p r e v i o u s y e a r s , ” s h o r e b i r d t e c h n i c i a n Aaron Whit said. “These birds have been almost entirely unbothered across their territories including from other nesting plovers which has allowed them to grow incredibly fast ”

In addition, the storm altered beach habitat by forming gullies, which accumulate water and attract insects for plovers to feed on

“It's a bit of a silver lining situation, as these gullies pose risks for humans and other wildlife,” he said

Oldest chicks fledge

The SCCF reported that the first three chicks to hatch in April have already reached fledgling age Their father, known by his band combination of “White/Blue,” has fledged at least one chick per year since he was banded on Sanibel in 2019

“White/Blue is our resident super-dad he's taken terrific care of the three chicks,” White said “Hopefully they will go on to be great parents just like him ”

The fledged chicks were recently banded with unique color combinations as part of a long-term research project tracking the birds' survival and movements after they leave the islands

“Band resights give the team info on where these birds winter and where they nest in upcoming breeding seasons,” he said “Fledglings from Sanibel sometimes return to nest on the island, while others have been documented nesting at other beaches along the Gulf, including Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Caladesi Island, Bunche Beach and Fort Myers Beach.”

The SCCF has been monitoring nesting snowy plovers on Sanibel for over 20 years All snowy plovers are captured and handled by trained biologists operating under state and federal research permits

H elp p r o tect b each - n es tin g w ild lif e, in clu d in g shorebirds and sea turtles, by being a conscious beach-goer Respect posted areas, keep pets on leashes and pick up all trash, including food items Discarded food can attract predators to nesting areas, putting eggs and chicks at risk

For more tips on coexisting with shorebirds, visit https://sancaplifesavers.org/shorebirds/.