Preserving Paradise

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Island partners take part in annual Christmas Bird Count

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running citizen science efforts in the world, with over 120 years of data on bird populations in the western hemisphere. The annual bird census is collected by thousands of volunteers, who tally all the birds they see or hear in a day from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 in designated 15mile circles. Typically, SCCF staff have joined the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society to conduct the local CBC surveys, and last year, the SCCF was asked to take on the role of compiling the 123rd CBC for 2022. “Though we knew it would be challenging for people to participate due to Hurricane Ian’s massive destruction on the islands, everyone involved recognized the importance of continuing this citizen science effort, ” shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht said. “Despite all this, our staff, volunteers, and partners were able to cover many areas — though some sites were inaccessible or unsafe to enter. ” Participants included partners from Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society, city of Sanibel and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. As of Dec. 20, SCCF biologists were tallying the count results. For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, visit https://www.audubon.org/conservation /join-christmas-bird-count.

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

CROW treats juvenile heron found stuck in glue trap

By STAFF REPORT

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently admitted a little blue heron for treatment at its temporary off-island clinic after the bird was discovered in a pool with a glue trap stuck to it. CROW reported that the Fort Myers homeowners returned from vacation to find the juvenile bird in their pool with the trap stuck to its feet. Glue was covering its wings, tail, legs, chest and stomach. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht came to the rescue and quickly transported the heron to CROW's drop-off site at the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Fort Myers. Hospital staff placed the bird under anesthesia, then began removing the glue. Using natural peanut butter and Dawn dish soap, they removed the glue revealing skin tearing and feather damage. Staff then administered antibiotics and pain medication, and they placed a heat lamp and warming unit on the heron to dry off and maintain body temperature.

The Calusa Waterkeeper recently released it and the Florida Department of Health's water sample results for fecal indicator bacteria for the month of December. For more information and an interactive map, visit

Monthly water sample results

https://calusawaterkeeper.org/issues/bacteria-monitoring/. CALUSA WATERKEEPER

County board ratifies reimbursement grant to clear beaches

On Dec. 20, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to ratify acceptance of a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for reimbursement of services associated with the recent red tide event up to the maximum of $90,000. The grant provides funds to the county for the purpose of assisting with the cleanup of the large quantities of dead fish and marine life on the county’s beaches and in its waterways. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued red tide alerts in November in several areas from Bonita Beach north to Boca Grande Pass. Those alerts were lifted earlier this month. Lee County Parks & Recreation has completed cleanup in areas most heavily impacted, including Captiva and the county portions of Gasparilla Island. More cleanup is possible. The eligible expenses for reimbursement are staff overtime hours, including fringe benefits, contractual expenses related to the biological debris removal services, rental of equipment, and landfill fees.

SFWMD to begin effort to reduce debris and vegetation

The South Florida Water Management District's Governing Board recently authorized staff to begin a rulemaking process to reduce trash, debris and vegetation in district waterways. Officials reported that the rulemaking process initiates public engagement with local drainage operators, local governments, landowners, stakeholders and the public to develop a new regulatory rule aimed at reducing trash, debris, and vegetation in district canals. Once the new rule is developed, it would allow the district to require local canal operators to take proactive measures to reduce the amount of litter, vegetation and debris that enters district canals. Officials reported that many of South and Central Florida's waterways are interconnected. Trash, debris and vegetation can make their way into local waterways and canals and can eventually end up in district canals. District canals often move water into bays and lakes, and trash, debris, and vegetation in these waterbodies can cause negative water quality impacts. Keeping district canals free of debris and vegetation allows for more efficient water management and also reduces the negative water quality impacts associated with litter and debris. The rulemaking process will involve a series of public workshops over the next several months. In addition to the rulemaking effort, the district installed additional debris-collecting booms throughout its water management system to prevent debris from entering lakes and bays, including Biscayne Bay.

CROW From page 12

CROW reported that the next day, the bird was much improved and it was standing and alert, but the heron would need another bath. Staff will continue to provide supportive care as the bird recovers. “Please do not use glue traps. They are cruel and ineffective devices, ” it shared via social media. “There are many alternatives to ensuring insects and rodents stay clear of your structures. ” CROW recommended soaking cotton balls or washcloths in a strong peppermint oil dilution and placing them around the problem areas as one cruelty-free alternative. It also reminded the public to make sure that there is nothing left out that may entice such critters, including garbage and food. “Do not attempt glue trap removal on any wild animals, ” CROW added. “Always bring them to a wildlife rehabber, so the animal can be placed under general anesthesia to reduce stress and increase their chances for recovery and survival. ” CROW's wildlife hotline is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 239-472-3644.