Shorebirds.It is always fun to watch the plovers and sandpipers on the beach dashing along the receding waters to dig out a juicy morsel before the next wave approaches. Others, like the pelican and terns, dive into the water to catch their meals while some of the big herons wait for the fishermen to throw them something. There are a large number of species of shorebirds on the beaches of Englewood sharing space with us, such as the American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Least Tern along with the Plovers that nest on the beaches.
From February 1st. to the end of August is the breeding season for these shorebirds and there are certain areas in Stump Pass State Park, as well as on Palm Island, that are roped off to provide a protective space for the breeding adults. The birds avoid the main beaches and choose isolated areas to lay their eggs. During this period of time the breeding areas are roped off to provide a protected area for the birds. The birds lay their eggs directly on the ground and are not easily seen due to their coloring, which closely matches the surroundings.
Missy Christie, an Environment Specialist with the Charlotte County Government, briefs a group of volunteers known as the Shorebird Stewards at Stump Pass. The volunteers monitor the area for nesting birds, using binoculars and a scope, and educate the public regarding the habitat of the birds and the impact of humans and animals on their survival.When nesting birds are disturbed and flushed from their nest, the eggs are exposed to temperature extremes, predators like crows, raccoons and dogs, and risk being stepped on by humans. In some cases the birds will abandon the nest with the eggs with fatal results for the chicks.
What can you do to help: Please stay out of the roped off areas.
Keep your dog on a leash.
If birds take flight, you are too close.
Stop and chat with the Shorebird Stewards, the possibility is there that they have a nest in view on the scope.
Consider volunteering for the Shorebird Stewards. Contact Missy at (941) 764-4360 if you are interested.
Art Benches on Dearborn Street.
Visitors to Dearborn Street now have a number of new resting places thanks to the Art Alliance of Lemon Bay and a number of local artists.Diane Davidson (the bench project manager), with the help of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Area), and the artists of the Art Alliance did a magnificent job in producing 17 benches and there are still 3 more in the works.
Not only do the benches provide a place for shoppers to rest but they also show off the talents of the artists. The concrete blocks that support the benches have quotations cast into the sides of the legs, further enhancing their unique qualities.
Some of the quotes are from famous individuals, some are from songs and others are anonymous. Each bench will have a plaque with a donating sponsor's message and/or business address. Sponsors are not limited to Dearborn Street merchants, but to anyone. To see more of the fabulous benches, visit http://www.englewoodfl.us orCLICK HERE and we will take you there.
UpRight Shutters and Blinds is now operating out of Deborah's Interiors, 475 Dearborn Street, and offers high quality shutters, blinds, shades and window treatments. Choose from top manufactures such as Norman, Hunter - Douglas, Prestige and Sunshine Shutters to name a few.
For large sliding patio doors, Larry Tobe recommends the "Vertiglide System" with honeycomb construction providing privacy, sound absorption and temperature control.Check out Larry's website at http://www.uprightshuttersandblinds.com
