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KVAS Meetings for 2021-2022PLEASE NOTE: PROGRAMS WILL BE PRESENTED ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICETues., September 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM (Online via Youtube) -- Brian Cammarano -- One Good Tern Deserves Another: Life on a Seabird Nesting Island
This past summer, Brian was a Project Puffin Research Assistant on Stratton Island, off the coast of Maine, where he conducted research
and monitored a tern colony, including the federally listed Roseate Tern. Join us for this presentation where he will show what it’s like to
work and live on a colonial seabird nesting island!
Brian Cammarano is an avid birder, avian conservationist, and University of Central Florida graduate with a degree in Ecology, Evolutionary & Conservation Biology. He has been working seasonal jobs to experience firsthand what it takes to be a field biologist. He has been involved with many avian conservation efforts such as songbird banding in Key Biscayne for the Cape Florida Banding Station, grassland songbird nest searching in Eastern Montana, Black Rail detection surveying in Big Cypress, and monitoring beach nesting birds in Southwest Florida. Tues., October 26, 2021 at 7:00 PM (Online on YouTube) -- Eunice Laurent -- Making The Best of a “Bad” Situation
We often hear about the negative impacts of human actions on the environment. Sometimes these actions can be well-meant and, at other times,
unintentional. However, because many of our actions/decisions revolve around our well-being, the chance of adjusting our lifestyle to suit other
organisms is very small. So, if we do not adjust, then the organisms around us must. In this presentation, Dr. Laurent provides a literature
review on how birds have responded to selected human actions/decisions including the lockdown of Spring 2020.
Dr. Eunice Laurent is a biology professor and academic discipline coordinator for the science department at Valencia College, Poinciana Campus. Tues., November 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM (Online on YouTube) -- Deborah Green -- The Caterpillar Connection
Many folks hate the thought of insects eating the plants in their gardens. Deborah Green, president of Orange Audubon Society,
will explain why having plenty of caterpillars in your garden can be a good thing! Deborah will also talk about why Florida native plants
are the best for the insects and therefore for having lots of birds in your yard, and will provide some tips for success.
Deborah Green is a former entomologist and avid promoter of plants for caterpillars for birds and the work of Dr. Doug Tallamy. Deborah first became interested in native plants in the 1970s while a student at University of California, Berkeley and was a member of the California Native Plant Society. After earning her Ph.D in entomology she worked 6 years as an entomologist before becoming a science teacher and professor of environmental science in Central Florida. Retiring from Valencia College 7 years ago, Deborah serves as president of Orange Audubon Society. Having joined Florida Native Plant Society in the late 1980s, Deborah is working to make her home landscape in Longwood nearly 100% native. She loves to share what has worked and what hasn’t and how to plant to increase habitat for birds. Tues., January 25, 2022 -- Dr. Paul Gray -- A History of Ornithology in Florida
Paul will cover the discovery of American birds by early naturalists, the plundering of American birds by market hunters, poachers, Crackers,
and even scientists, and the evolution of the Audubon movement to protect birds. The Audubon struggles are more than 100 years old and continue
today.
Paul has been working in Florida for 30+ years, with the last 26 for Audubon. Paul works on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, but works on state-wide issues too. He is a charter member of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group and co-chair of the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee. Tues., February 22, 2022 -- Dan Dunwoody -- A Visit to the Butterfly Farm
Dan will give us a close-up view of his butterfly farm operation. This will include how he grows the butterfly host and nectar plants on a large scale, collects the
butterfly eggs, nourishes caterpillars of many species, and produces the end product, which could be caterpillars, butterflies in the chrysalis stage, or adult
butterflies. He will also show us his exhibits that help him educate school children and families.
Dan Dunwoody is one of the world's primary butterfly farmers, and he is right here in Kissimmee. His operation supplies butterflies to customers from nearby EPCOT to other parts of the US and the world. In recent years Dan has been hosting school and adult groups and educating kids and families about farming, insect science, and conservation. Tues., March 22, 2022 -- Larry Rosen -- Cool but Tropical: Birding in the Ecuadorian Andes
Larry has found he loves the color, sound, and species diversity of the South American tropics, but lowland rainforests can be very hot and humid
day after soggy day. In January 2020, he and wife Roz went on a small-group, guided birding trip to the Andes mountains in Ecuador. The weather was comfy,
yet the birding was still great. The group's bird list included 51 hummingbird species and 57 kinds of tanager among 298 total species. Larry will show you
proof with lots of his photos!
Larry Rosen retired five years ago as a Valencia College Research Analyst. He is a past longtime president of Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society and is still a board member. He and his wife like to travel and wildlife viewing is one of their vacation priorities. Ever the rebel, he is still using a camera with a mirror inside. Email: Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society or the Webmaster |