Posted by Rick Schofield on April 25, 2016 at 17:43:59
As many of you may know, Flamingos were seen on the last day of field trips organized by the Audubon Society of the Everglades (ASE) to Stormwater Treatment Area 2. Water levels had been too high until recently but have dropped considerably therein providing a much more hospitable foraging habitat for these birds. I need to point out that STA-2 is a restricted area with no public access except by specific arrangement with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Since the ASE field trip, some people have entered the property illegally. We are highly concerned that these rarities are left alone and not disturbed. The field trips that we have offered (and will continue to offer) are scheduled so to be spread out over specific dates and are timed so that we are out of the area when the birds prepare to roost for the night. Law enforcement patrols have been stepped up to prevent unauthorized access to this sensitive area. I hope that we can count on you all to spread the word that no one should consider violating the law by entering this area unless participating in an organized, authorized field trip such as those offered by ASE. ASE is working with SFWMD to possibly add field trip(s) in the near future. Rick Schofield Field Trip Chair Audubon Society of the Everglades West Palm Beach, FL