From time to time, you may have heard a flock of birds making whistling noises as they fly overhead. They are Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. These photos were taken at Ollie’s Pond in Port Charlotte during our annual January 1 bird walk. They are black underneath with long necks and legs. They are here year-round, so there’s always a chance of seeing them. I have also seen them in BSM in a canal that passes under Matecumbe Key Road near Hibiscus Cove Ct. I think these birds are very cool!
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Tuesday, March 11, 8 a.m., Field Trip to Celery Fields Park, 6799 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota. Meet at the bird feeders. Bring scopes.
• Thursday, March 20, Refreshments at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. “Whooping Cranes and threats to our watersheds”, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.
• Saturday, March 22, 7 a.m., Walkabout at Babcock Webb WMA, 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda.
• Saturday, April 5, 7 a.m., Caravan/car-pooling to Ding Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, $10/car. Brunch reservation required. Bring scopes.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not required. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details or give me a call: Rick Read, BSM resident at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
