St. Johns Regional Audubon
Celebrating and protecting birds from the river to the ocean in NE Florida
The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey’s Annual EagleWatch Report contains a discussion of the 2024 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) new General Bald Eagle Nest Disturbance and Nest Take Permit process. We urge our EagleWatchers in St. Johns and Putnam Counties to read the EagleWatch Report.
Eagle Report Gives Cause For Concern
Under the new USFWS process, there is now a general permit with a term of one year or less that allows for disturbances during the nesting season or nest removal for a list of approved activities or purposes. Applicants apply online, self-identify that they meet the qualifying criteria, and receive automatic approval for the permit without USFWS review.
According to the Report, more than 500 general permits have been issued across 45 states under the new process. Florida leads with 158 general permits, far ahead of the next highest state, Washington, with 31. By contrast, 34 states have received 10 or fewer general permits.
SJRA St. Augustine Native Garden Wins Recognition
The SJRA Native Garden located at the St. Augustine Visitors Center has been named as a “Garden of Honor” by the Florida Native Plant Society. This recognition celebrates the garden’s outstanding contribution to native plant education, conservation, and community engagement.
The native garden is tended by SJRA board member, Laurie Gilmore and a dedication group of volunteers.
Want to Buy Binoculars?
When we get questions, we recommend the National Audubon Society’s Guide to Binoculars which has options for every budget, and has articles on how to choose and use them.
Several national retailers in the area keep binoculars in stock that you can try in their stores. Retailers often have tables at birding festivals, including the St. Florida’s Birding and Photo Festival held annually in St. Augustine, where you can try out various brands and styles.
U.S. State of the Birds Report
A Sweeping New Report Shows U.S. Birds Declining Sharply Across a Range of Habitats
Found a Baby Bird?
We are not licensed bird rehabilitators, but the wonderful folks at the ARK of St. Augustine are. They are so helpful in explaining how to capture and take care of injured birds. If you need a rehabilitator, please go to their website for contact information.
Resources for Birders
Here are some good web resources for birders.
Our Hot Spot Page: https://stjohnsaudubon.com/hotspots/ This will give your information about and directions to some our the best birding spots in St. Johns County.
eBird: www.ebird.org: Run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this is a database where you can add your sightings, as well as find local hotspots, research specific bird species, etc. The app is free.
Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ A terrific and free app for your phone that will help you identify birds by description, photo and recently, by bird call! Most birders are now using this app. A great tool for new birders!
National Audubon Society: www.audubon.org: Everything birds!
Plants for Birds: https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds: This database will give you the native plants and trees good for birds for our area.
American Bird Conservancy: www.abcbirds.org: This group engages in scientific research and advocates for the conservation of birds and bird habitat. It is a good source on how individuals can help birds.
Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org: Dr. Doug Tallamy’s excellent effort to increase habitat one backyard at a time.