Outdoors

State probes bird deaths on Florida's east coast

By Terry Tomalin and Rodney Page, Times staff writers
Published June 29, 2007

Researchers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are searching for the cause of a string of bird deaths on the east coast of Florida. In recent weeks, more than 200 greater shearwaters - a gull-like bird - have been found dead or dying.

The birds have been found from Hobe Sound in Martin County to Ponte Vedra Beach in St. Johns County.

Biologists with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute have collected some of the birds for testing, and while not definitive, preliminary findings indicate that many of the birds may have starved during migration.

To help the FWC identify sick or injured birds, go to www.myfwc.com/bird. If you find a sick or injured bird, do not handle it. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitative facility.

Droughts have their pros, cons

Last year was the third driest on record in South Florida, and this year Lake Okeechobee experienced a record-low water level of 8.89 feet, more than 4 feet below average. The drought has had an impact on fish and wildlife, some good and some bad.

Florida's ecosystems are dependent on the cycle of droughts and floods to help maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations. Many researchers believe the periodic flooding or drying out of ecosystems has long-term beneficial effects, even though some species may decline in the interim.

Droughts dry up the undesirable muck that accumulates on lake bottoms. On the downside, drought allows many exotic plants and invasive species to gain a foothold.

Mark the calendar for tarpon, turtles

-Tampa Bay Watch will hold its all-release tarpon tournament from July 14. Anglers, fishing on the honor system, will compete for more than $5, 000 worth of cash prizes. Fishing will take place in Tampa Bay and up to 1 mile offshore between Redington Fishing Pier and Longboat Pass. The winner is determined by the number of hooked and legally released fish. The cost is $200 per angler, with a two-person minimum/four-person maximum on each boat. Call (727) 867-8166 or go to www.tampabaywatch.org.

-If you're looking to get a red-eared slider turtle as a pet, you better hurry. Beginning Sunday, the FWC has made it illegal to purchase the popular pet store turtle. Red-eared sliders are not native to Florida, and the FWC is trying to keep them away from the native yellow-bellied slider. Anybody who currently has red-eared sliders may keep them, but it is illegal to breed them. For the rules, go to www.myfwc.com.

Terry Tomalin and Rodney Page, Times staff writers

Everyday Adventures

Terry Tomalin's Everyday Adventures are on Bay Sports with Dick Crippen, Wednesdays on Catch 47 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Or catch him anytime on Bay News 9 On Demand, Bright House Cable Ch. 342.

His adventures are also online at outdoors.tampabay.com.

[Last modified June 29, 2007, 01:23:34]