Welcome to the Board

At their March meeting, SPAS Board of Directors approved the addition of three new members:

• Ryan Countess - Director

• John Ficken - Director, Membership

• Julia Gallagher - Director, Social Media

To learn more about their histories and what led them to leadership positions with SPAS, see Board of Directors - St Petersburg Audubon Society

Many thanks to outgoing Board members Surya Sajnani (social media) and Ashlee Minor (membership) for all of their hard work!

SPAS March Program: Community Science Using eBird

Alli Smith, Project Coordinator for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, discussed the use of the eBird app and how its data is applied for monitoring species’ populations and developing conservation strategies. Watch a recording of this very interesting and informative presentation! Community Science Using eBird

Roosevelt Wetlands Field Trip 3/9

Jeniana Willner, Conservation Leadership Initiative student

On a sunny Sunday, SPAS Conservation Leadership Initiative student Jason Guerrero co-led a photography bird walk at the Roosevelt Wetlands with Joel Conrad from SPAS and Will Laurie from Tampa Audubon Society.  During the 2 1/2 hour hike, birders identified over 40 avian species and were especially thrilled to see a pair of Northern Harriers circling a Cooper’s Hawk and an American Bittern, notoriously secretive, essentially out in the open amidst the Wetland’s grasses.  The Roosevelt walk was part of Jason’s long-term project for the CLI program that will include an exhibition of event photos at Barbara S. Ponce Library in May.

Audubon Florida’s Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the field of conservation.  Each student leads a project under the supervision of an Audubon chapter mentor. The program has more than 20 students in Florida, and Jason is one of two SPAS CLI students.   Congratulations, Jason, on your innovative project!         

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program: State of the Bay and Getting it Back on Track

Speaker: Marcus W. Beck, MSc, PhD Program Scientist, Tampa Bay Estuary Program

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

7:00 PM-8:15 PM

Location: Zoom (Please register before attending)

Description: Tampa Bay is our region’s greatest natural resource that supports our way of life, stimulates our economy, and provides numerous ecological benefits. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program has been working with local partners for decades to implement a science-based management plan for a healthy bay. Although past successes for baywide recovery have been made, current conditions present a new set of challenges that require an adaptive approach to protecting bay resources. This talk will provide an overview of past and current work managing our greatest environmental asset, including how the local community can act meaningfully and intentionally to support these efforts.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Bird Walks

St Petersburg Audubon Society will continue Ron Smith’s tradition of organizing a monthly bird walk, usually at 8AM on the first Saturday of the month. Leaders include Peter Plage, John Ficken, and Paul Waton. If you are a bird enthusiast interested in helping to lead a walk, contact Francesca Di Cosmo, fieldtrips@stpeteaudubon.org. An encouraging note to all potential leaders is provided by this wonderful recent article in Audubon Magazine: You Have What It Takes To Lead Bird Outings.

Saturday, April 5 - No formal walk scheduled

Saturday, May 3 - Walk begins at 8AM in front of the main entrance.