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FLORIDA
KEYS WILD BIRD REHAB CENTER
was very eye opening and sobering. The Florida Keys
natural environment is deteriorating because of human
population, loss of habitat, and pollution. It is
estimated that 80% of bird injuries have been caused
by fish hooks and monofilament fishing line.
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I spent two days watching and photographing injured
pelicans, spoonbills, hawks, egrets, heron, and many
more.
The
above Roseate Spoonbill had his left foot bitten off by a
dog. The staff replaces his cast everyday and add
padding to his right so that it doesn't become over
stressed. |
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SAFETY TIPS
FOR BIRDS
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- Fish hooks and
monofilament line can mean disaster for our
birds...ripped pouches, torn necks, broken wings,
entangled bodies.
- Be responsible when
using baited hooks. They DO tempt hungry birds.
- Dispose of all fish
line and plastics in a safe receptacle. NEVER
discard them in the water.
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- If you accidentally hook a
a bird, NEVER allow him to fly off without first removing
any attached fish line. Entanglement and death (by
starvation or by hanging) all too often results.
- Birds are built to swallow
fish no bigger than those that they themselves can catch--
their digestive systems aren't designed to deal with large
bones and carcasses. Oversized, razor-sharp bones
puncture, protrude and , most often, kill. Keep this in
mind when you clean fish and toss unwanted parts to the
birds.
For More information
write:
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
93600 Overseas Highway
Travernier, FL 33070
Or check out www.fkwbc.org
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| FUN TRAVELS
WITH BEN
My travels brought took me to
Everglades National Park. It was so rich in wildlife and fish
life. A boat ride through the mangroves provided me with
spectacular sightings of alligators, crocodile, ibis, wood
stork, manatee, loggerhead turtle, and birds galore. Captain
Tom described weathering Hurricaine Andrew in the mangroves
with his boat and dog. I hiked trails that gave me a close
view of pink flamingoes and alligators. Later I attended the Park
Naturalist lectures. It is high on my recommend to do and redo
list.
Everglades Information:
The Everglades is located in the southern tip of the Florida
peninsula. It is 1.5 million acres of saw-grass prairies, deep
mangrove swamps, subtropical jungle, and the warm waters of
the Bay. It is dependent on water shed that has been
threatened by water control structures, human-managed
floodwaters for off season water dispersal, elevated mercury
levels, and pollution. Bird life, endangered Florida Panther,
and other wildlife are dependent on this beautiful and diverse
ecosystem.
For more information contact:
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034- 6733
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| Scuba diving
in the Florida Keys |
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I had been out of scuba diving for a few years, so I made a few dives in John Pennekamp Coral
Reef State Park, Key Largo, National Marine Sanctuary.
It is a National Park that is set aside for the
preservation of the coral reefs. What a spectacular
visit. I double checked my equipment |
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coral was very alive and many shades of green, red, yellow and
orange. I was able to see reef fish, eels, nurse sharks, and
blow lots of bubbles. FUN!!!!
A great place to dive,
BEN
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