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.

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.

SAFETY TIPS FOR BIRDS

• 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.

• 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

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.

SCUBA DIVING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

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 and descended to 30 feet. The 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