A NOTE FROM YOUR NEW CHAPTER PRESIDENT, by Johnna Bellen
Happy Fall, y’all!
I know we’re all ready for cooler temps and the excitement of migrating birds passing through. I hope you’ll join us for some fun field trips, inspiring programs, and maybe even lend a hand by volunteering with us.
First, I’d like to express our gratitude to outgoing President Pete Johnson for his dedicated service over the past two years. I am humbled and honored to follow him as President for the upcoming season. We’re grateful that Pete will continue sharing his expertise as Crosby Sanctuary Director.
This summer, we’ve been busy planning an exciting schedule of bird walks, programs, and community outreach. In July, Vice President, Conservation Director and Lights Out Northeast Florida co-lead Elizabeth Filippelli and I attended the National Audubon Leadership Conference in Montreal, Quebec (see below for more details). It was an incredible opportunity to connect with Audubon members from across the Americas. We came away with new ideas and inspiration that we look forward to sharing with you.
I encourage everyone to take part in all that Duval Audubon has to offer. Be sure to check our website and social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Meetup) for the latest updates on field trips, programs, Crosby Open House days, and volunteer opportunities.
Happy Birding!
NATIONAL AUDUBON LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, by Johnna Bellen, President
In July I had the incredible opportunity to join VP Elizabeth Filippelli in representing Duval Audubon Society at the National Audubon Society Leadership Conference in Montreal, Quebec. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Soaring Together!” celebrating Audubon’s 120th Anniversary.
This was the first conference of its kind since 2016, bringing together more than 450 conservation leaders from 11 countries, 48 states, and 22 colleges and universities. The agenda was packed with sessions covering research, diplomacy, branding, funding, and more. We attended as many sessions and field trips as possible—and came away with lasting connections and fresh inspiration.
One highlight was the Mindful Birding field trip, which we’re excited to share with our members. This activity is accessible to all—you don’t need to be an expert birder, and it can be enjoyed even with limited mobility. Another standout was a session on grant writing, where we explored funding resources and worked in small groups to draft hypothetical grants.
Perhaps the most rewarding moment was a roundtable with Marshall Johnson, Audubon’s Chief Conservation Officer, and Kim Brand, Managing Director for Community Building, where we joined a dozen other attendees to discuss the importance of Lights Out Programs.
The conference also introduced Audubon’s new strategic plan, “Flight Plan,” designed to “bend the bird curve” by reversing bird population declines. The plan focuses on expanding habitat, addressing the impacts of climate change, and inspiring more people to take action for birds.
It was a truly memorable four days of learning, networking, and birding. We are deeply grateful to have represented Duval Audubon Society and extend our thanks to Audubon for hosting such an inspiring event.
RIVERSIDE PARK KIND OUTREACH AND RESCUE PILOT, by Elizabeth Filippelli, Vice President and Conservation Director for Duval County
Our “Kind Outreach and Rescue” pilot program at Jacksonville’s Riverside Park is winding down its first-ever nesting season, and it has been a powerful learning experience—and a major success! Over 70 birds were rescued, including Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons, and Little Blue Herons. Park Bird Steward Cindy Corey and her daughter Calder Corey visited the park twice a day all season, monitoring the nesting birds and picking up any in trouble or too young to be on their own. Initially, chicks that had fallen from their nests were taken to The Ark Wildlife Rescue in St. Augustine. When their capacity was reached, Calder made many trips transporting the birds to Nature World Wildlife Rescue in Homosassa, FL (a three-hour drive!) thanks to the generosity of their Director Christina Hunley to take in our birds. Nature World even created a dedicated aviary for the many Black-crowned Night Herons, and over 40 have already been released to a protected island in South Florida. Sabrina Lehmann, William Hoeck, and Debra Harper also stepped in to help with transport. Even I had the chance to transport—a journey filled with inspiration and hope.
The nesting season is winding down with just two remaining nests. Fledglings are dispersing, and a few egrets and herons are still in the park. More than 70 birds have been rescued and taken to The Ark and Nature World, with an amazing 90-95% survival rate. The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital has taken in several as well, including an injured heron with a broken leg and two broken bones in her shoulder and back. She received an operation and made a complete recovery!
Florida Fish & Wildlife helped us with the latest guidance and safety protocols on handling wild birds. Special thanks to Lisa Williams of Sierra Club Northeast Florida Group for her support, and to Riverside Park Steward Maggie Thoeni for keeping the park clean and reporting injured birds. Outgoing Chapter President Pete Johnson jumped in when we really needed help on the front line. We’re also grateful to City of Jacksonville Park Naturalist Supervisor Jolie Friedrich for designing species-specific signs to be installed this fall.
The nesting season and the rescue of so many amazing chicks and fledglings has been a huge improvement over last year thanks to the coordinated efforts of all the rescue partners. Cindy says: “I’ve decided Tricolored Herons are my favorite. Truthfully, I love all the birds, and after taking care of so many, I appreciate them even more.” Cindy, we appreciate you and your kind heart.
Next up: a native plant/tree plan with City of Jacksonville Parks and Rec. To learn more, contact me at elizabeth.filippelli@duvalaudubon.org—and please consider donating to support our amazing rescue partners, Nature World and The Ark!
NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL: SAVE THE DATE! by Deborah Green, President, Orange Audubon Society
The North Shore Birding Festival (December 11-15, 2025) highlights the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore, one of the top eBird hotspots in Florida. Most of the 70 field trips are for birding but a number are tailored for photographers. Field trips have excellent local and out-of-town leaders (including Duval Audubon board members Pete Johnson and Jessica Dyszel), and include a Young Birders trip, birding by bicycle, birding by kayak, and searches for Black Rail, Crested Caracara, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, overwintering northern-breeding ducks, and others for your life list. The festival is a project of Orange Audubon Society and all proceeds support their planned nature and environmental education center on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Visit northshorebirdingfestival.com for more info. If you have any questions, email festival@orangeaudubonfl.org or call 407-637-2525.
