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Eyes to the Skies
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WADING INTO Winter
With the Amelia River’s meandering shoreline and abundant marshes, wading birds like Great Blue Herons and Roseate Spoonbills fi nd good hunting on Amelia Island.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY GAIL E. PFOH
Quietly lifting their long delicate legs, they wander the edges of our ponds, waterways, and shorelines. Lithe dancers cloaked in beautiful feathers, these avian creatures move delicately and gracefully. Who are they? Wading birds!
Wading bird is a name used to describe multiple species of birds in diff erent sizes and colors that share similar unique characteristics. Wading birds are found almost everywhere in our ecosystem. Th ey frequent both fresh and salt water and like the areas where land and water meet. We are fortunate to see them here throughout the year; in fact, some may even visit your yard (but not your bird feeders!), where they look for insects, frogs, and snakes.
Th eir long legs keep most of their body from getting wet, and their strong, agile toes help them to balance and navigate marshy, muddy ground. Th ey also have long necks and long bills (beaks), which act as avian spears or are shaped for foraging. Some use their strong bills to protect themselves and to pierce their prey. Beautiful as they are, do not underestimate their ability to use that spear-like bill found on some species to skewer a fi sh, frog, or other food.
Audubon notes that “one of a wading bird’s most notable features is its beak. Each bird has a bill specially equipped for its lifestyle. Herons, for instance, spear fi sh with long, dagger-like beaks. Flamingos fi lter out water through a special comb-like structure in their bill. And the pink-tinged Roseate Spoonbill uses its namesake appendage to clamp down on prey that swims past.”
Roseate Spoonbill
Th e eyesight of wading birds is exceptional. Some of the species can wade through the water to hunt day or night! Species of wading birds can be found on every continent on the Earth except Antarctica.
Some of the waders that you might see here on Amelia Island are Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Reddish Egrets, Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, and more. Roseate Spoonbills are photogenic fl yers and one of the most popular, distinctive wading birds we see. Spoonbills are “pretty in pink” and easily recognized even at a distance. Th ey have a large spoon-shaped bill, for which they are named, a wingspan of about 50 inches, and they
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Th e Snowy Egret is a small egret, only a bit larger than the Cattle Egret. Dressed in snow-white feathers, they have black legs and bright yellow feet, often referred to as golden “slippers.” According to Audubon, they “often forage actively, walking or running in shallow water, also standing still and waiting for prey to approach. Th ey may stir bottom sediments with feet to startle prey into motion”.
Fossils of Snowy Egrets have been discovered at the Haile Quarry in Gainesville, Florida. Th ese fossils are from the Pleistocene era, making them well over 13,000 years old; perhaps even much older than that!
With a 69-inch wingspan, one of our largest waders in our area is the Great Blue Heron. Th is is one species of wader that has the ability to see well enough to fi sh at night. Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s allaboutbirds.org notes, “Great Blue Herons have specialized feathers on their chest that continually grow and fray. Th e herons comb this ‘powder down’ with a fringed claw on their middle toes, using the down like a washcloth to remove fi sh slime and other oils from their feathers as they preen. Applying the powder to their underparts protects their feathers against the slime and oils of swamps”.
For more information on wading birds, consult reputable websites such as audubon.org or allaboutbirds.org. Until next time, keep your eyes to the skies!
MAP | TIDES AT THE AMELIA RIVER | NOVEMBER 2022
DAY LOW HIGH
PORT OF FERNANDINA BEACH
AMELIA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE NORTH BEACH
MAIN BEACH
SEASIDE PARK
FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB
PETER’S POINT
RITZ CARLTON
SUMMER BEACH
AMERICAN BEACH
OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT
1 TUE 3:00 AM 8:54 AM 3:41 PM 9:54 PM 2 WED 4:07 AM 10:04 AM 4:46 PM 10:53 PM 3 THU 5:13 AM 11:09 AM 5:47 PM 11:47 PM 4 FRI 6:14 AM 12:10 PM 6:43 PM 5 SAT 12:39 AM 7:10 AM 1:08 PM 7:34 PM 6 SUN 1:28 AM 7:00 AM 1:01 PM 7:21 PM 7 MON 1:13 AM 7:46 AM 1:49 PM 8:04 PM 8 TUE 1:56 AM 8:28 AM 2:33 PM 8:46 PM 9 WED 2:36 AM 9:10 AM 3:16 PM 9:27 PM 10 THU 3:14 AM 9:50 AM 3:56 PM 10:08 PM 11 FRI 3:52 AM 10:29 AM 4:37 PM 10:49 PM 12 SAT 4:31 AM 11:09 AM 5:18 PM 11:29 PM 13 SUN 5:11 AM 11:50 AM 6:01 PM 14 MON 12:12 AM 5:55 AM 12:32 PM 6:49 PM 15 TUE 12:57 AM 6:46 AM 1:18 PM 7:39 PM 16 WED 1:46 AM 7:43 AM 2:09 PM 8:31 PM 17 THU 2:40 AM 8:43 AM 3:02 PM 9:19 PM 18 FRI 3:36 AM 9:40 AM 3:56 PM 10:07 PM 19 SAT 4:31 AM 10:35 AM 4:50 PM 10:54 PM 20 SUN 5:25 AM 11:30 AM 5:42 PM 11:41 PM 21 MON 6:15 AM 12:23 PM 6:32 PM 22 TUE 12:29 AM 7:04 AM 1:15 PM 7:21 PM 23 WED 1:16 AM 7:53 AM 2:04 PM 8:10 PM 24 THU 2:03 AM 8:43 AM 2:53 PM 9:01 PM 25 FRI 2:51 AM 9:35 AM 3:43 PM 9:55 PM 26 SAT 3:41 AM 10:30 AM 4:35 PM 10:51 PM 27 SUN 4:33 AM 11:26 AM 5:30 PM 11:48 PM 28 MON 5:31 AM 12:23 PM 6:29 PM 29 TUE 12:46 AM 6:34 AM 1:22 PM 7:31 PM 30 WED 1:48 AM 7:42 AM 2:23 PM 8:32 PM
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2022 NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 1, 8, 15, 17 Hustle & Merengue
Ballroom On Amelia off ers Two for Tuesday group classes on Amelia Island with Hustle at 7:00 p.m. followed by Merengue at 8:00 p.m. Cost: $15 for one class or $20 for both classes per person. No partner or reservation is required. *No classes the 5th week of the month if applicable. A dance practice workshop is off ered on the 4th Th ursday of the month (third Th ursday if the 4th falls on a holiday) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15 per person. No partner or reservation is required. Private lessons are also available. Ballroom On Amelia, 1897 Island Walkway at RAD Studios, (904) 624-0886, www.ballroomonmelia.com or www.facebook. com/BallroomonAmelia
NOVEMBER 2 “Plenty of Percussion”
Come enjoy the Jacksonville Symphony’s Percussion Ensemble for our ARIAS fundraiser event. Each ticket includes two Prosecco or Sparkling Cider drinks and specialty dessert. A sparkling reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the concert taking place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dessert will be served during intermission and a 50/50 raffl e will also be held. Cost: $50 for ARIAS members, $60 for non-members, $20 for students. Tickets may be purchased through the ACT Box Offi ce. Amelia Community Th eatre, 207 Cedar Street. (904) 261-6749. www. ameliacommunitytheatre.org
NOVEMBER 2 Yvonne Randolph, Amelia Island Nature Photography
Th e Amelia Island Museum of History’s Brown Bag Lunch lecture series presents lunchtime conversations with fascinating members of the Nassau County community. Audience members may bring lunch to eat during the lectures. Attendance is free and open to the public. 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Amelia Island Museum of History 233 South 3rd Street (904) 261-7378 www.ameliamuseum.org
NOVEMBER 2–30 The November Nouveau Art Show
Th emed “Natural World”. Th e show includes sixty-fi ve artworks, all for sale. Local artist, Kathy Maurer, is the judge. Th e Gallery 18 N. Second Street. (904) 261-7020 www.islandart.org.
NOVEMBER 3 Story & Song Book Group
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Enjoy Happy Hour prices for wine and craft beer and come enjoy the conversation! Free and open to all. 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 pm. Story & Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com NOVEMBER 4 Tea & Tales hosted by Ron Kurtz
Join us for afternoon tea with readings by Ron Kurtz. Cost: $20 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Story & Song Art Gallery 1430 Park Avenue (904) 601-2118 www.storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 4 Trying Times and Tenacious Women
Explore the lives of nine of Fernandina’s historical women—each brought to life to share her experiences and resilience in the face of adversity. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. Cost: $50 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Baker Hall. Tickets must be purchased at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Seating is limited. Amelia Island Museum of History 233 South 3rd Street (904) 261-7378. ameliamuseum.org
NOVEMBER 5 25 Years in America
A piano recital with Kamila Shahtakhtinski, a graduate of the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, concert pianist Kamila Shahtakhtinski will perform works by Chopin, Liszt, and some Azerbaijani composers. She dedicates this recital to her anniversary. Cost $25 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. Story & Song Art Gallery 1430 Park Avenue (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 5, 6 2022 Right Whale Festival
Th e festival highlights local eff orts to protect these whales from extinction, as well as oceanthemed activities and exhibits that emphasize education and environmentally responsible adventures and products. Educational exhibits, animal ambassadors, beach clean-up, kids activities, family fun, live music, food, and more. Free and open to all. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Movie in the park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Beach 32 N. Fletcher Ave. Fernandina Beach. For more information, visit wwww.rightwhalefestival.com or www.facebook.com/RightWhaleFestival
NOVEMBER 8 Thanksgiving Traditions
Th e Chefs at Th e Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island are presenting a monthly cooking demonstration preparing and cooking a variety of cuisines. Small class sizes create an intimate environment in the gorgeous Salt dining room. After each demonstration, students dine with a matched wine and return to the set for the next dish. Th e fi nal demonstration is by the pastry chefs. Cost: $200 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Th e Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island. (904) 2771100. www.ritzcarlton.com NOVEMBER 10, 11, 12, 13 The Wizard of Oz: Young Actors’ Edition
Come see a talented cast of young actors ages 8-13 wow you with L. Frank Baum’s classic story! Cost: $10 for students, $20 for adults. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m. Amelia Musical Playhouse, 1955 Island Walkway. (904) 277-3455. ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
NOVEMBER 11 Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery Reception
Featuring artwork of exhibiting member’s that celebrates the beauty of our area, and a special auction of artwork. Th e public is invited and the event will be catered by Osprey Village; all proceeds go to a “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” charity. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 94 Amelia Village Circle in the Omni Amelia Island Plantation shops. (904) 432-1750, www.paggart.com, or Facebook at Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery.
NOVEMBER 15 Tuesdays with TED
Community conversation, facilitated by a local personality, over a topic of interest following a brief TED talk. Free and open to all. 3:30 p.m. Story and Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 16 Cinema, Conversation, & Chow
Join us to watch a fi lm chosen for its meaningful theme and stay for a facilitated discussion after. Optional heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverage of choice available at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $15. 6 to 8:00 p.m. Call for reservations. Story and Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 18 The Story of the Civilian Conservation Corps with Bill Marcum
Every third Friday on 3rd Street, the Amelia Island Museum of History hosts historians, authors, and other experts for a thoughtprovoking lecture on local or regional history. Snacks and beverages available. Cost: suggested donation of $5 for non-members, free for Museum Members. 6 to 7:00 p.m. Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 South 3rd Street. (904) 261-7378. ameliamuseum.org
NOVEMBER 18 Why We Quilt in Modern Times
Lauree Hemke, member of Amelia Island Quilt Guild, will lead a discussion about going beyond traditional bed quilts to modern interpretation of quilting, including inspirations, processes, fabrics and techniques. Art quilts created by the local Guild will be on display. Free and
open to all. 3:00 p.m. Story and Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. ww.storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 19 Arias & After-words
Well-known Amelia Island Opera artists John Tibbetts and Victoria Isernia will be featured alongside some new, local talent. St. Augustine’s Curtis Powell will accompany these four talented singers on the piano. For more information, visit ameliaislandopera.org. Cost: $25. 5:00 p.m. Story & Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 19 Holiday Hooplah Art Show and Sale
Features 20 local artists. Free and open to all. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Avenue. (904) 310-3358. www.fbfl .us/103/Parks-Recreation
NOVEMBER 26 “An Evening of Story & Song” with Rupert Wates
An eclectic mix of songs, stories, and exceptional guitar stylings with a British accent. Cost: $25 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Story & Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. www.storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 26 L. Moore Aesthetics Open House
Get in the holiday spirit and join us for our annual Small Business Saturday Open House. Save up to 25% on holiday shopping, treatments, skincare and more! Call (904) 2226053 for more information. LILLY PULITZER CK BRADLEY LISETTE MONTREAL BAREFOOT DREAMS ELLIOTT LAUREN SPARTINA 449 TYLER BÖE
NOVEMBER 29 Wines & Wanderlust
Educational wine event with Kara Joseph, author of If Wine Could Talk, in partnership with Wallace Pierson Travel. You’ll travel the world learning about the wine and food, culture and people. Enjoy wines for celebrations with four wine tastings and four tapas plus photos and stories. Cost: $60. 5 to 7 p.m. Story & Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 601-2118. www.storyandsongbookstore.com
NOVEMBER 30 New Neighbor Nite
Make new friends and exchange tips about goods and services while enjoying live entertainment, wine and beer at happy hour prices, and complimentary nibbles. Free and open to all newcomers. 5 to 7 p.m. Story & Song Courtyard, 1430 Park Avenue. (904) 6012118. storyandsongbookstore.com 503 Centre Street | Fernandina Beach pearlboutique.style | 904.844.2912 shop@pearlboutique.style
