Connecting with Wildlife

Mark HostetlerExtension Wildlife Specialist

Department of Wildlife Ecology & ConservationIFAS, University of Florida

Overview

• Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Wildlife

• Florida Bird Monitoring Program

• Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program

Florida Cooperative Extension Service – Wildlife

Who are we?– Department of Wildlife Ecology and

Conservation, IFAS, University of Florida

What do we do?– In issues regarding wildlife

• Advise the public• Develop educational programs• Disseminate information• Conduct research

Available Wildlife Information?

• Landscaping for wildlife

• Conservation and management of wildlife

• Detailed information on species

• Wildlife education programs

Where to Go for Info?

• Web site: www.wec.ufl.edu/extension– Print on demand– Links and information– Educational programs

• Call your local extension office

• Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or visit www.state.fl.us/fwc

Bird Monitoring Program

Birds?

R.-thr. HummingbirdY.-rumped Warbler

Northern Mockingbird Red-tailed HawkO.-crowned Warbler

• Create simple, standardized methods to survey birds

• Create a Web site linked to a data base where participants can enter and view collected bird data

Objectives

Utility

• Can measure how bird diversity changes over time

• Participants can compare results and interact with other wildlife landscapers

• Participants interact with their environment

• Added component for any educational or experiential program

Point Count

• Stationary survey of birds in a given area

• Used for small lots or landscapes where it is difficult to walk through

Point Count

20 m

10 minutes

Transect Count

• A route is walked and birds are counted on each side

• Used for large properties or surveys of neighborhoods

Transect Count

20 m

20 m

Enter and View Data

• Participants enter data through the Web site (need User ID and Survey Code)

• Anybody can view the results online

THE WEB SITE!

Florida Bird Monitoring Program

http://bird.ifas.ufl.edu

Upon certification, participants receive a certificate and sign

Florida Wildlife Habitat Program

Certification Program:

• Apply through the wildlife extension web site www.wec.ufl.edu/extension

• Participants describe current yard, wildlife seen and future landscaping plans

• We evaluate and make recommendations

Summary

• Utilize the bird monitoring program for your property, neighborhood, etc. or incorporate it into any educational activity

• Go to - www.wec.ufl.edu/extension

• Certify your yard or have students certify a property

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Developed byDeveloped by: :

Dr. Mark Hostetler, Department of WildlifeDr. Mark Hostetler, Department of WildlifeEcology and Conservation, IFAS, Ecology and Conservation, IFAS,

University of Florida, 2001.University of Florida, 2001.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Photo & Sound Credits:Photo & Sound Credits:

Mark Hostetler, Joe Schafer, and Dan SudiaMark Hostetler, Joe Schafer, and Dan Sudia

USGS Patuxent Bird Center (Bird Photos):USGS Patuxent Bird Center (Bird Photos):http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html

FL Museum of Natural History: http://www.flmnh.ufl.eduFL Museum of Natural History: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Flower Photos:Flower Photos:Florida Wildflower Showcase : http://www.flwildflowers.com Florida Wildflower Showcase : http://www.flwildflowers.com