Ann B. Hodgson, Ph.D., Sanctuary Manager of Audubon of Florida's Coastal Islands Sanctuaries, will present a talk on the Colonial Waterbirds of Sarasota Bay, with concentration on the Roberts Bay Bird Colony Islands. Included are some of Florida's most well-loved, rarest, and charismatic species, as Brown Pelican, the herons and egrets, Roseate Spoonbill, terns and skimmers, and American Oystercatcher. Dr. Hodgson will outline the biology of the species, their populations and conservation status, and reproductive behavior. Many of these species nest on islands in groups called colonies, and Dr. Hodgson will include information about the protection of these special sites.

When: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 3-4:30 p.m.

Where: Mote Marine Laboratory, Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center, 1703 Ken Thompson Parkway, Longboat Key, Sarasota FL 34236, Jean P. Hendry Conference Room, 2nd Floor

Parking: Attendees should park across the street and enter the main entrance. Use the stairs or elevators to the second floor, and walk past the dolphin lagoon to the conference room.

Who: This talk is open to the interested public.

More information at the Southeast American Littoral Society.