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 The state-threatened Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) is thought to be confined to Suwannee River drainage. A report of alligator snapping turtles in the Homosassa River — about 45 miles south of the mouth of the Suwannee River — intrigued FWRI staff, so researchers set traps in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in southwestern Citrus County. Nine alligator snapping turtles were caught and, based on distinctive characteristics of the head, carapace and plastron, the Homosassa population appears to be comprised of the Suwannee species but scientists will confirm this by genetic analyses.
Researchers plan on trapping in the creek twice more to generate a population estimate and perhaps determine how long alligator snappers have been observed in Homosassa and their possible source of introduction.
Learn more about alligator snapping turtles and our past research on our website.
 What do fish and trees have in common? How they’re aged! Similar to the way that a tree’s age can be measured by counting the number of bands in the wood, the age of fish can be determined by counting the number of bands on their otoliths (ear bones). The FWC Finfish Research Team in the Florida Keys is teaming up with local charter captains to collect otoliths, reproductive organisms (gonads) and a suite of other samples to learn more about mutton and grey snapper at spawning aggregations during the seasonal closure at Western Dry Rocks. Collecting these samples will allow our research team to obtain a better understanding of the age and timing of reproduction for these two important species!
 Check out the photos to see an up-close view of an intact otolith and its cross-section. The dark translucent zone represents a period of fast growth while the white opaque zones or “bands” represent a period of slower growth.
See more information on this project. Want to learn more about our work at Western Dry Rocks? Check out our last post.
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 The 2023 sea turtle nesting season in Florida is off to a great start!
The preliminary statewide nest totals as of April 30 are as follows:
- 1,288 loggerheads nests (640 in 2022)
- 3 green turtle nests (1 in 2022)
- 608 leatherback nests (800 in 2022)
- 6 Kemp’s ridley nests (1 in 2022)
Thanks to all the FWRI partners involved in an outstanding community science effort to document sea turtle nesting activity statewide!
Please report sea turtles that are sick, injured, dead, entangled or are in danger to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922). Check out our most recent post to learn how you can help nesting turtles.
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Wildlife and Habitat Management Section staff at Big Bend WMA, in cooperation with the Aquatic Habitat and Restoration/Enhancement team, initiated restoration of 10.4 acres of scattered ephemeral wetlands within the Tide Swamp and Spring Creek Units of Big Bend WMA in February. These wetlands were overgrown by shrubs that had created fire shadows within the wetland basin, which no longer allowed fire to control the woody growth causing excessive shading of the wetland. Too much shade and the conversion to shrubs and trees causes a wetland to become less favorable habitat for wildlife seeking to forage or reproduce. The initial restoration work included the hand removal and herbicide treatment of shrubs and trees within the wetland basin, followed by the application of prescribed fire. This work will improve habitat for striped newts (Notophthalmus perstriatus), gopher frogs (Rana capito), ornate chorus frogs (Pseudacris ornata) and several other wildlife species in the future.
Below are before and after photos of a ~7.5 acre ephemeral wetland that is in the process of being restored in the Spring Creek Unit of Big Bend WMA.
 
 Leap into the field with our amphibian researchers as they survey a dome swamp for striped newts! The striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus), which was state listed as Threatened in 2022, can be found at a few sites in southern Georgia and northern Florida. They breed in grassy temporary or semipermanent wetlands that lack predatory fish and are surrounded by dry upland habitat. The newts in this clip are paedomorphs, which are adults with gills. Larval newts, which also have gills, can either transform into terrestrial juveniles (efts) or remain in the pond and mature into paedomorphs. After breeding, paedomorphs can lose their gills and transform into terrestrial adults, which will return the following year to breed. Unlike efts and terrestrial adults, larvae and paedomorphs typically lack the signature red stripes running down their back that earned the species its name.
Several months ago, our staff was dipnetting ponds at Princess Place Preserve and Pellicer Creek Conservation Area looking for striped newts. They discovered newts in 13 wetlands but some were too ephemeral for reproduction to be successful. This was the first time the species was recorded in Flagler County and only four other conservation lands have as many known breeding ponds. Since this survey was conducted, staff from Flagler County, St. Johns River Water Management District and FWC visited these areas to examine their potential for wetland restoration to improve conditions for striped newts.
Learn more about the striped newt on our website.
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 Our sandhill crane researchers use information provided by the public to examine how Florida’s sandhill cranes are using urbanized areas. We’ve implemented a new form to simplify the process of reporting banded cranes and crane mortalities from car collisions.
When reporting banded cranes, please report all the following information when available: date, time and location of observation, band description, and any photos captured.
When reporting crane mortalities from car collisions, please report all the following information when available: date, time and location of observation, band description (if applicable), speed limit and any photos captured.
View more information.
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  On Friday, May 5, representatives from the FWC, the U.S. Forest Service, the Florida Trail Association, and FTA volunteers and the public gathered at Herky Huffman/Bull Creek WMA to celebrate the grand opening of three newly built bridges spanning Crabgrass Creek. The event also celebrated the Florida National Scenic Trail’s 40th Anniversary. The FNST winds through Florida from its southern terminus at the Big Cypress National Preserve to the northern terminus in Gulf Island National Seashore passing through eight of the FWC’s WMAs. HSC’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section and Public Access Services Office were recognized for their integral role in this project. The event began with a short hike along the trail to the new bridges, a ribbon cutting, and a gathering hosted by FTA.
 In May at the fifth St. Joseph Bay Urchin Round Up, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Andrew Bay and St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program, and a group of volunteers teamed up to remove urchins (Lytechinus spp.) that are overgrazing turtle grass beds in St. Joe Bay. Together, we were able to collect 42 buckets or approximately 10,200 individual urchins from active grazing fronts and help jump start the natural recovery of affected grass beds. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in this event – Thank you!
The collected urchins were relocated and released to deeper portions of the bay and away from grazed seagrass beds, and the agencies involved will continue to monitor water quality and the abundance of sea urchins and seagrass in this area. Follow FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute to stay in the loop on future volunteer opportunities.
Learn more about seagrass protection and restoration at St. Joseph Bay.
 Florida is home to over 30 species of frogs and toads, and each species has its own distinct call used predominately to communicate with other frogs and find mates. Although the calls are distinct to each species, some calls may sound like other familiar critters and sounds of the night.
This footage was captured at Impassable Bay in the Osceola Wildlife Management Area while our researchers were on the hunt to find carpenter frogs. Carpenter frogs are named after their call’s resemblance to a certain sound you may hear coming from a carpenter’s workshop. Can you identify it in this video? Check out the clip to meet some of the frogs and toads our team met that night and hear the “soothing” sounds of their signature calls.
Learn more about our frog research.
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  The FWC Southwest Region recently celebrated a significant triumph, following the successful completion of Memorial Day Weekend patrols. Over the course of the holiday weekend, officers conducted over 400 stops. These varied interactions ranged from boating safety inspections to crucial wildlife conservation checks, emphasizing the FWC's multifaceted and comprehensive approach to safeguarding Florida's natural resources.
To help bring awareness to the importance to the patrol efforts, Commissioner Preston Farrior joined one of the days along with several regional Assistant State Attorneys.
 Despite the throng of people enjoying the waterways during the three-day break, there were only 10 accidents reported, none of which resulted in fatalities. This is a testament to not only the safety consciousness of the boating public but also the relentless dedication and preparedness of the officers. Seventeen calls for assistance were logged during this period. Each of these was swiftly managed, thanks to the meticulous preparations made by various agencies in the lead-up to the holiday weekend and their collective efforts during the event.
The success of these patrols extended into law enforcement as well. The total number of arrests for boating under the influence throughout the region was 39, which highlighted the commitment and vigilance of our officers. The fact that they were able to maintain such a high level of surveillance and responsiveness, ensuring the protection of the boating public, is highly commendable.
As we reflect on this success, it's essential to remember that these results represent more than just statistics; they symbolize saved lives, protected ecosystems and the ongoing preservation of Florida's rich natural heritage. The FWC Southwest Region can look back on this Memorial Day Weekend with pride, knowing their efforts significantly contributed to the safety and wellbeing of both the public and Florida's wildlife.
 Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do:
Share the beach with shorebirds this holiday weekend
Thanks to sponsors, more than $30,000 up for grabs at the 2023 Florida Python Challenge®
Share the beach with sea turtles this holiday weekend
Shoal bass conservation update: Another successful release of hatchery-raised stock
FWC reminds boaters National Safe Boating Week is May 20-26
FWC announces 2023 Lionfish Challenge presented by Zookeeper
 Jacob Espittia is now the new Marine Inshore Recreational Fisheries Management Coordinator. Jacob is no stranger to MFM as he has been working with us for just over a year now as a Biological Scientist III in the Analysis and Rulemaking section. Jacob is from Ormond Beach and earned his B.S. from Florida Gulf Coast University. Jacob then earned his Master of Professional Science degree from the University of Miami prior to joining the MFM team.
In this position, Jacob will coordinate the ongoing development and implementation of regional management for select inshore recreational fisheries. Jacob will be coordinating reviews of inshore marine recreational fisheries to inform regional management. This will include coordination with internal and external partners to acquire management metric data and information to be incorporated into the annual reviews for respective fisheries. Jacob has been transitioning into this new position and has begun work on the 2023 Redfish Annual Reviews. Jacob will continue to work in Tallahassee in this new position.
 During the Memorial Day weekend, Col. Roger Young continued to show his leadership style. He joined Southwest officers in the field on his final holiday patrol, marking the end of an era as he prepares for a transition into his new role as our Executive Director. His active participation in field activities is a testament to his hands-on approach. This leadership style has earned him great respect among his colleagues.
Col. Young's decision to actively participate in the field during such a busy period exemplifies his commitment to the officers in the field and the mission of the FWC. This level of engagement demonstrates the leadership ethos he will bring to his new role. His willingness to join those in the field is a shining example of the kind of leader he is: one who is unafraid to get his hands dirty, understands the value of first-hand experience, and is committed to supporting his team from the frontlines.
  Southwest Region’s Rick Klobuchar was honored by the Manatee Hundred Club as their “FWC Officer of the Year” for Manatee County. Rick was recognized for his hard work and dedication to the people of Manatee County and the state. He continues to set a great example for teamwork, work ethic and professionalism. Proudly standing next to Rick is his supervisor, Lt. Jeff Goggin.
 Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through email on the "Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact. When your coworkers receive kudos, help share the good news by contacting Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
Officer Nicholas Austin
I encountered Officer Austin on Jacksonville Beach. He was very, very kind and professional. He talked to me about the local fishing and what was biting. I unfortunately had let my license expire. He ran my driver’s license and let me off with a warning. I had my 11-year-old son with me and he talked to me about some fishing education programs the state provides and licenses that I could purchase for him when he comes of age. Very informative and professional. As soon as he left, I downloaded the FWC app that he informed me of, updated my saltwater license and set it to auto renew. I appreciate him and all the FWC. Also, the FWC should advertise the FWC app more. I never heard of it until he told me. Stay safe fellas!!!
Cade Chaney, HSC
Cade led an educational station at our Faith & Family Ag Festival and did a phenomenal job! The kids learned so much about animals in their natural habitat and why it's so important to know how many there are when they're endangered. She brought lots of things the kids could touch -- animal skulls, snake skins, feathers, turtle shells, etc. -- and even brought cameras to show the kids how they look inside tortoise holes. Several little boys thought it was the coolest station! She made it very memorable and fun for all the kiddos! We certainly hope we get the opportunity to work with Cade and FWC in the future!
Officer Arielia Devine
Mid-morning March 1, my wife and I were bicycling at Babcock/Webb WMA on the virtually traffic-free paved road. We are experienced helmet-wearing bicyclists but stuff happens. Jeanette was turning around at the entrance to begin the second half of our ride and, going a bit too slowly, she lost her balance and fell. I was close enough to see the fall but fortunately FWC Officer Arielia Devine was even closer in her parked vehicle. She rushed to help Jeanette get free of the bike, provide reassuring support before getting her into a chair from the nearby game register station. She got our OK to call EMS and the responders arrived within a few minutes. A preliminary assessment indicated a suspected broken femur and possible hip injury. She was soon in the vehicle and appropriately medicated for the trip to the hospital. The orthopedic surgeon determined a partial hip replacement was required. Within about five hours of arriving the surgery was completed and, after two overnights at the hospital, Jeanette was back. Barely a month later she has completed home health physical therapy, is walking without a walker or cane and begun PT with our local provider. It is a pleasure to express a special thanks to the EMS crew and Officer Devine. We do not take for granted the quick professional help we received that made such an important contribution to Jeanette's excellent outcome. Yes, they would say "we were only doing our job." Indeed, that is what they did but with skill and genuine caring and respect for the person injured and her husband.
Officer Thomas Nelson
My wife and I fish three or four times a week and have had several inspections by officers over the years. Officer Nelson and two more officers did a safety check on our pontoon boat. They were very professional, informative and, above all, acted with respect. We both have had success with the FWC Catch A Florida Memory program and the interaction with the officers makes one appreciate you and what you do that much more.
Officer Chris Schirbock
I purchased a Gheenoe with incorrect paperwork for a title. Through dispatch, Officer Chris Schirbock did another small boat inspection and ran the HIN# and Florida registration numbers. He was able to get in contact with the previous registered owner, who was glad to help with getting me a legal title for the boat. Chris went above and beyond to have an officer in Winterhaven visit the previous owner in order to help me out. Thank you, FWC, for all you guys do!
Investigator William Stiffler
Investigator Stiffler went above and beyond service to the state park by getting customized signs produced to augment the closing of Oleta State Park when it reaches capacity. Due to the volume of vehicles illegally stopping and presenting traffic congestion by trying to enter the park after it's closed, the signs have been very effective in proactively deterring visitors from disrupting traffic flow on the main road to enter the park. Great job, Bill, in taking initiative.
Tony Young, HGM
Tony is a great person. He guided me through all the steps and explained all the questions that I had. Thanks!
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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40 Years
David Bingham, LE
30 Years
Kathy Grossmann, LE
25 Years
Tom O'Neil, HSC
Rachel Poppe, LE
20 Years
Richard Chason, LE
Earl Lundy, FWRI
15 Years
Kathy Childress, FWF
Rachel Korade, FBO
Joshua Little, LE
Anni Mitchell, HSC
Duane North, LE
Matt Smith, HSC
Maki Tabuchi, FWRI
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10 Years
Anna Deyle, HSC
Nicole Fabian, FWRI
Siobhan Gorham, FWRI
5 Years
Anthony Grossman, HSC
Shawna Himelright, MFM
Melanie Mancuso, HSC
Dinah Rhodeback, LE
Retired!
Cindy Whittington, OLP – 35 years
Sam Cohl, LE – 25 Years
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(The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please notify the Inside Job by email.) |
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FWC employees have some of the most interesting jobs ever! Here are some of our employees doing what they do best. Send your photos of FWC employees in the office and in the field to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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  FWC Officers from Bay, Gulf, Jackson and Washington counties participated in a BUI refresher training at Gulf Coast State College North Bay Campus on May 16. FWC NASBLA Instructors trained the class. They went over in detail HGN and the seated battery of Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks. Volunteer drinkers from the 14th Circuit State Attorney’s Office were dosed by the instructors so the students could practice their SFSTs on impaired drinkers. This training is designed to give proper BUI enforcement instruction and to instill confidence in the SFSTs for our officers right before the busiest part of the boating season begins. This was great training for the FWC officers and the Assistant State Attorneys that attended.
  FWC Officers from Okaloosa County, along with our LE partner agencies, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office & USCG, also participated in a BUI refresher training at the USCG Destin Station.
 On April 27, FWC Norwest Regional Officers Dennis Palmer, Christian Jarrell, Nicole Basford and Travis Basford participated in an outreach event at the Lynn Haven Bayou Park. The third-grade classes from Deerpoint Elementary School walked to the park and had a “nature day.” The officers educated the students and staff about what we do as FWC officers and shared about some of the fish and wildlife we get to protect every day. We also spoke to the students about boating safety and the importance of always wearing your life jacket while underway. We spoke to approximately 90 students and staff at the event.
 
 Southwest Regional Commander Maj. Rob Rowe, supported by Sr. Capt. Guy Carpenter, Lt. Steve Stasko and Sr. Officer Adam Brown, recently attended and participated in the 2023 Sarasota County Law Enforcement Memorial service in Venice. Sr. Investigator Kyle Patterson was honored, along with several other fallen officers from around the state the past year.
 HSC-WHM staff helped out two great horned owls in need of assistance on Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA. Both owls are currently at rehabilitation centers and are doing better. Many thanks to everyone who assisted: FWC staff: Cason Pope, Seth Sofferin, Brianna White, Kelly McNutt, Hunter Stewart, Bryan Quick, Kellie Phillips and FWC volunteer Jenni Franano.
 The City of Venice officially recognized May 20-26 as National Safe Boating Week with Venice Mayor Nick Pachota reading and presenting a proclamation to Southwest FWC Officer Specialist Mike Morrison and Senior Officer PIO Adam Brown during a recent City Council meeting. The FWC was recognized, along with partner agencies, which included the Venice Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Westcoast Inland Navigational District, the USCG Auxiliary and the Sarasota Power Squadron for their endless pursuit of safety and education on the water.
 How many of these Bok Academy Middle School students do you think want to be an FWC LE officer when they grow up? After a fun presentation by Southwest’s Officer Hunter Mitchell and Public Information Director Hailee Seely, almost every student wanted to pursue a career with FWC! Throughout the week, students had visits from other local entities on their careers and how they landed these positions, so Officer Mitchell and Hailee discussed the exciting career paths within the FWC. Students also got to see first-hand some of our Law Enforcement equipment. We look forward to seeing these faces representing the FWC in a few years.
 On May 1, Officers Jessica Dodd, Steve Chamberlain and Ian Lemaster, along with St. Augustine’s Fire Department, and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens personnel, assisted the NEFL marine mammal field station staff on the rescue of a mostly unresponsive manatee with skin lesions in the Matanzas River, St. Augustine. The manatee was transported to Jacksonville Zoo and Garden’s critical care facility for rehabilitation.
 Southwest PIO Senior Officer Adam Brown got to enjoy some fine cafeteria cuisine recently at the Englewood Elementary School in Sarasota County for Police Week. Local, state and federal officers were invited each day to sit with the students and interact. The idea behind this week-long event is to reduce the fear or stigma of speaking to a uniformed police officer so that in a time of need, they will not hesitate. These outreach events have fostered friendships and rapport with students and officers over the years that last long beyond their school days.
 The Southwest Region’s dynamic duo, K-9 Officer Ryan Livingston and K-9 Mali were requested to assist the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office in attempting to locate a weapon used in a drive-by shooting. Officer Livingston arrived on scene, deployed K-9 Mali and conducted an area search on both sides of the road where the vegetation was approximately waist high. After about 30 minutes of searching, Mali gave no indications. On the second deployment, Officer Livingston and K-9 Mali went down to a cow pasture on the same side of the road where other items were previously found by HCSO. After approximately five minutes, Mali showed interest in an area of thick aquatic vegetation and alerted Officer Livingston. Where she alerted, he located the pistol that the Sherriff’s Office had been searching for. The location of the firearm was in a place that even if you had prior knowledge of its location, you would not be able to see it due to the thick vegetation. The HCSO was extremely grateful for the effort and assistance. Well done Officer Livingston and Mali!
 On May 13, Officers Mason Taylor and Max Fanelli recovered two manatee carcasses from the St. John's River, which allowed the NEFL marine mammal field station staff to complete a necropsy that same evening and determine cause of death.
Southwest Region Lt. Steve Stasko, Sr. Officer Eric Sierra and Sr. Officer PIO Adam Brown represented FWC by participating in the 22nd Annual Sarasota Sheriff’s Activities League Fishing Tournament in Venice. This has been a mainstay event in this community and these officers continue to volunteer their time and vessels to take an excited child out on the water for some fun with a first responder. For many of the athletes, this was their very first trip on a boat and for some, their first ever catch! Officer Sierra and his wife Leigh, along with their athlete, Corey, brought home the prize for most fish caught with 34!
 On August 18, 2022, Southwest Region Officer Specialist Mike Morrison received a call from dispatch regarding a sea turtle nest that had been disturbed in Nokomis, Sarasota County. After speaking with the complainant, Officer Morrison was given a video of the incident showing a shirtless man vigorously digging inside a previously marked nesting site. A very distinctive tattoo was prominently shown on the suspect’s shoulder and the complainant was able to positively identify the man he personally knew. After exhaustive investigation, however, Officer Morrison had great difficulty locating the individual and the case began to go cold. That is until early May, when he finally tracked down new information that led to a break. Officer Morrison managed to find the suspect and visit him at the home of his current girlfriend in a neighboring county. The suspect answered the door shirtless, and Officer Morrison immediately recognized the tattoo from the video. The suspect was shown the video and immediately admitted that it was him but claimed no recollection of committing the crime. Felony charges have since been filed for the destruction/molestation of a sea turtle nest and Officer Morrison's efforts simultaneously assisted the Sheriff’s Office with a felony case of their own filed against this same individual.
 In the lead-up to National Safe Boating Week, the Southwest Region embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign to enhance safe boating practices. This initiative involved hosting three press conferences attended by over 10 media outlets and offering a unique vessel ride-along to the media groups.
These press conferences provided a critical platform to underscore the importance of safety on the water and the specific actions that boaters can take to ensure their well-being and that of others. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with the public via media representatives and promote safe boating awareness. Various regional law enforcement partnerships were showcased during these events, demonstrating the collective effort that goes into ensuring safe and enjoyable boating experiences in Florida's waters.
The media's presence was essential in amplifying the message of safe boating, allowing it to reach a wide audience and bringing a heightened level of awareness to this critical issue. Media outlets provided extensive coverage of the press conferences, reinforcing key safety messages and highlighting the crucial role of the FWC and its partner agencies in promoting and enforcing safe boating practices.
 In recognition of Administrative Staff Appreciation Day, supervisors across the North Central Region, in coordination with Alexis Robillard (NCR Operations Manager), took time to thank the very deserving administrative leaders who keep the region's business operations efficient and effectual. In honor of the hard work of administrative staff, two options were organized for a fun day in the field to connect and learn about other facets of the agency. The first option was a tour of Mystic Jungle's exotic and endangered animals with LE Captive Wildlife Investigator Kenny Holmes. Staff learned about exotic animals including Asian leopards, Siberian tigers, ring-tailed lemurs and a variety of reptiles. Then, everyone enjoyed a picnic-style lunch under the oak tree canopy, sponsored by supervisors and the regional leadership team.
*The second (TBD due to weather) is a day on the boat with FWRI Cedar Key research staff, planned by Research Administrator Caleb Purtlebaugh.
 On May 13, HGM's Hunter Education Coordinators Jarred Johnson, Jason Tackett, and Hunter safety staff assistant Diane Sharp hosted Florida's Youth Hunter Education Challenge State Tournament at the Ocala Youth Conservation Center. Over 40 participants, ages 8-18, traveled from around the state to compete in small-bore rifle, shotgun, black powder, archery and hunter safety trail, demonstrating their hunting, marksmanship and safety skills. The Ocala team won the Junior Division and the Lakeland team won the Senior Division. The winning teams are eligible to compete in the 2023 Regional YHEC event held in Arkansas during the last week of July. YHEC is an NRA-sponsored program that provides additional training to youth in shooting sports, hunting ethics, safety and conservation. For more information about YHEC or hunter safety classes, visit Youth Hunter Education.
 Tom Reinert, South Region Regional Director, and Valerie Sparling, WHM Area Biologist for DuPuis WEA, along with WHM staff from John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland WEA (not pictured: Austin Mueller, Lead Area Biologist, and Jackie Gomar, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II), recently banded red-cockaded woodpecker chicks in Hungryland. The day started early in the morning and staff took a swamp buggy near each cluster. Valerie climbed each tree and carefully extracted the chicks, which were between 7-10 days old, and brought them down for banding. Once the bands were placed on the chicks and the color combination was recorded, Valerie then climbed back up to the nest cavity and replaced the chicks. After 16-20 days, staff will return to check on the birds. Staff have been working since 2020 on the reintroduction of RCWs on Hungryland, with the goal of growing this subpopulation and supporting continued integration with the larger metapopulation in J.W. Corbett WMA and Dupuis.
 
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The deadline for the June 19 issue is Monday, June 12.
The Inside Job is a bi-monthly newsletter featuring
the employees and programs of the FWC.
Send your submissions, comments and questions to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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