has come to GulfHarborsLife.com!

We've started with an article about Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, an interesting bird that can be seen at water's edge in the evenings around Gulf Harbors.

We will keep adding to this "TOPIC" (click on this word at the top of our homepage) or try the Quick Menu link for "Birds Scene" at left.

Since we have many people who enjoy and photograph the wildlife here in Gulf Harbors and Gulf Harbors Woodlands, we invite you to add to this series with articles and/or photographs of your own.  Just use the "Submit article" link at the left and follow instructions.  Or, send email to GHCAeditor@GulfHarborsLife.com.

Yellow-Crowned Night Herons

In summer 2007 I received a question on a bird's identity from Gulf Harbors resident, James Kaylor. He sent me the above photograph and wanted confirmation on his guess that this bird was a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. I assured him that it is a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, but it is an immature bird.

Our two Night-Heron species are fairly easy to tell apart when they are mature plumaged birds, but young birds can be very confusing. Before they get their adult feathers they can appear exactly alike. Binoculars or a photograph may be required to differentiate them. Look at their bills. A Black-crowned Night-Heron immature will have a yellow lower mandible, while the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron's bill will be all black.

As their name implies these two heron species are active at night and then roost or sleep most of the day. Although they do make rare day time appearances, like the bird Mr. Kaylor photographed.

These species of herons do have a somewhat bad reputation as predators on the chicks of other egrets and herons in their night roosts. Any nest left unattended at night risks a visit from these two species of Night-Herons.

The second photo here of an adult yellow-crowned night heron was taken poolside on Rudder Way in Gulf Harbors. Last year there was a family of two adults and baby that could be seen feeding at low tide in the evening on tiny crabs they find at water's edge. You could even hear the crunch of the crab shells!

Ken Tracey,  www.westpascoaudubon.com

The first new forum is Terry's Tips. Terry Brandenburgh is an experienced and MerCruiser certified marine mechanic. He is the owner of Suncoast Yachts and operates out of Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin. Terry will answer your mechanical and boat maintenance questions and give advice on other boating topics too!

The other new forum is our Boating & Fishing forum! Swap and read fish stories, island hopping, scuba, and boating events with your boating community neighbors! Perhaps you'll read a great tip on how to catch the big ones or read about a secret fishing hole revealed! You never know what you'll find!

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(GHWA BY-LAWS)
Section 2. Filing for Candidacy
Between the first and fifteenth day of September, any Member in good standing, who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and is not currently serving a second consecutive term as a Director, may file with the Secretary an intention of candidacy for Office of Director. The candidate must also provide a brief auto-biographical statement (100 words or less). The Election Committee shall review the qualifications of all candidates and direct the Secretary to issue a notice to all Members on or about October 1, listing the candidates in alphabetical order and their qualifications as submitted

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(P) Sharon O’Donnell, President
(A) Vince Assini, Chairman
(P) Art Brusco, Vice-Chairman
(P) Lisa Cahill, Treasurer
(P) Bob Woodland, Secretary

Meeting called to order at 7:30 PM
QUORUM? YES

Meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman, Art Brusco at 7:30 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no new members present.

As tight as it is out there now, it's nothing like the pressures our founding fathers faced, including death for treason against the king.

We also pay honor to our military men and women who fight and serve so gallantly to preserve our great country and freedom! We look forward to the day of their safe return to family and friends.

Enjoy the day!

The Declaration of Independence:

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

Boats USA Top 7 Tips For Buying Used Boats & Used Boat Prices
By Mark P Andrews