Brown Pelican on nest near the tractor shed, 2008. Photo credit: Marcy Spears.

Two Reddish Egrets (both dark and white morphs) confronting each other last spring. Photo credit: Diane Nunley.

Spring Workday was originally scheduled for Feb. 21, 2009. It will be rescheduled for a later date. As soon as a new date has been selected a notice will be sent to all volunteers.

For more information contact: marcyspears@mac.com.

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Nearly 20 different species call Sundown Island home during breeding season. Sundown Island was established in 1962 from dredge spoil to provide a sanctuary for colonial waterbirds but specifically for the Brown Pelican. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Brown Pelican was removed from the endangered species list in 1985 for the U.S. Atlantic coast, Florida and Alabama. It is still listed as endangered in other parts of the U.S.

A summer inhabitant of Sundown Island is the Black Skimmer. These birds are a joy to watch as they skim across the top of the water feeding. They are on Audubon's watch list, endangered mostly because of loss of breeding habitat. Read more.

The Reddish Egret and the White Morph Reddish Egret are spring inhabitants of the island. Last year there were approximately 47 breeding pairs present. They are currently on the Audubon's watch list. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the birds were hunted for their stunning feathers. While populations have recovered somewhat since then they are currently threatened by the loss of its preferred coastal habitat. Read more on the Audubon site.

Planned workday activities include:

• Planting seedlings (more trees and bushes are needed as nesting habitat for Reddish Egrets and other birds).
• Treating for Fire Ants.
• Beach cleanup to remove fishing line and other hazards to birds.
• Weeding around tree plots.
• Tractor maintenance.
• Dock maintenance.