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September 1, 2002, Volume 47, Issue 1

My Husband’s Love Affair

Gail Jackson

He was standing alone in the woods. The full moon shone from above. She cried out suddenly from nearby—her voice causing him to stir. As he directed the light in her direction he gazed upon her gorgeous form. She was beautiful—her golden brown color a shadow in the night—her sparkling eyes reflecting the mystery of her adventurous past. He was enthralled. He longed
to know her, to understand her being, and to lure her to his farm once again. Thus began my husband’s love affair with “Ginger” (or was it “George”?) the elusive great horned owl. It was 1993.

This beautiful creature and her (?) mate stopped by our farm each year. Her passing brought a brief moment of exhilaration to his life—but she never stayed for long despite his efforts to build nesting boxes. Once he climbed 25 feet up a tree to place “the one that will definitely attract them,” only to find out later that the tree was wrapped with poison ivy. And still they did not come. One year she landed on our chimney and awoke
him at 2:00 a.m. with her cries. Another year, her enormous silhouette graced the top of the barn. Again, her cries mystified him. Still another year her calling was echoed by another in the neighboring woods—perhaps her young, her mate, or a competitor. Yet she continued to lure him. Just this past spring, my husband’s last, he sat on our porch looking west to the beautiful sunset when the owl appeared out of no where. Perched high upon the tallest hickory tree to say, “Here I am again, my beauty and mystery far surpassing that of the setting sun. You will never really know me but I will always be part of your life.”

In memory of my husband, Harvey, I have donated money to the owl restoration project on Merritt Island. I hope that the two nesting boxes will accomplish what he so wanted to achieve—a living memorial—not only to these magnificent creatures, but also to a gentle man who loved them so.

If you'd like to make a donation, send your check (made payable to the IRAS) and mail to IRAS, P.O. Box 171, Cocoa, FL 32923. Please specify that you want your donation to go the owl restoration project. (Top)

Audubon Assembly 2002: Florida’s Water—Connecting Communities and Nature

Katie Gill, Audubon of Florida Assembly Coordinator

Join hundreds of Audubon members, volunteers, leaders, allies, scientists, community leaders, conservationists, fellow birders, and your friends for the largest conference in Florida dedicated to connecting our communities with nature. Participate in two full days of work sessions and activities focused on setting this
year’s conservation goals throughout the state. Enjoy a variety of interactive workshops, plenary sessions, and renowned speakers emphasizing the importance of Florida’s Water and Audubon’s mission of connecting our communities and nature. Learn how to engage your communities with Florida’s conservation issues, and help us plan Audubon’s future course to conserve, protect, and restore Florida’s natural heritage. And in addition to all that, get connected with nature on our myriad of field trips.

Make your plans now to join us at the Audubon Assembly 2002 on October 24–26, at the Orlando Airport Marriott.

Call the Marriott for reservations at (407) 851-9000 or (800) 766-5752 and be sure to ask for the Audubon of Florida rate of just $99 per night. Early registration for the conference is just $95 through September 9, after that it is $125, still a bargain, since it includes all meals, receptions, a Friday evening visit and dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Saturday night banquet dinner. There is a registration package inserted in the August Florida Naturalist. In addition, visit our web site at http://www.audubonofflorida.org for complete up-to-date information about field trips, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and other exciting activities

Last year’s Audubon Assembly was totally awesome—ask any of the 400 participants. We promise this year it will be as good, or better, in every regard! (Top)

Vacation House

Tootoosahatchee

Cocoa Feed/Seed, Inc.