Reflections on the Cocoa Count

I was just sitting here reflecting on December’s incred-ible memories and what might lie ahead. Speaking for my group, we were the best. We had fun, and, because of that we had a wonderful spirit of cooperation and we managed to dig out some great birds. I want to say thanks to all for that. Considering the windy and cold weather, we managed 93 species. I think though, as with others, the numbers were way down. For instance, only a few years ago we would get 40,000 scaup on Honeymoon Lake. Yesterday there were only about 1400. Thanks to some really nice yards with feeders we were able to account for several otherwise unat-tainable birds. On another note, we had five or six waders and shorebirds due to land clearing along the lagoon. The sad part is that there will be no access next year as there will be housing in place.

I think any of us who appreciate birds cannot be uncon-cerned about the degradation of their habitat. Unfortunately we have some county representatives that can’t see beyond their noses and take up the mantra of the so called property rights people. They join them in spouting that the SEA’s proposal is a land grab. Nothing is further from the truth.

If anything is a land grab, it’s the paving or building on just about every square foot of land that’s left. They think that because they’re elected in a distinct that the rest of the population doesn’t matter. Obviously no one can predict the future but that is what we and especially our reps.should be trying to do. At the very least, trying to look forward and make intelligent decisions that have an affect on the quality of life for all county citizens. Thankfully we have at least a couple of commissioners who strive for that goal. We may yet get a good ordinance passed if we can make them see what’s important.

I guess I should step off my soap box for now but I do want to wish everyone the very best for a happy holiday season and thanks again to all for a really good count day from start to finish.

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