Progress Report on Canaveral Locks Viewing Platform and Purple Martin Houses

By Jim Meyer

February was a good month for progress at the Canaveral Lock with two projects completed. The "Bird of the Month" poster was installed on the Kiosk with January being the American Avocet, February the American Oystercatcher, and March White and Brown Pelicans. The second project completed was the installation of the Purple Martin Quad Pod housing arrangement. Ben Baggs, the lead Lockmaster, completed the installation. The Pods are now filled with nesting material and ready for our Spring guests!

Ben also was able to get a Hi-ranger (bucket truck) from the Port Authority and I went up in it and took pictures from 15, 20 and 60 feet above the ground. The picture from 60 foot height is also displayed on the "Bird of the Month" poster. From the 20 foot height, I was able to see approximately 95 % of Avocet Lagoon.

We also have a good prototype platform to help design ours after now, thanks to the Lake Woodruff NWR Manager Harold Morrow. We are in the process of having drawings made and making estimates for material requirements. Also, I received our first pledge donation at the Spagetti dinner for our Viewing Platform to be constructed at the Lock to view Avocet Lagoon. More to come.