Huguenot Park - Your access today!

[JettyDog]

TODAY'S REPORT
     I spent the day at Huguenot and observed the following. The hatchlings appear to be coming out in Zone 11 , predominately. This area is between Lifeguard post 11 and 12. Zone 10 has been carved in half, but is mostly unused by the hatchlings. This means that we have lost an additonal 200-300 feet + of beach for parking due to Audubon's pressure on the city to protect non-endangered species in the park, which, are covered by the Federal Migratory Bird Act, but, nonetheless, are  non-endangered. There were a handful of Black Skimmers on the point, but little evidence of hatchlings or nesting by the Skimmers , which makes me wonder why the Point is closed. The Skimmer nesting points have been re-established no less than four times, by my count . The Point has been closed from the beginning of the Bay side to Zone 10, thereby effectively denying the West/NorthWest point to jet ski traffic as well as fishermen.
      A pattern has now been established whereby Audubon is stealing our beach yard by yard, through strongarm tactics, claiming to protect the birds, which, by previous posts, are being harmed more by cargo/container/tanker pollution than by auto/human pollution. This is extremely hypocritical on their part. Say one thing when reality dictates something otherwise.
     The other glaring issue is the structure erected just into the closed area. It's posted "reserved" Why is it , that the city has been forced to erect a reserved structure for Audubon ONLY, on city property? This structure should be treated as other shelters erected in the Park and be accessible to all Huguenot patrons, not a selected, elite few like Audubon. This structure should be for rental by the general public as all the other structures in the Park are. To not rent it out is discriminatory in nature against the Park patrons, as well as handicapped persons visiting the Park. If a new structure is erected , as it has been, than all should have access to it, not just a select few.
    Relocate the birds to Little or Big Talbot or Bird Island in order to protect them from Shipping pollution and resolve these issues..........

[JettyDog]

I just returned from vacationing out West and learned something very interesting. While visiting National Park Service's Mesa Verde Park and the Pueblo cliff dwellings there, I noticed what appeared to be a blanket hanging out of one of the windows on of a third story restored section of one of the cliff dwellings. It turned out to be a net designed to keep birds from nesting there inside of the structure. In a related conversation , a NPS ranger pointed out , at one time, they had an endangered bird nesting in an endangered building. The solution? Relocate the endangered bird. So, NPS policy IS inclusive in removing endangered species where there is an issue. Therefore, it IS possible to relocate any endangered species at Huguenot to another spot. Very interesting indeed!

[JettyDog]

Sitting here, listening to Jimmy Buffett's "A Pirate Looks At Forty". and reflecting. It is GOOD to be back from the SouthWest. I went to Huguenot for the first time in a month. I missed the ocean, the birds, the ambiance, Nature. I usually take a walk or two, looking for marine life, enjoying the day. Sunday, I went walking, taking my Gatorade as usual, and witnessed something unusual. As I started out, I saw the Audubon Bird Steward sitting 100 feet towards the Shore (eastwards towards the ocean ), sitting in lawn chair, not occupying the shelter built for that purpose, but sitting alone, away from it. As I eased down the beach, the wind took his umbrella and blew it down the beach. Here was a Delimna, the Audubon Bird Steward, charged with keeping Huguenot patrons from disturbing the fledglings, letting his personal umbrella blow down the Beach to the Lifeguard station,some 200-300 feet ( or better ), disturbing the fledgling , if not injuring some of them. He chased after it, to his credit, but not before it had disrupted  most of the birds sitting on  the shoreline. I find it ironic that Audubon should criticize we beach patrons for disturbing the birds when they do not take steps to do the same. It is hypocritical, in the very least, for them to preach to us to protect the birds, when they are not doing the same. This was witnessed by many beachgoers, as well as Lifeguards, who saw it all. How can  Audubon claim to be protecting the birds from us betray the same principles they claim to uphold, but don't? It is sacrilegious, at best, for them to claim they are protecting the birds to only , irresponsibly, allow something of this magnitude to happen. They have demonstrated  an inability to protect the very  species they claim to protect . 

[Springfielder]

Then perhaps the actions of that particular steward should be reported to the Audubon, since they didn't seem to be following the rules.

Other than that, even if birds are not on an endangered list, they are still protected under federal migratory act....so it doesn't matter about not being an endangered species.
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsandPolicies.html

[JettyDog]

Springfielder,
   So, you are saying this Audubon Bird Steward violated Federal Migratory Bird law through irresponsible behavior? Even worse.......

[Springfielder]

No, I did not say that. I said perhaps you should report the actions of that particular steward, since what you described that happened, that this person may not have been following the rules.

The second part of my post was in reference to what else you were saying about bird not being on the endangered list....and my response was, they would still be protected under the federal migratory law.

This is what I posted

Then perhaps the actions of that particular steward should be reported to the Audubon, since they didn't seem to be following the rules.

Other than that, even if birds are not on an endangered list, they are still protected under federal migratory act....so it doesn't matter about not being an endangered species.
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsandPolicies.html

[JettyDog]

Springfielder,
    Audubon is not aware of their own violations by their own stewards of the Federal Migratory Bird Act? And violations of the Act by their own personnel,  needs to be reported to them? That's fascinating. I would think such a prestigious organization would stress Federal Law to their own members to insure that they would not, under any circumstances, violate their own charter, much less the Federal Laws they seek insure are NOT violated , due to the damage and embarrassment they would cause the organization. But.........I may be wrong here. Although you may not have said it, it  was , in my opinion, implied. Again, I may be wrong here, but I think not. If I, as an individual overseeing such an organization, thought this was possible, i would take steps to insure the unthinkable would not happen and take steps to make sure it did not. I would take into consideration....that the unthinkable COULD happen and make sure to limit the possibility of any violations that would embarrass the organization. But, that's just me, and , as previously stated, I could be wrong.

[kitester]

Actually JD is not a kite surfer. He is just one of many other people in our area that feel the harassment of park patrons has gone on long enough. The birds are being used as a political tool to continue pay the lobbyists that prey on the controversy they themselves create. This has been the way they operate for a long time and Huguenot Park is not the only place they use tactics like this. It generates income for the organization from people who believe (read are lied to) that they are doing the right thing. The only real winners are the lobbyists, not the birds, not the public. If the money was gone so would they be.

[Springfielder]

Springfielder,
    Audubon is not aware of their own violations by their own stewards of the Federal Migratory Bird Act? And violations of the Act by their own personnel,  needs to be reported to them? That's fascinating. I would think such a prestigious organization would stress Federal Law to their own members to insure that they would not, under any circumstances, violate their own charter, much less the Federal Laws they seek insure are NOT violated , due to the damage and embarrassment they would cause the organization. But.........I may be wrong here. Although you may not have said it, it  was , in my opinion, implied. Again, I may be wrong here, but I think not. If I, as an individual overseeing such an organization, thought this was possible, i would take steps to insure the unthinkable would not happen and take steps to make sure it did not. I would take into consideration....that the unthinkable COULD happen and make sure to limit the possibility of any violations that would embarrass the organization. But, that's just me, and , as previously stated, I could be wrong.

That's not what I said, no matter how you wish to twist and change my words....clearly, you have your own agenda and trying to fit what I actually did say to fit your agenda, doesn't work. My point was and remains, that if there was a situation with a particular steward, then report that particular steward and that particular act, to the Audubon.  Although at this point, since you continue to try and manipulate what others have said, I can see where any reporting from you would not be taken seriously.

[JettyDog]

Springfielder,
    Audubon is not aware of their own violations by their own stewards of the Federal Migratory Bird Act? And violations of the Act by their own personnel,  needs to be reported to them? That's fascinating. I would think such a prestigious organization would stress Federal Law to their own members to insure that they would not, under any circumstances, violate their own charter, much less the Federal Laws they seek insure are NOT violated , due to the damage and embarrassment they would cause the organization. But.........I may be wrong here. Although you may not have said it, it  was , in my opinion, implied. Again, I may be wrong here, but I think not. If I, as an individual overseeing such an organization, thought this was possible, i would take steps to insure the unthinkable would not happen and take steps to make sure it did not. I would take into consideration....that the unthinkable COULD happen and make sure to limit the possibility of any violations that would embarrass the organization. But, that's just me, and , as previously stated, I could be wrong.

That's not what I said, no matter how you wish to twist and change my words....clearly, you have your own agenda and trying to fit what I actually did say to fit your agenda, doesn't work. My point was and remains, that if there was a situation with a particular steward, then report that particular steward and that particular act, to the Audubon.  Although at this point, since you continue to try and manipulate what others have said, I can see where any reporting from you would not be taken seriously.

Manipulator? Now, there's a title I haven't been labled with ever before.  Agenda? Yes, coexistence with all patrons, Audubon included, unless they want to exclude all others from enjoying Huguenot except themselves. I'm a believer in the Good Book. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Someone wants to exclude me and others from something, then I say exclude all. Be fair. That's my agenda , if I have any at all. Fairness and coexistence. I try to keep an open mind despite vicious, underhanded attempts to exclude all the rest of us, handicapped folks included here, only to reserve one of God's greatest works for a select, selfish few.  Aren't you like-minded? As far as reporting is concerned, I will support anything I "report" with time stamped, dated video or pics in the future so that I may be taken more seriously, if you wish. I don't have a problem with that at all. 

[JettyDog]

J.D. you don't give a Damn about the Birds you're a "Kite Surfer" this is the Only Reason you care about Huguenot Park. I remember back in June I stopped talking to you "So in closing go ahead and believe you're the ONLY person who has the Right Answers. I'm done!" Hey the City of Jacksonville needs to cut Five Million more from the budget maybe Huguenot Park should be closed down for a couple of years to give the Birds you care so much about a better chance to live. I know engaging in a discussion with you is just about pointless. But from time to time giving a Jetty Dog a bone is good for the soul. 

If_I_Loved_You,
      if you quit talking to me back in June, why in the World are you addressing me now? You are a bewildering creature, at best. Kitester is right. I'm no kite surfer, although I do admit taking a lesson or two from him. I am a kayaker, if you must apply a title or label to me. I'm a nature/beach enthusiast.There's another label for you.
      As far as birds are concerned, I do care about them. My Doctor says chicken is good for me to eat and I love turkey at Thanksgiving. I've even eaten quail a time or two and rock Cornish game hen. Birds have been a staple of man's diet since the Stoneage.
     When I'm at Huguenot, I marvel at the Pelicans, Ospreys and other fowls I see. My favorite bird is the Bald Eagle. They are magnificent while hunting. Yes, I do care about the birds.
     Turning to other statements you made,  I  simply stated, and I'll restate here, I'm not the only person who believes they have the right answers, merely someone with an opinion. People aren't doing the birds any favors by protecting them at Huguenot and exposing them to the deadly carcinogens spewing from the cargo/tanker/container ships entering the River at Mayport/Huguenot. Relocate the birds to a safer environment if you REALLY wish to protect them. That will give them a better chance to live.
     If you feel that engaging in discussion with me is pointless, then perhaps you may wish to cease replying to me or posting here in the future. I'm just saying.......

[JettyDog]

J.D. you don't give a Damn about the Birds you're a "Kite Surfer" this is the Only Reason you care about Huguenot Park. I remember back in June I stopped talking to you "So in closing go ahead and believe you're the ONLY person who has the Right Answers. I'm done!" Hey the City of Jacksonville needs to cut Five Million more from the budget maybe Huguenot Park should be closed down for a couple of years to give the Birds you care so much about a better chance to live. I know engaging in a discussion with you is just about pointless. But from time to time giving a Jetty Dog a bone is good for the soul. 

If_I_Loved_You,
      if you quit talking to me back in June, why in the World are you addressing me now? You are a bewildering creature, at best. Kitester is right. I'm no kite surfer, although I do admit taking a lesson or two from him. I am a kayaker, if you must apply a title or label to me. I'm a nature/beach enthusiast.There's another label for you.
      As far as birds are concerned, I do care about them. My Doctor says chicken is good for me to eat and I love turkey at Thanksgiving. I've even eaten quail a time or two and rock Cornish game hen. Birds have been a staple of man's diet since the Stoneage.
     When I'm at Huguenot, I marvel at the Pelicans, Ospreys and other fowls I see. My favorite bird is the Bald Eagle. They are magnificent while hunting. Yes, I do care about the birds.
     Turning to other statements you made,  I  simply stated, and I'll restate here, I'm not the only person who believes they have the right answers, merely someone with an opinion. People aren't doing the birds any favors by protecting them at Huguenot and exposing them to the deadly carcinogens spewing from the cargo/tanker/container ships entering the River at Mayport/Huguenot. Relocate the birds to a safer environment if you REALLY wish to protect them. That will give them a better chance to live.
     If you feel that engaging in discussion with me is pointless, then perhaps you may wish to cease replying to me or posting here in the future. I'm just saying.......

Springfielder, If_I Loved_You,
  If my care and love for the birds is in question, then you should ask Park Personnel about the Pelican I helped out. I approached the beach one day last year, seeing Park personnel holding what I thot was a piece of driftwood, only to discover it was a Pelican, whose wing was hooked with a triple hook, double ended fishing lure to it's body at the wing .
The Park person , whose name escapes me at the moment,  asked if I had a pair of dykes to cut the lure, to which I replied,  I might have something to cut the lure with, which I did and we did, freeing the Pelican from the fishing lure. He then , subsequently  took the pelican up to BEAKS for rehab. So , I  DO CARE For the birds at Huguenot . What have either of you done for the birds out there lately,  like that?

[Springfielder]

and...I questioned your care and/or love of birds, when?

[JettyDog]

and...I questioned your care and/or love of birds, when?

Springfielder, you are right. That was primarily directed towards If_I_Loved_You, but , you didn't answer my question. Instead, you chose to duck it by asking another question. I'll ask again: What have you done for the birds out there lately,  like that? It's simple to answer, either something or nothing. I'm just asking......

[Springfielder]

and...I questioned your care and/or love of birds, when?

Springfielder, you are right. That was primarily directed towards If_I_Loved_You, but , you didn't answer my question. Instead, you chose to duck it by asking another question. I'll ask again: What have you done for the birds out there lately,  like that? It's simple to answer, either something or nothing. I'm just asking......

I'm not sure what my involvement with birds is of your concern, as I have not asked for your credentials. However, I am and always have been an advocate for wildlife, which of course, includes birds.

I'm an avid birder, am also active in many organizations and am personally involved in maintaining bird habitats, including one at an elementary school, in which the students in the autistic program are directly involved with the daily care and maintenance of the habitat. My program/habitat was recognized by Cornell University's Ornithology Department and received national exposure, as well as local media recognition.