Name: Lights Out Northeast FL Update & An Introduction to the new UF Bird Observatory!
Start: 2025-09-15T18:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-15T20:00:00-04:00
Location: Tillie K Fowler Regional Park

Lights Out Northeast FL Update & An Introduction to the new UF Bird Observatory!

This program will take place in the Nature Center building (at right in photo) at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park. Refreshments will be provided from 6:00 to 6:30pm.
We are excited to host this complementary, two-part program starting at 6:15 PM.
Part 1 from 6:15-7:00pm
Speakers: Duval Audubon Vice-President Elizabeth Filippelli & Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Curator Mike Taylor
This program's goal is to connect with our community and provide education about the perils to birds of artificial light pollution at night and reflective window glass, as well as the many simple solutions to address these perils. You will learn about and see the new Acopian Bird Saver Cords that are installed on the windows of the Nature Center. Mike and Elizabeth will do a quick demonstration on this amazing and easy DIY to help birds avoid reflective glass. A sign up sheet will be available to a future Acopian Bird Savers DIY Workshop. It's a "how to" create your own Acopian Bird Savers and take them home to use on your reflective windows.
Part 2 from 7:00-8:00pm
Speaker Charlie Muise, Director of UF Bird Observatory
Since 1992, Charlie Muise has banded over 40,000 birds of more than 100 species across the eastern U.S.
This year, a group of researchers at the University of Florida hired him to kickstart the new University of Florida Bird Observatory (UFBO).
The goals of the observatory are to train graduate and undergraduate students, assist with permitting and logistics of various projects, conduct public outreach and education, and collect samples for multiple investigators, all while conducting statistically valid research into bird populations.
Charlie will give an update on the first few months of this endeavor, including current and continuing projects, as well as some future possibilities. He will explain how it fits into current research and outreach programs and talk about the need for volunteers and support from local birders.