Page 4 - PGA Community News - January '22

Page 4, PGA C.A.N.! January 2022 January 2022
Northern Notes

Snowbirds form broad, diffuse waves that merge
When migrants start moving, they

By Katie Roundtree, into great “rivers” of birds. The four
Director of Finance and main North American “rivers,” or
Administration, Northern “flyways,” are known as the Pacific,
Palm Beach County Central, Mississippi and Atlantic.
Improvement District Florida is the southernmost point
Snowbirds (an affectionate within the United States on the
name for a subspecies of Atlantic flyway. The bird species in
Homo sapiens) flock to these great bird-rivers in the sky pass
Florida each winter from all specific spots on the map at more or
around the world; many can less predictable times. For instance,
be spotted enjoying Florida’s when spring’s first yellow warblers,
great outdoors as well as which winter from southern Mexico
shops and restaurants in the area. However, there are true south to Peru and Brazil, return
migratory birds of the feathered species that visit or pass northward each year they reach
through south Florida during the cooler months. southern California and southern
Annually many bird species migrate as their food Florida around April 1. By May 1,
supply disappears, water sources freeze, shelter options their “northern front” lies along a
lessen, and daylight hours reduce. Migration cannot line running between Washington
begin, however, until the young birds have fledged in their State and New York State. By June 1,
breeding range and all birds have eaten extra food for the they’ve reached the Arctic region of northern Canada. NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
long journey. Many species double their weight to fuel Enjoy the cooler temperatures of the Florida winters and waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays, using
their migration. Purple martins, as an example, eat three get out and try to spot some of these transients. There are up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen
times their weight in mosquitoes in a day in preparation many preserves and natural areas that attract birds this time levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures can
for the trip. of year. These areas are rich in food sources and attract birds kill fish. Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed
Generally, birds migrate when the weather and as either a destination or stopover on the way to areas further and algae growth. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and
atmospheric structure are good. This means winds are south, like the Caribbean or South America; similar to our green – unattractive for boating and fishing. Perhaps most
blowing in the direction that they are headed, and tailwinds cruise ship ports attracting visitors cruising to points south. importantly, pet waste carries diseases that make water unsafe
are available to increase their speeds. Navigational options Happy travels! for humans and animals alike.
for birds include the use of the stars, sun, and internal
sensitivity to the Earth’s magnetic field as their compass. “Service is our number one priority”
They also learn routes from other birds.
Birds using powered flight that involves continuous 561-743-0070
flapping and a level course through the air are often
nocturnal migrants. At night the air is calmer or more www.palmspoolservices.com
stable and predators are fewer. These can be viewed
with a telescope as they pass by the light of a full moon.
Soaring birds, on the other hand, prefer daylight when
they can ride thermals of rising hot air. (Source: South
Florida Audubon Society)

Commissioner’s Update from page 1

boundary of Carlin Park, is underway. This project
will fully restore the dune and beach, provide storm
protection, recreational opportunities, and sea turtle
nesting habitat.
Construction commenced on the C-51 reservoir
located on Southern Boulevard near 20-mile bend. Expires 1/31/22.
This storm water storage facility, which is a phased
project, will help with water flows during the dry State Licensed & Insured
season, enhance flood protection and water quality, Serving Palm Beach County CPC # 1457468 • LPG#30099
help combat saltwater intrusion, and assist in the
restoration of the Loxahatchee River and the Lake
Worth Lagoon.
The commission passed amendments to
the Floating Structures Ordinance to prohibit
the improper anchoring or mooring of floating
structures in waters of the county. When people
improperly anchor or abandon floating structures,
this can create navigational hazards, result
in the discharge of harmful releases into the
waterways, and negatively affect nearby residences.
Enforcement of the ordinance will apply to cities
and unincorporated areas of the county.
Numerous roadway improvements, traffic-
control device installations, and sidewalk and bike
path projects are in process in District 1, which will
enhance driver and pedestrian safety.
Recently, the commission approved on the first
of two public readings, an amendment to the Unified • Screen Doors & Window Screens
Land Development Code that would allow a hotel • Hardware Repacement
or motel as a conditional use within a commercial • Impact/Non-Impact Glass
pod of a planned unit development. Some golf • Custom Frameless Showers
clubs have suffered financial decline, and this use
would allow a club owner to maintain the overall
golf operations rather than sell off portions of the
golf course for redevelopment of housing.
Perhaps most rewarding for me in this role is the 561-653-0100
opportunity to meet constituents and neighborhood
groups to learn about the issues that are important to
you. Even if I do not immediately have the answer Buy 1 & Get The 2nd
to your problem, I, and my staff are dedicated to $
investigating and working with county departments 50 OFF
to develop solutions.
Please contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email Bear Industry Screen
at mmarino@pbcgov.org, and let me know how I
can assist you. 2/12/22. 2/12/22. 2/12/22. 2/12/22.