Wildlife JOINT AMENITY FACI L ITIES POLICY HIGHLIGHT Corner by Barbara Ann Comer The Roseate Spoonbill is a really flashy bird that can be found at Lake Ashton most frequently in the summer after breeding birds have dispersed. These large pink wading birds are often mistakenly identified as flamingos. The only expected pink bird at Lake Ashton (and in most of Florida) is the Roseate Spoonbill. It can vary quite a bit in color from pale pink to hot pink! Unlike flamingos the color of the Spoonbill has nothing to do with diet and everything to do with age. Males and females are identical in plumage and females are just as bright as the males as they age. The Spoonbill is named for its bill with a flattened, spoon-shaped tip. They swing their bills from side to side in shallow water while feeding on small fish, crustaceans and insects. They fly with their legs and necks outstretched. Places to see them at Lake Ashton include any body of water, but they seem to especially favor the stream beyond the driving range near the beginning of the West Course. Each month an excerpt from the Joint Amenity Facilities Policy will be featured in the LA Times. This month outlines the policy regarding interacting with wildlife at Lake Ashton. The full Joint Amenity Facilities Policy can be found online at lakeashtoncdd.com or lakeashton2cdd.com under "Additional District Documents". Contact Christine Wells (cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com) or Mary Bosman (mbosman@lakeashton2cdd.com) with questions. WILD LIF E 1. When using the Amenity Facilities, including especially outdoor areas and spaces, please adhere to the following guidelines in regards to non-domesticated animals (“Wildlife”): 25 I. Wildlife encountered within the Amenity Facilities should never be approached. II. Never leave small children unattended. III. Never feed wild animals, or leave food/garbage unattended. IV . Wildlife are likely to be present in all natural waters or wetlands. Please take caution and be vigilant when close to such areas. 2. The Lake Ashton Community is a natural Wildlife habitat; therefore, exercise caution and vigilance at all times. 3. Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website for more information regarding interaction with Wildlife common to Florida, found here: https://myfwc.com/ conservation/you-conserve/ wildlife/ RA B IES A LER T There have been four positive cases of rabies in the Polk County area reported this year so far. Please ensure your pets are currently vaccinated for rabies and report any suspicious acting animals you encounter to the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control at 863-577-1762. 10
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