L.A. LOOKS Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Black-necked Stilt is a large, flashy shorebird that graces Lake Ashton with its presence in Spring and early Summer when they arrive to nest. The shallow nest is usually along the shore. Stilts favor the retention ponds on the West Course. This gregarious black and white shorebird has bubblegum pink legs and flies with them fully extended and will make much noise if the nest or young are too closely approached. The male and female are nearly identical, but the female is actually a very dark brown on the back. It's a real treat to see them gather the young under their breasts. This is one shorebird that not only will perform a broken-wing act to lure predators away, but can also put on an unequaled broken-leg act. Using the golf cart as a blind is one of the best ways to observe them without disturbing them. ROAD CONSTRUCTION NOTICE Pavement work on Turnberry Lane will start on October 1. There will be minimal impact to most residents October 1 — 3, with the road open from each end but not to thru traffic. Starting the week of October 6, no vehicles can be parked on the road. Tuesday, October 7 through Friday, October 10, residents should expect minimal to no access to the roadway, barring emergencies. Late Friday, October 10, the road is scheduled to be complete and open to traffic. This schedule is subject to weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, and 14 Why is the algae in my pond not being treated? LACDD staff works closely with our aquatics contractor to ensure all treatments are being completed. During the summer months algae are fueled from the warm waters, sunny days, and large amounts of rain. Rain allows for “runoff” to seep into the ponds which provide food for unwanted plants, like algae. The aquatics technician is allowed to treat the ponds with approved chemicals and the frequency is determined by Southwest Florida Water Management District. This frequency is every 2 weeks. My pond is full — will there be flooding if we have a hurricane? Each pond Lake Ashton CDD owns is designed to prevent flooding. Residents may notice a concrete structure in their pond. This man-made concrete structure is called an outfall structure. This is the discharge point for stormwater that prevents flooding and overflowing. Are algae blooms harmful? Algae are a natural component of the aquatic food chain and are not typically harmful to people. When will my pond begin to look better? The Fall and Winter months help substantially in reducing algae blooms. Cooler weather and less rain make pond conditions less desirable for algae to thrive. Email Matt Fisher at mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com with any questions or concerns. resident cooperation in keeping the road clear. Schedule changes will be communicated via electronic media. Please ensure you are signed up to receive email blasts (see page 11 for instructions). Residents who will be impacted will receive a letter in the mail in the coming weeks with more information. FAQS ABOUT RETENTION PONDS DURING SUMMER
15 Publizr Home