In 1944, the Bird Club became the first local Audubon chapter in the United States.

Excess height vanquished, she went back to school - Hunter College - for a master's in urban planning, which led to a job as the first paid director if the local Audubon chapter from 1993 to 1998.

Volunteers pay $5 to get up at the crack of dawn, bundle into warm clothing, take their binoculars and drive to the local Audubon chapter or bird club where they have signed on as bird counters.

The $5 helps to publish American Birds, the annual record of the counts compiled by the National Audubon Society and available in libraries and for sale through Audubon chapters at $10.

"with additions by Sunny Walter and local Audubon chapters."

Mr. Frost, the former national park superintendent, who is now associated with the local Audubon chapter, said: "Biscayne Bay is teetering.

To find swamps near you, get in touch with an Audubon chapter or similar organization.

The Nature Conservancy and the local Audubon chapter maintain several short hiking trails through its gentle hills and dense woodland.

In terms of acreage, it is the largest Audubon chapter in the state.

Walter, Sunny and local Audubon chapters (updated 10 February 2006).