February 2020
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Where have all the birds gone?
Nuthatch
By Ron Reid Many of you have been noting that your bird feeders seem a bit lonely this winter, with fewer visitors than in past years. Well, you’re not wrong. There are several factors at play here, some very broad in scale, and some closer to home. First, and most worrisome, is a continentwide ongoing reduction in bird populations. A study by Cornell University published last year concluded that North America currently has 3 BILLION fewer birds than in 1970. Many of the population declines are happening to common species such as Meadowlarks and Juncos, with most of our local birds included in this discouraging list. The only groups that are increasing their populations are hawks and eagles, which are recovering due to tighter controls on toxic chemicals, and waterfowl, which are responding to the restoration of wetland breeding habitats. No single cause stands our as the culprit for the staggering loss of numbers for most birds. Habitat destruction is an important part, especially for grassland birds which are being squeezed out by more intensive agriculture. Since most birds migrate south for the winter, habitat loss in the tropics also affects our birds. Another huge issue
© Can Stock Photo / Gucio55
is the decline in insect life which provides essential food for young birds, a change that is likely linked to climate change. Predation by cats is a problem for many species, especially as more people living in the countryside means more cats. At this time of year, it is important to remember that only a few bird species actually stay with us during the cold months, plus a few more like Snow Buntings
Paul Cleary B.B.A. BROKER
705-327-6002
paul@paulcleary.com
that migrate south into this area. These are birds that can survive on seeds and frozen berries. When weather conditions create a heavy crop of wild foods, as happened in 2019, fewer birds may visit your feeders simply because they don’t need to. At the same time, a heavy cone crop on the spruces and pines of northern Ontario means that very few finches come south Continued on page 6
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