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Backyard Feeding
EnviroMinute
Ask Dr. Bird
The Headlines
Spring is almost here! I know we are probably in for a few more winter storms, but I’m enjoying this thaw and thought I would start putting up some nestboxes/platforms. Backyard feeding this week is just a reminder to check out nestwatch.org to see what nestboxes you should be putting up in your area. John Petrus has another interesting question for Dr. Bird – are birds aware of what they are eating? Of course! But it’s still surprising to learn HOW aware they really are. On this week’s EnviroMinute, we visit one of the local elementary schools to learn about how they are trying to get kids involved in a new birdfeeding project and see how excited the kids are about birds!
David participates in the headlines this week offering his input about a controversial paper published at the end of January. The paper deals with the idea that certain types of raptors in Australia will intentionally spread wildfires by carrying burning branches to forests and dropping them so they can flush out the prey and gorge themselves. The idea isn’t new, and is a big part of aboriginal mythology, but it’s never actually been proven, and David is a bit skeptical. We also learn about the Canebrake Wren and how it has to teach its young not to interrupt while mom and dad are talking, and also about a group of researchers who are trying to prove the Pink Flamingo is native to Florida, and hopefully get it protected.
Have a great week everyone!
Tatsiana:
Let me know how the robin platforms work out. My parents have one, but more years that not the crows come and destroy the nest. I am not certain if they have ever fledged a brood. I am surprised being so tight up under the house eaves, the crows can even access the platform.
Wow, that’s really sad. I didn’t think that Crows would dare come that close to a house. I’ll definitely keep an eye on them! I’m also going to take down most of my bird feeders. I only keep a few in the summer.
Tatsiana:
Like Brome’s school idea. Good friends own the Home Hardware in Lorette MB. Here is a posting from Dave’s HH page on Facebook regarding the community bird project they are doing with elementary schools in town:
“The cat’s officially out of the bag! I’ve been alluding to birds over the last few weeks, and today I want to announce our latest community project. Lorette Home Hardware has hatched a plan with the three elementary schools in Lorette to provide students with a free bird feeder. We will be giving away up to 1000 bird feeders in February and March, but as with many things, there is a slight catch. In order to prevent bird feeders from going home and ending up under a bed, or on a table and not being used, we are asking that interested students buy a 4kg bag of bird seed for $3 (our cost). For the bean counters in the crowd, the bird feeder normally retails for $15 and the bird seed is $8. The schools are setting some of the parameters for this project, but rest assured, our goal is to place as many new bird feeders in the community as possible.”
Dave spoke to me in ealry Janaury around teh idea1000 bird feeders in the small town will go a long way. Not high end feeders, but good enough for black oil seeds, and hopefully the kids develop an appreciation for feeding birds. They can move on to the Brome products later. 🙂
Related to the bird feeder project, Dave and the schools have arranged with the MB Wildlife Rehabilitation Organisation to bring some of their residential birds (too injured to ever be released) out for presentations. The kids will learn a bit of science, ornithology and environmental education around birds and bird feeding.
Hi Warren, what a great idea for a small town! Please send my best to Dave. He can also get in touch with me. We might ship a few refurbished feeders to help their cause.