“Where are the birds this winter? Almost none at our feeders.” I’ve heard this from several of my neighbors. Same for my three feeders. Almost no activity this winter, save for a few Juncos (snow birds) and a pair of cardinals. No blue jays, nuthatches, finches, not even any chickadees—we always had chickadees.
So what’s going on? Are the birds able to find feed on their own? Are they locating the feeders with the higher quality bird feed, and ignoring my less expensive fare?
Or aren’t there as many birds wintering in Wisconsin these days? I did a little “online” looking and discovered some research from Cornell University on bird numbers. I found some disturbing information.
Cornell researchers reported, “Wild bird populations in the continental U.S. and Canada have declined by almost 30 percent since 1970.” Some specific examples: since 1970, we have lost one in four Blue Jays, one in three Baltimore Orioles, one in three Juncos, one in four Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks and many more similar examples. . . . The scale of loss portrayed in the Science Study is unlike anything recorded in modern natural history.” The reason for the loss according to the researchers, “. . . our human-altered landscapes are losing their ability to support birdlife.” We are losing fence rows and marshes, natural prairies and open spaces and more—all home for songbirds.
There have been some gains. Waterfowl have increased by 50%, Raptors (hawks, eagles) have increased by 200% and the wild turkey population has increased by 200%.
THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Seems like we better start thinking about stopping this kill-off of our songbirds.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, March 21, 1:30, Columbus Community Center, Columbus, WI Sponsored by Columbus Public Library and Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
Saturday, April 11, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Speaking at 3:00) Middleton Library.
WHERE TO BUY MY BOOKS AND DVDS.
Read about winter in my book, The Quiet Season (Wisconsin Historical Society Press)
It is available from the Friends of the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose—a fundraiser for them. Phone: 920-622-3835 for prices and ordering.
Patterson Memorial Library
500 Division Street, Wild Rose, WI 54984
barnard@wildroselibrary
www.wilroselibrary.org
If you live in the western part of the state, stop at Ruth's home town, Westby and visit Dregne's. They have a good selection of my books for sale, or by calling them at 1-877-634-441. Or, visit your local bookstore.
1 comment:
Jerry,
In the days of my youth I vividly remember the Meadowlarks and Bobolinks when bringing the cows back home from pasture. Now, with 5 hay crops a summer there is no time (or room)for songbirds. How much more can we possibly squeeze out of Mother Earth?
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