This and That in
the Wildlife World
By June Hitchcox
Atlas tallies are coming
in and being compared with the first Breeding Bird Atlas 1981-85.
A number of species are on the increase: Merlin; Bald Eagle; Eastern
Bluebird; Winter Wren with its cheery song; White-winged Crossbills,
among others. Other species appear to be on the decline, some of
those being: Common Nighthawk; Swifts; most species of Swallows;
Killdeer; Whip-poor-will; Purple Martin.
It is good news that a large Rice Lake birdhouse colony of Martins
have had a bumper year with 34 families having an average of 4 young
each. These Martins did best in large houses in the colony with
a floor area for each cell 7"x11" with the standard entry
hole size of a little over 2".
Some species are extending their breeding range into our
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area from the south. Don't be surprised
to see Great Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, Wild Turkeys and Red-bellied
Woodpeckers with their hood of red and a red tinge to the belly. For
those who take pleasure in nature, time spent at the nearby Petroglyphs
Provincial Park with Naturalist David Bree is very enjoyable. David
is knowledgeable about all nature with a special interest in butterflies
and moths. He has seen very few Monarch Butterflies this season and
has only found one chrysalis. He reports that the Gray Jays are back
at the Park for the winter. This species is getting more difficult
to find in our area. If you go to the Park, take along some birdseed
and they will come to you for a handout. David saw a Hognosed Snake
near the Park. People think this rare and getting rarer, harmless
snake is dangerous. It looks somewhat like a Rattlesnake without the
rattles. Ontario has only one |
venomous snake - the Massasauga Rattlesnake
- and it is found along the Great Lakes, not in our area. The Hognose
is a great bluffer - will hiss loudly and spread its neck in cobra
fashion if frightened and may even strike - but with mouth closed!
If this doesn't work, it will roll over an play dead, mouth agape
and tongue out - what an actor! It is sometimes known as "Puff
Adder", "Spreading Adder" or "Sand Viper"
and other dangerous-sounding names and these, along with its fearsome
little act, are leading to its extinction. Hopefully, education regarding
its harmless nature will let it survive.
I am moving in October - back to the Oakville area. It has been a
great pleasure hearing from so many people about their birding experiences
- my thanks. My e-mail address will remain the same (hitchbob@sympatico.ca)
if anyone wishes to keep in touch.
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