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I realize that the consequences of =E2=80=9Cecological =
corrections=E2=80=9D are not always predictable. Sometimes, they are =
still advisable. =20
=20
If we humans had a more flexible attitude towards utilizing overly =
abundant species, we=E2=80=99d contribute a lot more to the good old =
ecological balance. Turning liabilities into assets has always made =
sense, in my experience. Raccoons, porcupines, white-tailed deer, =
Canada geese, and chain pickerel, for instance, are all quite palatable, =
but a lot of us would have to get over some irrational attitudes first. =
=20
Haven=E2=80=99t eaten seal yet, but the same applies to grey seals. We =
can go on about an absence of evidence of effects on fish stocks, but as =
Donald Rumsfeld wisely (Really!) once said, =E2=80=9CThe absence of =
evidence is not evidence of absence.=E2=80=9D I=E2=80=99d be inclined =
to listen to fishermen, and go for a cull. I wish we could make better =
use of the harvest.
=20
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca =
[mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of Donna Crossland
Sent: August-04-14 6:42 PM
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: RE: [NatureNS] Fwd: Grey squirrel
=20
A solid question to forward to the group, Richard.
=20
It triggers several thoughts from me. My husband carries out =
=E2=80=98ecological corrections=E2=80=99 here on occasion, in hopes of =
tipping the odds slightly more in favor of nesting forest birds, as well =
as swallow spp, etc. You will already be aware of some of the thoughts =
I write here, but thanks for the opportunity to reiterate some of my =
concerns as they relate to the decline of some bird species. =20
=20
Squirrels, raccoons, ... their numbers are elevated from human =
activities, from forest fragmentation to human-provided food sources. =
We use a variety of means to avoid enhancing populations of squirrels, =
blue jays, raccoons, etc. (We have many neighbours who still throw all =
food refuse behind their out-buildings. This activity mixed with =
farming activities have caused some populations to thrive while =
impacting other species.) The Nature of Things produced a documentary =
several years ago (perhaps most remember it better than I), and pointed =
to the elevated populations of raccoons, squirrels and blue jays, etc, =
contributing to the decline of some song birds. Both species of =
squirrels can and do consume eggs and young of nesting birds. The blue =
jay is probably an unusual prey item for the grey squirrel, but the =
jay=E2=80=99s bold behaviour around feeders likely makes them vulnerable =
to this new predator(?).
=20
With regards to grey squirrels, I=E2=80=99ve found them released in both =
Kouchibouguac and Kejimkujik National Parks, far away from the nearest =
populations of grey squirrels. The source is most likely from folks =
live-trapping them in backyards, then releasing them in =E2=80=9Cnice =
homes=E2=80=9D in national parks, where they can establish and create an =
added stressor to forest ecosystems. This sparks concerns on several =
levels.
=20
On a similar note, I have long been concerned with folks feeding =
squirrels, particularly in campgrounds, surrounded by =
=E2=80=98natural=E2=80=99 forest ecosystems (a dwindling resource). =
Many campgrounds have elevated squirrel populations. During springtime, =
prior to the arrival of high numbers of campers, hungry squirrels and =
raccoons must feed on something. Eggs and young birds pay the price for =
well-intentioned, but harmful human impacts caused by feeding peanuts to =
squirrels, marshmallows to raccoons, etc. It is challenging to find =
ways to urge folks to choose other ways to cure the nature deficit =
disorder. These actions are sometimes followed by complaints of chewed =
tent screens and severed wires to important vehicle lights, committed by =
the same mammals that they had been feeding during the weekend camping =
excursion. =20
=20
It may be considered futile (or wrong by some) to carry out backyard =
=E2=80=98ecological corrections=E2=80=99, particularly without objective =
research to justify the outcomes. However, I believe that such =
initiatives may have decreased nest predation in our woodlot, and may =
have assisted in the success of our nesting saw-whets (produced four =
fledglings) last spring. =20
=20
Donna Crossland (We are flying squirrel friendly folks!)
=20
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca =
[mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of Richard Stern
Sent: August-04-14 9:21 AM
To: NatureNS
Subject: [NatureNS] Fwd: Grey squirrel
=20
Any thoughts?=20
Richard Stern=20
Sternrichard@gmail.com
Sent from my Android device=20
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Mander" <mmander@ns.sympatico.ca>
Date: Aug 4, 2014 9:06 AM
Subject: Grey squirrel
To: "Richard Stern" <sternrichard@gmail.com>
Cc:=20
Richard
I thought I was seeing things, so I thought I would check with you. I =
heard a blue jay squawking then saw a grey squirrel carrying it up a =
tree. I could not get my camera in time to take a picture.
Mark
Sent from my iPad
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