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Very good point, David. I went to a presentation where alternate swift =
nesting site designs got discussed. Sounds as if they are creatures of =
habit, but yup, it=E2=80=99s very advisable to put up intended =
=E2=80=9Cnew=E2=80=9D sites near the old ones before said old ones =
disappear. Sounds as if it=E2=80=99s also advisable to take into =
account existing knowledge in designing and building said new sites.
=20
Otherwise, point taken re. can of worms, but one must opine!
=20
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca =
[mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of David & Alison =
Webster
Sent: August-04-14 9:17 PM
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Fwd: Grey squirrel
=20
Hi Donna, John & All, Aug 4, 2014
This question of 'ecological corrections' opens up a can of worms =
that, as Dr. Suess might have said, is so wide and so long and so deep =
and so tall, I can't talk about it , I can't talk at all.
=20
But the subject of predation of bird eggs or young leads to a =
question about Swifts. Presumably the typical strategy of Swift nesting, =
large hollow trees, followed by chimneys and (most recently) the =
uppermost dark parts of unused barns reflects predation avoidance (high =
and/or dark being perceived as more safe than low and/or exposed to =
light). And even that abandoned dug well was likely dark and high in a =
negative sense.
=20
Has any attempt been made to test Swift artificial nesting chambers =
of minimalist design ? Successful nesting in the upper reaches of a =
barn, where it would get very hot on a sunny day (I have been there =
stowing hay), and cold on a windy night with rain, suggests that the =
temperature stability provided by chimneys and large trees is not =
critical. Perhaps all they need is a rough plank structure that, from =
suitable cues, they can recognize as being safe enough from predators to =
use.
=20
It could take two decades to come up with a practicable and =
affordable chamber design so this should not be left until the last =
minute.=20
=20
If natural nesting sites are sufficiently abundant then why are =
Swifts nesting in barns ? Is the number of suitable barns expect to =
increase or decrease with time ?
Yt, Dave Webster, Kentville
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Donna Crossland <mailto:dcrossland@eastlink.ca> =20
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca=20
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2014 6:41 PM
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
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2014.0.4716 / Virus Database: 3986/7981 - Release Date: =
08/04/14
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body bgcolor=3Dwhite =
lang=3DEN-CA link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple><div class=3DWordSection1><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Very good point, David.=C2=A0 I went to a presentation where =
alternate swift nesting site designs got discussed.=C2=A0 Sounds as if =
they are creatures of habit, but yup, it=E2=80=99s very advisable to put =
up intended =E2=80=9Cnew=E2=80=9D sites near the old ones before said =
old ones disappear.=C2=A0 Sounds as if it=E2=80=99s also advisable to =
take into account existing knowledge in designing and building said new =
sites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Otherwise, point taken re. can of worms, but one must =
opine!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div =
style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm =
0cm 0cm'><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span>=
</b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> =
naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] =
<b>On Behalf Of </b>David & Alison Webster<br><b>Sent:</b> =
August-04-14 9:17 PM<br><b>To:</b> =
naturens@chebucto.ns.ca<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NatureNS] Fwd: Grey =
squirrel<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=3DMsoNormal>Hi =
Donna, John & All, =
=
Aug 4, =
2014<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=3DMsoNormal> =
This question of 'ecological corrections' opens up a can of worms that, =
as Dr. Suess might have said, is so wide and so long and so deep and so =
tall, I can't talk about it , I can't talk at =
all.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> But the subject of =
predation of bird eggs or young leads to a question about Swifts. =
Presumably the typical strategy of Swift nesting, large hollow =
trees, followed by chimneys and (most recently) the uppermost dark =
parts of unused barns reflects predation avoidance (high and/or dark =
being perceived as more safe than low and/or exposed =
to light). And even that abandoned dug well was likely dark =
and high in a negative sense.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> Has any attempt been made =
to test Swift artificial nesting chambers of minimalist design =
? Successful nesting in the upper reaches of a barn, where it would get =
very hot on a sunny day (I have been there stowing hay), and cold on a =
windy night with rain, suggests that the temperature stability provided =
by chimneys and large trees is not critical. Perhaps all they need is a =
rough plank structure that, from suitable cues, they can recognize =
as being safe enough from predators to use.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> It could take two decades to come =
up with a practicable and affordable chamber design so this should not =
be left until the last minute. <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal> If natural nesting sites are =
sufficiently abundant then why are Swifts nesting in barns ? Is the =
number of suitable barns expect to increase or decrease with time =
?<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=3DMsoNormal>Yt, Dave Webster, =
Kentville<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote =
style=3D'border:none;border-left:solid black 1.5pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm =
4.0pt;margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:=
5.0pt'><div><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>----- =
Original Message ----- <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'background:#E4E4E4'><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>From:</span><=
/b><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <a =
href=3D"mailto:dcrossland@eastlink.ca" =
title=3D"dcrossland@eastlink.ca">Donna Crossland</a> =
<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To:</span></b=
><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <a =
href=3D"mailto:naturens@chebucto.ns.ca" =
title=3D"naturens@chebucto.ns.ca">naturens@chebucto.ns.ca</a> =
<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Sent:</span><=
/b><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> =
Monday, August 04, 2014 6:41 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Subject:</spa=
n></b><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> =
RE: [NatureNS] Fwd: Grey squirrel<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>A solid question to forward to the group, =
Richard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>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. =
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>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, =
<u>squirrels</u> 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(?).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Donna Crossland (<i>We are flying squirrel friendly =
folks!</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div =
style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm =
0cm 0cm'><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span>=
</b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> <a =
href=3D"mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca">naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.=
ca</a> [<a =
href=3D"mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca">mailto:naturens-owner@chebu=
cto.ns.ca</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Richard Stern<br><b>Sent:</b> =
August-04-14 9:21 AM<br><b>To:</b> NatureNS<br><b>Subject:</b> =
[NatureNS] Fwd: Grey squirrel<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Any thoughts? =
<o:p></o:p></p><p>Richard Stern <br><a =
href=3D"mailto:Sternrichard@gmail.com">Sternrichard@gmail.com</a><br>Sent=
from my Android device <o:p></o:p></p><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal>---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: =
"Mander" <<a =
href=3D"mailto:mmander@ns.sympatico.ca">mmander@ns.sympatico.ca</a>><b=
r>Date: Aug 4, 2014 9:06 AM<br>Subject: Grey squirrel<br>To: =
"Richard Stern" <<a =
href=3D"mailto:sternrichard@gmail.com">sternrichard@gmail.com</a>><br>=
Cc: <br><br>Richard<br><br>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.<br><br>Mark<br><br>Sent from my =
iPad<o:p></o:p></p></div><p>No virus found in this message.<br>Checked =
by AVG - www.avg.com<br>Version: =
2014.0.4716 / Virus Database: 3986/7981 - Release Date: =
08/04/14<o:p></o:p></p></blockquote></div></body></html>
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