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All:
While it might be tempting to invoke neonicotinoids in the decline of Starlings, the Black-capped Chickadee, surely the feeder seed-eater par excellence, has increased here almost five-fold per CBC party-hour during the same period, and others (Mourning Dove, N. Cardinal) have spread to and increased here, doubtless assisted by winter feeding.
Some have argued that Starlings thrived on garbage - now better managed - so maybe my initial
'concern' was misplaced.
Ian McLaren
________________________________________
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca <naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca> on behalf of John and Nhung <nhungjohn@eastlink.ca>
Sent: April 6, 2016 2:30 PM
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: RE: [NatureNS] starlings - bird feed seed treatment
Thanks, folks, for starting this discussion.
I'd like to know a lot more about this, in an easily-digested way!
-----Original Message-----
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca]
On Behalf Of Stephen Shaw
Sent: April 6, 2016 1:55 PM
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] starlings - bird feed seed treatment
Hi Mary,
But who certifies that seeds are neonic-free? Reading the very brief ABC
link that you quote, ABC says that they have requested assurance from the
two largest seed producers that their products are neonicotinoid-free. ABC
obviously has not received such assurances (yet?) or would have said so, so
they can't clarify this issue. Reading the back of a couple of my seed
bags, even the origin of the seeds is not clear/vague ('domestic and
imported', original supplier not given), and says nothing about pesticide
content.
Surprising to me, the ABC link says that eating a single treated seed is
sufficient to kill a bird, but gives no supporting information/references.
You obviously follow this more than most of us - is this level of
sensitivity well established, and are there supporting links/references?
Vertebrates are allegedly much less sensitive to such pesticides than are
some invertebrates (insects), but perhaps that is not true for neonics?
Steve (Hfx)
On Apr 6, 2016, at 11:09 AM, Mary Macaulay <marymacaulay@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have also noticed a precipitous drop in starlings. Not only do they
> need insects in the spring to feed their young but they're also very
> dependent on backyard feeders. Bird seed is not safe for birds anymore
> unless certified to be so. The component seeds are mostly grown using
> neinicotinoid seed treatments. Here's a link to the American Bird
> Conservancy's warning
> https://abcbirds.org/article/conservation-group-seeks-assurance-that-w
> ild-bird-seed-products-are-pesticide-free/
>
> With kindest regards
>
> Mary (Macaulay), P.Eng.
> Queen Bee, Insect Recovery Project
> Owner, Remember Adventures
> Pedal Buggy & snowshoe rentals, picnics, great bird friendly coffee,
breakfast & pasta, pollinator meadow, games & more!!
> (Open Wed to Sunday: 8:30 am)
> 365 Main Street & Station Road
> Trans-Canada Trail
> Tatamagouche
> RememberAdventures.ca & InsectRecovery.org
> 1-902-657-0054
> Twitter @RememberTata & @InsectRecovery
---
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