Migration monitoring at Iona
Hello,
The link below leads to a recent paper on songbird refuelling at Iona Bird Observatory. Some sections are bit technical, but text sections are accessible and is worth reading. This paper is top shelf science, it is very good.
If you were on any of the WildResearch pelagic birding trips, you helped fund this science. I believe this peer reviewed paper is the first peer review generated from any of the migration station in BC.
Paul Levesque
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BTW, if anybody is on Twitter, there is a Twitter account for tracking the godwits migration. It’s pretty cool.
Check out @miranda_trust
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Sep 21, 2022, at 8:36 AM, Daniel Bastaja <danielbastaja@...> wrote:
Thanks so much for sharing that Perry. Super article! I knew about the migration, but the article mentions a lot of things I didn't know. Like how their organs shrink before the journey. Wow! How about the enduring mystery of how hatch year birds, having lived all of their short existence on the Alaskan tundra, can successfuly navigate across vast, trackless expanses of ocean to NZ, never having made the journey before, and with no GPS! That is just as astounding as the sheer physicality needed to make the journey.
That’s why I am always amazed at how indifferent many people are to nature. They play video games and are into virtual and augmented reality when the most bizarre, magical, beautiful (and violent) kingdom is right outside their door in the their backyard.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
On Sep 21, 2022, at 7:38 AM, PERRY EDWARDS <drchuper@...> wrote:
An excellent NY Times article on the Bar-Tailed Godwit’s epic 7000 mile flights AK - NZ.
Perry Edwards
North Vancouver
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Re: “Flight of the Godwit”
Thanks so much for sharing that Perry. Super article! I knew about the migration, but the article mentions a lot of things I didn't know. Like how their organs shrink before the journey. Wow! How about the enduring mystery of how hatch year birds, having lived all of their short existence on the Alaskan tundra, can successfuly navigate across vast, trackless expanses of ocean to NZ, never having made the journey before, and with no GPS! That is just as astounding as the sheer physicality needed to make the journey.
That’s why I am always amazed at how indifferent many people are to nature. They play video games and are into virtual and augmented reality when the most bizarre, magical, beautiful (and violent) kingdom is right outside their door in the their backyard.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Sep 21, 2022, at 7:38 AM, PERRY EDWARDS <drchuper@...> wrote:
An excellent NY Times article on the Bar-Tailed Godwit’s epic 7000 mile flights AK - NZ.
Perry Edwards
North Vancouver
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An excellent NY Times article on the Bar-Tailed Godwit’s epic 7000 mile flights AK - NZ.?
Perry EdwardsNorth Vancouver?
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The Birdcast Migration tracking site is live again.
Points to Island County, WA (Haro/Georgia Straits)
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Richard James
From an Island in the Pacific,
Victoria, BC
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Song dialects of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Reposted from the Association of Field Ornithologists.
“While interesting in itself, understanding where different dialects occur can also provide tools to study important aspects of a species’ natural history. For a species that sings both on the breeding grounds and in migration or during
winter, one can use the location and timing of these dialects to understand how and where certain populations migrate between breeding and wintering areas. This sort of migratory connectivity information can be extremely helpful to conserving a declining species
by revealing whether key challenges are occurring in the breeding area, wintering grounds, or at migratory stopover points.”
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Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
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T 604.590.7254
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
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Re: New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | UW direct link
Thanks, Pamela.? I wasn't going to read it because of the paywall and was glad to get your hassle-free link.
Valerie Fuller Delta Nature
On 08/11/22 12:32 PM, "Pamela Zevit via groups.io" <pamela.zevit@...> wrote:Thanks so much for sharing this valuable report Daniel! I hit a paywall with the Seattle Times, so tracked down the UW link. And the study in Nature is open access too! Pamela -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja via groups.io Sent: August 11, 2022 12:19 PM To: Vanbirds < [email protected]> Subject: [vanbcbirds] New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | The Seattle Times
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Cheers,
Val Fuller,
Ladner, B. C.
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Re: New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | UW direct link
Thanks Pam for posting an open access link. ??
DB
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On 2022. Aug 11., at 21:32, Pamela Zevit via groups.io <pamela.zevit@...> wrote:
?Thanks so much for sharing this valuable report Daniel! I hit a paywall with the Seattle Times, so tracked down the UW link. And the study in Nature is open access too!
Pamela
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja via groups.io
Sent: August 11, 2022 12:19 PM
To: Vanbirds <[email protected]>
Subject: [vanbcbirds] New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | The Seattle Times
;data=05%7C01%7Cpamela.zevit%40surrey.ca%7C5955b2c5214f46384f9908da7bce66ae%7Cdabca0329edf4a38812823f1c18ab2a3%7C0%7C0%7C637958423654788585%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=G8bv7vQ%2FfCJFDcnUmLyqPBpCkAyIRqN%2BsQixNcAHxDM%3D&reserved=0
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New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | UW direct link
Thanks so much for sharing this valuable report Daniel! I hit a paywall with the Seattle Times, so tracked down the UW link. And the study in Nature is open access too!
Pamela
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja via groups.io Sent: August 11, 2022 12:19 PM To: Vanbirds < [email protected]> Subject: [vanbcbirds] New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | The Seattle Times ;data=05%7C01%7Cpamela.zevit%40surrey.ca%7C5955b2c5214f46384f9908da7bce66ae%7Cdabca0329edf4a38812823f1c18ab2a3%7C0%7C0%7C637958423654788585%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=G8bv7vQ%2FfCJFDcnUmLyqPBpCkAyIRqN%2BsQixNcAHxDM%3D&reserved=0
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New UW study shows how COVID lockdowns impacted Northwest birds | The Seattle Times
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Re: Baby GBH fell from nest - Langley
Wildlife Rescue are the go-to facility. They’d advise putting it it an enclosed box in a dark quiet spot pending being able to reach them. Probably OK to give it a bit of water given the temps but no food.? Perry EdwardsNorth Vancouver? (Former WRA transport volunteer)?
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On Jul 31, 2022, at 21:05, Colin Clasen <colinclasen@...> wrote:
? Hi Sheryl, Have they tried Wildlife Rescue at Burnaby Lake? The number is 604-526-7275. Colin Clasen Coquitlam, BC On Jul 31, 2022, at 8:44 PM, sheryl martinig <sherylmartinig@...> wrote:
? Hi everyone,
My aunt found a second baby heron in Langley. Many places are closed, and someone from Vancouver was to phone her back but she hasn't heard anything yet. She gave it water and a box. Does anyone have suggestions on who to?contact or how to care for the little one?
Sheryl?
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Re: Baby GBH fell from nest - Langley
Hi Sheryl, Have they tried Wildlife Rescue at Burnaby Lake? The number is 604-526-7275. Colin Clasen
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On Jul 31, 2022, at 8:44 PM, sheryl martinig <sherylmartinig@...> wrote:
? Hi everyone,
My aunt found a second baby heron in Langley. Many places are closed, and someone from Vancouver was to phone her back but she hasn't heard anything yet. She gave it water and a box. Does anyone have suggestions on who to?contact or how to care for the little one?
Sheryl?
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Baby GBH fell from nest - Langley
Hi everyone,
My aunt found a second baby heron in Langley. Many places are closed, and someone from Vancouver was to phone her back but she hasn't heard anything yet. She gave it water and a box. Does anyone have suggestions on who to?contact or how to care for the little one?
Sheryl?
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We talked before on this forum about the movement to change bird names so no slave owners / colonialists / racists / exploiters were honored. Now one of the most venerated names in birding is on the chopping block.
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Inner ponds at Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant closed until 2026
Hi everyone,
I just spoke with the new Plant Superintednent at the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Unfortunately, he said they anticipate the inner ponds will be closed to the public, including birders, until 2026.
This is due to the ongoing maintenance required to prepare for the major upgrade to the plant.
He said if there are any temporary openings for the public before 2026, they will announce them.
Regards,
Colin Clasen
Coquitlam, BC
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Re: National avian flu outbreak launches B.C. bird feeder safety debate
Thanks for the article Pamela.
I always thought it was not good to feed the birds during breeding season (other than hummingbirds of course). That should provide a natural break, but, as you say, some people think feeding the birds has nothing to do with transmission.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Jul 21, 2022, at 7:32 PM, Pamela Zevit via groups.io <pamela.zevit@...> wrote:
Thought this might be of interest.
“ As the number of avian flu cases in B.C. climbs into the summer, the provincial SPCA is advising British Columbians to pause bird feeders and baths. But not everyone agrees.”
Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
<image001.png>
T 604.590.7254
Check out how we are conserving biodiversity in Surrey
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
<image002.png>
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National avian flu outbreak launches B.C. bird feeder safety debate
Thought this might be of interest.
?
“ As the number of avian flu cases in B.C. climbs into the summer, the provincial SPCA is advising British Columbians to pause bird feeders and baths. But not everyone agrees.”
?
Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
?
T 604.590.7254
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
?
?
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Re: VG swallow nesting failure
Thanks for the info Derek(and your good wishes Sara!)
I had allowed the house sparrows to nest in one of my two boxes this spring as well as last.? This year's sparrow family had just fledged their 4 young and were regularly foraging on our acre of yard here.? Listening to the bluebird experts in the YouTube, I'm now reconsidering... Perhaps I should be totally discouraging house sparrows, as they seem to routinely do there in Ohio.? Both chickadees and swallows have been my other nest box patrons over the years.
Glen Thomson
South Langley
Jul. 7, 2022 1:59:55 p.m. Derek Matthews <Derek@...>:
Hi Glen,
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At VARC we monitor more than 400 Mountain and Western Bluebird boxes with a team of local volunteers in Merritt. Fortunately we haven’t had a major issue with House Sparrows but one of our volunteers closer to town did and he experimented successfully with the deterrents described in this video – he said the nylon filament was particularly useful, easy and inexpensive to apply and quite effective:
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You’re right, our aerial insectivores have suffered precipitous declines and need all the help they can get!
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Hope this helps.
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Derek
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Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
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This morning I noticed a house sparrow exiting our backyard nestbox... that had been housing an increasingly noisy brood of violet green swallows.? Thinking this very much not good, I listened for any sound from the box, then climbed up and opened it to find the four very healthy, partially feathered young, dead inside.? Each of them had signs of being pecked and plucked to death...I'm assuming the house sparrow(s) had done this.??
Mostly just feeling gutted, but was there anything I could have done to avoid this tragedy?? This is the first time we've had swallows nesting for a couple years...they are so defiinitely declining :-(
Glen Thomson, South Langley
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For those of you who didn’t know Wayne Weber passed away on June 27th. For those who knew Wayne, his obituary can be seen here. ?
? The BC birding community really has lost a stalwart member and he’ll be sadly missed! ? Derek 
| Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
? ?
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Re: VG swallow nesting failure
Hi Glen, ? At VARC we monitor more than 400 Mountain and Western Bluebird boxes with a team of local volunteers in Merritt. Fortunately we haven’t had a major issue with House Sparrows but one of our volunteers closer to town did and he experimented successfully with the deterrents described in this video – he said the nylon filament was particularly useful, easy and inexpensive to apply and quite effective: ?
? You’re right, our aerial insectivores have suffered precipitous declines and need all the help they can get! ? Hope this helps. ? Derek ? 
| Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of gwthomson7@...
Sent: July 6, 2022 9:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [vanbcbirds] VG swallow nesting failure? This morning I noticed a house sparrow exiting our backyard nestbox... that had been housing an increasingly noisy brood of violet green swallows.? Thinking this very much not good, I listened for any sound from the box, then climbed up and opened it to find the four very healthy, partially feathered young, dead inside.? Each of them had signs of being pecked and plucked to death...I'm assuming the house sparrow(s) had done this.??
Mostly just feeling gutted, but was there anything I could have done to avoid this tragedy?? This is the first time we've had swallows nesting for a couple years...they are so defiinitely declining :-(
Glen Thomson, South Langley
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Pamela Zevit
Derek Matthews