Making a difference for migratory birds

Dr. Bridget Stutchbury has an excerpt from her book Silence of the Songbirds printed in the October 2007 issue of York U Magazine. It's a great piece (PDF of the issue is available here - the article is pages 24-27).

At the end is a list of things you can do to help migrating songbirds. I thought it was a great list, and hopefully she won't mind if I reproduce it here:

How You Can Make a Difference

What to do: Buy shade coffee or sustainable coffee that is organic and fairly traded.
Why: Increases tropical forest habitat for birds and other wildlife; conserves soil; provides fair profits for farmers; fewer pesticides in the environment

What to do: When buying produce from Latin America, such as bananas and pineapples, choose organic when available
Why: Reduces the amount of dangerous pesticide use in the tropics; fewer birds killed; safer for farmers and consumers

What to do: Buy organic, or avoid altogether when possible the North American crops that post the greatest risk to birds: alfalfa, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, celery, corn, cotton, cranberries, potatoes and wheat
Why: Reduces the amount of dangerous pesticide use in the tropics; fewer birds killed; safer for farmers and consumers

What to do: Buy wood and paper products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Why: Increases amount of forest being logged sustainably and responsibly; better habitat for birds and a healthier forest

What to do: Buy disposable paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues) that are made from recycled paper and that are not bleached with chlorine
Why: Reduces logging pressure on forests; increases habitat for birds; creates less pollution

What to do: Turn off the lights at night in city buildings and homes during peak migration periods
Why: Fewer birds killed an injured by hitting buildings; saves electricity

What to do: Keep your cat indoors
Why: Fewer birds killed; healthier and longer lives for pets

Here and There

We have been busy with various paperwork and educational sessions but have gotten out for some banding sessions at one we found this Hatch Year male Wilson's Warbler




And another time found this quite handsome young male Red Eyed Vireo (also Hatch Year)




Soon I will do a post on an exciting day we had at the McMichael Gallery of Canadian Art.

Happy Fall Everyone!