GO BIRDING DAY
The last saturday of April~ April 25
Are there really any effects of Climate Change on birds? Miners observed the ‘canary in the mine’ as an indicator of the health status in their area, and if they – the miners- were safe or not. The state of the air would affect a small animal such as a bird first before a large animal such as a human. So…what is the declining numbers of birds telling us? Or are we ignoring the ‘canary in the mine’ today?
Audubon suggests there are measures that can be taken to help protect birds, as they have made observations of how the “warming temperatures, shifting seasons, changing precipitation, and rising sea levels are disrupting the behavior of our feathered friends and the ecosystems that support them.” Did you know that the American Robin and Sandhill Crane are among two birds which Audubon has listed as bird species at risk. Birds are experiencing phenological changes. What will it mean if birds nest, and lay eggs earlier, or migrate sooner in the spring? Will it mean that there will be no food for them to eat? The environment is not catching up to the changes in the bird’s adaptation lifestyle. Nature Canada suggests that “climate change will put large numbers of birds at risk of extinction.”
COVID-19 health specialists provided projections in regards to the numbers of people who may be infected, and how hospitals and health care facilities will be impacted. National Geographic and the US Forest Service have also made projections about climate change and the bird populations. Humans, rallied, and followed protocols, to level the COVID-19 pandemic results. Where, human lives were at stake, there was an impetus to move swiftly, decisively and fast. Governments issued large fines for anyone not taking the appropriate safety measures to flatten the curve. This worked well for humans. Can we do the same thing for our feathered friends? Will governments stand by environmental policies? As you are taking measures to self-isolate, and social distance, are you also writing letters to your federal, provincial or municipal governments to see what can be done for birds?
A few ideas which you can take personally, are protecting birds from window strikes, and keeping your pet cat indoors. If you do not have a pet cat, plant a bird friendly yard. Other suggestions are to take action on climate change at a local level, and plant native plants and trees.
“Some people are very competitive in their birding. Maybe they’ll die happy, having seen a thousand species before they die, but I’ll die happy knowing I’ve spent all that quiet time being present.” ―
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
1./ Learn.
2./ Experience
3./ Do Something: ***
“Climate change is the environmental challenge of this generation, and it is imperative that we act before it’s too late.”- John Delaney
“Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” – Ban Ki-moon
“Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us.” – Bill Nye
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 