The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Kingston region appears to be over for this season. It began around January 31st, when numerous dead geese were reported at Lake Ontario Park and the Elevator Bay area. The Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre also received calls and distressed birds from Collins Bay, Bath, and Belleville. Over … Read more
I’m glad to say that I’ve had no more reports of major die-offs like there were at the beginning of the month. However, there continue to be more reports of dead birds than usual. Public Works had 8 geese (in total) last weekend and on Monday in Elevator Bay, and one additional goose Wednesday 28th. … Read more
I’m pleased to say there was good news in the reports I received this week, as the number of dead geese reported had greatly reduced. However, there were more reports of dead crows, and indications that Avian Influenza might be spreading to wildlife. The Public Works Department had reports of six dead geese last week, … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction In this article I will discuss the trees and shrubs that you can plant in your yard to enhance it’s wildlifeness and which will provide a natural food source for wildlife during the fall and winter months. Many people view trees and shrubs as privacy barriers and shade sources, and often … Read more
by Sharon David and John McLaughlin Introduction In this article we discuss the different methods for attracting and keeping birds around during the fall and winter months. The three main things one needs to provide to keep birds during the winter are food, shelter and water. But why feed birds during the winter? Winter brings … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction In this part of Wildlife In My Backyard I will describe various gardens and flowers needed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your backyard during the upcoming summer months. Gardening for hummingbirds and/or butterflies need not be on a large scale, but could be obtainable on a balcony or in a … Read more
by Sharon David Butterflies Some people may not be enthusiastic about attracting butterflies and all of their life cycle stages to their garden, but butterflies add colour, movement and beauty to the garden. They are also beneficial pollinators for many of our favourite flowers. Butterflies are classified under Lepidoptera in the class of insects, and … Read more
by Sharon David Introduction Most backyards lack dead trees, also called snags, or damaged live trees, which are needed by cavity nesting birds. But many species can be enticed to nest in your backyard by the placement of nest boxes. In this article I will discuss ways of attracting cavity nesters into nest boxes and … Read more