Issue 70
|
Weather Trivia |
Give Shelter to Wintering Birds
When the cold winter weather arrives, many species of birds wait out extreme weather inside the hollows of tree-trunks and snags (standing dead trees). Snags are an important habitat for many species and should be left standing if possible, but because old trees are often removed from properties for aesthetic and safety reasons, there can be a shortage of snags for wildlife in some areas. On a winter's night, when temperatures plunge, it can be difficult for birds to find a suitable roosting spot, and although they do have ways of coping during frigid weather, many birds will die because they are unable to find a sheltered area. Why not do wintering birds a favour and provide them with a warm place to take cover from harsh winter weather?
One way to provide shelter from the storm is by making or purchasing a roosting box a roofed, hollow box with perches along its interior walls. Unlike birdhouses and nesting boxes, which accommodate a nest and are designed for birds to rear their young, a roosting box's primary function is to provide shelter from severe weather for cavity-nesting songbirds. Check with your local garden centre or go online to buy a pre-made roosting box. If you are planning to build your own roosting box, here are a few tips to help you along:
Another way to provide shelter for not only our feathered friends, but for small mammals and invertebrates too, is to transform waste into a brush pile. Recycle woody debris, such as fallen branches and clippings from pruned shrubs and trees, and arrange the branches in a teepee-like framework, with butt-ends anchored in the ground and tips interlocking. The idea is to create an internal space where occupants can perch safely off the ground. Pile evergreen boughs on the top and sides of this framework to form a dome; each year, add a few new boughs your old Christmas tree is the perfect source. Related Links: |
Reduce your impact on the planet. Check out the following links for hints and ideas on becoming more environmentally friendly.
What You Can Do : Small Changes Make Big Differences Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse Aptitudes is an on-line training program mainly geared to people working in non-governmental organizations involved in environmental endeavours. The program enables these people to interact with governments and to increase their involvement in the development of government policies, programs and services in environmental matters. CanadianEnvironmental.com is a free comprehensive resource for environmental professionals and others involved in the management of environmental issues related to industry. The site is a gateway to hundreds of major on-line sources of environmental information and provides easy access to environmental news, information and legislation, products and services, job listings, calendar of events, discussion forum, a free monthly newsletter and more. Eartheasy Environmental Choice ProgramM Tools of Change |
Print Version |
E-mail This Story |
| Help
| Search
| Canada Site |
|
||
The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web site
|
||
|
||
|