Cross-country (SNBU) Check-up Addenda:
Hi Rick,
I’ve seen groups of Snow Buntings April 10 and April 13 in the Western Newfoundland region along the TransCanada Highway between the turnoffs to the communities of Gallants and Stephenville. At least 2-3 groups of 10-20 birds as I was driving through, but unfortunately I did not have the time to stop and look for banded individuals, or do any banding. If I hear birds are still in the area this coming weekend, I will try to take a drive out that way.
Regards,
Bruce Rodrigues
Western Newfoundland
And…..somehow I forgot to add Nancy Furber’s and my Snow Bunting results:
We had lousy snow bunting conditions for most of the season – we need snow on the ground and cold temperatures or we just don’t see them. We got a few small windows of opportunity: 2 days in early February and 3 days toward the end of February during which time we banded 121 Snow Buntings, 18 Horned Larks, and 2 Lapland Longspurs. For perspective, in a ‘good year’ we will band that many birds in a day….
Rick Ludkin
Hagersville Area, far southern Ontario
News from Fern Hill School Oakville Campus – where everything is virtual:
Hi Rick!
I wanted to share that last week during our online Field Studies class one of my amazing students, Devika, surprised me with several pages of her own research about the Flesh-footed Shearwater. All on her own, she researched how this sea bird has been severely affected by consuming plastic waste. I suggested we share her learning with the school. This week is Earth Week and Devika created an excellent video that shone a spotlight on the plight of the Flesh-footed Shearwater, and thus raised awareness about all birds who are severely impacted by human plastic waste. Her video was featured in the morning announcements along with several classmates who are encouraging and challenging our school community to track and reduce our plastic. Devika is a regular of our Young Ornithologist group and her passion for the environment is truly inspiring. I am so proud to be the teacher of so many amazing students!
Katherine
Photos:
People have been sending me photos from their walks/homes and I’ve been holding onto them for the last week:
Rick