Islanders are encouraged to make their backyards bird-friendly as they celebrate 2004 National Wildlife Week this week.
Environment and Energy Minister Jamie Ballem said this year’s theme, Give Backyard Birds Something to Sing About, encourages young Islanders to discover the wonders of wildlife in their communities and the importance of protecting our wildlife resources.
“Whether you live in a city, town or rural area, birds are part of our communities in Prince Edward Island, so they provide an excellent opportunity to teach children how all species play an important role in our environment and how our actions can help or hurt these species,” said Minister Ballem.
Many common birds in Canada such as swallows, blackbirds and finches, are in decline for a variety of reasons. However, the biggest threat is loss of habitat. Like all wildlife, birds depend on healthy habitats for survival. That includes four basics: food, water, shelter and space. Islanders can help protect bird species by providing these basics in their backyard and in common areas in their community. For example,
• Plant berry bushes and fruit-producing trees and shrubs on your property.
• Put up a birdhouse. Cavity-nesting birds have few places to nest in towns and villages as dead trees are often removed.
• Put a bird bath in your yard to provide a source of drinking water and a place for bathing.
• Put up a variety of bird feeders and nectar feeders, being careful not to place them too close to windows or in places where birds can be attacked by predators.
• Stay on the trails in natural areas and respect restricted sections.
• Join a community conservation group and help to improve wildlife habitat.
• Take part in annual bird counts and other monitoring programs.
The Department of Environment and Energy has provided National Wildlife Week kits to approximately 700 Island teachers for use in the classroom. Through the kits, students will learn how to identify birds; how birds help us – by eating insects, for example; how disruption and loss of habitat is threatening birds; and finally, how they can help by making their backyards and schoolyards “bird-friendly.”
“Teachers play an invaluable role in spreading the conservation message,” said Minister Ballem. “I want to thank them for their continued support of National Wildlife Week and other ongoing efforts to teach our younger citizens about the beauty of our native plants and animals in Prince Edward Island.”
The Department of Environment and Energy, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation, is sponsoring a poster contest for elementary school students on the National Wildlife Week theme. Cash prizes will be awarded at the school level and Island Nature Trust is providing the grand prizes – participation in the Adopt-an-Eagle program for the winners’ school class. Close to 400 students participated in last year’s contest with the grand prizes awarded to Belfast Consolidated student Megan Roach, and Paige LeClair, a student at Eliot River Elementary.
For more information on National Wildlife Week, copies of the Prince Edward Island Field Checklist of Birds, or other resources on birdwatching, contact the Department of Environment and Energy at (902) 368-4683.