Submitted by Joanne Rodgers
Kiah Jasper and Alessandra Kite from GyrKite Birding Tours shared their insights on how human activities are impacting bird populations at BPEG’s (Bruce Peninsula Environment Group)first monthly meeting of 2025.
The duo in their early twenties are already seasoned and very knowledgeable birders. They shared valuable information on the bird population, the challenges and threats and how we can help our local birds.
The Northern Bruce Peninsula is an important stronghold for species at risk including animals, birds and fauna.
Over the last 50 years, 1 in 3 birds have disappeared, a net loss of 2.9 billion birds. This staggering loss in bird populations keeps increasing yearly. However each species faces different challenges and there is no “one size fits all” remedy.
The top cause of bird mortality are domestic cats. Windows, vehicle collisions and wind turbines are also big contributors to decimating bird populations.
Urban sprawl, agricultural intensification methods and climate change lead to greater habitat loss, loss of native species, introduction of invasive species, reduced natural green spaces, destruction of insect populations, and hotter climates which are all detrimental to bird populations.
However Kiah and Alessandra point to conservation efforts that have been successful. In 1980 there was one pair of Sandhill Cranes in Dyers Bay, since then there has been a 2,000% increase in population. The Bald Eagle has also benefited from concerted conservation efforts, making a dramatic comeback in South western Ontario.
The duo encourage BPEG members to get involved in Citizen Science to count and track birds, replace lawns with native plant species, don’t use insecticides, reduce night lighting and adopt strategies for bird-safe windows. Most importantly, don’t let your cat roam – one small scratch from your cat can kill a bird. And to spread the word to neighbours, friends, family.
For more info on Gyrkite, please visit their website https://www.gyrkitetours.com/
