by Kathy Ross We have had the enormous pleasure all winter of enjoying birds at our feeders and the birds have benefited. Now is the time to consider taking the feeders down. If you live in bear country, out of respect for our furry, hungry neighbors, it is essential. Besides helping to keep bears out…
Read MoreCategory: Conservation
Why You Should Buy a “Duck Stamp”
by Dave Manuwal The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Act was passed by Congress on March 16, 1934 in response to the nation-wide drought and reduction in waterfowl populations. This legislation requires each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older to possess a valid Federal hunting stamp (“duck stamp”) along with a state hunting…
Read MoreLinda de Kort Receives Conservation Achievement Recognition
by Rosemary McKinnon and Linda Winnie Linda de Kort was presented Flathead Audubon’s Lifetime Conservation Achievement Recognition at the March 9 FAS meeting. Linda is an extraordinary science educator who has instilled in thousands of students and adults in this Valley, and far beyond, an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, and inspired in many…
Read MoreDrive Protection of Bird Habitat with your Purchasing Power
by Kathy Ross Did you know that the products you buy affect more than just your household and health? Your choice of materials and the practices of manufacturers and growers impact birds, animals, plants, water, and the air we all share. Growing methods, like growing coffee and cocoa in native plant shade, preserve natural forest…
Read MoreMigratory Birds Need Your Help!
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) rules could change! WHAT? The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is proposing new MBTA rule that will result in greater losses of migratory birds! Eliminates penalties for industry/entities that “unintentially” kill birds/nests Removes incentives to prevent harming or killing migratory birds(e.g. Deepwater Horizon killed 1 million birds and BP had…
Read MoreProtect Birds From Colliding With Your Windows
by Kathy Ross In daylight, by reflecting foliage or sky, windows look like inviting places to fly into. Birds also sometimes see their reflection in a window and attack it. This happens most frequently in the spring when territoriality is high. At night, lights divert nocturnal migrants from their original path, especially in low-ceiling or…
Read MoreRecycling – for the Birds
By Kathy Ross. Plastic that escapes into the environment is simply not good for birds or wildlife (as well as humans). We now know that plastic breaks down to tiny micro-plastics that are transported by water to lakes, rivers, and oceans where they are consumed by animals and enter the food web. Micro-plastics can interfere…
Read MoreGrant Awarded for Owen Sowerwine Weed Control
by Pam Willison, Co-Chair, OSNA Committee Flathead Conservation District has awarded FAS a $2000 grant through their Cost-Share program, which will be used to address the weed problem in Owen Sowerwine. This is a 75%/25% matching grant, which means FAS will need to provide match funds and volunteer hours to fulfill our match and use…
Read MoreBackyard and Local Conservation for Birds – They Need Our Help
by Kathy Ross Recent research findings on declining bird populations motivates all of us to find ways to help the birds that add so much to our world. Many Bird Conservation organizations are offering ideas on how we as humans can help. Below is a list drawn from suggestions made by the Cornell Lab of…
Read MoreFinches with Eye Disease are in the Flathead – What You Should Do
by Linda Winnie At the December FAS meeting, several people reported seeing House Finches with infected eyes at their feeders – partially or fully closed, red, swollen, or crusty. Most likely these birds were suffering from avian conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection that can affect any songbird, but occurs frequently in finches. If you see a…
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