Philippa Murray Philippa Murray

Nature’s Gift
Bird Species
Facing Extinction
Rose Labrie - Main Street
In the October 2012 edition of Main Street I wrote an
article on Turkey Vultures and in April 2013, one of
my pictures was posted on the Internet site of Bird Protection Quebec. Since I am
so fascinated by this particular species, I was shocked to hear on the CBC news
on June 20, 2013 that 1300 species of birds are facing extinction worldwide. Here
is a breakdown of what was discussed:
The biggest problems are caused by large, industrial agriculture spreading around
the world and climate change. Scientists say that this is happening so quickly
that many of these species will become extinct within our lifetime. Though the
situation in Canada is not as bad, more birds are decreasing in this country
than are increasing. Common birds, like the barn swallow and purple martin,
have declined by 80 to 90 percent. In Canada, 70 bird species are now on the
endangered list.
Part of the reason for this is because 80 percent of our birds migrate to another
country for the winter and scientists think they may be running out of safe
habitats or facing food shortages along their migratory routes. One solution is
setting up important bird sanctuaries along the way so that birds have safe places
to rest and feed during their migration. It is believed that some of our species
may bounce back if action is taken quickly enough.
In the Laurentians, there is a magnificent park, named the Alfred Kelly Nature
Reserve, which runs five square kilometres from Piedmont to Prévost. This area
provides an opportunity to observe some 80 percent of all birds-of-prey species
recorded in Quebec. The area is protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada,
in the honour of Alfred Kelly, who bequeathed an adjacent property 25 years ago
to ensure its protection. A “nature reserve” status is granted by the Government
of Quebec to sites that have significant ecological value. Bird Protection Quebec
has an article written by Jane Cormack called Keeping Land Safe for Birds,
which may help you to get better acquainted with the Alfred Kelly Nature
Reserve. The mayor of Piedmont, Clément Cardin, has announced that this year
the municipality has signed a partnership with the Nature Conservancy with
plans for developing Kelly Reserve.
Partners in the conservation of the nature reserve are the Municipality of
Piedmont, Ville de Prévost, CRPF (Regional Comity for the Protection of the
Escarpments, Bird Protection Quebec, The Escarpments Laurentians and the
Nature Conservancy.
The solution of setting up sanctuaries, suggested by scientists, has already been
well-developed in the Laurentians, giving our children and grandchildren the
chance to enjoy our birds of today.
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July 2013
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