The Egret Article

By Don Bissonnette

I was able to collect Statistics from 190 Birdhouses, from 27 Bluebird trails. That is a drop from 2020 Bluebird Committee Report, which had statistics from 214 houses from 32 trails.  You can see all of the Production Charts below.

 Now is a good time, to inspect all of your Birdhouses, if you havent done this already. Inspect the Pine Straw beds, & replace them if they are soiled or wet. 

 Below, you will see the 2021 Bluebird Committee Production Charts. The fellow that usually types them up, is currently on a trip. That is why you are seeing the photos of the written charts, instead of typed ones. Best Wishes with the 2022 Nesting Season!

By Karen Alexander

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By Karen Alexander

Invasive Species are considered one of Canada’s greatest threats to the survival of our wild animal and plant life.  These species arrive, often accidentally, and establish in the absence of natural predators.  As a result, invasive species kill, crowd out, and devastate native species and their ecosystems.

Invasive plants and animals not only threaten wildlife, woodlands, and waterways, but they cost Canada billions of dollars in losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries affected by their impact.

A recent study found that municipalities and conservation authorities spend an estimated $50.8 million per year on invasive species management in Ontario alone. Economic costs associated with invasive species can include management, research and monitoring, reduced crop yields, job losses, damage to infrastructure, impacts to international trade and tariffs, impacts to ecosystem services, tourism and recreation, and property values.

Economic, environmental, and social costs of invasive species are much lower when funds are allocated to prevention and early detection efforts.  Once an invasive species spreads, management is exponentially more expensive and less efficient. 

The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Canada’s environment, economy, and social well-being by reporting observations to the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Network.  The EDRR Network uses a mapping App called EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System). This is a real-time app that allows citizens across North America to report invasive species in their communities. Click here to learn more about EDDMapS and becoming a citizen scientist.

In January, Karen will present on “Invasive Species: updates and information for Essex County”, and will continue to bring interesting reports on invading species across Canada to Club Members through the new “Invasive Species Spotlight” in the Egret.