The Species at Risk Act
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is a bill passed in 2002 mandating the Canadian government to "prevent wildlife species from becoming extinct and secure the necessary actions for their recovery. It provides for the legal protection of wildlife species and the conservation of their biological diversity." In accordance with SARA is a public registry which is taking comments on the recovery strategies for Canada Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Common Nighthawk, all of which breed in Nova Scotia. A public consultation will be accepted until May 11 and at the top, there is a link to submit your comments under 'Get Involved'.
Forest Industry Position Statement
The Nova Scotia Bird Society (NSBS) recognizes forestry practices in Nova Scotia as one of the leading threats to numerous forest nesting species. Many of our bird species in decline are those requiring diverse forests of various age classes and larger territories to nest successfully. Much of our current forest management is inadequate at protecting the amount of suitable habitat required to sustain healthy populations of these forest nesting species. Habitat loss is an unparalleled threat to many of our birds and immediate action is required.
Bird-friendly Coffee
Smithsonian certified Bird Friendly Coffee is the gold standard for shade grown coffee farms that conserve habitat. According to the Smithsonian, "Three-quarters of the world's coffee farms destroy forest habitat to grow coffee in the sun and often use harmful pesticides and fertilizers that poison the environment. When forests disappear, migratory songbirds disappear, too.” The Nova Scotia Bird Society is working with two roasters who sell Smithsonian® coffee. Both roasters donate a percentage of their proceeds to the Nova Scotia Bird Society, which we are dedicating to conservation efforts here.
To order coffee from one of these roasters, go to their websites: NSBS Bird Friendly coffee from Avia; use the coupon code nsbs at Birds and Beans
Read more about Bird Friendly Coffee
The Problem with Lead
Lead shot and rifle ammunition is widely used in hunting upland game, deer, moose and most other species except waterfowl. Lead sinkers are still used for fishing. Lead poisoning has been documented in over 130 species worldwide, including humans.
Every year at CWRC we receive eagles that are poisoned by lead, usually during or just after hunting season. The main reason birds like eagles will get lead poisoning is due to the behaviour of lead ammunition when it strikes an animal like a deer. Lead ammunition can fragment into hundreds of pieces and can be found 18 inches or more from the wound channel. This presents the risk of lead ingestion to both scavenging species and to humans eating meat harvested with lead. Read more
Update from DNR
Maritimes SwiftWatch
Most summer nights, an amazing natural phenomenon takes place in Maritime towns – and in cities across much of eastern North America. It starts with just a few birds wheeling in the evening sky, chattering to one another. Then more congregate in an ever-increasing cloud of noise and motion. Suddenly, a solitary bird drops into the chimney below, and then another, and another. The little birds keep vanishing down the chimney until darkness falls and they have all disappeared into its depths. The mysterious birds are aptly named Chimney Swifts. People lucky enough to witness huge flocks of Chimney Swifts at communal roosts may not realize that this species is declining at a disturbing rate. If nothing is done, these swifts may soon disappear from our skies forever.
Bird Studies Canada’s Maritimes SwiftWatch is a citizen-science monitoring and conservation program that brings together volunteers and community groups to act as stewards for Chimney Swifts and their habitat. Maritimes SwiftWatch also works with partners to develop education and outreach tools and build community awareness and support for Chimney Swift conservation. For the location of roosts, how to participate, or more information, please visit www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/acswifts or email
Cats and Our Environment
Cats make wonderful pets for many people. They are though, extraordinarily well adapted for hunting and we all realize that free-roaming and feral cats have a negative impact on our native wildlife, especially birds. The Nova Scotia Bird Society recognizes that this is a human problem and not simply a cat problem. Cats are doing only what they are meant to do instinctively when placed in an outdoor environment. As humans, we have put them there, so as humans we have the ability to correct that.
Studies show cats are responsible for millions of bird deaths a year in Canada which is hard to argue, as we have in Canada, millions of free-roaming cats in the environment that hunt daily.
The Nova Scotia Bird Society has a position statement regarding Cats and work with all groups to seek ways of providing a healthier environment for our native wildlife and also encourage people to act responsibly while keeping their pets longer and safer indoors.
Position Statement
The Nova Scotia Bird Society (NSBS) recognizes free-roaming cats as a serious threat to wild birds. We encourage our members as well as the public at large to keep cats indoors or in outdoor enclosures for the safety of birds, other small animals and for the health and safety of their cats. We support the education of cat owners and the public to help reduce the impact of free-roaming cats on native wildlife and collaborate with all groups working to find solutions to this problem.
Feeding the Birds
There is always a risk of spreading disease when you feed birds or provide an artificial water source. Some illness, such as trichomonosis and conjunctivitis, are more likely to spread when birds come together. Is it safe to feed the birds? Read more about Feeding Birds