Wildlife in your Backyard
O
ne of the best things about living in Connecticut is the abundant wildlife. The encroachment of buildings on open land and the restrictions on poisons like DDT have brought a resurgence of wild animals to our cities and towns.
This is a very good thing because there is a balance to nature. Plants that are not being poisoned feed insects, birds and animals. Insects feed bigger insects, birds, and animals. Birds and small animals feed raptors (owls, hawks and eagles), and medium sized animals (foxes, fisher cats, and coyotes). Hawks, eagles, fisher cats and coyotes might also eat a cat or small dog. Inside is the safest place for your cat, and small dogs should not be outside unsupervised. When the food chain is upset the natural balance of nature is off. When people put poison out for rodents they are also poisoning the animals that eat the rodents (hawks,owls, eagles, foxes, etc.); with fewer predators to control the rodent population there are more mice and rats (the opposite of what the people intended). Those inhumane glue traps also catch many birds and other animals who die a slow and painful death. Following is the wildlife you are most likely to see or hear in Connecticut.
By Shirley Nowinski Senior Staff Writer
If you go to watch the ducks, “supplemental feeding by people is unnecessary and potentially harmful,” according to Maura Robie, Conservation Technician for the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District. They report feeding inappropriate foods (especially bread) results in malnourished waterfowl that suffer from deformities and a weakened gene pool. Bread is not only bad for them, but it fouls the water, and if it gets moldy it can actually kill them. If feeding is allowed several waterfowl experts suggest feeding frozen peas (defrosted but not cooked). Peas contain many nutrients and are an easy size for the birds to swallow, but they can be high in sugar, so remember it is a treat not a meal. So now that you are watching them, what do you do if you find an injured bird?
“...supplemental
Many times the bird is just stunned and will recover and fly off on its own. If the bird is bleeding, shows obvious signs of injury, or has not flown away after several hours, it can only be helped by a licensed rehabilitator. Connecticut State Statutes Ch 490 Sec. 26-40a covers wildlife protection and makes it illegal for someone who is not licensed to care for a wild animal; this is for the animal’s protection and supports the goal of proper care and hopefully release back into the wild. Call the DEEP during the day 860-424-3011 or after hours at 860424-3333 and they will advise you where the closest rehabber is. If you can take a picture of the bird it will help the rehabber to appraise the situation.
feeding by people is unnecessary and potentially harmful.”
This summer a mysterious illness killed songbirds in several states including Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) asked people not to feed the birds or fill bird baths so that the gathering birds would not spread whatever was killing them. The deaths have subsided and it is now considered safe to resume bird feeding. Bird watching is a wonderful and inexpensive individual or family hobby. Even a simple bird feeder will attract many varieties of birds and learning their names, their songs, and personalities is great fun.The website www. whatbirdsareinmybackyard.com/2019/11/what-are-most-commonbackyard-birds-in-connecticut shows pictures, behavior and particular food preferences for over 19 birds that might visit you. There is even an app for bird watchers; The Audubon Bird Guide App is free and easy to use. Watching the squirrels at the feeders is an added bonus.
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HORIZONS Spring 2022
Did you ever hear screaming coming from the woods? A rarely seen Fisher Cat (which is actually a type of weasel and not a cat at all) is known for its hellish noises. It avoids people and eats mice, voles, squirrels and birds. On occasion it has been known to kill cats and very small dogs. If you happen to see one, consider yourself extremely lucky and keep your distance. While they won’t attack people, they do carry ticks and fleas and can be rabid.
