Scoville Library talk outlines mixed bag for America’s birds

SALISBURY — Bird expert George E. Wallace said Connecticut’s bird population faces distinct challenges despite the overall growth in total forested area in the state. Wallace, recently retired from the American Bird Conservancy, spoke at the Scoville Memorial Library Thursday, Dec. 12 (sponsored by the Salisbury Association Land Trust).

Wallace gave some background, and without delving too deeply into the rise and fall of the iron industry in Salisbury and the Northwest Corner, noted that by the 1920s, when the industry ceased operations, most of the local forest was cut down for the charcoal needed for iron production. Wallace described this as “catastrophic deforestation.”

That means that the current forest, while extensive, grew back more or less all at once.

And the “new” forest has vulnerabilities, including invasive species, overbrowsing by deer, insects like the emerald ash borer and spongy moth, and diseases such as Dutch elm disease and American chestnut blight.

All of these elements combine into a very mixed bag of results for birds.

North America lost about 3 billion birds between 1970 and 2019, Wallace continued.

Specifically, 720 million (or three out of four) grassland birds, 500 million (nine out of 10) boreal forest birds, 2.5 million (two out of five) migratory birds, and 160 million (two out of five) aerial insectivores.

On the plus side, Wallace said raptors are doing well in North America, with some 15 million added, largely due to regulation of pesticide use and hunting.

There are 14 million more woodpeckers around than before, and 35 million waterfowl. Wallace pointed to hunting regulation and the activities of conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited for the waterfowl increase.

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Celebrating diverse abilities at Stanton Home fundraiser

The Weavery is Stanton Home’s oldest activity space, featuring a collection of vintage and modern floor looms. It offers opportunities for building dexterity, creative expression, and social connection through fiber arts.

Provided

Stanton Home is holding its annual Harvest Roast fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Great Barrington, an evening of farm-to-table dining, live swing music, and community connection.

For nearly 40 years, Stanton Home has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential programs, therapeutic services and skill-building activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sharon Playhouse presents staged reading of ‘Die Mommie Die!’
Charles Busch wrote and stars in ‘Die Mommie Die!’ at Sharon Playhouse.
Provided

Following the memorable benefit reading last season of Charles Busch’s Tony-nominated Broadway hit, “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” the Sharon Playhouse will present a one-night-only staged reading of his riotous comic melodrama “Die Mommie Die!” on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

The production —a deliciously over-the-top homage to classic Hollywood mid-century thrillers — ­­continues the Playhouse’s artistic partnership with Busch, who reprises his iconic role of the glamorous yet troubled songstress Angela Arden.

Keep ReadingShow less