topic Re: Absence of Birds in Community Chat

Absence of Birds

Anonymous032819 — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:15:34 GMT

It is eerily quiet outside.

There are fires going on in the next county (Trinity). The closest one is the Monument Fire.

The smoke from it is all the way to the coast where I am, giving the sun an orange-red color.

As a result, the birds have left the area.

There are a few (six) ravens still here, (when I went outside, that was all that I saw. Usually there are dozens and dozens of them) but they aren't cawing or flying around much. Even the small birds have left, and the few still here are being quiet.

It's weird when the background noise of birds singing is suddenly gone.

Re: Absence of Birds

Kachina624 — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:21:28 GMT

Reminds me of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring". We've had terrible smoke and health alerts, although things are better since the wind switched and is coming from the South.

I can only imagine how serious this smoke would be for those living up close to it, especially if you had asthma or other respiratory issues.

Re: Absence of Birds

Vivian — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:52:00 GMT

"Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.´

If we don't act aggressively against climate change, how many nevermores will we experience? Here in upstate NY, the snow capital of the northeast, it will be close to 100 this week. Our storms have become far more severe over the years. We're not getting sharknadoes but we are seeing more intense versions of our climate.

Re: Absence of Birds

ThinkingOutLoud — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:06:46 GMT

@Vivian wrote:
"Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.´

If we don't act aggressively against climate change, how many nevermores will we experience? Here in upstate NY, the snow capital of the northeast, it will be close to 100 this week. Our storms have become far more severe over the years. We're not getting sharknadoes but we are seeing more intense versions of our climate.

Climate change is a result of a deeper issue. That's what needs aggressive action.

(wish I could elaborate but it's not allowed here)

Re: Absence of Birds

Puppy Lips — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:06:41 GMT

Can't they manage the forests or thin the trees out so that if there is a fire, it can be more quickly contained?

Re: Absence of Birds

Kachina624 — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:25:49 GMT

@Puppy Lips They try. Too many millions of acres. They're constantly doing prescribed burns.

Re: Absence of Birds

Snoopp — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 23:26:42 GMT

@Puppy Lips wrote:
Can't they manage the forests or thin the trees out so that if there is a fire, it can be more quickly contained?

I think I remember reading about forestry techniques to help prevent fires from starting and there was some criticism that not enough was being done. If that is true, I hope that changes.

Re: Absence of Birds

Sweetbay magnolia — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 10:27:20 GMT

Here on the East coast there is a devastating disease affecting bird populations in a sad way.

Couple that with the devastation of development, and I have noticed a significant decline in birds.

Think twice before you spray. Those insects are food for birds. Habitat is critical for bird survival and I try to consider that in my garden. People think my garden is "shaggy" but I think it provides homes for wildlife.

Re: Absence of Birds

DiAnne — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:44:38 GMT

We are going into a heat advisory here in the PNW. We normally have a lot of birds around but the last heatwave it was very quiet but when I turned some sprinklers on they suddenly all appeared. I am going to put some saucers out with cool water later today.

Re: Absence of Birds

goldensrbest — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:59:35 GMT

I have let my water hose on ,with sprinler ,they love it!

Re: Absence of Birds

AnjalenaQVC — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:14:25 GMT

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Re: Absence of Birds

Cakers3 — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:33:06 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
Reminds me of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring". We've had terrible smoke and health alerts, although things are better since the wind switched and is coming from the South.

I can only imagine how serious this smoke would be for those living up close to it, especially if you had asthma or other respiratory issues.

@Kachina624 That was my first thought, too. In fact i still have her book.

Between ultra-high unusual temps and smoke from fires it is no wonder the birds are not around.

It does get quiet around here in the height of summer heat but we've also noticed a lack of bees.

Once temps settled down and smoke is not an issue, that is when we really need to look to wildlife and take note of what they are "telling" us.

Re: Absence of Birds

Enufstuff — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:00:26 GMT

@Anonymous032819 That is so sad! I hope that people are putting out food and water for the birds that remain. I read recently about a study that was done in Germany regarding

songbirds. It stated that climate change has caused a large percentage to disappear. So much of our earth, flora and fauna

are sadly disappearing!