According to a recent research study about 25 percent of Montreal residents take an anti-depressant, and human waste that enters the Montreal sewage system contains these drugs. The system is similar to sewage treatment facilities in other major cities around the world, so there is some chance a similar effect may be occurring there as well. The Montreal system treats solid waste but does not disinfect wastewater, so anti-depressants are present in the system, which empties into the Saint Lawrence river ecosystem. Researchers found anti-depressants accumulate in fish and can alter their brain activity.

“We know that antidepressants have negative side effects on human beings, but we don’t know how exactly these chemicals are affecting the fish, and by extension, the Saint Lawrence River’s ecosystem. Nevertheless, we are seeing an impact on the river’s ecosystem, which should concern cities everywhere,� said Dr. Sébastien Sauvé. (Source: eurekaalert.org)

Last year research conducted in England discovered a similar scenario, but with shrimp instead of fish. Dr. Alex Ford from the University of Porthsmouth revealed anti-depressants in wastewater released into rivers and estuaries have probably already altered shrimp behavior making them more likely to be eaten by predators. So when Dr. Sauvé referenced the impact on the whole St. Lawrence river ecosystem, that is a very real possibility.

If trout behavior was altered as significantly as the shrimp’s was in England, they may not play their normal role any longer and their habitat could also change. Additionally, whatever species consume them when they are alive or dead could be affected by the ingestion of tissue containing anti-depressants. The amount of anti-depressants in the fish is very small, but we don’t know how little of the drugs can cause a change in small marine creatures, or even in birds that may consume contaminated fish. Once a chemical has entered the food chain it may be recycled many times. There is no immediate danger to humans from the presence of anti-depressants in the Montreal waters.

It isn’t known exactly if the anti-depressants are having negative effects on Montreal fish, but in humans they can cause decreased libido, weight gain, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, nervousness and constipation.

Last year the United States Geological Service conducted research in Colorado and Iowa showing anti-depressants in water and fish downstream from sewage treatment plants. “The antidepressants were found in fish collected over 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) downstream of the location of the wastewater discharge. The scientists detected several commonly used antidepressants in water, streambed sediment, and the brain tissue of white suckers, a native fish species. Fish collected upstream from the wastewater discharge did not have antidepressants present in their brain tissues.� (Source: USGS)

 

FOLLOWING two consecutive harsh winters in West Berkshire, volunteers in the Pang, Kennet and Lambourn valleys have been working hard to ensure that the local population barn owls will not suffer the consequences.
The 24 trained and licensed volunteers working on the Pang Valley Barn Owl Project have installed nesting boxes for the owls in places where there are suitable feeding habitats, as they say the cold weather is likely to have had an adverse effect on the population of short-tailed voles, which are the main prey species for barn owls in the Pang valley.
With their help, action has been taken to ensure the birds of prey continue to breed.
Last year the project proved successful, and the volunteers hope this year will be the same but are urging people who own suitable habitat to help find homes for nesting boxes for the birds.
One volunteer, John Dellow, from Kintbury, said: “In 2010 there were about 17 barn owl chicks that successfully fledged and left the nests (in the Pang valley).�
He said that about 50 nesting boxes have been installed in the Pang Valley so far, with more in the Kennet and Lambourn valleys.
The number of barn owls in the country is stable at 5,000 birds, but their habitats are feared to be diminishing due to modern farming practices and suitable breeding spaces are lost to property development.
Mr Dellow said: “We are becoming tidier as a nation and old trees are being removed and old barns are becoming renovated for living accommodation and it all contributes to a shortage of sites for the birds to nest.
“Farming practices has meant that the habitats of their prey have been destroyed.
“These live in rough tussocky grassland. If you look at the countryside and you see a field with wheat in it, it is no good for short-tailed voles and hence it is no good for barn owls.�
The boxes, which cost about £70, last about 5 years, after which they have to be replaced.
The boxes, however, do not only benefit barn owls, Mr Dellow said: “Stock Doves and Kestrels also often move in and from our point of view, these are quite attractive species, so we welcome them.�
People who have suitable habitat near them can call The Pang, Kennet and Lambourne Valleys Countryside Projects, which oversee the volunteers, on 0118 930 5336 to request that a box be installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAdZ2Dg2bUA#   

You’re going to need more than a hairdryer to defrost this vehicle, completely encased in ice, as seen on a New York City street this weekend.

OUCH!!!

FOX NEWS

So cool! Thanks Shaky.

[9 and 26]

9 and 28!  WooHoo!  Keep Voting!  Thanks!

9 and 26   

No morning watch from MAK today, she is sick! Feel better MAK. 

It looks like a leash or cord to me.

Whatever it is, it's tragic. Poor baby. Hope someone can help but it's quite hard to capture now unless sooner or later it hinders it's flight. 

!!! KINGSTON:Peregrine With Potentially Dangerous Gear
January 23, 2011 -
Frank Butson Reports:

Recently on a birding trip to Amherst Island near Kingston,Ontario, Canada Ann Brokelman a CPF volunteer,photographed a Peregrine Falcon flying past her very quickly. She got a few quick shots of the juvenile plummaged Peregrine as it flew by,which shows some kind of entanglement. The location was west of the ferry docks on Amherst Island.

   People in the area should be on the watch for this bird.

Mark Nash CPF Co-VP and C0-founder writes:This is something that the bird has got caught up in, as this is not any telemetry or any typical falconry equipment.  While it could be a leash of sorts, it is NOT in any proper position that would benefit the bird at all. This is kind of tragic, if this stays on this bird, as there is a terrible,potential risk to the bird’s well being with such an attachment.  Fingers crossed that what ever it is, comes off!!

An email will be sent to the Kingston Field Naturalists and other avid birders in the Kingston area.  CPF volunteer Frank Butson will be in the field at Amherst Island next week and will keep eyes open for this bird.

  not good

High in a leafless cottonwood, a female Great Horned Owl incubates two eggs. As light snow falls on her back, her mate roosts nearby. Since December, this pair has been hooting back and forth regularly at night. Great Horned Owls nest in winter, because the owlets, which hatch after a month of incubation, must remain near their parents a long time compared to many other birds -- right through summer and into early fall.

I didn't know this. That's a long time with mom and dad. 

Don't thank me. I didn't do anything, and I haven't heard yet how it was resolved.

   OK.....wow! Thanks TS!!

  Great news and hopefully no battles. Be well Ranger.

[Welcome KimBaker!]

Welcome KimBaker!

In the coming weeks and months we should have more good news. For now we can let U know that Quest and her potential mate are being  well monitored(eyes not video/webcameras I dont want to get anyone excited) a great deal.

Thanks Big Frank, this is great  news!!

Thank you Shaky!!!

And thank you Times Square people who let us share your internet connection!

Ei

Of course, yes...thanking them too!!!