President’s Message

I Bird I Vote!

Sometimes things come in over the internet that catch your eye, and you have to say that’s about right. I often get fundraising emails from the American Audubon Society and this one was like so many others selling a host of bags, hats and T-shirts but the words caught my attention: I Bird I Vote!

This, to me, says it all. I bird means so much, it means you care about our environment, you see our environment, you think and consider what’s happening in our environment, you get it – when you say you vote you mean you are committed to a better world, you are asking important questions and thinking through the consequences. I’ve shown this to many people, they’ve all caught the simple but powerful message – I hope you do as well – I bought the T-shirt!

We will all be answering our doors as candidates and their canvassers come knocking this fall. Most likely this will be right away as the provincial election is set for October 28 and then the civic election later in November. Let them know you care – you may have many issues, but I hope we share a deep concern for conservation. One critical issue that Nature Sask is championing is the urgent need for a wetlands policy here in Saskatchewan. You may be hearing radio ads to this effect sponsored by Wetlands for Tomorrow which your executive has decided to support. Ask the candidates where they stand on conserving wetlands, hopefully they have some knowledge of the issue, and they have a positive answer – Tell them you bird! You vote!

Another Fall bird count is in the books, and I want to thank everyone who came out to make it a success. Indeed, it was a warm fall day, and the birds were definitely trying to keep cool somewhere in the bushes but our ears and eyes on the ground/branches/ponds were effectively taking tabs on what was out there!

I read with interest a story on Ebird about the positive impacts participatory science (citizen science) can have on larger more expensive bird research: “Bird observations made by participatory scientists can really make a difference in helping us understand abundance and distribution patterns that are an important part of creating effective conservation plans. In a world where the health of our ecosystems hinges on accurate data, this research underscores the potential of integrated datasets as a promising avenue for safeguarding the future of bird populations.”

I also want to give a big shout out to Donna Bruce who was recognized at the 75th Anniversary Fall Nature Sask Meet with a Fellows Award for her contributions and leadership in her volunteer work with Nature Sask, particularly as Special Publications Editor. Well done and well earned; over the many years of working on a variety of publications she has made an incredible mark! “Fellows of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society” is an award that recognizes extensive and continuing contribution of time over many years – it is the highest honour the Society can bestow upon a member.

Also at the Fall Meet Nature Canada reported about Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy. Very exciting news indeed! The Strategy establishes a shared vision to address biodiversity loss. Earlier this year, Canada introduced the Nature Accountability Bill in Parliament. The Bill establishes an accountability framework for the federal government in fulfilling its commitments. It includes requirements to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans – like the 2030 Nature Strategy – and to report on their implementation.

I am really excited to tell you about this month’s book Dare to Bird by Melissa Hafting. I heard Melissa on the ABA American Birding Podcast with Nate Swick this summer, and I immediately thought I must see this book, just published in June 2024. Melissa is an avid bird watcher/guide/photographer from Vancouver who put this collection of essays and pictures together to support those of us who may be going through a rough patch. She lost both her parents unexpectedly in a short time span, but she found strength and comfort through her birding as the book’s subtitle says Exploring the Joy and Healing Powers of Birds. Her book is a poignant powerful call to action to protect birds and their world. I hope you check it out; it is available at the Saskatoon Public Library!
So, it’s going to be a busy fall, be sure to get out and enjoy the outings and our fall presentations! And answer your door and let the candidates know you bird – you vote!!

Also give some thought to our need for a new treasurer!
David