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The Citizen, 2003-02-26, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2003. PAGE 25. Bluebird adopt-a-box at Hullett wildlife area The Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area (HPWA) is a 2,200-hectare site along the South Maitland River near A solo turn Natasha Hubbard was one of several featured soloists performing at the Blyth Skating Club carnival, Under the Big Top, this past Friday night. (Vicky Bremner photo) Clinton. Set in the heart of Huron County, it is one of the most spectacular wildlife habitat developments in Eastern Canada. The HPWA is open to the public all year round and is dedicated to providing resource-based opportunities. The forests, fields and marshes provide a wide diversity of wildlife species for all outdoor enthusiasts; particularly bird watchers. One of the more colourful inhabitants of the HPWA is the Eastern Bluebird. The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a member of the Muscicapidae family and is related to the more familiar American Robin. It is completely blue except for a rusty breast and neck and a white belly. These markings readily distinguish the bluebird from other birds in our area. They are a medium-sized songbird and have a unique “hunched” appearance when perched. These stunning little birds feed mainly, on insects such as grasshoppers and crickets, but must Beard says partnerships work Continued from page 17 and continuing to build partnerships in order to undertake its mandate. Beard said partnerships with the Authority is a much more effective way of delivering conservation programs. “We have to be humble,” he said, adding that in his opinion, had the Authority undertaken all of the projects put forward in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, it probably would not have resulted in good conservation of the watershed. Beard praised the work of Maitland Watershed Partnerships, noting the services plan had been awarded an Award of Excellence search for berries once the ground freezes. Bluebirds generally prefer open terrain, and require a cavity for nesting. The cavity can be natural, or man­ made, such as a bird box. Eastern bluebird populations have experienced fluctuations from time to time. The two main factors responsible for the fluctuations are severe winter weather and loss of nesting sites. In 1984 the bluebird was listed as “special concern” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). In the past decade, however, the population has increased substantially due to milder winters and thousands of nest boxes being constructed. The population has increased so much that in 1996 the Eastern Bluebird was delisted. Currently, there are no significant threats to the species and continued from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute in its research/new directions category — the first conservation authority to be so honoured. He said a CD made on the work of the Maitland Watershed Partnerships (with financial assistance from Human Resources Canada) has sold well around the world, including England, Australia, Switzerland and the United States. Partnership programs will continue this year, including work on improving the Middle Maitland River bank in Listowel. A focal point this year will be the conservation of forests, he said. bluebird box monitoring should ensure this. The Friends of Hullett Inc. are initiating a volunteer program at the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area to help the local populations of bluebirds. There are currently 174 bluebird boxes located throughout the HPWA complex. In 2001 only one bluebird box was actually used by a blue­ bird. In 2002 four boxes contained bluebird nest. It is hoped that nesting rates will increase with the help of volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to monitor and maintain existing boxes. The adopt-a-box program will provide enjoyment to anyone interested in birds and help local populations as well. If interested in helping the Eastern Bluebird and wish to adopt-a-box contact the Friends of Hullett Inc at (519) 482-7011. “Most forests in the watershed are in poor or fair condition and the Authority will be assisting landowners and counties,” Mr. Beard said, adding a new tree­ cutting bylaw could be formulated. He noted also that even with the heavy snowfall in the watershed this winter, the Maitland River is running at only 17 per cent its average flow. “We are still in a drought condition,” he said. Beard said conservation authorities will be lobbying the province to extend its Healthy Futures program, which is scheduled to end this year. Business Directory - COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE - COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION DAN'S AUTO REPAIR ^Frank Workman) Electric Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell RR 3, Blyth, Ont. 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