Subject: Re: introduced birds
Date: Jan 18 08:46:27 1995
From: Michael Patrick - mpatrick at unix11.eldec.com


For those with opinions about introduced species,

(I apologize to those not interested, I'll mail direct to those interested
when I debug their addresses)

I'm impressed with the variety of responses to my inquiry about the Monk
Parakeet and the possible consideration of it as filling the ecological niche
left empty by the Carolina Parkeet's extinction. Based on the extensive
information provided by Dale Goble it has become clear that this consideration
is not valid; apparently most of the habitat of the Carolina Parakeet was
permanently destroyed, and information about the Monk Parakeet's habits do
not indicate that it occupies similar territory.

Addressing the morality of human intervention in ecology:

A most interesting response to the suggestion that introduced species be
considered acceptable came from several individuals. Including flat out
denial of some species' right to exist in this continent. What I would like
to take exception to is the statement "We have not learned much from the
starling and english sparrow, I guess." Indeed we haven't! Considering our
(American culture, a derivative of European) own trounce across the terrain
I am disappointed that most of us take such an exclusive view of other
non-natives in the continent.

I am certainly a strong proponent of protecting our native ecosystems
(and people). But I cannot bring myself to exterminating the 100's of
Starlings now in my neighborhood. Why? Because "nuisance" is all a matter
of perception. Consider that Starlings and House Sparrows "evolved" into
a kind of symbiosis with old world style cities. When I bird away from
"people" habitat I find no House Sparrows and very few Starlings, they just
don't seem to fare well in native habitat (I welcome criticism of this
observation, and everything). Further rambling thoughts bring to mind the
mountains of refuse that these birds "recycle", usually scattering throughout
the cities (although roosting sites do get a disproportionate amount) their
product. I would like to see a study about the import of "trash" birds
(House Sparrows, Starlings, Rock Doves, Gull sp., Crows) on the ecology
of cities/suburbs.

Is anyone game for developing a healthier view (i.e. realistic acceptance)
of the true impact that we have on our environment? The native peoples of
this continent have enduring philosophies honoring the coyote and crow; both
of which are highly adaptive, intelligent, opportunistic, etc., much like
Homo sapiens sapiens.

Now don't misunderstand my point. I do feel that these introduced species
have a negative impact on the well-being of native species; however they are
not going away. By the way, a new, aggressive European immigrant is the
zebra clam. It is apparently quite successful at pushing out native clams....

Mike Patrick - the thorn in your side!
Seattle (Queen Anne), WA.
mpatrick at eldec.com