Tweeters,



I saw this news item on KOMO news. There are any number of reasons why
there could be fewer birds at this feeder, or in that section of Renton,
this winter than last winter. Even if this decrease is real, it is likely
just a very local phenomenon and does not reflect region-wide trends. It
could be that a Sharp-shinned Hawk or other predator has taken up residence
in the vicinity.



Blaming the decrease on "smart meters" demonstrates only the ignorance of
both the feeder operators and the news reporter. There is not the slightest
evidence that smart meters have any effect on birds or on anything else.



It is too bad that the KOMO news staff did not consult a knowledgeable
ornithologist before running this rubbish as "news".



Wayne C. Weber

Delta, BC

contopus at telus.net









From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Mark
Ahlness
Sent: February-22-13 7:45 PM
To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Renton residents trying to solve mystery of disappearing
birds



>From KOMO... anything to this?



http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Renton-residents-trying-to-solve-mystery-
of-disappearing-birds-192619811.html



Mark Ahlness

mahlness at comcast.net

Seattle, WA