Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Angus Wilson]

With helpful nudges from Bob Grover, Bob Paxton and Joe Jannsen I found
some more information to answer my own question about the management
strategies for Mute Swan outside of New York State. Links to some examples
are provided below and clearly authorities in many states have similar
concerns. Like the DEC report, these documents make for interesting reading.

Maryland
http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/pdfs/2011_MUSW_MDMagtPlan.pdf

Virginia
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/waterfowl/mute-swan/management-plan/virginia-mute-swan-management-plan.pdf

Ohio
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/wild_resourcessubhomepage/dealing_with_wildlifeplaceholder/terrestrialnuisancewildlife/MuteSwanActionPlan/tabid/22967/Default.aspx

Michigan
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/mute_swan_issue_paper_June_30_2003_364890_7.pdf?20140117090728

Ontario
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/download/Mute%20Swan.pdf

Clearly there is a much wider effort than I was aware of with considerable
forward momentum. The reductions obtained over a ten-year period in
Maryland are impressive and my initial skepticism seems unfounded.

As summarized in the NYS DEC report (well worth reading), amateur observers
across the state have played a important role in documenting the steady
rise in both the breeding and wintering population of Mute Swan over the
years. The authors Bryan Swift, Kevin Clarke, Robin Holevinski and
Elizabeth Cooper have made good use of data from the two Atlas projects,
the January waterfowl counts coordinated by NYSOA and the National Aububon
Christmas Bird Counts. Figure 1 comparing Breeding Atlas data and Figure 4
showing the cumulative CBC results are both particularly striking.

Going forward, one can imagine that high-resolution tools like eBird will
be valuable in tracking changes as these management policies are
implemented. If nothing else, this is one reason to carefully count Mute
Swans each time you see them (rather than entering an X). It will be
interesting to follow this from year to year.

Angus Wilson
New York City, NY

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RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Joe Jannsen]

It is ambitious, but feasible as demonstrated by Maryland:

"Maryland has been most aggressive to date, adopting a plan (with strong public 
support) that calls for direct culling of swans to the lowest possible number. 
By 2010, they had reduced their population to approximately 200 birds from 
nearly 4,000 birds in 1999 (Maryland DNR 2011)."

From: bounce-111944395-10871...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111944395-10871...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:16 PM
To: NYSBIRDS-L
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

This seems like a very ambitious (read: challenging) endeavor given the large 
numbers of Mute Swans that we now have in NYS, especially in coastal areas were 
they occur just about everywhere (fresh and brackish habitats). This is 
compounded by the fact that neighboring states and provinces also have large 
numbers of birds, which are likely to quickly repopulate areas that are 
cleared. Honestly I think they are planning to close the barn door after the 
swan has left but as Paul Sweet notes there are legitimate reasons for concern 
on behalf of native flora and fauna.
Does anyone know if other state/provinces are planning similar projects? A 
concerted effort across the northeast would seem a minimal requirement for 
long-term success.
Angus Wilson
New York City, NY
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Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Christina Wilkinson]

I am not opposed to controlling the population of invasive species.  I am 
opposed to euthanization or shooting, both of which are contained in the DEC 
plan.  It's in many ways  ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money.  (And if 
you believe the contaminated euthanized geese were fed to the homeless, there's 
a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.)  Furthermore, in NYC, the 
populations of swans to be removed are around JFK, where at least a dozen more 
species are targeted for removal.

Again I ask, when will it end?  And if protecting native species from invasives 
is such a major concern, then when will the house sparrow and starling removal 
programs begin?

Christina Wilkinson

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 17, 2014, at 7:14 AM, "Grover, Bob"  wrote:
> 
> Failure to properly manage invasive species, with the expectation that nature 
> will take the proper course, is what we call the “Walt Disney theory of 
> ecology”.
> The NYSDEC is doing the right thing.
> Bob Grover
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
> From: bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
> [mailto:bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Paul R Sweet
> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 5:42 PM
> To: Christina Wilkinson; nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
> Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan
>  
> Dear Christina
>  
> While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
> they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
> detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
> of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-
>  
> Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, 
> especially during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression 
> toward other waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting 
> and feeding areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.
> 
> In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
> birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
> loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).
> 
> The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
> species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
> presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of 
> this native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute 
> swan population must be drastically reduced.
> 
> Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs 
> frequently throughout North America. For example, the New York State 
> Department of Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive 
> mute swans killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland 
> Department of Natural Resources has reported records of mute swans killing 
> mallard ducklings, Canada goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not 
> just waterfowl species are at risk. For example, a large molting flock of 
> Maryland mute swans caused a colony of least terns and black skimmers to 
> abandon their nesting colony by trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. 
> These swans also displaced nesting Forster's and common terns.
>  
> Respectfully, Paul Sweet
>  
> Paul Sweet
> Collection Manager
> Department of Ornithology
> American Museum of Natural History
> Central Park West at 79th Street
> New York, NY 10024
>  
> Tel: 212 769 5780
> Cell: 718 757 5941
>  
> From: bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu 
> [mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
> Wilkinson
> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
> To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
> Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan
>  
> http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html
>  
> First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.
>  
> When will this ever end?
>  
> Christina
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
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> Surfbirds
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> Please submit your observations to eBird!
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>  
>  
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
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> Surfbirds
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> Please submit your observations to eBird!
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> 
> This communication and any attachments are intended only for the use of the 
> individual or entity named as the addressee. It may contain information which 
> is privileged and/or confidential under applicable law. If you are not the 
> intend

RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Grover, Bob]

Failure to properly manage invasive species, with the expectation that nature 
will take the proper course, is what we call the “Walt Disney theory of 
ecology”.
The NYSDEC is doing the right thing.
Bob Grover







From: bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Paul R Sweet
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 5:42 PM
To: Christina Wilkinson; nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

Dear Christina

While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-

Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, especially 
during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression toward other 
waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting and feeding 
areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.

In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).

The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of this 
native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute swan 
population must be drastically reduced.

Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs frequently 
throughout North America. For example, the New York State Department of 
Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive mute swans 
killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland Department of Natural 
Resources has reported records of mute swans killing mallard ducklings, Canada 
goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not just waterfowl species are 
at risk. For example, a large molting flock of Maryland mute swans caused a 
colony of least terns and black skimmers to abandon their nesting colony by 
trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. These swans also displaced nesting 
Forster's and common terns.

Respectfully, Paul Sweet

Paul Sweet
Collection Manager
Department of Ornithology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024

Tel: 212 769 5780
Cell: 718 757 5941

From: 
bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu<mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu>
 [mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
Wilkinson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu<mailto:nysbirds-l@cornell.edu>
Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.

When will this ever end?

Christina
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RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Grover, Bob]

Failure to properly manage invasive species, with the expectation that nature 
will take the proper course, is what we call the “Walt Disney theory of 
ecology”.
The NYSDEC is doing the right thing.
Bob Grover







From: bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Paul R Sweet
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 5:42 PM
To: Christina Wilkinson; nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

Dear Christina

While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-

Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, especially 
during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression toward other 
waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting and feeding 
areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.

In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).

The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of this 
native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute swan 
population must be drastically reduced.

Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs frequently 
throughout North America. For example, the New York State Department of 
Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive mute swans 
killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland Department of Natural 
Resources has reported records of mute swans killing mallard ducklings, Canada 
goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not just waterfowl species are 
at risk. For example, a large molting flock of Maryland mute swans caused a 
colony of least terns and black skimmers to abandon their nesting colony by 
trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. These swans also displaced nesting 
Forster's and common terns.

Respectfully, Paul Sweet

Paul Sweet
Collection Manager
Department of Ornithology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024

Tel: 212 769 5780
Cell: 718 757 5941

From: 
bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edumailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu
 [mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
Wilkinson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edumailto:nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.

When will this ever end?

Christina
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Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Christina Wilkinson]

I am not opposed to controlling the population of invasive species.  I am 
opposed to euthanization or shooting, both of which are contained in the DEC 
plan.  It's in many ways  ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money.  (And if 
you believe the contaminated euthanized geese were fed to the homeless, there's 
a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.)  Furthermore, in NYC, the 
populations of swans to be removed are around JFK, where at least a dozen more 
species are targeted for removal.

Again I ask, when will it end?  And if protecting native species from invasives 
is such a major concern, then when will the house sparrow and starling removal 
programs begin?

Christina Wilkinson

Sent from my iPad

 On Jan 17, 2014, at 7:14 AM, Grover, Bob rgro...@gpinet.com wrote:
 
 Failure to properly manage invasive species, with the expectation that nature 
 will take the proper course, is what we call the “Walt Disney theory of 
 ecology”.
 The NYSDEC is doing the right thing.
 Bob Grover
  
  
  
  
  
 From: bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
 [mailto:bounce-111944324-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Paul R Sweet
 Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 5:42 PM
 To: Christina Wilkinson; nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
 Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan
  
 Dear Christina
  
 While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
 they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
 detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
 of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-
  
 Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, 
 especially during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression 
 toward other waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting 
 and feeding areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.
 
 In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
 birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
 loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).
 
 The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
 species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
 presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of 
 this native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute 
 swan population must be drastically reduced.
 
 Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs 
 frequently throughout North America. For example, the New York State 
 Department of Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive 
 mute swans killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland 
 Department of Natural Resources has reported records of mute swans killing 
 mallard ducklings, Canada goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not 
 just waterfowl species are at risk. For example, a large molting flock of 
 Maryland mute swans caused a colony of least terns and black skimmers to 
 abandon their nesting colony by trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. 
 These swans also displaced nesting Forster's and common terns.
  
 Respectfully, Paul Sweet
  
 Paul Sweet
 Collection Manager
 Department of Ornithology
 American Museum of Natural History
 Central Park West at 79th Street
 New York, NY 10024
  
 Tel: 212 769 5780
 Cell: 718 757 5941
  
 From: bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu 
 [mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
 Wilkinson
 Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
 To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
 Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan
  
 http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html
  
 First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.
  
 When will this ever end?
  
 Christina
 --
 NYSbirds-L List Info:
 Welcome and Basics
 Rules and Information
 Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
 Archives:
 The Mail Archive
 Surfbirds
 BirdingOnThe.Net
 Please submit your observations to eBird!
 --
  
  
 --
 NYSbirds-L List Info:
 Welcome and Basics
 Rules and Information
 Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
 Archives:
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 Surfbirds
 BirdingOnThe.Net
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RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Joe Jannsen]

It is ambitious, but feasible as demonstrated by Maryland:

Maryland has been most aggressive to date, adopting a plan (with strong public 
support) that calls for direct culling of swans to the lowest possible number. 
By 2010, they had reduced their population to approximately 200 birds from 
nearly 4,000 birds in 1999 (Maryland DNR 2011).

From: bounce-111944395-10871...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111944395-10871...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:16 PM
To: NYSBIRDS-L
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

This seems like a very ambitious (read: challenging) endeavor given the large 
numbers of Mute Swans that we now have in NYS, especially in coastal areas were 
they occur just about everywhere (fresh and brackish habitats). This is 
compounded by the fact that neighboring states and provinces also have large 
numbers of birds, which are likely to quickly repopulate areas that are 
cleared. Honestly I think they are planning to close the barn door after the 
swan has left but as Paul Sweet notes there are legitimate reasons for concern 
on behalf of native flora and fauna.
Does anyone know if other state/provinces are planning similar projects? A 
concerted effort across the northeast would seem a minimal requirement for 
long-term success.
Angus Wilson
New York City, NY
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3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

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Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Angus Wilson]

This seems like a very ambitious (read: challenging) endeavor given the
large numbers of Mute Swans that we now have in NYS, especially in coastal
areas were they occur just about everywhere (fresh and brackish habitats).
This is compounded by the fact that neighboring states and provinces also
have large numbers of birds, which are likely to quickly repopulate areas
that are cleared. Honestly I think they are planning to close the barn door
after the swan has left but as Paul Sweet notes there are legitimate
reasons for concern on behalf of native flora and fauna.

Does anyone know if other state/provinces are planning similar projects? A
concerted effort across the northeast would seem a minimal requirement for
long-term success.

Angus Wilson
New York City, NY

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ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Paul R Sweet]

Dear Christina

While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-

Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, especially 
during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression toward other 
waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting and feeding 
areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.

In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).

The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of this 
native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute swan 
population must be drastically reduced.

Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs frequently 
throughout North America. For example, the New York State Department of 
Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive mute swans 
killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland Department of Natural 
Resources has reported records of mute swans killing mallard ducklings, Canada 
goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not just waterfowl species are 
at risk. For example, a large molting flock of Maryland mute swans caused a 
colony of least terns and black skimmers to abandon their nesting colony by 
trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. These swans also displaced nesting 
Forster's and common terns.

Respectfully, Paul Sweet

Paul Sweet
Collection Manager
Department of Ornithology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024

Tel: 212 769 5780
Cell: 718 757 5941

From: bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
Wilkinson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.

When will this ever end?

Christina
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

RE: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Paul R Sweet]

Dear Christina

While Mute Swans are indeed spectacular birds and it is not their fault that 
they are here, they are nevertheless an invasive, non-native species and 
detrimental to native wildlife. A quick Google search will find many examples 
of problems caused to native avifauna and habitat, for example from Michigan-

Mute swans are one of the world's most aggressive waterfowl species, especially 
during nesting and brood-rearing. Mute swans exhibit aggression toward other 
waterfowl and can displace native waterfowl from their nesting and feeding 
areas by attacking, injuring and even killing other birds.

In Michigan, of particular concern are native breeding waterfowl and water 
birds such as trumpeter swans (state threatened), Canada geese, ducks, common 
loons (state threatened), and black terns (state special concern).

The trumpeter swan is native to Michigan, and is on our state's threatened 
species list. It has been on the road to recovery; however, the increasing 
presence of the invasive mute swan is threatening the breeding success of this 
native bird. To ensure the protection of the trumpeter swan, the mute swan 
population must be drastically reduced.

Mute swan displacement and aggression toward native wildlife occurs frequently 
throughout North America. For example, the New York State Department of 
Environmental Conservation reported that three pairs of captive mute swans 
killed at least 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. The Maryland Department of Natural 
Resources has reported records of mute swans killing mallard ducklings, Canada 
goose goslings and cygnets of other mute swans. Not just waterfowl species are 
at risk. For example, a large molting flock of Maryland mute swans caused a 
colony of least terns and black skimmers to abandon their nesting colony by 
trampling nests containing eggs and chicks. These swans also displaced nesting 
Forster's and common terns.

Respectfully, Paul Sweet

Paul Sweet
Collection Manager
Department of Ornithology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024

Tel: 212 769 5780
Cell: 718 757 5941

From: bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-111943821-11471...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Christina 
Wilkinson
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:29 PM
To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu
Subject: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

First they killed geese, then owls, now they want to do it to swans.

When will this ever end?

Christina
--
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Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/!
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NYSbirds-L List Info:
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ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] DEC's Mute Swan management plan

[Angus Wilson]

This seems like a very ambitious (read: challenging) endeavor given the
large numbers of Mute Swans that we now have in NYS, especially in coastal
areas were they occur just about everywhere (fresh and brackish habitats).
This is compounded by the fact that neighboring states and provinces also
have large numbers of birds, which are likely to quickly repopulate areas
that are cleared. Honestly I think they are planning to close the barn door
after the swan has left but as Paul Sweet notes there are legitimate
reasons for concern on behalf of native flora and fauna.

Does anyone know if other state/provinces are planning similar projects? A
concerted effort across the northeast would seem a minimal requirement for
long-term success.

Angus Wilson
New York City, NY

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--