Latest news with #WildlifeRescueAssociationofB.C.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dive-bombed or not, Vancouverites are still pro-crow, researchers say
VANCOUVER — Along her journey towards understanding Vancouver's crows, psychology professor Suzanne MacDonald says she made a friend. It's a crow that brings her gifts after she set up a bird feeder at her home in the neighbourhood of Kitsilano. Once, it was a barnacle-covered shell, which MacDonald treasures. Other times, it was "bits of garbage" that MacDonald doesn't fancy much, though she "appreciates the sentiment." "I think he definitely recognizes me. When other people go out on my patio, he doesn't come to them. He knows me," said MacDonald. Vancouver has long had a love-hate relationship with its crows, whose dive-bombing attacks on pedestrians are a sure sign of springtime in the city. But a new survey co-authored by MacDonald suggests that, on the human side at least, it's mostly love. "I think that many people feel a deep connection to crows because they seem to see the world the way humans do: they are intelligent, excellent problem solvers, they recognize individual humans, and they are highly social, culturally complex beings," said MacDonald, a psychology professor at York University, who divides her time between Toronto and Vancouver. MacDonald and Laura Adams, who teaches psychology at Langara College, teamed up to survey hundreds of people in B.C.'s Lower Mainland to examine their relationship with crows. They said 67 per cent of people had positive feelings about crows, compared to only five per cent with negative feelings, in findings released this month that the researchers hope will inform an academic publication later. As for the crows, many make their feelings known during the spring nesting season, when the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. says "overprotective" parent birds swoop on anyone who gets too close to a nest. It's a common experience across Vancouver — an online crowdsourced map of crow attacks in Vancouver is dotted with red crow symbols marking swooping sites gathered over several years. But Adams said most people felt "very positive" about crows, even if they had been dive-bombed. "We were really hoping to compare the types of people who loved crows and the types of people who had very negative opinions on crows because talking to the general public, people seem to be in both camps," said Adams. But it turns out most respondents were crow fans. "We found that 64 per cent of people said that they'd been dive-bombed by a crow. So, when you put that in the context of 67 per cent of people feeling very positive about crows, that means there are a lot of people who've been dive-bombed but still love crows," said Adams, "We found that really interesting." Many of the 468 survey respondents shared stories about their unique relationships with the birds. "I think one of the interesting parts is just how much people wanted to talk about crows for no reward at all," said Adams. Vancouver has even had its own celebrity crow, named Canuck, that was well known for riding the SkyTrain, stealing a knife from a crime scene in 2016, and forging an unlikely friendship with a mail carrier. Adams said the survey found 53 per cent of people felt crows were a symbol of Vancouver. Wildlife photographer Liron Gertsman has been fascinated with crows since he was five, and that obsession turned into a documentary, filmed with friend Jack Bailey. Their 10-minute production, "The Commute," captures the story of a massive murder of crows — up to 10,000 birds strong — that congregates at Still Creek in Burnaby at night. The huge flock is a familiar sight in Metro Vancouver skies, particularly in winter months. Gertsman called it an "incredible phenomenon." "They're just so smart," he said, as he described the challenge of locating the birds, only to turn up for more filming and "they'd be nowhere to be seen." "So, they were playing games with us a little bit. They were taking us on a not a wild-goose chase, but a wild-crow chase around the city," he said. Gertsman said that during filming he and Bailey were pooped on "all the time," but it didn't dampen their enthusiasm for their subjects and their "beautiful daily commute." He's still watching crows during the current nesting season. "There's a crow nest that is just barely visible outside my window, tucked into the tree, which is fun to watch," Gertsman said. "I think it's a lovely thing to be able to look outside your window in the morning and see a crow because it represents that little bit of nature that is able to exist within even a pretty big city." The Wildlife Rescue Association said nesting season lasts from April to July, meaning "anxious bird parents are out in full force" to protect their young. The association said it's seeing a spike in reports of fledgling crows on the ground, and there are 11 injured and orphaned crows in Wildlife Rescue's care. The organization's co-executive director, Linda Bakker, said it's common to find young crows on the ground in late spring as they learn to fly. Not all need help, but if a grounded bird looks like it's in trouble, people should can take a photo and contact Wildlife Rescue, she said. She said the group often gets calls from people asking how to deal with crow attacks. But she said that when it happened to her, she wasn't worried. "I was excited when it happened. I was like, oh, there's a crow, and he's protecting his nest. That's great. I will stay out of your way," said Bakker. MacDonald said it's important for people to understand how we live with other species, particularly in an urban environment where many animals have been pushed out. "But some of them, like crows, actually thrive with us, and that makes them very special," she said. MacDonald says daily encounters with crows should be seen as a reminder that "if we live in a city that has no wildlife, then we live in a dead city." "We want to live in a very vibrant city where nature is at our front door and our back door and everywhere, and crows remind us that is the case in the Lower Mainland." This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 30, 2025. Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
Dive-bombed or not, Vancouverites are still pro-crow, researchers say
VANCOUVER – Along her journey towards understanding Vancouver's crows, psychology professor Suzanne MacDonald says she made a friend. It's a crow that brings her gifts after she set up a bird feeder at her home in the neighbourhood of Kitsilano. Once, it was a barnacle-covered shell, which MacDonald treasures. Other times, it was 'bits of garbage' that MacDonald doesn't fancy much, though she 'appreciates the sentiment.' 'I think he definitely recognizes me. When other people go out on my patio, he doesn't come to them. He knows me,' said MacDonald. Vancouver has long had a love-hate relationship with its crows, whose dive-bombing attacks on pedestrians are a sure sign of springtime in the city. But a new survey co-authored by MacDonald suggests that, on the human side at least, it's mostly love. 'I think that many people feel a deep connection to crows because they seem to see the world the way humans do: they are intelligent, excellent problem solvers, they recognize individual humans, and they are highly social, culturally complex beings,' said MacDonald, a psychology professor at York University, who divides her time between Toronto and Vancouver. MacDonald and Laura Adams, who teaches psychology at Langara College, teamed up to survey hundreds of people in B.C.'s Lower Mainland to examine their relationship with crows. They said 67 per cent of people had positive feelings about crows, compared to only five per cent with negative feelings, in findings released this month that the researchers hope will inform an academic publication later. As for the crows, many make their feelings known during the spring nesting season, when the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. says 'overprotective' parent birds swoop on anyone who gets too close to a nest. It's a common experience across Vancouver — an online crowdsourced map of crow attacks in Vancouver is dotted with red crow symbols marking swooping sites gathered over several years. But Adams said most people felt 'very positive' about crows, even if they had been dive-bombed. 'We were really hoping to compare the types of people who loved crows and the types of people who had very negative opinions on crows because talking to the general public, people seem to be in both camps,' said Adams. But it turns out most respondents were crow fans. 'We found that 64 per cent of people said that they'd been dive-bombed by a crow. So, when you put that in the context of 67 per cent of people feeling very positive about crows, that means there are a lot of people who've been dive-bombed but still love crows,' said Adams, 'We found that really interesting.' Many of the 468 survey respondents shared stories about their unique relationships with the birds. 'I think one of the interesting parts is just how much people wanted to talk about crows for no reward at all,' said Adams. Vancouver has even had its own celebrity crow, named Canuck, that was well known for riding the SkyTrain, stealing a knife from a crime scene in 2016, and forging an unlikely friendship with a mail carrier. Adams said the survey found 53 per cent of people felt crows were a symbol of Vancouver. Wildlife photographer Liron Gertsman has been fascinated with crows since he was five, and that obsession turned into a documentary, filmed with friend Jack Bailey. Their 10-minute production, 'The Commute,' captures the story of a massive murder of crows — up to 10,000 birds strong — that congregates at Still Creek in Burnaby at night. The huge flock is a familiar sight in Metro Vancouver skies, particularly in winter months. Gertsman called it an 'incredible phenomenon.' 'They're just so smart,' he said, as he described the challenge of locating the birds, only to turn up for more filming and 'they'd be nowhere to be seen.' 'So, they were playing games with us a little bit. They were taking us on a not a wild-goose chase, but a wild-crow chase around the city,' he said. Gertsman said that during filming he and Bailey were pooped on 'all the time,' but it didn't dampen their enthusiasm for their subjects and their 'beautiful daily commute.' He's still watching crows during the current nesting season. 'There's a crow nest that is just barely visible outside my window, tucked into the tree, which is fun to watch,' Gertsman said. 'I think it's a lovely thing to be able to look outside your window in the morning and see a crow because it represents that little bit of nature that is able to exist within even a pretty big city.' The Wildlife Rescue Association said nesting season lasts from April to July, meaning 'anxious bird parents are out in full force' to protect their young. The association said it's seeing a spike in reports of fledgling crows on the ground, and there are 11 injured and orphaned crows in Wildlife Rescue's care. The organization's co-executive director, Linda Bakker, said it's common to find young crows on the ground in late spring as they learn to fly. Not all need help, but if a grounded bird looks like it's in trouble, people should can take a photo and contact Wildlife Rescue, she said. She said the group often gets calls from people asking how to deal with crow attacks. But she said that when it happened to her, she wasn't worried. 'I was excited when it happened. I was like, oh, there's a crow, and he's protecting his nest. That's great. I will stay out of your way,' said Bakker. Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. MacDonald said it's important for people to understand how we live with other species, particularly in an urban environment where many animals have been pushed out. 'But some of them, like crows, actually thrive with us, and that makes them very special,' she said. MacDonald says daily encounters with crows should be seen as a reminder that 'if we live in a city that has no wildlife, then we live in a dead city.' 'We want to live in a very vibrant city where nature is at our front door and our back door and everywhere, and crows remind us that is the case in the Lower Mainland.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 30, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
14-05-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Nesting owls create a 'sensation' in Vancouver park: What to know
A pair of barred owls took up residence this month in a central Vancouver park, setting off something of a birdwatching frenzy in the neighbourhood. A local Montessori school posted an Instagram photo of a class full of kids excitedly pointing up at the nest. CBC News anchor Ian Hanomansing took to social media to marvel at the big crowds gathering, saying the owls have become a 'sensation at our neighbourhood park.' 'It's been great to see people over the last few weeks gather to watch and take pictures,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Here's my anecdotal observation: the correlation between owl watchers and friendliness is 100 per cent.' Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Then someone took to reddit with more close-ups of the birds, sparking a backlash that led to the post being removed. Why the fuss? you might ask. Turns out those redditors warning the owls might get spooked by all the attention, are on to something. While many types of wildlife have proven to be highly adaptable to busy urban settings — think coyotes, raccoons, crows and rats — most of these animals 'are naturally adapted to fear humans, and our presence can be a significant source of stress for them,' says Gabriella Wohlgemuth, manager of the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. based in Burnaby. She says many birds and small mammals live in urban green spaces, and it's up to us to give them some room if we want them to continue to thrive. (For that reason, Postmedia is not naming the park where the owls are.) 'Staying attentive to your surroundings is one of the most effective ways to spot these wild animals coexisting alongside us in urban settings,' says Wohlgemuth. 'Approaching too closely, particularly during sensitive times such as nesting and denning, can cause undue stress and may even lead to parents abandoning their young,' she warns. Owls are among the wild animals most at risk from too much human contact. 'Certain bird species, such as many owlets, ducklings and goslings, undergo a process known as imprinting,' she says. 'During early life, these very young birds form strong attachments to their primary caregivers, which should be their parents. 'Imprinting upon their own species is essential for learning the skills necessary to survive in the wild. When humans intervene in this process by interacting with newly hatched babies, the impacts are irreversible, as the bond is fortified between baby bird and human rather than between baby bird and parent bird. 'This results in babies that cannot successfully survive into adulthood without human support.' Too much human interaction is also problematic for adult wildlife. Offering them food can lead to habituation, 'where wild animals lose their natural fear of people,' says Wohlgemuth. 'This can cause unsafe interactions between wildlife and people and increases the risk of injury to both.' The Vancouver park board advises wildlife watchers to keep at least 50 metres, or about half a soccer field, between themselves and animals like owls. And keep an eye on whether it's returning the curiosity. 'If the bird looks towards you, or its behaviour otherwise seems to change in response to your presence, then you should move farther away,' says the park board. 'And do not follow the bird if it leaves the site.' Of course, distancing can be a challenge in a busy city park like the one where the owls recently decided to hang out. But that's why this and other wildlife sightings can be a learning experience. If you decide to have a look, keep your distance and move on after a few minutes, the park board suggests. And explain to your kids why you're doing so. 'It can be exciting to come across wild animals in urban settings,' says Wohlgemuth. 'However, the best thing that we can do for these animals is allow them to continue their natural behaviours undisturbed and educate others to do the same.' While the rescue organization is happy to take in animals in distress, it's always a last resort. 'Young animals have the best chance of survival when raised in the wild by their parents, who teach them how to find food and navigate the challenges of urban life,' she says. 'We only want to admit young birds when absolutely necessary.' Anyone who comes across an animal that appears to be in trouble is encouraged to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than intervene. • Avoid using flash photography, especially in low light such as at dusk and dawn when owls are most active. • Avoid loud noises and music that can scare wildlife. • Keep your dog on a leash. • Drones are not allowed in parks without a permit and should never be flown near nesting birds as it could lead to them abandoning the nest. • Try not to disturb roosts, nests and all natural wildlife habitat. If you accidentally flush an owl from its roost, don't pursue it and allow it to settle down on its own. • Never bait or feed wildlife. It's illegal in Vancouver and is subject to a $500 fine. Anyone who spots someone disturbing an animal, nest or eggs is asked to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. jruttle@
CBC
31-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Wilson the goose finally free after surviving arrow injury and months of treatment
Social Sharing A Canada goose named Wilson — who spent months with an arrow lodged in his rump — is finally flying free. The bird was released Sunday at Squamish's Brennan Park field, where dozens had gathered to cheer him on to freedom. As the cage door opened and Wilson took a few tentative steps, he turned toward a nearby flock of geese and took flight, marking the end of a months-long rescue effort that brought together a local photographer, veterinarians, wildlife rescuers, and an entire community. "I'm glad to see him finally get a second chance at life," said Tim Cyr, the Squamish photographer who has been a key figure in leading the rescue effort. The goose, which was named after the volleyball in the movie Cast Away, was shot with a training arrow with a blunt point near Sechelt last year. He eventually made his way to Squamish, where he was tracked by Cyr for about seven months. Despite multiple attempts to catch him with nets, Wilson kept slipping away, Cyr says. "We tried lots of different ways to catch him with nets and blankets and whatnot," he told CBC News. WATCH| A Canada goose had an arrow removed after 7 months: #TheMoment a Canada goose had an arrow removed after 7 months 2 months ago Duration 1:17 Wildlife photographer Tim Cyr and veterinarian Adrian Walton recount the moment they worked together to catch a Canada goose named Wilson and remove an arrow from its backside. In October last year, Cyr launched a GoFundMe campaign to purchase a net gun, a humane capture tool that shoots a net over the animal, that brought in $3,300. The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. bought the equipment and Wilson was finally captured in January. Wilson was taken to Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge, where veterinarian Dr. Adrian Walton removed the arrow and treated the wound it left behind. "There was a large hole that had been left behind," he said. "And that was the big fear that this hole would continue to putrify and become an abscess and that the recovery would be delayed." But after weeks of treatment, Wilson was transferred to MARS Wildlife Rescue near Courtenay on Vancouver Island, where he spent more than two months recovering. "He was very feisty didn't like any of us very much, just like any other goose," said Dylan Doucet, a volunteer at MARS. "But he had more energy than average considering what he'd been through." Doucet got to know Wilson's temper firsthand. "At least 10 bites. I would say during the time that I dealt with them, but that's to be expected in the job." Doucet helped transport Wilson back to the Lower Mainland for the release on Sunday. Before letting him go, Dr. Walton gave Wilson one final checkup and the all-clear to fly. "The feathers have come back," Walton said. "There's a little scar tissue, but no damage." Cyr then opened the cage as onlookers watched quietly. Wilson hesitated for a moment, then stepped out and flew straight toward a waiting flock of geese. Cyr said he was hoping for a proper goodbye. "I kind of expected him to give me a little bite or something," he said. "He knows me pretty well." Walton, standing nearby, was visibly emotional. "I only get to see the worst parts," he said. "So being able to experience the good parts has been a huge, huge plus for me." As the goose rejoined his flock, Walton imagined what Wilson might be thinking.
