birds or butterflies?

[Anne Kilmer]

Ron Gatrelle wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rudy Benavides" <rbenavid at hotmail.com>
> To: <don.benson at attcanada.net>
> Cc: <leps-l at lists.yale.edu>
> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2002 9:51 PM
> Subject: Re: birds or butterflies?
>

snip


 
> If it were me the first thing I would do is make an inventory of _all_ the
> biota that is already there (perhaps this has already been done).   I would
> then look to see how I could best eliminate the exotics that are not part
> of its natural state.  I would not want to "enhance" or biotically
> reconfigure an area if in the process something native was loss in the
> process.  I see no point in grooming an area for a pretty  butterfly if in
> the process a species of slug, or mite, or thorny plant is lost.
> 
> What a blessing to have access to 14 hectares.  It should be managed to
> benefit all life there.  If in that regimen other things can be introduced
> or drawn to the area ( like the butterflies and bird mentioned) without
> hurting that to which it is already home,  more power to ya.
> 
> Ron
> 
I couldn't agree more, if the chosen butterflies and birds are appropriate to the area. 

If not, pick something that belongs there, and favor it, when replacing 
exotics.
You might also consider that starlings and house sparrows appreciate 
nest boxes, and anybody who takes on such a project is therefore 
committed to clearing out and killing nestlings of these pest species.
Most people can't do that.
Starlings are reputed to be hearty consumers of leps at any stage. 
According to some myths, the starling was imported to solve the gypsy 
moth problem. (She swallowed the cat to catch the bird; she swallowed 
the bird to catch the spider ...)
Perhaps your forest is free of such pests?
Anne Kilmer
Miami Blue Crew
South Florida






 
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