Queen's Defence of Wildlife

Henslow's Sparrow
Scientific name: Ammodramus henslowii

The Henslow’s Sparrow is a small, secretive bird that is hard to spot. It can be distinguished from other sparrows by its combination of chestnut brown wings, patterned olive-green head and back of neck, black and brown streaked back, and by its flat-headed, short-tailed profile. This bird has been found in abandoned farm fields, pastures, and wet meadows in northeastern Ontario. The Henslow’s Sparrow tends to avoid fields that have been grazed or are crowded with trees and shrubs. It prefers extensive, dense, tall grasslands where it can more easily conceal its small ground nest.

The main threat to the Henslow’s Sparrow is loss of open field prairie habitat. Many of the sites where this bird once lived have been converted to pasture, crop lands, tree plantations, and housing development. The vulnerability of this species is increased due to the fact that small populations of sparrows inhabited isolated areas.

Endangered Species and their general habitat are automatically protected. The Henslow's Sparrow is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Henslow’s Sparrow is found in several national wildlife areas, which are federal lands protected under SARA. It is protected by the Canada National Parks Act within Point Pelee National Park. It is also protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. Under this Act, it is prohibited to kill, harm, or collect adults, young, and eggs. Provincially, it is protected under the Ontario Endangered Species Act.

References:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U-dJ_zMZgk7f6o-o6t_Myx59F8GDscVvaI653HDUDWE/edit

The golden eagle is just one of the 30 species at risk in the Kingston area. The specific status of the golden eagle is endangered, meaning that this species is at serious risk of extinction in Ontario. This majestic bird is known for its golden-brown feathers covering its head, neck and upper wings. They are also known for being one of the two fastest living animals. Golden eagles can reach speeds of 240 to 320 km/hr when diving after their prey. Another interesting fact about golden eagles is that they are monogamous, so they mate for life.
There are various root factors that underlie golden eagles’ critically low population levels
As for many species, human expansion plays a large role in their endangered status. Golden eagles are very sensitive to disturbance around their nests, which leads them to abandon the nests. Furthermore, their numbers are low due to illegal shooting and trapping. Another contributing factor is that when birds put their feet on two different power lines, or if they sit on the wooden pole and touch a wire, they are electrocuted. Furthermore, golden eagles are susceptible to poisoning through contamination of their food sources.
Some actions currently being taken to protect the species are that golden eagles’ habitats as well as the birds themselves are now protected from damage or destruction. Additionally, the government is focusing on monitoring and researching the population and nesting location trends in Ontario to track the species recovery and determine specific threats. If you wish to help, then you can report a sighting to the National Heritage Location Centre.

References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_dgp4ET0sUIAzCGiRHWhj251-35MUPmJSCsENA0fl3c/edit?usp=sharing

Every year more and more animals become extinct, endangered or at risk around the globe. Currently, species are becoming extinct at a rate that is around 1000 times the natural rate of extinction (5 to 10 species/year). Human actions are responsible for loss of habitat and the changing climate and pollution, which have each acted to diminish mammal, bird, insect, reptile, amphibian and plant populations. Contradictory to the popular opinion that species conservation is most needed in African or Asian regions, Canada is not exempt from this increasing rate of species’ decline. Merely within Ontario, there are about 200 species at risk. In fact, specifically within the Kingston area there are 28 species that are endangered and at risk. Some of these species in Ontario are well-known, such as the peregrine falcon, the mountain lion, and the bald eagle. Other species, such as the bobolink, the piping plover, and Fowler’s toad, are often overlooked due to a lack of publicity. Regardless, as informed and educated members of society, we must take action towards animal conservation for all species. Here is a link to find out more and donate to the cause: http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/
*Image citations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jwpFp8FUDG1aiOIsXdPgTf0CLLFenQHZ--ZSnFF6e30/edit?usp=sharing