[TN-Bird] Re: Fw: cats are predators...but
- From: Meredith <meredith@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: TN-Bird <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 09:55:01 -0500
Thanks Carol, for that in depth look into at least one more
aspect of the cat/bird issue. You are a
brave woman to invite this group to comment, but I know you
thrive on such banter and we'll all
enjoy the venting, whichever side we're on.
I've tried to keep an open mind over the years, knowing that
I love birds and cats, and so far I
generally end up allowing pet cats their natural
inclination to hunt, and the birds their natural
inclinations to be wary. With multiple feeders for years,
and multiple inside/outside cats, my
observations match yours. For example a white-throat was
offered to me last week and I thought I
might have to chalk one up for the Inside Cat Party. But
when I checked the bird, it had a huge
tick under its eye that had completely closed the eye. Easy
prey.
Since I am also an inside/oustide resident and work in both
places most days, I know what the cats
are up to much of the time. Sure they stalk the birds for
sport, but rarely succeed without a
little help. But they regularly bring in the mice and rats
that feed under the feeders which are
much easier prey. They have only rarely gotten any
migratory species of concern and I have almost
always been able to confirm that, if those weren't already
injured or sick, they had hit a window (my fault?).
HOWEVER, there is a significant population of feral cats out
here as well. I can't say what they are eating, but I do
believe they could have a serious
impact on a variety of wildlife. (i never see
them around my feeders.) I think the increasing coyote
population is helping minimize the ferals,
but to me, dealing with the wild cats is where we should
look for balancing the scales more in favor
of the birds.
That's my 2 cents worth, and I am still keeping an open
mind, so fire away with some real statistics. When I'm
convinced, I'll happily keep my cats
up.
Meredith Clebsch
Loudon County, TN
p.s - been meaning to comment on the raptor/cat topic. when
one on my manx cats was about half
grown, he suddenly became terrified of the ceiling fan
(still is). since he was about the size of a
young rabbit, i imagine he may have had a close encounter
from above.
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