From partridge to mountain lions with turkeys, coyotes, moose and deer the urban wildlife continues to intrigue me.
I’ve been noticing urban partridge for quite sometime. 10 years maybe? Open fields with short grass on the edge of some thicker habitat are some of the best locations. But that’s not always the case and it’s a treat for them to pop up in places I’d not expect them.
This spring there was a house a few blocks away which had partridge feeding on bird seed which had strewn on the ground. While many complaints come in about geese and turkeys, coyotes, deer, rabbits and squirrels. So far partridge seem to be welcome. Here’s a random string of thoughts.
- Feeding birds can feed squirrels which can draw in owls, and coyotes. The food chain works both directions.
- If you have water in storm water retention ponds you’ll likely have Canada geese. It’s a pretty simple concept. Water and short grass edges draws in the geese. There are many attempts to reduce the problems caused by urban geese. But about the only sure way of keeping geese away or out of the ponds is by not having water in the pond. Most don’t like that solution. But just because you don’t like the treatment doesn’t mean there’s another way which will work as good. Yes you can put up fences and use other means. But water and short grass will draw in geese.
- Urban coyotes aren’t just in your town. Google and you’ll find from Chicago to Minneapolis urban coyotes are eating rabbits, mice, rats and other non-desirable urban wildlife. They serve a purpose.
- Feeding birds is a popular activity. Just remember attracting small birds will attract larger birds. Turkeys feeding on the ground and owls eating the birds you are feeding. It’s the circle of life. You don’t have to like it, but the owls don’t care.
- And finally when it comes to health and human safety. I will never deny the concern over large urban predators and the potential for negative human interaction. We’ve had mountain lions in West Fargo and Bismarck. They are not an endangered species. You can argue for other options. But efficient removal is the goal. Human safety is priority #1.
- When a mountain lion enters into an urban area or near any dwelling the highest level of concern and action is necessary.
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