So that’s why it’s been so quiet…

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/03/2020 (2239 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On a recent warm and sunny afternoon, I enjoyed a long walk through Henteleff Park. The best part, aside from a temperature of 4 C and clear blue sky, was seeing and hearing the birds, including a woodpecker.  

Why?

Because since a bald eagle took up residence in the River Park South area, I have found the wildlife has been quieter and less visible. Hardly a bird, rabbit or squirrel to be seen. Even the crows are less noisy than usual.   

The first time I saw the eagle I thought I was seeing things. Having turned from the Perimeter Highway on to St. Mary’s Road at the end of a long day, I could have been convinced my eyes were deceiving me; except you can’t mistake the size and telltale white head and tail feathers of an adult bald eagle for much else, especially when it swoops so low right in front of you. The second time I saw it I wasn’t alone and so I now had an equally amazed witness. The third time I just stopped and watched in awe.

I had been wondering where all the birds were, why I wasn’t hearing them and why my bird feeder had been sitting untouched all winter. It began to make sense. The mere presence of such a powerful predator effectively silenced the smaller birds and compelled small animals to lay low and out of sight to avoid becoming a meal or a snack.

While rare in Manitoba in winter, bald eagles are known to stay right through our coldest season, especially if there is open water near by. Perhaps the unfrozen bend in the river at Maple Grove Park has been all the enticement needed this year. With the return of geese and ducks, a sign spring has arrived, it is sure to be a crowded gathering place.

Yes, spring is almost officially here.  

The melting snow has uncovered potholes on city streets, along with other ‘treasures’ along the sidewalks and paths courtesy of our furry friends (and their owners who don’t pick up after them which is a whole other conversation).   

There are buds on the trees. The annual flood watch has begun. Somewhere, far south from here, the monarch butterfliess are preparing for their migration north.

I await the first robin sighting of 2020 and I’ve got the urge to begin the annual spring clean and put away coats and boots in favour of lighter layers. In the meantime, I’ll be watching for eagles.                      

Sandy Nemeth is a community correspondent for River Park South and chair of the Louis Riel School Board. Email her at snemeth8@mts.net