I noticed a couple of weeks ago that I only had one pair of Morning Doves in the back yard this spring, and I began to think about it and realized that the Blue Jay pair that has come to my yard in the past was gone as well.
I do have two pairs of Cardinals, and I think the Mrs. is setting on a nest already as the girls haven't been to the corn in about a week.
Noticing the decline in my regular crew of songbirds I became concerned that the feral cat population was on the rise once again, so I kept my eyes out to see if I spotted any. Sure enough I spoke with my neighbor and she said she had seen what looked to be a pregnant Tabbie in her yard and when spooked it ran under her house. Then the very next night I saw a yellow Tom running into my garage.
So I called Worcester County Animal Control yesterday morning. The told me they would be out this morning to set the traps, and they were.
Low and behold by 4 this afternoon two cats were captured. The two previously mentioned suspects in fact.
Being an animal lover this entire scenario makes me nuts; but I can't allow the wildlife to fall prey to a domesticated animal that has no predator.
Over the last century North America alone has lost more species of songbirds than I really even want to think about and the one of the biggest reason is irresponsible pet owners letting their cats outside. Of course our globalized grocery store has played a very important part in killing thousands of migratory songbirds because being able to buy a fresh watermelon in Salisbury in December is just not normal. Latin American countries uses pesticides that the US outlawed years ago, and their application methods are unmonitored. Thus destroying thousands of birds yearly. But until we loose our taste for out of season fruits and vegetables I don't see this problem going away anytime soon.
A question that has been asked of us all lately is 'What can I personally do to help better the planet'?
I know I may step on some cat lovers toes, but the fact of the matter is a domestic cat has no enemies. Domestic cats are natural predators. They are beautiful creatures that God has blessed us with for companionship, however a cat will; no matter how much they are fed, if let out will kill up to two times per day. In the morning and in the evening. Their prey? Songbirds, and wild rabbits, especially baby rabbits in the nest.
It is unfortunate, but as sweet and loving as they are when in our laps. When let out it is their nature to kill and not even usually eat but bring the dead animal to it's owner as a present.
As pet owners, no matter what the pet is we must take into consideration what type of temperament it possesses and work with it, and not allow the pet to engage in destructive behavior.
If a pit bull came into a yard and killed a critter in a vicious attack, many people would find that appalling and disgusting. I personally don't see the difference. It is imperative to look a the big picture of not only our impact on the environment but also those of our pets.
Please don't take it personally if you are a cat person, but please do consider the nature of the animal, and take care not to let them outside.
Below is a chart that I found that shows how imperative our vigilance is:
