Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!ukma!psuvm.bitnet!kiv
From: KIV@PSUVM.BITNET
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Mockingbirds
Message-ID: <45637KIV@PSUVM>
Date: 20 Jun 88 13:41:28 GMT
References: <2028@mtuxo.UUCP>
Organization: The Pennsylvania State University - Computation Center
Lines: 31

I strongly urge you to examine (or have somone knowledgable in botany)
the plants that are supposedly invading your woods. It is likely that
these are native species which in fact may be attracting the mockingbirds
that you desire. Poison ivy (Rhus radicans) is a native species and
many birds feed on the fruits during the late summer. I strongly urge you
to investigate the food preferences of the mockingbird before you reduce
or eliminate species which may attract this species. Where do you find this
information? Try the library, the encyclopedia, a local bird club or Audubon
Society.
      For the size plot that you have, I sincerely doubt that you need a
bulldozer. Perhaps a rototiller or small garden tractor with a tiller
attachment. Also, before you rip everything up locate your plant source.
If you delay, the disturbed soil that you leave behind will surely yield
an abundance of opportunistic pioneer plant species, many which are alien
(introduced from other countries).
      Waiting untill September will not reduce the risk of Poison Ivy
infection, since the oils of the roots and vines is still active year
round, especially if you try to pull up the roots. Also, do not expect to
erradicate all the species. They are resilient, especially poison ivy.
However, waiting untillsongbird migration will reduce the risk of
chasing the Mockingbirds away.
      FINALLY, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU ATTEMPT SUCH A RADICAL
ALTERATION OF YOUR PLOT. My notes are not meant to suggest that I condone
your actions. I interpret your inquiry in a way that does not suggest to me
that you know what you are doing. The actions you suggest will displace
many of the terrestrial (mice, voles , moles ,insects, snakes) organisms
from your plot for at least a year, perhaps more. This includes the birds
that you wish to attract. On the other hand, you will attract many introduced
species which are not native. Also, any soil disturbances that are near water-
ways or wetlands will most likely require approval from the state environmental
protection agency.