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Having the blues over missing the birds

An article in the Altoona Mirror last week made me think!

It was about the decrease in the number of songbirds in our environment.

Last spring, during the spring gobbler season, was the first I realized that I was not hearing or seeing as many birds as usual. One of the things the spring hunter listens for intensely is for the woods to waken.

One bird chirps sleepily, followed soon by another then another until a chorus of various birds are chirping back and forth. The gobbler hunter knows that at some point in the middle of this concert or toward the end, the gobblers will begin to sound off.

That is the usual program. But last year, this hardly happened. One or two birds would sing and that would be all. My hunting buddy remarked to me that she had noticed that there seemed to be fewer birds flying around. We talked about that each morning. It was sad.

Even at my own house, which is surrounded on all sides by flowers,

I have seen almost no robins and other birds and no butterflies this summer. I have no answer for it just now but I notice the lack .

Archery deer hunting, which opened yesterday, was marred by the wondering if the deer they have bagged has CWD. Bears are threatened with Mange, a horrid disease, ruffed grouse and other birds by the West Nile Virus. Officials are examining the fall wild turkeys this year to see if West Nile is affecting them. Even our streams and rivers have erupted with various threats to fish life.

These are new and toxic times for hunting. Something vile seems to be stalking most every species of game bird and animal and I hear from many hunters that they are discouraged about it and not even going out this season.

Still, the archery opener is exciting. The serious hunter knows where the apples and acorns and wild grapes are and has selected his or her opening morning stand from which they will watch for deer all day. They have attended to all the practicing required to perfect their aim and draw, their talents on a deer call, keeping boots, clothes, hair and hats scentless. Birds (we hope), chipmunks, foxes porcupines and other critters saunter by and we love just watching them.

Don’t forget

Hopefully, most of us remembered to treat our outer hunting clothes with tick spray, preferably something containing Permathrim.

If you did forget the spray, be sure to check your entire body because ticks are active all fall. Even the winter cold and ice does not kill ticks.

Mark it down

On Friday, Nov. 1, the 39th annual Thunderbird Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse society will be held at the Casino at Lakemont Park. This is a festive and really fun event each year. Raffles, auctions, door prizes and great food are the highlights of the event. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for looking over all the tables full of things you can bid on or buy raffle tickets for and for the luscious pre-meal snacks.

There are various raffle and ticket packages so if you want more information or to register contact Samuel Marino, c/o Hess and Marino, 127 Lexington Ave. Altoona,16601 or call 946-4349.

More than ever, these special interest groups, such as the Ruffed Grouse Society, that contribute many dollars and hands-on labor to the Game commission and others for research and habitat improvement. All of this is more important than ever these days with almost every species of game and game birds are suffering some kind of malady and research must be accomplished.

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