[NatureNS] Massive areas of Dug-up Grassy Turf in Berwick???

Date: Wed, 21 May 2008 07:04:14 -0300 (ADT)
From: Pat McKay <ah205@chebucto.ns.ca>
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
References: <6.2.3.4.1.20080519185008.01ec4d30@pop1.ns.sympatico.ca>
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects

Index of Subjects
On Tue, 20 May 2008, Sherman Williams wrote:

> Seeking some help on this situation:  I was visiting a friend in Berwick area, 
> today, and he was showing me several large areas where a grassed surface is 
> all dug up. I presume that it was done by skunks mining larvae.  What larvae? 
> He says that several ravens are seen in these areas too. But I  doubt that 
> they are initiating the original dig. They are just hoping to find something 
> good under the little sods already removed (I've never seen so many ravens as 
> congregate around his place -a poultry farm).
>
> The areas where the turf is ripped up range between 2 square metres to 10 or 
> more square metres.   The exposed soil is a sandy loam, the grassed area is 
> actually a landing strip (that he keeps mowed) for a light aircraft;  it is 
> boardered by rows of 30-yr old white pine.   It is amazing, the total area 
> that has been worked over.   He has not experienced this before, at least 
> nothing on this scale.   He is wondering what is going on and what he should 
> do.     I said that I suspect that it has something to do with an infestation 
> of some insect larvae that skunks like ????
>
> If I'm right, I bet someone on NatureNS probably has a suggestion or two on 
> what insect is behind the event.
>
> Sherman
>
>
> Sherman Williams
> shermw@xcountry.tv
>

Hello Sherman and All,

I have seen this phenominum on Seal Island too. The culprits were the 
ravens and crows, and, yes, large areas were turned over. I have no 
idea how you stop it however.

Pat McKay

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects