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Hi Mary,
But who certifies that seeds are neonic-free? Reading the very brief ABC link that you quote, ABC says that they have requested assurance from the two largest seed producers that their products are neonicotinoid-free. ABC obviously has not received such assurances (yet?) or would have said so, so they can’t clarify this issue. Reading the back of a couple of my seed bags, even the origin of the seeds is not clear/vague (‘domestic and imported’, original supplier not given), and says nothing about pesticide content.
Surprising to me, the ABC link says that eating a single treated seed is sufficient to kill a bird, but gives no supporting information/references. You obviously follow this more than most of us — is this level of sensitivity well established, and are there supporting links/references? Vertebrates are allegedly much less sensitive to such pesticides than are some invertebrates (insects), but perhaps that is not true for neonics?
Steve (Hfx)
On Apr 6, 2016, at 11:09 AM, Mary Macaulay <marymacaulay@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have also noticed a precipitous drop in starlings. Not only do they need insects in the spring to feed their young but they're also very dependent on backyard feeders. Bird seed is not safe for birds anymore unless certified to be so. The component seeds are mostly grown using neinicotinoid seed treatments. Here's a link to the American Bird Conservancy's warning
> https://abcbirds.org/article/conservation-group-seeks-assurance-that-wild-bird-seed-products-are-pesticide-free/
>
> With kindest regards
>
> Mary (Macaulay), P.Eng.
> Queen Bee, Insect Recovery Project
> Owner, Remember Adventures
> Pedal Buggy & snowshoe rentals, picnics, great bird friendly coffee, breakfast & pasta, pollinator meadow, games & more!!
> (Open Wed to Sunday: 8:30 am)
> 365 Main Street & Station Road
> Trans-Canada Trail
> Tatamagouche
> RememberAdventures.ca & InsectRecovery.org
> 1-902-657-0054
> Twitter @RememberTata & @InsectRecovery
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