On Saturday May 11, 1996 nine hundred shrubs will be hand planted by a volunteer force representing groups from Brooks, Medicine Hat and Calgary. The long range plan for the project is to have a stable abundance of habitat that will benefit wildlife along this linear corridor between Bassano and the Saskatchewan border!
The loggerhead shrike is a bold and highly visible "robin-sized" bird. Feeding on insects, small mammals and birds, the loggerhead shrike has the hooked beak of a hawk but lacks the talons for holding its prey. To compensate, the shrike hangs its prey on thorns or barbed wire to aid in feeding. From this amazing adaptation the shrike is commonly known as the "butcher bird" after the way a butcher hangs meat. Thorny Buffaloberry shrubs are native plants that are the preferred nesting habitat of the shrike.
The loggerhead shrike has shown the greatest rate of decline in population of any of the perching birds in Canada from 1970 - 1991. The ultimate cause of the decline of the shrike is unknown.
The CPR Bassano to Empress Rail line contains breeding habitat for loggerhead shrikes that may contain 30% of the total provincial population. The planting of shrubs along the CPR right of way between Bassano and Brooks will enhance habitat along this corridor.
The shrubs will be planted in clumps of 5 - 6 seedlings and in areas of suitable type. The plants will be monitored for survival and once established there will be excellent shelter and a food source for pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, rabbits,.. to name a few.
| PARTNERS |
| Ducks Unlimited Canada |
| North American Waterfowl Management Plan |
| Operation Grassland Community |
| CP Rail Systems |
| Brooks and District Fish and Game Association |
| Brooks and District Environmental Advisory Committee |
| Brooks and District Sustainable Communities Initiative |
| Eastern Irrigation District |
| Pheasants Forever |
| Alberta Environmental Protection - Brooks |
| Grassland Naturalists |
| Lethbridge Community College |
| Nature Conservancy of Canada |
| Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Team |
| ...plus all those who show up to help plant |
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