Common Redpolls (Carduelis flammea)
The Boreal forest, the great expanse that stretches across the northern frontier of Canada from Alaska, 6,000 kilometers east to Newfoundland, is the largest wilderness left in North America. It is named after Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind. Covering 2.3 million square miles, the Boreal ecosystem is larger than the remaining Amazon Rainforest. Over 300 species of North American birds nest there and for many, the Boreal ecosystem is their only nesting ground. It is truly North America’s bird nursery. An estimated 47% of redpolls, pictured above, breed within the Boreal forest. About 37% of Pine Siskins, pictured below, depend on the Boreal forest for their nesting grounds. You can learn more about the Boreal ecosystem at the SaveOurBorealBirds.org website.
More and more, development and resource extraction are encroaching upon this ecosystem and threatening all the species that live there, including caribou, wolves and grizzly bears. About two hectares of Canada’s boreal forest are clearcut every minute. Many of North America’s fastest declining bird populations are among those most dependent on the Boreal forest. Only 12% of the forest is protected, while the balance remains a free-for-all open for development. Help promote responsible decision making for future Boreal land use by signing the petition.
Pine Siskins (Carduelis pinus)
Willow House Chronicles 