Time to support our
springtime fauna and flora

Plant trees, create pollinator gardens and take simple actions to protect wildlife

By Irwin Rapoport

May 9, 2024

The return of spring was confirmed when I saw a flock of Canada geese flying over NDG in mid-March and, three weeks ago, an American Robin in the front yard. When we take a stroll today, we know that the birds are back and that many more are returning, a signal that beckons a visit to the Technoparc wetlands and wilderness, the Lachine Rapids nature park, the L’Anse à l’Orme wilderness, Mount Royal Park, and other spots where there are still large green spaces and wilderness areas.

And, of course, we can check out the action in our front lawns and backyards. I grew up in Côte Saint-Luc, where our house was adjacent to the railway tracks. We had a thick hedge to minimize the noise from the many trains passing by and every year, a pair of red-winged blackbirds returned to their nest to raise a new generation of these feisty birds. I was impressed by how the parents defended the nest – one was always on guard duty, and if we got too close, we were dive-bombed. Many parents could learn a thing or two from red-winged blackbirds on how to look after children. There were also one or two pairs of songbirds nesting in that hedge, and for one season, a pair of mourning doves turned our plum tree into a home.

Spring, as they say, is the return of life from the dormant cold winter months, and right now, so many trees are putting forth new leaves, and a multitude of spring flowers are emerging. Bees are back in action, as are moths, and other insects, such as spiders, will soon be very active. Migratory birds return at this time to enjoy the bounty of insects they depend upon to feed themselves and their young.

No Mow May encourages bees and other pollinators – Image: photokip.com – Pexels

Veteran birders are already on the prowl to see old friends and keep an eye out for new species to check off on their lists. Montreal, in spring, summer, and fall, is home to more than 170 species of birds, along with many heading north to their breeding grounds in the boreal forest and arctic regions. We can help them by not letting cats outside for the next two months unless they are on a leash. Cats, be they feral or pets, kill hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals annually in North America, as well as in Australia.

Nor can we forget the many mammals in the Greater Montreal Area – rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, skunks, voles, raccoons, weasels, bats, foxes, beavers, deer in certain areas, and others. Moms are raising their young, with a few not receiving any support from the fathers. It is not an easy time for bird and mammal parents. Not only do they have to feed them often and protect them from predators, but also introduce them to the world and teach these juveniles what is safe to eat and what to avoid. Young animals have much to learn, and many natural predators prey upon them.

Years ago, I saw a squirrel mom at a park in Montreal West. She was letting them explore their world in a safe spot, but a hawk could suddenly appear out of the blue and take one unawares. Soon, skunk mothers will appear, followed by six or seven young ones. Raccoon moms have between three to six young, and the family changes homes every few weeks.

I always pity the starling parents who can have up to seven chicks and, for a few weeks, are constantly chased by the brood that expects food. The parents, who have no choice, oblige. They and other animals will do almost anything to ensure the survival of their young into adulthood. I have been fortunate to see killdeer, which are ground nesters. That can be dangerous as a strategy with so many predators around. To distract predators, killdeer parents feign a broken leg to draw them away from the nest.

Montreal, in spring, summer, and fall, is home to more than 170 species of birds, along with many heading north to their breeding grounds in the boreal forest and arctic regions.

Montreal has a variety of small snakes, with garter snakes being the most common. We also have endangered little brown snakes. Snakes have emerged from hibernation and are re-exploring their home ranges in search of food and mates. One must be on the lookout to avoid running them over with a car or bike.

We also have toads. While cycling in Montreal West, I saw a toad crossing the street – it had avoided being hit by cars. However, it was having trouble getting past the sidewalk and could have been run over by a parking car. I sprung into action and picked it up, placing it on a lawn so it could go about in its merry way.

In areas of wetlands, there are turtles, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures. They are vulnerable, especially in the spring. So, if you are travelling by a wetland, slow down and keep an eye out for them. If you see a turtle walking in a certain direction in the middle of the road, stop and lift it to a safe spot in the direction it was proceeding. It would most likely be heading towards water. We should do the same for snakes. Years ago, while cycling in Montreal West, I sadly saw a dead garter snake on the road. It had survived the winter hibernation only to be killed by a car.

Soon, we shall see mallard duck moms escorting their ducklings to water. It is a pleasant scene as the gang of ducklings, sometimes 12 or 13, follow their mother. But it can be a dangerous time for the ducklings, as some may fall into sewers. There are many videos of people intervening to help ducklings trapped under grates while their mom is in the background watching the rescuers. Once recovered, rescuers follow the duck family to water, ensuring their safety. In some cases, police officers, firefighters, and municipal workers get involved.

Mother duck and ducklings – Image: Robert So – Pexels

We share our homes with wildlife, and we can easily co-exist. Groundhogs can be the bane of gardeners, but they are intelligent and active animals. They often burrow dens under garden sheds, and they dig extensive tunnel systems. Friends of mine share videos and pictures of groundhog families residing in their yards. A well-established family of groundhogs lives by the trees at the eastern edge of the playing field at Concordia’s Loyola Campus. They are secretive and not as comfortable outdoors with people near them but are determined creatures and true survivors.

Westmount, NDG, and West End Montreal are home to several species of birds of prey and owls. Owls are nocturnal and, thus, a rare sight. We have American kestrels and red-tailed hawks, among others. I have seen individuals gliding over NDG and Mount Royal Park as well as several mobbed by smaller birds trying to protect their nests. At the Technoparc, I saw five species of raptors, including peregrine falcons.

White-nose syndrome took its toll on our local bat populations but they are slowly recovering, as some bats were immune to the disease brought to North America by European spelunkers. Researchers are dedicated to discovering a means to immunize our bats. I have not seen a bat in years, but when I see them flying about using echolocation to hunt insects, I am amazed. Bats and humans share a common ancestor – we are cousins and must help them out. Placing bat boxes for them to live in and raise their young safely can make a difference.

‘Pollinator gardens with many types of plants and flowers provides food for a multitude of insects, as well as hummingbirds. They also provide shelter and homes for insects, birds, and small mammals.’

Pollinators, such as bees and other insects, benefit when we plant pollinator gardens. Grass lawns are ecological deserts. Pollinator gardens with many types of plants and flowers provide food for a multitude of insects, as well as hummingbirds. They also provide shelter and homes for insects, birds, and small mammals. Without question,  pollinator gardens with native milkweed are crucial for the survival of the endangered eastern monarch butterfly, whose northern range extends from central Mexico to Greater Montreal.

Pollinator gardens are based on perennials, with many native plants to choose from. Once created, they don’t require watering or mowing. There are a tremendous number of online resources to establish pollinator gardens. You can also plant blueberry, strawberry, and blackberry bushes, which provide food for animals and people. It may take a while for a fruit tree to mature, but once it does, you have fruit that animals and people enjoy for many years.

Regarding the mowing of lawns, a herpetologist from Vermont, when speaking on Vermont Public about reptiles and amphibians in the state, provided some excellent advice. He stressed that, when a lawn is being mowed, animals and insects will seek shelter in the thick grass. When a lawn is mowed along the edges to end in the middle, many deaths could result. Mowing in lines from one end to the other gives creatures a chance to escape. Furthermore, rabbit moms often establish nests in thick sections of grass to protect their kittens. So, before you start mowing, check the lawn to see any nests. If you see a stray kitten, return it to the nest. And should there be a nest, consider not mowing the lawn until it is vacated. Mowing lawns results in the deaths of rabbits, snakes, toads, and others.

A pollinator garden should include a variety of flowering perennials – Image: Pixabay

We are privileged to have such a great variety of flora and fauna in the St. Lawrence Valley. Alas, the loss of natural spaces to development has negatively impacted our local and seasonal biodiversity, with some species near extinction and others locally extirpated. The filling in of critical wetlands has been a disaster, and the practice continues unabated. Unless the provincial government reconsiders its policy or the federal government intervenes, the company behind the Northvolt battery plant in McMasterville and St-Basile-le-Grand will destroy wetlands and the 14,000 trees surrounding them. Northvolt is now seeking permission from the provincial government to drain highly polluted water into the Richelieu River, which will flow into the St. Lawrence River and contribute to the growing dead zone in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

‘… the loss of natural spaces to development has negatively impacted our local and seasonal biodiversity, with some species near extinction and others locally extirpated.’

We must protect our remaining wilderness areas, wetlands, green spaces, and farmland by only permitting development to occur on brownfields, and the redevelopment of low-density commercial and industrial sprawl, which is sadly everywhere and has been so destructive to our urban landscape and biodiversity.

Thus, on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, I and environmentalists urge all to do what they can to co-exist with our stunning biodiversity. Plant trees, establish a pollinator garden, and be aware of plants, animals, and their needs. They will greatly appreciate the effort and in return, we can watch the web of life in our midst live long and thrive.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca or its publishers.

Feature image: bluebirds, by Kevin Blanzy – Pexels

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Irwin Rapoport is a freelance journalist with Bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science from Concordia University.