P.E.I. birders keeping eye on woodland population

Island birders are out Saturday documenting the movement and migration of local bird populations.

And perhaps keeping an eye on stray cats, as well.

Nature PEI's annual bird count takes place across the Island, over a 24-hour period.

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One alarming trend they'll be paying close attention to is the rapid decline in woodland birds.

We're concerned over the decline for sure. Dan McAskill

"We're concerned over the decline, for sure,"said Dan McAskill, coordinator for the bird count.

"It's a long-term decline in many woodland bird species and grassland species and aerial insectivores, those are the birds that hawk off branches or fly and capture insects."

Cats, he said, are the biggest culprits.

"There's a number of things the people can do. Keeping cats inside of the house, or if they are out, on a leash, that will prevent some of the mortality," he said. "Cats have been identified as one of the biggest causes in North America."

Birders are encouraged to form teams and participate in the event.

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