Once again ducks and the tailing ponds are in the news.

Dear Editor:

Once again ducks and the tailing ponds are in the news. These ducks ,and their fate, are only a “tip of the iceberg “ when it pertains to migratory birds. The oil sands ,and all the related activities, destroy major boreal forest habitats for many migratory species. Not all are equally threatened by such activities , but some , like  the Olive- sided Flycatchers and Palm warblers,  have very specific habitat requirements. Large portions of their breeding range falls within the areas already impacted by oil production , or slated for future destruction. More over, very little thought has been given to the impact on all migratory species that, each spring , fly north to breed in areas north of Fort McMurray. Some species make their way all the way from South and Central America, using up valuable fat reserves, to get here and then get right down to business laying eggs and raising young. What impact does a swath of habitat destruction have on the ability of these birds to replenish stressed energy levels when the areas, normally available, have been turned from forest to wastelands?   Unfortunately such questions are rarely raised in the planning stages of engineering projects. Only when we reach critical levels of “species endangerment” do we begin to consider the  big picture .    Is it not high time for some enlightenment ? Engineers and biologists should get their heads together and try to solve problems before it is too late.

Lu Carbyn ( Biologist )