Behavioral adaptation by wildlife to the increasing intrusion of people is as widespread as mankind itself and represents just another variation on nature’s expansive program. Humans are a part of nature and no more invasive than many other species, even though in every case this malignant predisposition may prove counterproductive to the species so afflicted. There are certainly many examples of the situation whereby wildlife becomes acclimated to human presence, when the wilds are no longer completely wild, or when human development equates to an abundance of easily accessible food in the form of discards. Coyote, bear and rodents are especially troublesome in some locales. Less common examples include deer and moose in places like Newfoundland, or polar bears in the arctic. Birds can adjust their behavior to the presence of humans just as profoundly as mammals. Examples of familiarity and tolerance of people is definitely occurring in city parks, provincial parks and even with a housing complex. GTA birding hotspots are not only “hot” because of their proximity to flight routes, the lake, and because of long spits extending into the lake, all serving as funnels for bird migration, but also these locales remain destinations for birders because the birds have gotten accustomed to people in their midst. This adaptation influences their behavior to a variation of wild behavior and making their presence easier to detect and to photograph. This inevitable behavioral adaptation is not necessarily a bad thing. If birding was too difficult it would have very few advocates and support for wildlife would not be as passionate as its current expression. Wildlife in an urban setting, in contrast to essential wildlife, must get used to humans to survive and nature is making adjustments according to that manifesto. Swarming of the owls at Downsview Park is not a recommended protocol but leaving them completely alone may not be doing them any favours. Protecting owls from nuckleheads seems to me to be a worthy objective. It is not necessary to approach an owl close enough to obtain a pharyngeal swab. It is unacceptable to bait an owl. Using an unchoked electronic flash is the resource of a twit. Alas, it may be necessary to put up some signs to deter the mentally challenged, by shaming if necessary, to make it so socially unacceptable to act like an idiot in front of all of Bravo company that the owls may suffer much less stress and yet their celebrity status remains a pillar of the public’s appreciation and support of wildlife.
