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Show Feed the birds, not deer during the winter by Christy Jones-FendForum staff writer If we can get a few deer through the winter, then we can rebuild the herds, said er . The unusual amount of recent snowfall has certainly caused Utahns a considerable inconvenience. However, although a few have taken plunges off roofs,, redesigned the body lines of their vehicles and thrown out backs, there are others whose struggle is much more difficult than our own: the native animals. The harsh winter has once again pushed deer out of the higher elevations and into habitat of the foothills. their once-naturRather than finding foliage, the deer are encountering condos and pavement, thus making winter feeding sparse. Craig Miya, assistant chief of law enforcement for Utahs Division of Wildlife Resources, encourages those encountering the of the anideer to consider the well-bein- g mals by not feeding them. Artificial feeding of the deer helps people sleep better at night because they feel theyve done something to help. But, in actuality, it only prolongs their misery, said Miya. Deer cannot adjust to a radical change in diet. Although the deer may look full after consuming artificial feed, they are actually bloated due to an inability to digest. Miyas suggestion is simply to leave the deer alone. In addition to complications regarding diet, artificial feeding also concentrates the deer in specific areas, thereby causing them to quickly deplete the sparse natural habitat available, as jvell as aids in the spread of disease. Miya does not deny that the winter will take its toll on the deer, but said nature must take its course. al "Qcrtru.de Ste.in Miya. Ironically, it is the harsh winter which provides for the increased vegetation for feeding throughout spring and summer. Miya points our that artificial feeding has been done in the past when faced with extremely devastating conditions but was strictly controlled by the Division of Wildlife. Although feeding deer is highly discouraged, residents are encouraged to assist in feeding the valleys bird population. The deep snow has made searching for food very challenging. Although birds encounter some of the same hazards as deer regarding condensed populations, the benefits of artificial feeding outweigh the risks involved. . Dean Mitchell, upland game biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife, gives a few suggestions for feeding the birds. People need to be aware that birds feed in different areas, said Mitchell. Mitchell described those areas and a few of the birds which adhere to them as the following four types: Ground feeders - Starlings Table top level feeders - Juncos Hanging bird feeders - English sparrows Tree trunk feeders - Woodpeckers. Nearly all types of birds will gratefully eat the common wild bird feed mixes found at many retailers. For the tree feeders, suet cakes made of beef fat and seed may be purchased at the more specialized retailers such as Intermountain Farmers. For more information regarding the birds and a free pamphlet titled Feeding Utahs Birds, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife at 538-4700. and a Companion a play by win wells will be playing at the Art Bam . . " from Thursday, January 2 1 to Sunday, February 7. Regular admission is $8 and $5 for students with I.D. and seniors. Vicki Pugmire is directing. LuAnn Smith, , a Westminster student, will perform, as well as several other actors connected with TheatreWorks West. Dans Theatre Coalition is funding the play. The play begins at 8 p.m. for Poetry Workshop: The Making of a (Poet The Utah State Poetry Society workshop scheduled for Jan. 9 at the Holladay Library was postponed until Jan. 30, to be held at the Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way (1445 E.) at 10:30 a.m. i A panel of four local j poets will discuss "The Making of a Poet" in this free two-howorkshop, which is open to the public. prize-winnin- g ur Poet's names are Marilyn Bushman-CarltoBob Oliver, Richard Shorten, all of Salt Lake City, and Judy Johns of Pleasant View. n, m , ei - magine your choice of 17 delicious, flame broiled burgers. ..from (M) the hearty All American to our Green Chili Burger to the one that made us famous, The Bleu Bacon Burger. IFI30gtMl n o Experience The Training Tables tasty sandwiches, crisp salads, healthful chicken platters, and creamy soups. Imagine the possibilities... at The Training Table! OPEN FOR LUNCH Thursday through Saturday showings, and at 7 p.m. on Sundays. The Art Bam is located at 54 Finch Lane. For information and tickets call 486-405- 1.. POT YOUR mmsm A EH SAFE PLAGE. Helmets make riding more comfortable and fun. Not to mention safer. Protect your most valuable v o asset. Always wear a helmet, yny MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FCUKDATIOHNA Blood drawing classes Learn basic phlebotomy techniques! Day, evening and Saturday classes are available Pre-registrati- required. on Phlebotomy Learning Center Inc. 322-351- 4 January 19, 1993 Jorum Page 7 |