There's a strong possibility many Arctic-breeding birds will return
without offspring this year. There is a narrow window of opportunity to
bring off a clutch at those high latitudes, and persistent cold temps
may prevent many birds from reproducing this summer. Here's a
biologist's interesting article from a Winnipeg newspaper:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/big-chill-in-churchill-47992231.html
        Will we see a southbound shorebird migration early this summer? Either
way, will we see nearly all the migrants are adults? Other high Arctic
breeders like geese may include very few young birds this year, too, and
their schedule may be affected; given the figures offered in the
article, numbers of migrant snow and Canada geese may be cut in half.
Longspurs, some sparrows, loons, and numerous pelagic species seem to be
at great risk as well.
Bill Whan
Columbus

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