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Conservation Committee: Awards
Avian Defender Award 2007
RAS Avian Defender Award Issued to Don West
Wildlife Officer at VDOT was presented the 2007 RAS Avian Defender Award for his succuesful completion of the removal of Thorny Aeleagnus bushes along all eastern Virginia Interstates. This bush was attracting the gregarious Cedar Waxwings in 1999 and 2000 with berries which appear in early spring. Unfortunately, thousands of these birds and other species were killed by automobiles as the birds flew into and out of the bushes. Segments of roadway planted with Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) were monitored for bird use and mortality. More than 1,600 Cedar Waxwings were collected along 2 segments of highway east of Richmond, VA. Large flocks of birds were observed to fly repeatedly through dense traffic to feed on Elaeagnus fruit. Birds were struck and killed by oncoming traffic. More than 350 birds were once collected from one location in a single day.
John M. Roberts,
RAS Conservation Chair
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