Insecticides and Birds: A conversation with Dr. Christine Bishop of Environment Canada
We're back with more critical information about pesticides in the ornamental industry, this time with the amazing Dr. Christine Bishop. Dr. Bishop is a research scientist at Environment Canada in the area of Conservation and Protection of Species At Risk, her current research focuses on cumulative stressors on Species at Risk and bird, reptiles and amphibian indicator species in riparian, wetland, and grassland ecosystems. She has published over 100 peer reviewed journal papers, and several books on wildlife toxicology, but today we will be focusing on her work on pesticide effects on hummingbirds and other songbirds. The papers we discuss can be found below: Temporal and spatial patterns of systemic insecticides in avian and insect pollinators and flowers in western Canada (2018, 2019) Imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos insecticides impair migratory ability in a seed-eating songbird Bluebirds Experience Impaired Hatching Success in Conventionally Sprayed Apple Orchard Habitats: A 31-Year Study Our theme music was composed and performed by Heather's son Callum, and the challenging job of audio editing done by the uber-talented Laura Eccleston.