When we think of invasive species we usually think of plants or maybe cats but there is a new threat to birds and their environments growing in the Carolinas – feral swine (a.k.a. pigs, hogs). There are no swine species native to the Americas. Domestic swine were originally released in North Carolina as a source of food for European explorers in the 1500s. Feral swine cause significant damage to plant communities and wildlife habitat during rooting activities while they search of food and directly impact native species by preying on ground nesting and other wildlife. (For more info on this issue.) Video - https://youtu.be/UPhOlH9YeKI?si=3v8jpx3_juq0gCNo

William Mayfield, a master’s student at North Carolina State University and recipient of one MAS’s research grants, investigated invasive feral swine’s influence on wintering bird communities in early successional habitats within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. Using acoustic monitoring, he compared bird species richness at sites with and without feral swine presence. He will share the findings of his research at our February meeting.

Join us Thursday, February 5th at the Tyvola Senior Center, for this informative presentation and show support for our grant recipient and budding ornithologist. Refreshments will start around 6:45 PM with the program beginning at 7:15 PM. A Zoom link will be sent out to members on Wednesday, February 4th. If you are not a MAS member you can request the Zoom link from Judy Walker via birdwalker@me.com.