ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 17, 1997 TAG: 9703180112
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
Grouse surviving research
Q. I have heard that the Game Department's efforts to trap grouse on Westvaco property have resulted in a lot of dead birds. I know there is a research project going on, but if it results in killing grouse wouldn't it be best to leave them alone? A.M.
A. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has a major grouse research project under way that does involve trapping grouse and equipping them with radio transmitters so their movements can be monitored. There have been rumors that as many as 75 percent of the birds have been killed, but Gary Norman, the lead biologist, says the project has not been harmful to grouse.
``I am thinking it is less than five that have died in traps or while we were handling them,'' he said. ``You get that type of mortality rate in any type of wildlife research. It is well within normal ranges of what we can expect. Anytime you handle a wild animal, they are subject to a lot of stress.''
As for rumors that there has been 75 percent mortality, ``That is just false,'' Norman said. ``That is an outlandish statement. We would be stopping the project if we were getting that kind of mortality in traps.''
Song birds stayed home
Q. I have been a keen bird-feeder and have numerous types of feeders. In the past, the feeders have attracted hundreds of birds each day. However, for the past few months, there have been days when no birds appeared. We have seen a hawk fly by. We assume the hawk is the problem. Or could there be another problem? D.G.
A. Other birders have experienced a drought of winter visitors around their feeders this year, even where there are no hawks. Most likely, a combination of mild weather and an abundant natural food supply have given many Northern birds an excuse to say home this winter.
``It looks like the birds just didn't migrate like they usually do,'' said Linda Cory, president of the Roanoke Valley Bird Club. Cory forwarded a report from a Tennessee birder who visited Minnesota and found high levels of American goldfinch, one of the species that has been scarce around local feeders.
``They were everywhere,'' said Jeff Wilson of Bartlett, Tenn., ``unlike last year at the same time, when we could not buy a goldfinch to add to our trip list. The food situation seemed to be the best in years, so all are well-fed.''
Hit keyboard before trail
Q. I need to buy some gear for hiking and backpacking this season, but there is so much equipment out there. How can I ever take a look at it all? B.V.
A. You can't. The growing popularity of back-country recreation is evident in the mounds of new equipment on the market. You will want to do a hands-on examination of the gear you select; however, a good place to see what's available is Backpacker Magazine's World Wide Web site, http://www.bpbasecamp.com.
You can click on the word ``GearFinder'' and customize your search by calling several models of packs, stoves, boots - whatever - to your screen for a side-by-side comparison. When you find something you like, you can head for your outfitter outlet for a closer look.
Unlike most catalogs, Backpacker says its listing of equipment will be updated each time manufacturers come out with new products. The result should be less time searching for gear and more time enjoying it.
Have a question on the outdoors? Contact Bill Cochran, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010; phone, 540-981-3395; e-mail billc@roanoke.com.
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