DOGS AND MIGRATING BIRDS   By Jeff Sauer

Spring is on its way to Southeast Alaska.  And, with spring comes migrating birds and our spring bird walks. In conjunction with this, Juneau Audubon is attempting to deal with an ongoing problem on the Mendenhall Refuge and Eagle River tideflats, with dogs chasing birds. The problem is that the refuge and the Eagle River Flats are used by thousands of shore birds and waterfowl in migration and they are an extremely important stop over for many species of birds to feed and rest. Some species have already come hundreds or thousands of miles to get here. And, from here some species will travel hundreds of miles to the arctic to nest.  While these birds are here they need to recover from their trip and recharge.  They must be able to seriously feed and rest in order to continue on their migration.  If they are forced to stop resting and feeding, and take to the air to avoid charging dogs, they will burn up critical reserves.  These are reserves they cannot afford to lose. If harassed enough by dogs they could die.  They will not die here, but they may die after leaving Juneau as they have not built up enough reserves to cope with other stressors on their trip, such as bad weather.

Many dogs are well managed and behaved and do not go charging after shorebirds and ducks, but some do, and their owners seem oblivious to the potential impacts.  This should not happen. It is not responsible dog handling and it is against the law.  It is against the law to allow one’s dog to harass wildlife.  Harassing wildlife includes dogs chasing after birds causing them to flush, and it simply is not acceptable.  We will be working to educate the public and dog owners, and possibly take other steps to reduce this problem.  Juneau Audubon members can also help by politely trying to educate the public on this issue.