The city of Regina is hoping residents can keep the city in the loop when it comes to two types of birds who habitat in the city.
Both the shrike and the barn swallow are considered species at risk, as well as the monarch butterfly, and the city would like you to report any sightings of these species to either them or Nature Saskatchewan.
Manager for Parks and Open Space Services Ray Morgan said barn swallows are found in a few of Regina’s parks.
“They seem to be attracted to the wooden bridges because it’s easier for their nest to be built in that,” Morgan said. “We’re just asking the public to leave them alone and let them catch the mosquitoes.”
Morgan said anyone who sees shrikes or barn swallows in Regina should report them to Nature Saskatchewan or the city.
“They’re obviously invested (and) a collaborative group with the city of Regina,” Morgan said. “They are invested, they’ve actually put up the signs and they want to see where these endangered species are nesting so that they can monitor them, and we’re willing to provide the habitat for them to work with Nature Saskatchewan and again, collaborate with them.”
Morgan said they are looking in parks for the birds among other places.
“Even around golf courses, along the Wascana Creek right from the northwest end of the city right through to Wascana Centre Authority or the Provincial Capital Commission along the (Legislative) building, that’s about our boundary there.”
Mosquito numbers are also down in Regina. Morgan says 130 mosquitoes per trap is being reported, which is much lower than 273 last week.