Syd Cannings
@sydcannings1.bsky.social
Biologist, naturalist, bug- and bird lover, and inhabitant of the Yukon's boreal woodlands. Co-author of British Columbia: A Natural History. Conservation. Biodiversity.
Reposted by Syd Cannings
December 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Just heard Tom Powers interviewing Con O'Brien of the Irish Descendants on CBC, lovely that they finished by playing "Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary's", one of the greatest Newfoundland songs of all times. I used to live in the lighthouse at the Cape back in 1976...
www.google.com/search?sca_e...
www.google.com/search?sca_e...
irish descendants fish off cape st. mary's - Google Search
www.google.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Just heard Tom Powers interviewing Con O'Brien of the Irish Descendants on CBC, lovely that they finished by playing "Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary's", one of the greatest Newfoundland songs of all times. I used to live in the lighthouse at the Cape back in 1976...
www.google.com/search?sca_e...
www.google.com/search?sca_e...
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Patrick Weiler is right--it makes no sense to give $$ to the highly profitable oil industry when we could be encouraging clean energy. The NDP fought these subsidies for more than a decade and thought the Liberals were finally onside, but now Carney caves.
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/03/c...
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/03/c...
Carney 'will have to answer' questions about flip-flop on tax credit,…
National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views.
nationalnewswatch.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Patrick Weiler is right--it makes no sense to give $$ to the highly profitable oil industry when we could be encouraging clean energy. The NDP fought these subsidies for more than a decade and thought the Liberals were finally onside, but now Carney caves.
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/03/c...
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/03/c...
Reposted by Syd Cannings
A Canadian publisher has called out the United States for using the image of a children's book character to brag about murdering unarmed people in international waters.
This is a decrepit gangster state.
This is the world of Donald Trump.
This is demonic.
This is a decrepit gangster state.
This is the world of Donald Trump.
This is demonic.
December 3, 2025 at 12:49 AM
A Canadian publisher has called out the United States for using the image of a children's book character to brag about murdering unarmed people in international waters.
This is a decrepit gangster state.
This is the world of Donald Trump.
This is demonic.
This is a decrepit gangster state.
This is the world of Donald Trump.
This is demonic.
Wow
This is the Sunburst Candy Spider from Thailand. Not AI (sucks to have to declare this). Very real and had been on my wish list for a long time.
The taxonomic placement is unclear, so we are leaving it at Cyrtarachninae.
The taxonomic placement is unclear, so we are leaving it at Cyrtarachninae.
November 29, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Wow
Reposted by Syd Cannings
At least one federal Canadian politician has a bit of integrity
This afternoon, I informed the Prime Minister of my decision to resign as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Minister responsible for Official Languages, Minister of Nature and Parks Canada, as well as his Lieutenant in Quebec.
You can find my full statement below.
You can find my full statement below.
November 27, 2025 at 11:48 PM
At least one federal Canadian politician has a bit of integrity
Reposted by Syd Cannings
This exceptional #UNBC student is waiting right outside my office at the moment.
So I might as well use this opportunity to advertise our Wildlife and Fisheries B.Sc.
🔗 www.unbc.ca/programs-and...
So I might as well use this opportunity to advertise our Wildlife and Fisheries B.Sc.
🔗 www.unbc.ca/programs-and...
November 26, 2025 at 10:47 PM
This exceptional #UNBC student is waiting right outside my office at the moment.
So I might as well use this opportunity to advertise our Wildlife and Fisheries B.Sc.
🔗 www.unbc.ca/programs-and...
So I might as well use this opportunity to advertise our Wildlife and Fisheries B.Sc.
🔗 www.unbc.ca/programs-and...
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Birds Start to Show Signs of Recovery After Bee-Harming Pesticide Ban in the EU
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/birds-start-to-show-signs-of-recovery-after-bee-harming-pesticide-ban-in-the-eu/ #goodnews
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/birds-start-to-show-signs-of-recovery-after-bee-harming-pesticide-ban-in-the-eu/ #goodnews
Birds Start to Show Signs of Recovery After Bee-Harming Pesticide Ban in the EU
The results identified a 12% increase in the presence of insectivorous birds like chaffinches, blackbirds, and black caps.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Birds Start to Show Signs of Recovery After Bee-Harming Pesticide Ban in the EU
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/birds-start-to-show-signs-of-recovery-after-bee-harming-pesticide-ban-in-the-eu/ #goodnews
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/birds-start-to-show-signs-of-recovery-after-bee-harming-pesticide-ban-in-the-eu/ #goodnews
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Terrific new paper by @jessicalwarelab.bsky.social and others on dragonfly wings, in particular the hydrocarbons which act in multiple ways - structurally, pheromonally and in terms of water resistance. Wish I were still teaching, I'd use this as a great example. of multiple adaptations.
The secrets of the extreme durability of odonata wings
Abstract. Essential properties considered in the design, fabrication, and application of contemporary bio/nanomaterials have been modeled on adaptations of
academic.oup.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Terrific new paper by @jessicalwarelab.bsky.social and others on dragonfly wings, in particular the hydrocarbons which act in multiple ways - structurally, pheromonally and in terms of water resistance. Wish I were still teaching, I'd use this as a great example. of multiple adaptations.
A carload of somewhat crazy birders drove to the beautiful little town of #WatsonLake, #Yukon today to see the female #EurasianBullfinch that has been visiting a feeder there... First record for Canada! (that wasn't an escaped cage bird) #birds #listers
November 23, 2025 at 4:17 AM
A carload of somewhat crazy birders drove to the beautiful little town of #WatsonLake, #Yukon today to see the female #EurasianBullfinch that has been visiting a feeder there... First record for Canada! (that wasn't an escaped cage bird) #birds #listers
Reposted by Syd Cannings
More decades-long studies like this, please! Science crammed into short grant cycles misses important patterns.
“After the first burn, the net productivity of those plots was really low and the controls looked a lot better,” said John Battles @natureatcal.bsky.social and @ucanr.edu. “But by the third burn, the patterns had switched.” ucanr.edu/blog/green-b...
Prescribed burning helps store forest carbon in big, fire-resistant trees | Green Blog
A two decade long experiment in the Sierra Nevada found that regular prescribed burns promote carbon sequestration in live trees and plants, maintaining forests’ long-term ability to store carbon whil...
ucanr.edu
November 21, 2025 at 1:42 AM
More decades-long studies like this, please! Science crammed into short grant cycles misses important patterns.
Reposted by Syd Cannings
For the first time, humans have tracked an individual butterfly, as shown in the Monarch migration of north America.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
We Can Now Track Individual Monarch Butterflies. It’s a Revelation.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 PM
For the first time, humans have tracked an individual butterfly, as shown in the Monarch migration of north America.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Unbelievable - my Liberal federal MP emailed his constituents today asking us to consider supporting a local non-profit because orgs providing housing and food to our neighbours are so stretched thin.
If only there was some kind of central governing body that could provide funding and services
If only there was some kind of central governing body that could provide funding and services
November 17, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Unbelievable - my Liberal federal MP emailed his constituents today asking us to consider supporting a local non-profit because orgs providing housing and food to our neighbours are so stretched thin.
If only there was some kind of central governing body that could provide funding and services
If only there was some kind of central governing body that could provide funding and services
Reposted by Syd Cannings
On Oct 28, a male monarch called XOKC005 (does he need a nickname?) was this year's 1st Xerces-tagged butterfly to make it Mexico, but he's already joined by several others!
See their journeys on the Project Monarch app⤵️
🍎iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/proje...
🤖Android: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
See their journeys on the Project Monarch app⤵️
🍎iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/proje...
🤖Android: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
November 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM
On Oct 28, a male monarch called XOKC005 (does he need a nickname?) was this year's 1st Xerces-tagged butterfly to make it Mexico, but he's already joined by several others!
See their journeys on the Project Monarch app⤵️
🍎iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/proje...
🤖Android: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
See their journeys on the Project Monarch app⤵️
🍎iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/proje...
🤖Android: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Providing a springboard for early-career researchers to turn curiosity and passion into conservation action is one of the things I value the most.
One example is leading the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program at @ncccnc.bsky.social!
natureconservancy.ca/what-we-do/c...
One example is leading the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program at @ncccnc.bsky.social!
natureconservancy.ca/what-we-do/c...
November 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Providing a springboard for early-career researchers to turn curiosity and passion into conservation action is one of the things I value the most.
One example is leading the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program at @ncccnc.bsky.social!
natureconservancy.ca/what-we-do/c...
One example is leading the Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program at @ncccnc.bsky.social!
natureconservancy.ca/what-we-do/c...
Reposted by Syd Cannings
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Congratulations to Kate White and the entire Yukon NDP team on forming the Official Opposition!
When New Democrats come together, we win!
We’re all cheering you on as you continue to stand up for working people and for the North. 🧡
When New Democrats come together, we win!
We’re all cheering you on as you continue to stand up for working people and for the North. 🧡
November 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Congratulations to Kate White and the entire Yukon NDP team on forming the Official Opposition!
When New Democrats come together, we win!
We’re all cheering you on as you continue to stand up for working people and for the North. 🧡
When New Democrats come together, we win!
We’re all cheering you on as you continue to stand up for working people and for the North. 🧡
Reposted by Syd Cannings
If you’re in Vancouver, don’t miss this 🌿
On Nov 20, WCS Canada’s Justina Ray joins UBC for a talk on reframing biodiversity - from “what we can spare” to “what nature needs” in planning, policy & climate action ↓
On Nov 20, WCS Canada’s Justina Ray joins UBC for a talk on reframing biodiversity - from “what we can spare” to “what nature needs” in planning, policy & climate action ↓
Biodiversity Lecture Series with Justina Ray | Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Biodiversity Lecture Series returns with Dr. Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, lead research on biodiversity conservation in northern boreal landscapes.
f.mtr.cool
November 4, 2025 at 2:13 PM
If you’re in Vancouver, don’t miss this 🌿
On Nov 20, WCS Canada’s Justina Ray joins UBC for a talk on reframing biodiversity - from “what we can spare” to “what nature needs” in planning, policy & climate action ↓
On Nov 20, WCS Canada’s Justina Ray joins UBC for a talk on reframing biodiversity - from “what we can spare” to “what nature needs” in planning, policy & climate action ↓
Found this while digging through my old boxes... so glad my mother made sure I got me every vaccine going!
November 3, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Found this while digging through my old boxes... so glad my mother made sure I got me every vaccine going!
Reposted by Syd Cannings
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
November 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Join the flock! Are you a skilled field biologist passionate about protecting Canada’s grassland birds? Birds Canada is hiring a Grasslands Program Biologist to help deliver our Grassland Conservation Program across the Prairie provinces.
Apply by November 7: tinyurl.com/jab5yhka
Apply by November 7: tinyurl.com/jab5yhka
Grassland Program Biologist
Photo: Nick Saunders | The Grassland Program Biologist plays a key role in delivering Birds Canada’s Grassland Conservation Program within Bird Conservation Region 11 (the Prairie Provinces). This pos...
tinyurl.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Join the flock! Are you a skilled field biologist passionate about protecting Canada’s grassland birds? Birds Canada is hiring a Grasslands Program Biologist to help deliver our Grassland Conservation Program across the Prairie provinces.
Apply by November 7: tinyurl.com/jab5yhka
Apply by November 7: tinyurl.com/jab5yhka
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Record highs in October
October 25, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Record highs in October
Reposted by Syd Cannings
Birding is clearly having a cultural moment. What it would take to make this a political moment? Birds are declining at an alarming rate and the 100M birdwatchers w/ the $107B they spend on birding yearly haven't emerged as a political constituency. It's a hobby, not a movement.
October 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Birding is clearly having a cultural moment. What it would take to make this a political moment? Birds are declining at an alarming rate and the 100M birdwatchers w/ the $107B they spend on birding yearly haven't emerged as a political constituency. It's a hobby, not a movement.
Reposted by Syd Cannings
This is good reporting on the disaster in Alaska if you're looking for a reliable summary.
This is a bigger disaster than I think most are realizing. 1500 people have been displaced by the flooding with an exceptionally complicated response and recovery.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kz...
This is a bigger disaster than I think most are realizing. 1500 people have been displaced by the flooding with an exceptionally complicated response and recovery.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kz...
Rescue crews airlift hundreds out of rural Alaskan villages after powerful storm
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
www.youtube.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
This is good reporting on the disaster in Alaska if you're looking for a reliable summary.
This is a bigger disaster than I think most are realizing. 1500 people have been displaced by the flooding with an exceptionally complicated response and recovery.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kz...
This is a bigger disaster than I think most are realizing. 1500 people have been displaced by the flooding with an exceptionally complicated response and recovery.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5kz...