Do you know what the problem with blue jays is? They have no respect for a gal’s seeds. I’m talking about the plump, tasty seeds that burst from the giant sunflowers I grow in my garden. I do all the work and those aggressive, mean thieves muscle their way into my yard and steal them, knocking about all the carefully placed pinwheels and garden stakes I use to decorate.
I’m an organic kinda bird, with a personality split between believing everyone is inherently nice and peace-loving, and everyone is up to something dastardly. So I grow my own seed rather than trust the store-bought stuff. I’m beginning to think I’m right in my reasoning.
Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network of North America told one of our reporters that seed coating with a class of neonicotinoid insecticide can harm not just the target insect, but anything else that might feed on the treated seed.
Say what?
He went on to say that if a bird ingests a single corn kernel treated with the insecticide, it could die.
Gulp.
Alright so maybe I knew that there may have been an effect on bee colonies. And maybe I didn’t really say much. And maybe that was wrong. And now this hits too close to home.
Goleta resident Kevin Hanson calls for an organic option. There’s even a lawsuit asking the EPA to stop classifying neonicotinoids as a “reduced risk” insecticide. I wholeheartedly agree.
What a powerful thing a single seed can do. It can grow gigantic citrus trees that can feed a lot of people—and insects apparently. And if it’s poisoned it can take a life. It’s a cheesy metaphor but hey, when it comes to seeds the struggle is real for this little bird.
Change needs to happen. And it will, but only after people are uncomfortable enough to stand up and take action—in other words, when it affects their own seeds.
The Santa Maria Police Department has been doing its own seed planting in the community in an attempt to offset the feeling of frustration, helplessness, and anger caused by a series of crimes in the city.
The department has been heavily criticized in the aftermath of those crimes. Chief Ralph Martin on multiple occasions has told the city to be patient and that crime solving takes time.
I’m not letting you off the hook, chief, but I do think a pat on the back is in order. Martin and his force have been pounding the pavement with a little more intent it seems.
Most recently SMPD Detective Paul Van Meel took a grassroots approach to getting information about the murder of Oscar Daniel Joaquin, the 17-year-old whose body was found shot near Russell Park. Recently Van Meel and a group of about 100 concerned citizens gathered at the crime scene to hand out fliers and talk to neighbors. Van Meel said someone must have information that can help solve the case.
He’s probably right. The Santa Maria community can help change things but only if residents start taking a stake in the issues, taking action and speaking up. Somebody’s got to start squawking already.
The Canary will step down from her perch now. Send her more seed at canary@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2016.