The Western Governor’s Association said in the Star last month, that the most invasive mammal in the west is the cat.
Whether domestic, house or feral, cats are the most numerous carnivore in North America, and kill hundreds of millions of birds and mammals annually, despite denials from the typical quarters.
Three days ago we were elated to see two tiny chachalaca chicks crossing the street with their parents. But later that same evening, a large group of birds “mobbed” a predator in my backyard where chachalacas often spend the day. In panic and terror, the two screeching adult chachalacas actually ran to within six feet of me, obviously seeking my protection.
The next day, there was one chick left, and a day later, there were none.
I must admit though, these “cat lover types” have made a fool of me.
I filled my yard with native plants to offer cover and food for birds, but those same plants also offer cover for cats ambushing the birds drawn to my yard.
In the end, I have created only a killing field for cats. Paco, please come back.
M. Dailey Harlingen
