Jen Halsall

Jen Halsall is in her fourth year studying journalism at Carleton University. Her campus experience lends her a unique perspective on student and labour issues, though she is most interested in exploring the many nuances of history, social justice and environmentalism. She was rabble's blogs intern for 2015-2016.

Blog

Apr 22, 2016

Death from above: Window strikes kill an estimated 25,000 Canadian birds

Jen Halsall

The spring migration is already underway for Canada's migratory birds, and the stakes are high. Lured by city lights or confused by glass, many will end the journey as feathery lumps on the pavement.

Blog

Apr 7, 2016

The secret to the revival of the fastest animal on the planet -- and what could put it all at risk

Jen Halsall

Peregrine falcons have returned to Ontario, rebounding dramatically from their complete extirpation in the 1960s. But why are they doing so well? It's a case of country bird and city bird.

Blog

Mar 31, 2016

Sugar sommeliers: How warming weather influences Ontario's maple syrup production

Jen Halsall

Warm winter weather has hastened the maple sugar harvest this year, and boiling operations have been well underway in most of the province. But weather isn't the only influence on syrup's flavour.

Blog

Mar 25, 2016

Hard to 'swallow': The mysterious disappearance of Canada's aerial insect eaters

Jen Halsall

It's one of Canada's greatest biological mysteries: Swallows, swifts, and other insect-eaters are vanishing by the thousands -- and scientists are struggling to uncover the cause.

Blog

Mar 17, 2016

Prickly business: Illegal trafficking now threatens the cactus more than mammals or birds

Jen Halsall

Illegal harvesting and habitat loss are devastating the world's cactus populations, and there's no end in sight. They're now the fifth most threatened species group on the IUCN red list.

Blog

Mar 10, 2016

Booming winter tick populations have moose itching for colder winters

Jen Halsall

Warm winters are giving winter ticks a leg up on Canada's beleaguered moose populations. It's just one of many advantages that are overwhelming them, leading to significant losses.

Blog

Mar 4, 2016

'You can't win': Rideau Canal skateway vendor gives this year's warm winter a frigid reception

Jen Halsall

Warmer weather isn't just shortening the skating season -- it's posing significant challenges for Winterlude organizers and winter vendors on the Rideau Canal.

Blog

Feb 26, 2016

The aftereffects of acid rain: Osteoporosis hits Canada's lakes

Jen Halsall

Acid rain may have decreased in recent years, but Ontario's lakes are still struggling with its legacy. This time, the threat is calcium deficiency, and it's devastating some well-known species.

Blog

Feb 12, 2016

Politics, policies, and shifting cultural attitudes: This week in blogs

Jen Halsall

Bernie Sanders, Indigenous child care and sexual harassment, oh my! This week, our bloggers tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Blog

Feb 11, 2016

UBC faculty launch petition of non-confidence over secret board meetings to oust former president

Jen Halsall

After newly released documents exposed secret meetings between board members, 450 faculty members have signed a petition of non-confidence. The faculty association is calling for an external review.

Jen Halsall

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