justnorth posted on June 22, 2007 04:09 :: 1222 Views
Some of the most recognizable and beloved birds in Minnesota and the nation are declining at an alarming rate, according to the National Audubon Society.
The recent analysis by Audubon reveals that many of the nation's common birds nose-dived over the past 40 years, with several down nearly 80 percent. Of the 20 bird species on the national list showing the steepest declines, 16 species are found in Minnesota, including American bitterns, indigo buntings, meadowlarks (eastern and western), northern pintail and the red-headed woodpecker.
"Many of these species have also been identified as Species in Greatest Conservation Need by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said Carrol Henderson of the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. "We are currently working on ways to address the threats to their survival."
The Nongame Wildlife Program purchases important habitat for protection, conducts surveys, and carries out many other conservation efforts. In addition, the DNR's Minnesota's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy is an action plan for ensuring that these and other species remain a prominent component of our natural world. Each year federal funds are made available to Minnesota through "State Wildlife Grants" to address survival and management needs for those "Species in Greatest Conservation Need."
Audubon's Common Birds in Decline list stems from an analysis of their Christmas Bird Count program and the results of the annual Breeding Bird Survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study shows the cumulative impact on birds from the loss of grasslands, healthy forests and wetlands, and the effect of other environmental threats such as urban sprawl, energy development and intensive cropping systems.
Individuals can still make a huge difference by protecting local habitats, landscaping and lakescaping for wildlife and by donating to the Nongame Wildlife Fund online or at tax time. For more information on Audubon's Common Birds in Decline analysis go to www.audubon.org
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