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BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Conservancy FALL 2017 BIRD’S EYE VIEW

ABC’s New President: ABC is the Western Hemisphere’s Putting Hope Into Action specialist—the only organization with a single and steadfast

t is an enormous honor for me to take on the species are among the most heavily impacted. ABC commitment to achieving conservation results for native role of ABC President following in the footsteps will work with partners through BirdScapes and other Fall 2017 Iof George Fenwick. As we worked together for conservation tools to ensure that these and wild birds and their more than 20 years, George and I collaborated with their habitats are adequately conserved. And we will throughout the Americas. the staff to develop American remain at the forefront to find BIRDCONSERVATION Bird Conservancy’s conservation both political and technological strategy. It has produced solutions to the main threats to A copy of the current financial statement and registration filed by the organization demonstrable results year after birds. may be obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. 10 Airspace May Be the Final year, and I believe ABC is firmly Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253- We will continue to conduct 5780, or by contacting the following state Ecological Frontier on the right track. agencies: our work with authenticity, Florida: Division of Consumer Services, I love birds and birding, and I want transparency, and dignity; we will toll-free number within the state: my children, and eventually their approach our partners thoughtfully 800-435-7352. 14 Can Urban Conservation children, to have the opportunity and with respect, even if we Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage: Office of the Secretary of State, Save a Rare Bird? to enjoy birds as I have. I also disagree. We will also continue Statehouse, Annapolis, MD 21401. believe that birds and nature to foster an environment that New Jersey: Attorney General, State have inherent value regardless of encourages innovation and the of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. 20 Q&A: New Discoveries for human appreciation. We have a exploration of new techniques and New York: Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, responsibility to conserve them. ideas to advance bird conservation. 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. the Every time I step into the field ABC plans to stay the course We also want to build on our Pennsylvania: Department of State, I realize there is still time to strong partnerships with everyone toll-free number within the state: on our key goals of preventing 800-732-0999. BirdScapes at Work in the conserve the birds and habitats who cares about birds. Virginia: State Division of Consumer 24 we see around us. Threats are real, species , conserving Affairs, Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer ABC's mission is my personal Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA Rio Grande Valley but if we all put our hope for birds 23209. bird habitats, and eliminating mission. I believe that my years of together into action, it will become West Virginia: Secretary of State, State experience with the organization Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. an important force for good in threats to birds throughout the struggle to safeguard Earth’s have prepared me to build on Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by any state. environment for the future. the Americas. ABC’s many accomplishments, made possible by George and Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC I am pleased to tell you that ABC Rita Fenwick. We will remain and is published four times yearly for plans to stay the course on our key goals of preventing courageous and visionary, and we will continue to be members. species extinctions, conserving bird habitats, and an organization that you can count on for effective, Senior Editor: Libby Sander VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen eliminating threats to birds throughout the Americas. creative, and lasting conservation results. Graphic Design: Gemma Radko In particular, ABC wants to ensure that the most Contributors: Peter Dieser, Jesús Franco, endangered bird species are adequately included in Thank you for supporting and partnering with ABC to Bennett Hennessey, Jennifer Howard, effective protected areas. More than 50 of the most help get results for birds and their habitats. We can’t Michael Hutchins, Daniel Lebbin, Jack do this without you. Morrison, Hannah Nevins, Kacy Ray, still have less than 10 percent of Aimee Roberson, Andrew Rothman, Cristina Common Black Hawk by Alfred Yan their global ranges within official reserves. We are Santiestevan, Philip Tanimoto, Wendy Willis committed to improving this coverage. For more information contact: American Bird Conservancy DEPARTMENTS The phenomenon of mass is also at 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 Bird’s Eye View stake, and changes on both breeding and 540-253-5780 • [email protected] 2 wintering grounds are compromising its integrity and Michael J. Parr, President 4 On the Wire diversity. Grassland birds, long-distance migrants, Join us online! TOP: São Paulo Marsh aerial insectivores, shorebirds, and southwest desert American Bird Conservancy Antwren (female) by Elvis Japão 30 Final Glimpse

abcbirds.org COVER: Mountain Plovers by Bob Steele. TOP: Shorebirds by Mike Parr BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 3

ON the WIRE Technology Unlocks Migration Mysteries of Texas Shorebirds

Bird Conservation Groups Halt Wind Project ird-tracking technologies South Dakota to Nebraska and on Although the project is still in its are improving each year, to Saskatchewan — they showed first year, it has already yielded and Black Swamp Bird The Camp Perry site would which could threaten millions of Bhelping scientists and engi- strong winter site fidelity. Year interesting data: One bird tagged ABC Observatory (BSBO) have been the first wind energy migratory birds and bats. The U.S. neers solve the mysteries of bird after year they returned in winter in Texas headed south through have won a hard-fought campaign development on public land in Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) migration. David Newstead, the to the same habitats in Texas. and across the Isthmus of to stop a planned wind turbine in this ecologically sensitive area. has recommended that no turbines Director of Bird Conservation at Tehuantepec to Nicaragua — and is a major bird migration corridor Located less than a mile from Lake be built within 3 miles of the Great the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries “This project has raised greater still there as of this writing. close to the shores of Lake Erie. Erie, this turbine would have been Lakes shoreline. Based on USFWS's Program in Corpus Christi, Texas, awareness in the community, In response to a lawsuit by ABC extremely dangerous for migrating advanced radar studies showing has been using this new technol- since we can now show people on The new insights from these tech- and BSBO, the Ohio Air National , including the federally vast numbers of birds and bats ogy to track two bird species of maps where the birds are going,” nologies have yielded considerable Guard announced in June that it endangered Kirtland's Warbler. migrating through this area and conservation concern: Long-billed Newstead said. “There is a great advances in conservation, Newstead has not approved or authorized Other birds likely to be harmed by flying within the rotor-swept area Curlew and Black Skimmer. deal of insight to be had from a said. “By identifying previously plans to install a large turbine at such projects include Bald Eagles of wind turbines, ABC recently much deeper analysis of the data, unknown regions of importance its Camp Perry facility in Ottawa and other raptors, and waterfowl. suggested that this setback be The Long-billed Curlew study, and our goal is to synthesize it in and highlighting the many chal- County, Ohio, and that it has no expanded to at least 5 miles. a part of the Smithsonian coming years.” lenges birds are facing, this new plans to do so. As a result, ABC and The victory sets an important Migratory Bird Center’s Migratory data can help conservation organi- precedent because of the many ABC’s work on this program is Connectivity Project, concentrates Black Skimmers have been of par- zations and agencies make the best BSBO filed a motion in U.S. District ticular concern along the Texas Court to dismiss the lawsuit. other wind energy projects being made possible by the Leon Levy on the distribution, dispersal, and use of fieldwork and funding.” planned around the Great Lakes, Foundation. migratory connectivity of curlew coast and elsewhere in the U.S. populations that winter along The bird’s population continues to Learn more about the Migratory the Texas coast. Previous studies decline, with little data to explain Connectivity Project, read about Conservation Groups to Sue Over Deaths in Hawai'i had concentrated on western why. Newstead is working on the latest tagging technologies, populations of the species. The another project, funded by the U.S. and check out the most recent Fish & Wildlife Service’s Coastal Long-billed Curlew movements at everal conservation Hawaiian Petrels by 94 percent and reduce their exposure to upward, research partnership between Program and ConocoPhillips migratoryconnectivityproject.org organizations on Maui 78 percent, respectively. radiating light by installing down- Smithsonian and Newstead aims Global Signature Program, to find have announced plans to ward-facing fixtures and shielding to fill in data gaps on other S answers. He initially outfitted 10 Learn more about the Coastal Bend sue the Hawai'i Department of The groups claim the DOT has lightbulbs. And we can minimize populations of this wide-ranging Black Skimmers with 5-gram satel- Bays & Estuaries Program at cbbep. Transportation (DOT) under the failed to protect these the use of lights when they’re not shorebird and is supported by the lite tags to track their movements. org/coastal-waterbirds federal Endangered Species Act from harmful operations at its needed, and reduce the number of ConocoPhillips Global Signature (ESA) for failing to regulate bright facilities, a violation of the ESA. lights that shine into coastal waters.” Program. lighting at state-operated airports They are asking the department to As part of this project, Newstead and harbors on Maui, Lanai, and comply with its obligations under tagged nine curlews wintering Kaua'i. The Center for Biological the ESA by securing incidental along the Texas coast in 2014. Diversity, Conservation Council “take” permits for its facilities on The curlews were fitted with light- for Hawai'i, and Hui Ho'omalu i all three islands. They also ask the weight, solar-powered satellite Ka 'Aina (Partners to Protect the agency to resume its discussions transmitters. These 9.5-gram tags, Earth), represented by Earthjustice, with federal and state wildlife attached with teflon ribbon, last sent the DOT a notice of intent to agencies about its participation in for many years, but don’t appear sue in mid-June. an island-wide habitat conserva- tion plan to minimize and mitigate to hurt birds’ ability to fly or breed These lights have led to collision harm to the seabirds on Kaua'i. successfully. injuries and deaths of Newell’s The tags periodically transmitted Shearwaters, Hawaiian Petrels, “We have solutions to this issue, data via the Argos satellite system and Band-rumped Storm-Petrels which affects night-flying seabirds as the birds moved about. The — all threatened or endangered around the world,” said Hannah data showed that although the seabirds. Since the 1990s, collisions Nevins, ABC’s Seabird Program tagged birds from the same general caused by lights have contributed Director. “The good news is there wintering area dispersed widely to population declines on Kaua'i are ways we can mitigate the impact Newell’s Shearwater killed in a collision. Photo during the breeding season — from Tagging a Long-billed Curlew. Photo by David Newstead among Newell’s Shearwaters and of these lights on seabirds. We can by Brenda Zaun, USFWS

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 5

ON the WIRE

Legislative Measures Introduced to Help Birds Reserve Established for ’s Cherry-throated Tanager

In spite of many legislative attacks on wildlife, some members of Congress have introduced mportant habitat for the rare Threatened mammals, including The conservation organization bills in recent months that aim to help birds. Cherry-throated Tanager will the endangered buffy-headed mar- SAVE Brasil (Society for the Con- Inow be protected thanks to a moset and brown-throated sloth, servation of Birds in Brazil) worked Boost Funding for Migratory Birds chemicals are deadly to organisms that we rely on for new, 4,171-acre refuge in Brazil's could gain habitat as well. with Grupo Águia Branca, one of Atlantic Forest. The tanager, which Brazil's largest transportation and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Rob Portman pollinating crops and controlling pests. ABC research may number as few as 30 individu- logistics companies, to create the (R-OH) have introduced a bipartisan bill, S. 1537, has found that one seed coated with these insecticides als, is a candidate for designation new reserve. At the same time, to reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird is enough to kill a . as an Alliance for Zero SAVE Brasil has also been working Conservation Act (NMBCA), one of the nation's most A coalition of diverse groups — including ABC, bee- (AZE) species because it is critically with the state government to important bird conservation laws. Now called the keepers, scientists, and business leaders — has asked endangered and is restricted to one create a 10,625-acre wildlife refuge Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act, the EPA to suspend the four most toxic neonicotinoids site. adjacent to the new private reserve. the bill would provide greater funding to conserve until a comprehensive study of their effects on wildlife Last year, ABC helped SAVE Brasil declining species such as Red Knot and Wood and people is completed. The reserve, which was final- seek public comments on the pro- Thrush. Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Ron ized in June, is the second-largest TAKE ACTION: Visit abcbirds.org/action/ posed public refuge. Kind (D-WI) have introduced H.R. 3598, companion private protected area in the state petition-neonics legislation in the House of Representatives. of Espírito Santo. It shelters more “We hope that creation of the than 250 bird species in addition reserve will accelerate the process The NMBCA encourages habitat protection, Make Federal Buildings Bird-Friendly to the Cherry-throated Tanager. of establishing the wildlife refuge,” education, research, and monitoring to provide long- Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Rep. Morgan Griffith Five other globally threatened said Daniel Lebbin, ABC's Vice term protection of neotropical migratory birds, which (R-VA) have introduced a bill that would address one birds also occur in the surround- President of International Programs. breed in Canada or the United States and winter in of the greatest human-caused threats to birds: building ing region: White-necked Hawk, “With a total of nearly 15,000 acres, Latin America. Since 2002, NMBCA has supported collisions, which kill up to a billion birds annually Brown-backed Parrotlet, Golden- these two protected areas would conservation projects in 36 countries. in the United States. The bipartisan Federal Bird-Safe tailed Parrotlet, Vinaceous Amazon contribute much-needed hope for TAKE ACTION: Visit abcbirds.org/action/ Buildings Act calls for federal buildings to incorporate Parrot, and Bare-throated Bellbird. Cherry-throated Tanager by Ciro Albano the tanager’s survival.” petition-migratory-birds bird-safe building materials and design features. Many bird-friendly design techniques — such as installing Protect Pollinators from Neonics screens or grilles on windows and minimizing the use Researchers Locate Ringed Storm-Petrel Nesting Sites Pollinators stand to benefit from a bill introduced of glass on lower floors — are already used in some federal buildings to control heat and light or security. by Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) and Rep. Earl fter years of searching, an Atacama Desert, which provide The Chilean government, which The proposed bill would require the General Services Blumenauer (D-OR). The Saving America's Pollinators expedition by members of safe places to leave chicks while hopes to obtain 70 percent of its Administration to apply similar measures, where Act of 2017 directs the Environmental Protection the Chilean Bird Observers the parent birds commute back energy from renewable sources practicable, to all new and existing federal buildings. A Agency (EPA) to suspend registration of a toxic group Network (Red de Observadores de to the sea to feed. Markham’s by 2050, views the Atacama as a of pesticides called neonicotinoids. Now the most TAKE ACTION: Visit abcbirds.org/action/ Aves de Chile) discovered the first- Storm-Petrels, which have a similar good location for solar and wind commonly used insecticides on the planet, these petition-bird-safe-buildings ever recorded nesting colony of nesting strategy, were found facilities. A 56-turbine installation Ringed Storm-Petrel in the desolate nesting in the Atacama in 2013. was recently built in the region. Atacama Desert of Chile. The nests, located in natural cavities in the Chilean scientists say this desert’s rocks and salt pans, were discovery is critical to estimating found 70 miles from the Humboldt the stability and size of the Ringed Current off the Pacific coast, where Storm-Petrel population, and to the birds feed and spend most of determining the threats posed by their time. mining and proposed wind farms in the region. Lights from mining This tiny seabird comes to land facilities attract and disorient only to breed and nest. To storm-petrels, especially juveniles, avoid rodents, snakes, and other on their first flight to the sea; wind predators, they choose isolated, turbine blades rotate too quickly difficult-to-access spots such as the for storm-petrels to avoid. Ringed Storm-Petrel in hand by Felipe de Groote

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 Wood Thrush by Greg Homel, Natural Elements Productions BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 7

ABC provided financial support to promote the organization national- recaptured some of the same birds stakeholders across the West, BIRDS in BRIEF this expedition through a William ly to raise awareness of the species’ the following year. They found would likely result in further losses Belton Conservation Fund grant, as plight. ABC is providing training that the tagged birds traveled to a species on the brink of becom- Táchira Antpitta part of our ongoing Search for Lost and financial assistance to help from their breeding grounds in ing endangered. Rediscovered Birds. Araya establish her organization Manitoba to the Mid-Atlantic and accomplish these goals with region of the United States, then Conservation Grant Will An international team of research- Learn more about the Search for support from our Latin American departed on a 48-hour, nonstop Benefit Red-crowned Parrot ers has rediscovered the Táchira Lost Birds: lostbirds.org Reserve Stewardship Initiative with flight over the ocean to the Greater The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Antpitta, a bird not seen since it New Organization the March Conservation Fund. Antilles. The birds rested there for (USFWS) has awarded a grant to was first recorded in the 1950s, in Established to Protect a few days before tackling the last the Rio Grande Joint Venture El Tamá National Park in western The project’s next step is to develop Steve Holmer, ABC’s Vice President of Policy, leg of their journey: a 370- to 500- (RGJV) and ABC to develop a Venezuela. The International plant nurseries and stock them with and Jennifer Cipolletti, Deputy Director of mile flight to the South American monitoring and conservation Policy, at the reception on Capitol Hill. Union for Conservation of Nature Karolina Araya, a veterinarian dry valley plants native to northern mainland and forests of the plan for the Red-crowned Parrot (IUCN) lists the species as critically from the town of Arica in northern Chile — especially flowering plants from various conservation groups Amazon basin. in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The grant endangered, and many had feared Chile, has created an organization the Chilean Woodstar favors for on important legislation currently is administered cooperatively it was lost for good. to help rescue the critically endan- nectar. Once the nursery is estab- Emily McKinnon, the lead re- under consideration such as between the Texas Parks and gered Chilean Woodstar. This tiny lished, the organization will work searcher in this study, hopes the the Farm Bill and the NMBCA Wildlife Department and the is restricted to just with local people and landowners data will help reveal reasons for the (Neotropical Migratory Bird Endangered Species Program of a few river valleys in the north- to begin replanting private land to species’ rapid decline. The study Conservation Act). the USFWS. ernmost reaches of Chile. Araya provide more food resources and is ongoing, and aims to pinpoint named her organization Picaflor de habitat for the Chilean Woodstar. sites in the Caribbean where the Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the

Arica, which means “hummingbird Bruce Beehler Connecticut Warbler may be losing keynote speaker, emphasized the of Arica” and is the local Spanish valuable stopover habitat. importance of continued funding name for the bird. for federal migratory bird legisla- Interior Directive Could tion, noting the links between Most of the Chilean Woodstar's Revive Threats to Greater birds and healthy economies. natural habitat has been converted Sage- or heavily degraded for agriculture Sharing the Shore Jhonathan Miranda and settlement. It is being out- The U.S. Department of the Workshop Educates Kids Interior has ordered revisions of

On the first day searching the loflo69, Shutterstock competed by the closely related Where do beach-nesting birds put rugged terrain of El Tamá, research- , a larger, the federal government's Greater The RGJV will work with partner their nests? Are people, coyotes, ers, led by Jhonathan Miranda, generalist bird that has expanded Sage-Grouse conservation plans, organization Terra Asesoría and domestic dogs dangerous for detected a distinctive antpitta song its range from Peru and now opening the door to expanded Ambiental to develop a monitoring the birds? What about plastics and they had not heard before. Over outnumbers the woodstar. Chilean development across the American and conservation plan for the fishing line? the next week, the team was able Woodstar numbers have declined Connecticut Warbler’s West. parrot in the core of its remaining to confirm the mysterious song by more than 80 percent, from Marathon Migrations Schoolchildren in New Orleans At ABC, we believe that any weak- critical habitat in northeastern as that of the long-lost Táchira at least 1,500 birds in 2003 to Revealed learned about these questions and ening of the conservation stan- Mexico — a step toward recovering Antpitta, obtaining the first photo- approximately 400 birds today. more during “Sharing the Shore,” A recent study published in the dards laid out in the original plans, this rapidly declining species. graphs and sound recordings ever a workshop about beach-nesting journal Ecology shows that the which were finalized in 2015 after made of the living bird. Araya hopes to work with local birds such as Least Terns and Connecticut Warbler, a secretive, five years of collaboration among Migratory Bird Legislative communities on education and Wilson’s Plovers. “The rediscovery provides hope habitat restoration, as well as declining species, makes a Briefing a Success and inspiration that we still marathon migration from the bogs The program, put on by ABC's On May 9th, ABC, the Cornell Lab have a chance to conserve this of boreal to the Kacy Ray and Melinda Averhart of of , Unlimited, species,” said Daniel Lebbin, ABC’s Amazon basin each year, similar to Audubon Louisiana, was part of and the American Birding Vice President of International the long-distance migration of the a summer camp at Arden Cahill Association hosted the inaugural Programs. “We hope this Blackpoll Warbler. Academy in New Orleans. Migratory Bird Legislative briefing rediscovery will lead to improved Researchers from the University of and reception on Capitol Hill. management of and attention Find out more about sharing the Manitoba put tracking tags on the Over 150 conservation partners, to protected areas like El Tamá shore with Wilson’s Plovers and backs of 29 birds, then analyzed legislative staffers, and constituents National Park.” other birds at HelpGulfBirds.org the data from the tags when they gathered to hear presentations Andres Puiggros Alan Wilson

8 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 9 The SKY Above Us New research is By Jennifer Howard Aeroecology, as it’s sometimes ABC’s work to minimize the Hers is one of several ABC to decline as tower operators switch called, has come into its own as dangers posed by wind turbines programs that address hazards from steady-burning to blinking ook up. All that empty shaping what we know a field of research. This study of and communications towers. birds encounter in the airspace, lights that are less disorienting space over our heads isn’t airspace as habitat is enabled by Aeroecology can help researchers including glass windows, tall for birds — a change in Federal so empty. Many birds, bats, about airspace as vital L new technologies, by a rapidly and conservationists understand buildings, wind turbines, power Communications Commission and insects spend a good part of expanding understanding of the what happens to those birds in lines, communications towers, and guidelines that ABC was closely their lives up in the air, foraging, complex ways interact the air and how easy or safe it artificial lighting. The collateral involved in bringing about. habitat for birds mating, and migrating. Aerial with their environments, and is to move from one location to damage of these threats is insectivores such as swallows and by a growing interest in how another, an idea sometimes called staggering — and it’s growing. Wind turbines kill many species swifts feed almost exclusively on human activities affect those “habitat connectivity.” of birds and bats that fly within the wing. environments. And it could have Birds can’t see glass unless it it’s the rotor-swept area. Others die important implications for how “We spend a lot of time studying modified to incorporate specific on the power lines and related It doesn’t look like habitat, but conservation groups, including birds on the ground, but they patterns or designs. Up to a billion infrastructure that carry energy for these animals, the airspace is American Bird Conservancy, focus have to go from one place on the birds a year die in the United States from wind energy facilities to home. It’s where they spend much their work in coming years. ground to another place on the when they fly into windows of office power grids. of their lives. And as researchers ground. And the way they do buildings and homes. Many fall are learning, what happens there “It’s tempting to think about Threats in the Airspace that is, of course, by flying,” says victim to communications towers carries life-or-death consequences. Christine Sheppard, Director of and related guywires, which in the habitat as being on the ground Knowing how birds use the ABC’s Glass Collisions Program. “It U.S. kill an estimated 7 million birds or in the water,” says Michael airspace already helps drive exposes them to so many threats.” a year. That number should begin Hutchins, Director of ABC’s

10 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 Photo by iiiphevgeniy, Shutterstock BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 11 Bird-Smart Wind Energy Much of Farnsworth’s time goes peak migration, can reduce the trace their specific paths — aerial Campaign. “But for most birds, the to studying how artificial light af- disruption. Such tactics can be knowledge that can help drive on- sky is key. It’s the highway they fects birds — one big branch of considered by local governments the-ground conservation work. travel from wintering grounds to aeroecology research. Light pollu- and even individual building breeding grounds, or the place tion from brightly lit office towers owners looking to reduce the The work got a big boost in 2004 where they find food. It’s essential or the glow of cities on the hori- negative effects of light pollution. when the National Oceanic and to their survival. And we have to zon, illuminated oil rigs, or other Atmospheric Administration protect it just like we would any human-related sources can disrupt How big a problem is artificial made its national weather radar other type of habitat.” migratory birds or species active lighting? “You can see lights on data freely available. That gave Barn Swallow by Dennis Jacobsen, Shutterstock at night. Sometimes the results the horizon from as far as 224 researchers years’ worth of data to Forests, Deserts — are fatal. It’s a global problem: In miles,” says Travis Longcore, an analyze. And they had increasingly and Now Airspace Lima, Peru, for instance, fledgling Assistant Professor of Architecture, powerful computer programs with Ringed Storm-Petrels disoriented Spatial Sciences, and Biological which to analyze it. The idea that airspace should be by city lights end up grounded Sciences at the University of thought of as habitat is relatively “The radar really opens your Birds disoriented by the light beams of the 9/11 on the streets rather than soaring Southern California. That’s irksome paper in the journal Conservation new. Many people, including a lot memorial. Photo by jnap, Flickr.com eyes to what’s happening over a above the open Pacific, where they enough for humans. Birds, he says, Letters that talked about the of ecologists and biologists, grew really large region,” says Jeffrey belong. An ABC-supported project are even more sensitive to certain implications of this growing body up thinking of habitat as land- J. Buler, an Associate Professor of Light pollution from brightly in Lima connects residents who parts of the light spectrum than of work. Their paper reviews how based or aquatic environments. Wildlife Ecology at the University find the seabirds with veterinarians humans are, relying on natural much more we know now about Forests, grasslands, and deserts of Delaware, where he runs the lit office towers or the glow who rehabilitate them. light cycles and sources to trigger airspace and the human-caused counted. So did lakes, rivers, and certain behaviors, like when it’s Aeroecology Program. Using radar threats that make this vital habitat marshes. Researchers might study of cities on the horizon can In one ground-breaking study, time to forage or roost. data, he has studied the stopover such an obstacle course for birds. the mechanics of a bird’s flight or distributions of migratory birds disrupt migratory birds and Farnsworth and other researchers Airspace, the authors suggest, could their nesting ecology, but overlook analyzed the disruptive effects ‘The Final Ecological throughout the Northeast. be “the final ecological frontier.” the conditions and threats that on birds caused by one famous species active at night. Frontier’ “We’re starting to comprehend birds encounter on the wing. urban light display: the Tribute Understanding threats to birds As human-related activity in more what the effects of lighting in Light display in New York City in the airspace is an essential In 2013, a research ecologist as habitat has implications for the airspace has ramped up, so might be on migrating birds,” Bul- that commemorates the victims complement to what scientists named Robert H. Diehl published policy, regulation, and species have technologies that allow er says. In a forthcoming paper, for of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. already know about birds on their a short but influential paper that conservation.” Farnsworth, Longcore, and other instance, he and several co-authors Farnsworth’s team used radar breeding, feeding, and wintering helped define aeroecology as researchers to get a better handle share their analysis of multi-year and acoustic sensors along with grounds, says ABC’s Sheppard. And a field. Diehl works at the U.S. Watch the Skies on the effects those activities have radar data showing how brightly direct observations to determine it’s crucial in ensuring a sustainable Geological Survey’s Northern on birds. What these scientists are lit urban areas attract greater densi- Andrew Farnsworth is another sci- how those powerful beams of future for birds, she adds. Rocky Mountain Science Center, learning about the skies could have ties of migrating landbirds. Such entist who has turned his attention light changed birds’ behavior. and concentrates on studying major implications for conservation information could boost municipal “We can’t just look at where the to the sky. A Research Associate in In a forthcoming journal article, migratory birds. Titled “The and environmental policy. efforts to change cities’ lighting bird is sitting now,” Sheppard says. Information Science at the Cornell researchers Benjamin Van Doren, Airspace Is Habitat,” Diehl’s Lab of Ornithology, Farnsworth policies, like the Lights Out and “We have to look at where it’s Kyle Horton, and Farnsworth Weather radar, critical to paper explains why we should specializes in migration biology Dark Skies movements in Toronto, going next and how it’s going to explain how they documented Farnsworth’s work, has become think more broadly about what and ecology. His work on migra- Chicago, and other major cities. get there.” “significant behavior alterations”: a robust tool for analyzing the constitutes habitat, and makes the tory birds includes the use of bio- birds aggregated in greater movements and concentrations of Earlier this year, three Canadian Both ABC’s Glass Collisions and Bird- case that airspace counts. acoustics — birds’ flight calls and densities, flew more slowly, and birds as they travel on their annual researchers — Christina M. Davy, Smart Wind Energy Campaigns are what they tell us, for instance — “The core concept of habitat has vocalized much more frequently migrations and interact with Adam T. Ford, and Kevin C. Fraser made possible through the generous and the analysis of large amounts remained remarkably unchanged when the beams were illuminated. human-related obstacles, including — published a much-discussed support of the Leon Levy Foundation. of weather radar data that can for decades,” Diehl writes. But That was true even in good artificial light and various pick up where birds are moving, airspace, he argues, fits into classic weather, when the birds’ visibility structures. At the Smithsonian and when. Scientists can now use Jennifer Howard is Director of Public Relations at ABC. She was a definitions of habitat as a place wasn’t hampered by clouds. Migratory Bird Center, for instance, computers to filter out so-called writer and reporter with The Chronicle of Higher Education for 10 where an organism lives or goes Emily Cohen and colleagues biological events, like the presence That doesn’t mean cities have years and before that was a contributing editor and columnist with to find the resources it needs have been using radar data to The Washington Post. Follow Jen on Twitter at @JenHoward. of birds and bats, from weather to go entirely dark to be more for survival. This is important, understand how birds migrate events, and to analyze shifting pat- bird-friendly. Turning out lights because “recognition of airspace across the Gulf of Mexico and terns of movement over time. at strategic times, like periods of

12 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 13 t’s hardly a landscape where scientists would expect Cities and Rare Birds, in Close Proximity to discover a new bird species. But in 2004, that’s The International Union for the Conservation of Small Bird, exactly what happened. Dante Buzzetti, a Brazilian I Nature (IUCN) added the antwren to its Red List of ornithologist, identified a small, secretive bird in a in late 2016. Researchers had marshy area about 30 miles from the city center. Now recommended the group consider the species to be the race is on to protect the remaining habitat for and noted that no protected the São Paulo Marsh Antwren, a critically endangered areas existed to ensure the species’ survival. The species that lives in the shadow of South America’s scientists urged conservation measures to save the BIG CITY largest metropolis. bird and its habitat. After Buzzetti discovered the São The idea of creating a protected Paulo Marsh Antwren, he and area for birds in or near a city other researchers looked for the might seem unusual. Urban areas dark, long-tailed bird among strike many people as inhospitable many marshes east of the city. São places for birds, harboring such Paulo sits on a plateau, with the threats as invasive species, mountains of Serra da Cantareira dangerous glass windows, or to the north and the Atlantic pollution. Typically we instead Ocean to the south. Eventually imagine wilderness and remote Buzzetti and the researchers found reserves, far from people. Yet the species present at more than conservationists are increasingly a dozen sites in the headwaters working to conserve birds within of two rivers. They estimated the working landscapes like cattle

total antwren population at 250 Elvis Japão ranches or timber plantations. to 300 individuals. As the São Paulo Marsh As the São Paulo Marsh Antwren Additional research later estimated shows, some of the most important that the species occupied a total Antwren shows, some of areas for rare species are within area of just 350 acres. The bird or near urban areas. This may not had likely lost more than 74,000 the most important areas be a coincidence. Ornithologist acres of its historic habitat in the for rare species are within or Jon Fjeldså has documented a last 200 years, the research found, positive relationship between a result of sand mining, urban near urban areas. endemic bird areas in the development, fish farms, drainage and centers of human civilization. for agriculture and pastures, invasive plants, and He hypothesizes that these same areas have been flooding from dams. Can urban conservation save more stable in their climate over long periods of time, It is unclear exactly how extensive the São Paulo providing steady patterns of rainfall. This maintains a critically endangered bird? Marsh Antwren’s range used to be. But over the past habitat for endemic bird populations and allows century, this city of millions has grown up and now agriculture to flourish for people. As a result, many of occupies part of the bird’s relatively small range. the high Andean forests with the most endemic birds The remaining areas, meanwhile, are vulnerable are very close to major and ancient cities, like Cusco, By Daniel Lebbin to development. The few birds that are left need Peru (population 435,000) and Cochabamba, Bolivia immediate conservation action to survive. (population 630,000). São Paulo sprawls across the coastal plateau of southeastern Brazil like several large U.S. During my visit, I planned to meet with A Conservation Opportunity conservationists who want to collaborate with local cities mashed together. More than 20 million people live in the greater metropolitan area When ABC evaluated the update to IUCN’s Red List government officials to protect the antwren’s marshy late last year, the São Paulo Marsh Antwren stood known as Grande São Paulo. As my plane descended toward the capital on a visit to Brazil habitat. And I hoped to see this mysterious bird. For out as a conservation opportunity. So in early 2017, hundreds of thousands of years the stealthy antwren I called Pedro Develey, Executive Director of SAVE earlier this year, the city spread out before me, perfectly lit by the morning sun. I saw a had lived quietly in the wetlands. Only recently did Brasil, one of our partner organizations. we learn of its existence — and its need for help. carpet of concrete skyscrapers stretching mile after mile.

TOP: São Paulo Marsh Antwren by Elvis Japão BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 15 SAVE Brasil is a leading Brazilian bird conservation On the Trail of a Reclusive Bird Guaranature. All were enthusiastic about the antwren experience. Sharing the sight of a rare bird at a group, and happens to be headquartered in São Paulo. project. With maps spread out on a table, we reviewed local patch, as many birders know, can often make I took a redeye flight from Washington, D.C. to São Coincidentally, Pedro was meeting later that morning the surrounding area — points where the antwren had friends out of strangers. This gathering was even Paulo in March. It was my first trip to this impressive with local organizations and government officials been observed and lines indicating where the reserve more special because we not only enjoyed a shared country of warm and friendly people. I looked from the municipality of Guararema who wanted to might be. Then we piled into our cars. Our next stop: birding experience, but were allies in a pioneering forward to meeting with some of its passionate create a protected area for the antwren. Without good a visit to remnant marshes nestled in a matrix of vast conservation effort. conservationists. funding prospects, Pedro was skeptical that there was eucalyptus plantations, the occasional cattle pasture, much SAVE Brasil could do to help. The next day, Pedro and I drove out to Guararema and small patches of original forest. A Lasting Link with Nature along with Bennett Hennessey, who manages many I encouraged him to find out all he could of the The São Paulo Marsh Antwren typically occurs in The campaign to save the antwren’s habitat may seem of ABC’s projects in Brazil. We crossed São Paulo’s proposal. ABC would be interested in supporting the pairs or family groups of four. The birds do not fly very local, playing out over just a few hundred acres. concrete expanse and a countryside denuded of most creation of a new protected area for the antwren, I far and spend most of their time foraging for insects. But there’s much more at stake. As people around of its original forest. Along the way, after turning off told him. It would be a start to what would certainly Pairs travel close together and communicate with the world increasingly live and work in cities, we are the main highway, we spotted a large raptor atop be a broader, long-term effort required for this species infrequent, short, and quiet calls. Both sexes will losing our connection with nature in our daily lives. a snag. We pulled over to get a better look. It was a to survive. defend their territory. Children, especially, can suffer from an affliction juvenile Crowned Eagle (sometimes known as Chaco known as “nature deficit disorder,” a term coined by The local campaign for the antwren, I soon found out, Eagle), another critically endangered species, a life bird At the first marsh we visited, we saw a male skulking; sociologist Richard Louv in his 2005 book “Last Child had an important ingredient for success: strong local for our group and not one any of us had expected to at the next stop, we spotted a pair near a waterfall, in the Woods.” support for the creation of a protected area. In many see. This was a good sign: The spot was close to the popular among locals as a swimming hole. In both efforts to establish new protected areas, garnering the proposed protected area, so our work might benefit cases the birds traveled through dense vegetation over Natural urban oases, therefore, are more essential than support of local communities can often take time. the eagle as well. water, stayed deep in the cover of shadow without ever in improving the quality of life for city dwellers. But enthusiasm was only part of the equation. The venturing into the open, and vocalized softly. Being so Urban parks provide important spaces for recreation, We stopped for a family-style lunch in Guararema, municipality also needed funding to conduct a census inconspicuous within a wet habitat that people might can be crucial in ensuring clean and reliable drinking where we met the rest of our group. Among them of the bird’s population and other baseline biological hesitate to wade into, it was not a surprise that they water, and can protect steep slopes from erosion and was Ricardo Moscatelli, an environmental consultant studies. The timing was urgent. With financial support had remained undetected by scientists for so long. landslides. and director of the municipality’s Secretariat of from ABC board member David Davidson and his Environment and Urban Planning, and Marcos Activities are now underway by SAVE Brasil and our wife, Patricia, ABC soon had a contract signed with Watching the antwrens with Ricardo, Pedro, Grangeiro, from the conservation organization other partners to preserve important habitat for the SAVE Brasil. Work would begin just two months later. and other local project supporters was a joyful

One of the marshes east of São Paulo where The city of São Paolo, Brazil. Photo by Filipe the marsh antwren is found. This marsh and Frazao, Shutterstock the forest behind it are in the area proposed for protection. Photo by Daniel Lebbin

16 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 17 Urban Conservation: A Snapshot Here are a few conservation projects in and near urban areas where ABC and our partners are saving birds

Galveston, Texas, USA (population and Apolinar’s Wren. In 2014, ABC 50,000): This city on Texas’ Gulf supported Fundación Humedales Coast just 40 miles from Houston, Bogotá to conduct surveys for the country’s 4th-largest metropo- Apolinar’s Wren populations in the lis, puts people in close proximity city, but found fewer birds than with beach-nesting birds. ABC hoped. works with Houston Audubon to rope off nesting areas for Least Cochabamba, Bolivia (population Terns, Black Skimmers, and Snowy 630,000): The Tunari Mountains and Wilson’s Plovers to protect Apolinar’s Wren by Greg Homel, Natural tower immediately above the them from thousands of beachgo- Elements Productions relatively flat city of Cochabamba, ers who otherwise might trample supporting diverse waterbirds. providing drinking water to resi- fragile and nestlings. ABC also Now, only small fragments remain, dents below. ABC and Asociación shares the wonder of these birds including some within view of Armonía have worked together in with the beachgoers, who might the international airport. These these mountains to restore Polylepis not realize the birds exist, and wetlands are severely threatened forests, educate community mem- encourages them to keep their dis- by urban encroachment, pollution, bers about the rare and threatened tance from nesting areas. feral animals, and nest depredation birds of their region, and reduce from Shiny Cowbirds. In the 1970s, the use of pesticides by indigenous Bogotá, Colombia (population the Colombian Grebe, a denizen farmers living within Tunari Na- 8 million): The Bogotá Wetlands of these wetlands, disappeared tional Park to benefit the endan- the were once a vast network of open forever. Other endangered species gered Cochabamba Mountain-Finch HELP ABC SAVE RAREST SPECIES! water, marshes, and savannas still survive such as Bogotá Rail and other endemic birds. In Brazil, the São Paulo Marsh Antwren numbers a scant 250 to 300 individuals and clings to antwren and, in the process, to protect some of São populations of the São Paulo Marsh Antwren. existence on just 350 urban acres. Paulo’s few remaining marshes for posterity. Any Eventually, it might even be possible to restore With approximately 400 individuals estimated remaining, the Chilean Woodstar is one of the rarest attempt to create a park or protected area — whether marshes to increase available habitat. But for now we in Brazil or Baltimore — requires community support, must start somewhere — and the good political will in and fastest declining birds in the Americas. scientific research, and formal approval from the local Guararema presents a promising opportunity. The Táchira Antipitta — a species unseen since the mid-1950s — was recently rediscovered by an governing body. This effort, fortunately, already has strong support among many residents of Guararema. In the grand sweep of natural history, the São Paulo ABC-supported team of researchers in Venezuela as part of our Lost Birds campaign. But to protect Marsh Antwren is a relatively young species. Scientists them, and their disappearing habitats, we need to know more about the threats they face, their Going forward, scientists will conduct baseline studies think it diverged somewhere between 250,000 and biological needs, and their populations of the bird, other wildlife, and soil; supporters will 640,000 years ago from its sister species, the Paraná determine the boundaries of the area they want Antwren, another rare bird that occurs in marshes on Halting the extinction of rare birds like these is a top ABC priority, but we need your help. Will the government to protect; and local officials must the other side of the Serra do Mar mountain range. you donate today to support our work with partners to protect these birds and dozens more formally approve the plan. And we are hopeful that a But thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated individuals major producer of eucalyptus pulp, Fibria, which owns in one of the world’s largest cities, the story of its threatened Latin American species? a large amount of land within the antwren’s habitat conservation is just beginning. and has shown interest in the project, will support Your contribution will help ABC’s International Program and other efforts to protect rare birds. efforts to conserve important habitat. Daniel Lebbin is Vice President of There is hope we can save them! International Programs at ABC. A lifelong The venture is off to a strong start. If we can create birder, Daniel enjoys bird illustration the first protected marshes in Guararema, we hope and photography. He co-authored The Please use the enclosed envelope to make an additional gift, it will serve as a model and inspire the protection American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird of additional marshes that are home to larger Conservation. or give online at abcbirds.org.

TOP: Táchira Antpitta by Jhonathan Miranda 18 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 Research Breakthrough Scientists are learning surprising new facts about this rare bird The Bahama Oriole has the So, for 50 or 60 years, the the Bahama Swallow or the Great unusual distinction of being Bahama Oriole did not exist as a Lizard Cuckoo, but they figure for the Bahama Oriole designated a species not once, recognized species. Did this have they’ve already seen a Black-cowled but twice. Can you explain how any impact on what we know Oriole. So maybe they don't make this happened? about the species today? an effort to see it. It was during In 1890, the Bahama Oriole was these years — specifically, in the Yes. Let’s say someone is a birder 1990s — that the Bahama Oriole originally described as a distinct and they go on a trip to Belize. species. But during the 1940s and was extirpated from the island of They see a Black-cowled Oriole and Abaco. Nobody really knows when 1950s, people became convinced they check that name off their list. that the way to define a species the last one was seen, by whom, So, when they get to or where. And I think that would should be based only on ability later, they’re focused on seeing to interbreed. So the thing they have been pretty different if people created — the Black-cowled Oriole — included the Bahama Oriole, the , and several other species. They were just lumping a bunch of very different birds together. Upon closer inspection in the 2000s, scientists realized that these birds are all quite different from each other. Their ranges don’t overlap at all and they have distinct DNA and different vocalizations. It’s easy to tell their apart, and now we think the ecology of the Bahama Oriole is also unlike those other orioles.

That happened with thousands of species around the planet, and LEFT TO RIGHT: Daniel Stonko, Scott Johnson, and Alexis Scarselletta participating in Bahama certainly with hundreds of birds. Oriole research.

Bahama Oriole by Rick Stanley

By Cristina Santiestevan

The Bahama Oriole is strikingly colored — and critically endangered. After disappearing from Abaco Island in the 1990s, it survives only on Andros Island in the western Bahamas. Now scientists are trying to learn more about these little-known birds in an effort to save them. Leading the research is Kevin Omland, Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In this interview he shares some surprising ABOVE: Feral cat on the prowl, captured by a trail cam. discoveries from his research, supported by ABC and in coordination with the Bahamas LEFT: Kevin Omland in the field. Photos by Daniel Stonko National Trust. 20 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 21 were traveling to the Bahamas and lethal yellowing disease, feral cats, checking off Bahama Oriole on and/or Shiny Cowbirds impacted their life lists. the birds on Abaco. “What we’re learning about

So we don’t know when the Overall, what has surprised you the Bahama Oriole is really Bahama Oriole disappeared from the most in your research on this very different from what we Abaco. Do we know why? bird? We don’t at all. It’s a very complex Our biggest breakthrough was thought was going on at the story. There was a lot of logging finding them breeding in the beginning of our project.” done on all of these islands. pine forest. Having those forests destroyed must have been very hard on Last year, we hired a local assistant, the species. We now know that Lehron Rolle, with funding from domestic feral cats are all over the ABC. Before I got down there, he place on these islands. There was wrote to me and said, “I think also a disease that affected there’s one nesting in a pine tree.” Bahama Oriole by Steven Brezinski palms called lethal yellowing I didn’t think they would nest in a disease. And then there was the pine tree at all. But I had him show different from what we thought taking away the orioles’ native good population estimates and arrival of the , a us the supposed nest, and there was going on at the beginning of habitat. good monitoring in place. That “nest parasite” that lays its eggs it was. Then one of my students, our project. It would have been a way, when one of them, like the What’s next for the Bahama in the nests of other species. Daniel Stonko, found the birds mistake to take action based on Bahama Oriole, starts to be really Oriole? These birds reduce the survival of nesting in thatch palm trees in the what we thought we knew two affected by more hurricanes, drier understory of the pine forest. years ago. We just completed the point conditions, or more fires, we are the other species’ nestlings. The Bahama Oriole nest on Andros. Photo by Kevin bottom line is that there’s a silent Omland. BELOW: Kevin Omland monitoring counts from this field season, and then able to see those population So what we’re learning about Why would it have been killer out there. Perhaps logging, orioles. Photo by Daniel Stonko we are optimistic that they are changes and step in to address the Bahama Oriole is really very a mistake? Do you have doing better than previous counts these threats. an example? suggested. I would be surprised There were several important if there are not at least 600, 800, We’re going to need to learn a lot things we had wrong with our or even 1,000 individuals, up before we can get this species on understanding of the species. We from the 140 to 260 previously the right track, and I don’t think thought Bahama Orioles were estimated. we know what the main threats are dependent on coconut palms. right now. This is really a project People didn’t think they used the But we’ve only focused on one that is just beginning. We have pine forests at all. study site. If for some reason they learned just enough to know what are doing very well in our study research we need to do next. There was this huge coconut palm site, but they’re not doing well plantation developed on North in other places on Andros, then ABC's support of the Bahama Oriole Andros, for instance. The people my optimism would need to be project is made possible through the who planted the trees were excited tempered some. generosity of David and Patricia because they were going to create Davidson, the Marshall-Reynolds Bahama Oriole habitat. In order With these and other Caribbean Foundation, Stefan Williams, to do that, they cut down acres species — especially as the climate Christina Duthie, and ABC's William of pine forest — a forest that we changes — we need to have Belton Conservation Fund. thought was not necessary habitat. Now we think there were probably several orioles that were using Cristina Santiestevan is an independent writer and editor committed that stretch of forest that was to sharing stories about nature and conservation in today’s world. She has written about the ecology of gardens, the myriad impacts of completely clearcut. climate change and habitat loss, and the surprising conservation value If people had done that on a large of whale poop. Visit her blog at outlawgarden.com. scale we really would have been

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 23 CROSS-BORDER CONSERVATION

BirdScapes at work in the Rio Grande Joint Venture he Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV) — a The RGJV’s roughly 63 million acres encompass a partnership of conservation organizations variety of priority bird habitats and several BirdScapes T that collaborate to protect and restore habitat as well. BirdScapes are areas that ABC has identified as By Gemma Radko for birds — is tackling these challenges, working particularly important for migratory bird conservation. in cooperation with a management board of state, Each BirdScape aims to protect and restore suitable The beautiful and diverse birds of the Rio federal, and nongovernmental organizations from two habitat for a suite of migratory and resident birds, countries. ABC staff lead the RGJV with funding from often maintaining working lands for the people who Grande region move freely across the land- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. live there. scape, unaware of the political borders that “Some of the birds in our region are declining Take a tour of the major habitats and BirdScapes dramatically compared to other areas of the country,” of the Rio Grande on the following pages. divide the United States and Mexico. More says Aimee Roberson, the RGJV Coordinator at ABC. “This is primarily due to loss and degradation of than 700 species occur in this area, including their habitats. Our partners are dedicated to working together to overcome these threats across a large, at least 50 that show some combination of binational landscape.” population declines, limited geographic distri- butions, or distinct threats to habitat. But the riparian forests, brushlands, grasslands, and desert these birds depend on face significant threats along both sides of the Rio Grande.

TOP: The Rio Grande in Big Bend, Texas. Photo by Dmitry Shlepkin, Shutter- stock. RIGHT: Cassin’s Sparrow by Greg Homel, Natural Elements Productions

24 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 25 Green Corridors in the Desert Accounts from the 1800s describe the Chihuahuan Desert as dominated by native grasses and scattered shrubs with riverside forests and desert wetlands called ciénegas forming green corridors across the landscape.

Historically, unsustainable range management contributed to the degradation and loss of these grasslands. Now the land is drying out, and shrubs are encroaching. ABC and a variety of partners — including the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Mexico’s Pronatura Noreste — are already succeeding in their efforts to address these problems in the grasslands of two of the region’s BirdScapes, Valles Native Grasslands for Birds and Butterflies grassland restoration programs and determine which Centrales and El Tokio, in Mexico. conservation practices are best for ranchers and Riparian corridors and grasslands are also important grassland-dependent wildlife.” Riparian corridors are the focus of conservation conservation priorities in the Tamaulipan Brushlands, work within the 704,000-acre Big Bend BirdScape, in an area spanning the U.S.-Mexico border on either The RGJV recently received a grant from the National Texas, which includes portions of Big Bend National side of the Rio Grande. Here, the landscape is Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish a Grassland Park as well as private property. Roberson oversees dominated by an abundance of non-native grasslands, Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP) — the same this BirdScape. She works with partner organizations remnants of native grasslands, and Tamaulipan program being implemented by ABC’s Jim Giocomo and agencies to rehabilitate riverside forests along TOP: Gray Hawk by Larry Thompson. ABOVE: Planting willows along thornscrub — vegetation characterized by thorny in the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture in central Terlingua Creek and other tributaries of the Rio Terlingua Creek. Photo by Jeff Bennett, Big Bend National Park shrubs and trees, plus grasses and cacti. and northern Texas and Oklahoma. This program Grande, where cottonwood and willow forests once encourages private landowners to use grassland teemed with birds and beaver. Focal species of this private landowners who are interested in replanting These brushlands are home to the South Texas management practices to improve habitat for area include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gray Hawk, and vegetation along the waterways on their own Monarch BirdScape. That’s where Jesús Franco, RGJV pollinators and grassland birds such as bobwhite. Common Black-Hawk. properties. In a state such as Texas where most land Assistant Coordinator, is working to establish a is privately held, landowners play a critical role in program that will restore native grasslands worn down “We will adapt the GRIP program to local conditions Unfortunately, many of these forests were cut to pro- restoring bird habitat. For example, on the 272,000- by invasive brush, non-native grasses, unsustainable in South Texas,” Franco says. “For example, brush vide fuel for nearby mining operations. Invasive plants acre O2 Ranch, which contains the headwaters rangeland management, and the alteration of management practices here are more effective for have also taken over some of the degraded areas. of Terlingua Creek, owners Lykes Brothers, Inc. is natural fire patterns. Improving these areas will give grassland restoration than in other regions. Here, land working with the RGJV to restore both grasslands and a boost to a number of declining birds, including Roberson collaborates with the Texas Parks and managers favor mechanical or chemical removal of riparian habitats to benefit wildlife. Eastern Meadowlark, Cassin’s Sparrow, and Northern Wildlife Department, National Park Service, and U.S. invasive shrubs, rather than, say, prescribed burning, Bobwhite. This BirdScape is also a major waystation Fish and Wildlife Service to restore riverside forests “By working with public and private landowners which is widely used elsewhere.” for migrating Monarch butterflies, providing breeding by replanting willows, cottonwoods, and other throughout the watershed, we can restore habitat for and stopover habitat. Through the GRIP program, Franco says, conserva- native plants throughout the watershed, including bird species,” Roberson says. “We want to make the tionists are effectively addressing some of the issues in Big Bend National Park. The organizations creek healthy again to benefit birds and people.” “The South Texas Monarch BirdScape covers eight causing the decline of grassland birds and pollinators. also provide technical and financial assistance to counties in south Texas, mostly on private land,” “Private landowners love the streamlined technical Franco says. “We are working with county biologists and financial assistance process. Conservation partners and other local and regional partners, including love the additional tool in their conservation tool box. the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Natural And wildlife that depend on healthy native grasslands Resources Conservation Service, and the Caesar sure benefit from the additional usable space,” he says. Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, to promote native “It’s a win-win-win situation.”

TOP: Thornscrub landscape in the South Texas Monarch BirdScape. Photo by Jesús Franco. LEFT: Northern Bobwhite by Tim Zurowski, Shutterstock; Monarch butterfly by David Byron Keener, Shutterstock

26 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 27 Rio Grande by digidreamgrafi, Shutterstock the focal birds of the Laguna Madre. An estimated 80 percent of the global population of another focal species, the Redhead, winters here.

A Better Future for Birds The collaborative efforts of conservation partners within these BirdScapes are helping to achieve the Rio Grande Joint Venture’s vision: ecosystems that support thriving and diverse communities of birds, other wildlife, and people across the landscape, across Shorebirds and More in the Coastal Prairie the border, and into the future. The Rio Grande Joint Venture also includes important “Jesús and I love our jobs because we work with a areas of coastal prairie habitat south of the Rio Grande diversity of people and organizations in the U.S. in Mexico, where future work in the Laguna Madre and Mexico who are so enthusiastic and absolutely BirdScape is planned. The Laguna Madre, a long, shal- dedicated to conserving birds,” Roberson says. low, saline lagoon that spans the border, is important “We help people find ways to work better together habitat for both resident and migratory birds. so that we can accomplish more than any of our organizations could alone, and we have fun doing it.” Conservation in this BirdScape will focus on the pro- tection and restoration of the lagoon’s interior islands,

plus the riparian corridors and freshwater wetlands Gemma Radko is ABC's Communications that feed into the lagoon. Most of these riparian cor- and Media Manager, with over 25 years of ridors originate in the Tamaulipan Brushlands. graphic design, writing, and editing experience. Gemma is a member of both the Montgomery ABC is already working with partners in Mexico and and Frederick chapters of the Maryland has identified the priority birds of this area. Reddish Ornithological Society, an avid birder, and teacher of introductory Texas Wildlife Refuge at Risk from Border Wall Egret, Black Skimmer, and Wilson’s Plover are among ornithology classes.

TOP: Reddish Egrets by Alfredo Alvarez As we went to press, one of the most important areas within the Rio Grande Joint Venture region Photo of Laguna Madre by Héctor Garza was at risk. Plans to build a border wall through the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Texas had birders and conservationists alike on high alert. Federal officials and private contractors have been surveying portions of the refuge for construction.

Often called the crown jewel of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System, Santa Ana protects 2,088 acres of unique habitat along the banks of the Rio Grande. The refuge was created in 1943 to protect migratory birds and remains one of the top birding destinations in the United States. Some 400 bird species can be seen here, including Altamira Oriole, Groove-billed Ani, Green Jay, and many migratory warblers and raptors, along with an abundance of other wildlife.

Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose construction in Santa Ana and other lands designated as protected areas for wildlife.

Green Jays by Betty Rizzotti

28 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 29 FINAL GLIMPSE Coldest Months Hold Promise for Golden-winged Warblers By Peter Dieser YOUR LEGACY: hen Golden-winged Bruce Beehler Warblers leave their a Wbreeding grounds in BETTER FUTURE FOR BIRDS northern Minnesota and head south to winter in Central and South America, I often wish I could join them. But the winter months are when I roll up my sleeves to create habitat for this declining species.

My home base for this work is soil is often too wet for project When I joined ABC in 2013, I Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. work to take place any other time didn't know the scope and depth I have always been a Minnesota than the winter, when the ground of the work ahead of me, but I did boy, but never lived quite this is frozen. know the ecological and biological far north. As ABC’s Minnesota significance of the habitat I would During the summer breeding sea- Public Lands Coordinator, my job help create. And so I dived into the Photo by Warren Cooke is to utilize our grant from the son, Minnesota's northern forests work. I’ve now traversed north- Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund are home to over 40 percent of the ern Minnesota many times over, to create a program to enhance world's Golden-winged Warblers fighting ticks and mosquitoes in (and almost all of its mosquitoes, habitat in northern Minnesota's summer and frigid temperatures Britt and I have been long-term supporters of ABC. We have always public forests for the Golden- or so it seems). That makes it per- in winter. In four years, we have winged Warbler and associated haps the most important remain- successfully completed Golden- admired how ABC supports the entire bird conservation community, wildlife species. ing ecological region for these winged Warbler habitat restoration and their focus on creatively solving the most pressing bird conservation birds. In fact, northern Minnesota projects in 12 Minnesota counties issues. We believe ABC provides the best insurance that birds will Golden-winged Warblers nest is one of the few places where totaling 2,655 acres. in patches of young forest or Golden-winged Warblers have continue to bring pleasure to those who value their company. brushy wetland openings within retained a relatively stable popula- Now, the warblers are heading Minnesota’s deciduous forests. tion in most areas. This is crucial, south and another winter project We were looking for ways to continue to support ABC’s programs. What These openings (often called early especially considering that the season is about to begin. Acre by better way to accomplish this than by including ABC in our will? It is successional habitat) historically species has endured a population acre, we continue to work hard were created by natural disturbances, decline of 60 to 70 percent across with our partners to meet our habi- a wonderful way for people like us, with a fixed income, to give to an including blowdowns and localized its entire range in the past 50 years tat goals. Robert Frost said it best: organization that so reliably delivers conservation results for birds. We wildfires, which aren’t as prevalent and is being considered for listing “The woods are lovely, dark and today. Now we mimic them by as a federally endangered species. A deep, but I have promises to keep, hope that others will join us in helping support ABC in perpetuity.” managing timber and brush to open dramatic decline in the Minnesota and miles to go before I sleep, and up breeding sites that retain a patchy population would put the entire miles to go before I sleep.” Steve and Britt Thal mix of woody vegetation and have species at risk. Marin County, California mature adjacent forest.

In the summer, I locate potential Peter Dieser, based out of Minnesota, is a Golden-winged Warbler sites with partner agencies such as Public Lands Coordinator at ABC. He received an MS in Natural If you would like more information on how to create your legacy of bird conservation with Resources Science and Management from the University of Minnesota; the state Department of Natural an estate gift, or if you have already included ABC in your estate plans, please contact Jack he previously worked as a naturalist at Eagle Bluff Environmental Resources and the U.S. Fish and Learning Center. Morrison, ABC Planned Giving Director, at 540-253-5780, or [email protected]. Wildlife Service. Because these sites are often located on lowlands, the

30 BIRD CONSERVATION | FALL 2017 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 2392 MERRIFIELD, VA P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 abcbirds.org 540–253–5780 • 888–247–3624

Bahama Oriole by Daniel C. Stonko