BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Conservancy SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Completing the Jigsaw of ABC is dedicated to conserving and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on Endangered Bird Conservation achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest was worried about the direction better-protected, single-site endemic problems facing birds today, innovating of international conservation. species that AZE highlights. and building on rapid advancements The year was 2000, and a race I in science to halt extinctions, protect seemed to be on to see who could That’s where ABC’s new “gap habitats, eliminate threats, and build Summer/Fall 2018 protect the largest area for the analysis” comes in. (See article, capacity for bird conservation. least amount of money. Priority p. 16.) In this story, you will see areas were getting bigger and how ABC is working to build on BIRDCONSERVATION bigger, from the Amazon to the AZE and complete the jigsaw of conservation for all Endangered Coral Triangle, Yellowstone to the A copy of the current financial statement and Saving the Reddish Egret, Yukon. birds in the Americas. We’re registration filed by the organization may be 10 trying to identify and conserve obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253-5780, or by a Seashore Sentinel All were vitally important efforts sufficient sites to save populations contacting the following state agencies: for biodiversity conservation, but of each and every Endangered or Florida: Division of Consumer Services, what worried me as a birder and Critically Endangered bird species toll-free number within the state: 800-435-7352. 16 Closing the Gap: Helping conservationist was that there’s in the Western Hemisphere. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage: always that one place. The best Once this work is complete, we Office of the Secretary of State, Statehouse, Under-Protected Bird Species We’re trying to identify and Annapolis, MD 21401. place — and often a small place — will have created a robust line New Jersey: Attorney General, State to see whichever rare species you conserve sufficient sites to of defense against the most of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. From Birkenstock to NASA, a Push are seeking. Those sorts of places, imminent and predictable bird New York: Office of the Attorney General, 21 Department of Law, Charities Bureau, whether they’re on a particular save populations of each and extinctions. I believe these barriers 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. to Make Windows Safer for Birds slope of a mountain in Colombia against extinction can hold for a Pennsylvania: Department of State, every Endangered or Critically toll-free number within the state: or a certain patch of wetland generation or more as we adapt 800-732-0999. in Brazil, aren’t well conserved Endangered bird species in the to a changing planet and develop Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, 24 Hope for a Blue-eyed by large-scale approaches. They new conservation technology and Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. Brazilian Rarity need very specific site-based Western Hemisphere. delivery mechanisms. West Virginia: Secretary of State, State Capitol, conservation. Charleston, WV 25305. ABC continues to chair the At ABC, we are constantly Registration does not imply endorsement, Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one initiative, and it has accomplished balancing “going deep” to sustain approval, or recommendation by any state. DEPARTMENTS thinking along these lines. Thanks great things. For example, the the protection of areas where we are Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC and to the encouragement of then-ABC Millerbird was removed from already active, and “going wide” to is published three times yearly for members. 2 Bird’s Eye View Board Chair, Ken Berlin, a group the AZE list in 2018 following its conserve new places that desperately Senior Editor: Libby Sander VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen of us came together to map out successful establishment on need help. With your support we 4 On the Wire such sites across the Earth’s surface. can do both more effectively — Graphic Design: Gemma Radko a second Hawaiian island. Contributors: Jane Fitzgerald, Bennett This group included Tom Brooks and we can all worry less about Hennessey, Steve Holmer, Brad Keitt, Daniel 9 Species Profile and John Lamoreux in particular, I’m very proud of what ABC and the future of our rarest birds! Lebbin, Jack Morrison, Merrie Morrison, Hannah Nevins, Mike Parr, Chris Sheppard, who were then working with AZE have accomplished. But I’m With sincere thanks, Grant Sizemore, David Wiedenfeld 31 Final Glimpse Conservation International and still worried. That’s because AZE World Wildlife Fund respectively. focuses exclusively on Endangered For more information contact: Black-capped Vireo chicks. This species has shown This initiative morphed into and Critically American Bird Conservancy encouraging signs of recovery and was removed the Alliance for Zero Extinction found only at single sites. But what 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 from the Endangered Species list in April 2018. The Plains, VA 20198 Photo by Cameron Rutt (AZE), which has since gained about the unprotected Endangered 540-253-5780 • [email protected] international prominence as a species found at two, three, or means of identifying and protecting a handful of sites? The threats Join us online! TOP: Yellow-headed Brushfinch, an Endangered species, is found only in irreplaceable sites for the most these species face may be even a small area of Colombia and is in urgent need of conservation attention. endangered species worldwide. more urgent than some of the Michael J. Parr, President Photo by Fundación ProAves, www.proaves.org American Bird Conservancy abcbirds.org COVER: Blue-eyed Ground-Dove by Ciro Albano, NE Brazil Birding BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 3 TOP: Nihoa Millerbird by Robby Kohley

ON the WIRE Twenty-first Century Cat Care Benefits Cats and Birds

Keen Sense of Smell Leads to Black-capped Petrel Discovery e all know people who a leash or in a backpack, and more let their cats wander, recently, stroller rides. esting storm-petrels are handful of feathers at the burrow’s Wperhaps unaware of notoriously difficult to lo- entrance. Trail cameras revealed the impact of free-roaming fe- “Many people think it’s not fair cate, and the Endangered that a non-native mongoose — a lines on wildlife. This summer, for them to not be free outside,” N Tazio Taveres Black-capped Petrel is no excep- known predator of the petrel — ABC launched the Happy Cats, Viscusi continues. “But I think it’s tion. Like similar species such as had raided the burrow. Despite Healthy Birds Campaign to help not fair to put them in harm’s way. the Hawaiian Petrel, this Caribbean this setback, the team hopes to pet owners make the transition Louie’s safety is my priority.” endemic is nocturnal at its colony find other nests in the area and to a lifestyle that’s better for both The campaign features stories sites. Known locally as diablotín, or will continue to work with Valle cats and birds. (Visit: abcbirds.org/ and tips on ABC’s Bird Calls blog “little devil,” for its eerie nocturnal Nuevo National Park to develop a catio-solutions-cats.) Louie safely explores the great outdoors. Photo by Christiana Viscusi (abcbirds.org/birdcalls) and social calls, the bird nests underground protection strategy for the site. media accounts. (You can easily in well-hidden burrows, usually on ABC supporters and their cats (or “Responsible cat care means some- find us on Facebook, Twitter, and steep hillsides amid heavy vegeta- In other news, additional nesting Feline Ambassadors, as we’re calling thing different than it did in our Instagram.) tive cover. Finding a Black-capped sites may soon be found elsewhere: them) are helping us spread the Recent radar surveys by EPIC show word. One of these duos, Christiana parents’ generation,” says Viscusi. Petrel nest is like searching for a We’re also asking pet owners to Led by Ernst Rupp of Grupo what appear to be petrels flying Viscusi and her cat, Louie, are “Now we know how unsafe it is for needle in a haystack. take action by signing our pledge Jaragua, the field team also included into Morne Diablotín, the highest demonstrating new products — cat cats to roam unsupervised. And we to keep cats and birds safe. Despite these challenges, biolo- biologists José Luis Castillo, Gersón peak on the island of Dominica. strollers, harnesses, backpacks, and also know that they can harm na- gists in the Dominican Republic, Feliz, Jairo Isaa Arache, and Manuel more — to illustrate what being tive wildlife at the same time. All Please sign and share our pledge: The International Black-capped Petrel with support from ABC, continue Alejandro Doleo. The discovery was a cat owner looks like in the 21st of my cats have been indoor cats abcbirds.org/action/cats-pledge to discover nest sites and learn the result of several years of effort Working Group, coordinated by Birds- century. that go on outdoor adventures on more about what needs to be done and was guided by prior radar and Caribbean, has been a key partner to protect the species. One step acoustic surveys by Environmental in guiding conservation actions for forward took place in May 2017, Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC). this species. This work was supported when researchers discovered a new But ultimately, it was Gersón’s keen in part by the Disney Conservation JOIN OUR QUEST nesting site in Valle Nuevo Nation- sense of smell that led the group to Fund, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species al Park in the Dominican Republic, the musky-smelling seabird burrow. Conservation Fund, and the U.S. Fish which represents the easternmost and Wildlife Service. In early 2018, biologists returned to SAVE the RAREST confirmed nesting location for to the nesting site to find a Black-capped Petrels on the island. Preventing bird extinctions is at do it alone. Will you join our quest

“We were very excited to have the heart of our mission. With our to save the hemisphere’s most Gray-bellied Comet by Björn Anderson finally found an active nest in international partners in Latin America threatened birds by donating today? Valle Nuevo,” says Yolanda León, and the Caribbean, we’ve made We know that with strong President of Grupo Jaragua, one of great strides, protecting 60 species partnerships, sufficient resources, ABC’s partner organizations in the of highly threatened birds by creating and political will, we can stabilize and Dominican Republic. “Cordillera reserves, establishing easements, and Central is a vast mountain range recover the populations of the rarest restoring habitats across more than a with a number of large protected birds. The increase in numbers of million acres. areas, and the petrels’ presence Rusty-faced Parrots in Colombia and there, even in low numbers, could We need to do more. Hundreds Lear’s Macaws in Brazil attest to that. greatly improve their conservation of bird species in the Americas are Still, the conservation needs of so Lilacine Amazon in Ecuador and the outlook in Hispaniola.” threatened with extinction, and in many other bird species are great. Gray-bellied Comet in Peru. the coming year ABC is committing Please give today. You will help ABC Please use the enclosed envelope Discovery of the first nest in Valle Nuevo, an additional $1 million or more to fill in those gaps and help us protect to make an additional gift, or give Dominican Republic by José Luis Castillo (left) projects to protect their habitats and and Gersón Feliz (right), who followed his nose other threatened birds, including the online: abcbirds.org/donate to the burrow entrance. Photo by Grupo Jaragua address other threats. But we can’t

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 5

ON the WIRE

Endangered Species Act Rollbacks ABC, Other Conservation Groups Federation, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, filed Take Aim at Threatened Species Sue to Protect Migratory Birds a lawsuit challenging this move to eliminate longstanding legal n the latest in a string of envi- likely result in some Threatened and a coalition of credited with bringing hundreds protections for birds. ronmental rollbacks, the U.S. species continuing to decline ABC conservation organi- of species back from the brink of “The Administration’s new policy Department of the Interior toward endangerment instead of zations have sued the U.S. Depart- extinction, including the Wood I makes it much harder to protect proposed changes to the Endan- recovery.” ment of the Interior over an abrupt Duck, Eastern Bluebird, and birds from threats like oil pits, gered Species Act on July 18, policy reversal concerning one of Sandhill Crane. wind turbines, and communication establishing a 60-day period for Another change would allow for Maintaining the existing the nation’s most important envi- In December 2017, the current towers in migration hotspots,” comments. Among the changes are economic analyses to be included ronmental laws. The lawsuit, filed Administration reversed decades says Mike Parr, President of ABC. elimination of blanket protection in decisions about listing species science-based listing on May 24 in U.S. District Court of policy and practice — imple- “Leaving these threats unattended — known as the “4d rule” — for under the ESA, while the current in New York, alleges that Interior process is crucial to mented under both Democratic is like leaving manhole covers off species listed as “Threatened.” process strictly adheres to science violated the Migratory Bird Treaty and explicitly forbids inclusion of and Republican administrations — the sidewalk during rush hour — conserve declining bird Act, Administrative Procedures Act, “Under these changes, birds and economic considerations. and National Environmental Policy that determine how the MBTA is it’s negligent, irresponsible, and other species listed as Threatened populations. Act by issuing a legal opinion late implemented and enforced. Under guaranteed to cause harm.” in the coming years would not “We’re concerned that the the new interpretation, the MBTA’s last year that effectively releases in- The risk of liability under the be protected from all threats and inclusion of economic factors protections will apply only to ac- dustries from any liability under the MBTA has long provided industries could be killed or harmed,” says will invite political interference,” of birds were listed under the ESA. tivities that purposefully kill birds. Migratory Bird Treaty Act related to with an incentive to work with Steve Holmer, ABC’s Vice President says Holmer. “Unfortunately, the If slanted economic analysis were Companies whose industrial ac- “incidental take” — bird deaths that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Policy. “Several birds listed as benefits of wildlife conservation — included, it is likely that some tivities cause unintentional deaths are not deliberate but nevertheless to minimize bird deaths. The Threatened under the ESA — the which provide billions of dollars of these species — such as the — birds that perish in uncovered are predictable and preventable. Administration’s new policy Marbled Murrelet and Northern to the economy in the form of Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red toxic oil pits, for instance — are eliminates this incentive, putting Spotted Owl in particular — owe birdwatching and other activities Knot, and Gunnison Sage-Grouse The Migratory Bird Treaty Act no longer liable under the law, no already-declining populations of their current existence in large that depend on healthy landscapes — would not have been granted (MBTA), enacted in 1918, is an matter how inevitable or devastat- songbirds and other migratory part to the ESA’s blanket 4d — are often undervalued. ESA protection due to political essential component of U.S. bird ing the impact on birds. birds at additional risk. rule. The change will mean that interference. We’re urging that conservation. Its prohibition on “Maintaining the existing In response, ABC and several other species listed as Threatened under the existing science-based listing the killing of migratory birds has science-based listing process is environmental groups, including Please help protect the Migratory the Act will not automatically process be retained.” long been understood to extend crucial to conserve declining bird the Center for Biological Diversity, Bird Treaty Act by signing ABC’s receive the same protection as beyond illegal hunting to include populations,” Holmer adds. “Just Defenders of Wildlife, National petition: abcbirds.org/action/ Endangered species. This will TOP: Marbled Murrelets by Tim Zurowski, industrial activities. The law is this decade, seven new populations Shutterstock Audubon Society, National Wildlife petition-mbta Sandhill Cranes by Sumikophoto, Shutterstock

Icebreaker Battle Continues on Lake Erie Under the new interpretation, the MBTA’s protections will apply only to activities that and Black Swamp “We reject the EA’s claim that this “foot in the door” strategy that purposefully kill birds. Companies whose industrial activities cause accidental deaths are no ABC Bird Observatory wind energy facility would have could set the stage for a far larger (BSBO) continue to raise concerns ‘little to no impact’” on birds, says 1,000-turbine project on Lake Erie longer liable under the law, no matter how inevitable or devastating the impact. about the potential for Lake Erie’s Kimberly Kaufman, BSBO’s Execu- in the future. first proposed offshore wind tive Director, citing the critical im- project, “Icebreaker,” to have portance of Lake Erie to migratory “We support Bird-Smart Wind a devastating impact on birds. birds such as the Endangered Kirt- Energy, which is all about putting BSBO’s Don Bauman and Mark land’s Warbler. Millions of birds turbines in the places where impact Shieldcastle spoke at a public pass through the Lake Erie area on birds can be minimized,” hearing before the Cleveland City on their way north to breeding Holmer says. “But choosing Lake Council on July 19, pointing out grounds in the boreal forest. Erie as a place for turbines is deficiencies in the project’s draft about as bad as it gets from a bird environmental assessment (EA). ABC’s Steve Holmer calls the conservation perspective.” six-turbine Icebreaker project a

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018

SPECIES PROFILE Greater Sage-Grouse by Kerry Hargrove, Shutterstock Speak out in support of restric- Equal Opportunity BIRDS in BRIEF tions on neonicotinoid use in Courtship the U.S.: abcbirds.org/action/ Unusual for birds, both male and Rediscovery of Belem petition-neonics Curassow female Agami Herons flaunt col- Improved Conservation orful plumage during the breed- After a 40-year absence, Brazilian Status for Two Endangered ing season. Both sexes also show researchers rediscovered the Birds heightened color in the lores (the Critically Endangered Belem fleshy area between the base of the Curassow. The research team, Two birds listed under the bill and front of the eyes), which searching in the Gurupi Biological Endangered Species Act have turn an intense red during court- Reserve in northeastern Brazil, shown such encouraging signs of ship. Males and females “dance” found the bird in the wild in recovery that one species has been together in a spectacular plume- December 2017. The turkey-sized delisted and another may shortly activity on about 10 million acres shaking, bill-snapping display. black bird, formerly considered a follow. Black-capped Vireo was of prime sage-grouse habitat while subspecies of Bare-faced Curassow, removed from the Endangered Recent fieldwork has found that

expanding oil and gas leasing Agami Heron by Glenn Bartley, www.glennbartley.com was last seen in the wild in 1978. Species list in April. Kirtland's Agami Herons, like Reddish Egrets across the declining species’ range. Warbler, whose population has and many other waterbirds, nest in increased fivefold since the early Speak out for continued colonies. The birds hide their nests, 1950s, was proposed for delisting protection for the Greater Sage- a loose platform of sticks, within in April. A final decision could Grouse: abcbirds.org/action/ the forest canopy. come later this year. (See story, petition-sage-grouse p. 30.) Conserving Agami Herons Bobwhite Recovery Efforts in Costa Rica Proving Successful The Agami Heron is listed as New Jersey Audubon and partners Vulnerable by the International have reached a milestone in efforts Union for the Conservation of to restore Northern Bobwhite to Nature, based on predictions of Captive Belem Curassow by Emanuel Barreto Undercover Fisherman the New Jersey Pinelands, where he Agami Heron is a coveted future habitat loss in lowland sighting for birders visiting European Union Bans this species was once common. This heron specializes in fishing forests, particularly throughout Since 2015, 320 quail have been T flooded lowland forests and from river banks or branches over- the Amazon region. Neonics released and 39 nests have been slow-moving waterways of Central hanging the water. Its long neck In Costa Rica, ABC partner Osa The European Union has found, with the first confirmed and South America. This long- and dagger-like bill — the longest of Conservation protects several banned nearly all uses of three nesting of bobwhite recorded in billed, medium-sized heron is so any New World heron's — gives the properties in the Osa Peninsula neonicotinoid pesticides due to the Pinelands since the 1980s. distinctive that it occupies its own Agami a significant striking range, their buildup in the environment genus, Agamia. Its species name, while proportionally short legs where this shy, spectacular heron and devastating effect on bees "Agami," comes from a Cayenne confine the bird to shallow water. can be seen, along with more than and other pollinators. The ban, Indian word for a forest bird. Agami Herons rarely wade in the 450 other species of birds, including

approved in April, is set to go into Black-capped Vireo by Greg Lavaty open, preferring to forage for small the Endangered Black-cheeked Ant- In Brazil, the Agami is sometimes effect by the end of this year. fish, snails, and insects while stalk- Tanager and Yellow-billed Cotinga. called Soco beija-flor, "humming- Greater Sage-Grouse Risk ing along under dense cover.

“ABC’s report on the impact of Intensifies — Again Northern Bobwhite by Larry Thompson bird heron," for its vivid plumage. Agami Heron by Greg Homel, neonics on birds found that a It's also commonly known as the Natural Elements Productions The Bureau of Land Management’s single coated seed is enough to Chestnut-bellied Heron. 2015 Greater Sage-Grouse kill a songbird. We call on the U.S. conservation plans, recognized as Threats to the Agami Heron are Environmental Protection Agency an essential means of protecting poorly understood, but habitat loss to follow suit and restrict the use of this species and its habitat, are is probably one of the most signifi- the most dangerous neonicotinoid now at risk from federal proposals cant factors affecting this heron pesticides to protect birds and to revise them. These revisions and other birds that share its low- insects," says ABC’s Steve Holmer. would cancel plans to ban mining land habitat, including Mangrove , Great Curassow, and Harpy Eagle.

8 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 9 SAVING a Seashore Sentinel

Efforts to help the Reddish Egret may conserve an entire ecosystem

By Erica Cirino

t’s a warm, humid spring eve- southern latitudes to their summer and slender, with the distinctive ning on South Padre Island, a breeding grounds farther north. shape of an egret, but with a dark Ithin, 34-mile-long barrier island belly and a rusty-colored neck. But sheltering the southernmost tip of As Hooded Warblers, Painted the most notable thing about this Texas. The skies are filling with the Buntings, Peregrine Falcons, and bird is how it moves. sharp silhouettes of birds — wings, a suite of other migratory bird beaks, tails of all shapes and sizes species stop at South Padre to rest Zig-zagging back and forth on — as they make their way from and refuel, a solitary bird wades long black legs, running in crazy their wintering grounds in the through the shallow water. It’s tall circles, the Reddish Egret suddenly

Reddish Egret by Jeff Dyck BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 11 tucks in its head and raises smooth breeding sites, and they are also The most notable their wings over their heads, and charcoal wings over itself like an trying to refine their head counts peering at the water as they forage umbrella. With a sudden, precisely of Reddish Egrets at these loca- thing about this bird for small fish such as the sheeps- timed jab at a passing fish, the bird tions. Better population estimates head minnow and sometimes for plunges its sharp pink-and-black can help them track progress once tiny crustaceans, like shrimp. This beak into the water — and emerges conservation measures are put is how it moves. shadow-casting strategy reduces with dinner. into place. Their blueprint is the glare and helps the egret more ac- Reddish Egret Conservation Ac- curately sight and spear its prey. New Focus on a tion Plan, developed in 2014, to Mysterious Bird increase the world’s Reddish Egret The Reddish Egret may suffer population to 7,500 breeding pairs from the consequences of being a In spite of the Reddish Egret’s in about five years. habitat specialist, says Kelli Stone, many notable characteristics, their Migratory Bird Biologist with the lives haven’t been well studied or To meet this goal, the group will U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s understood by scientists. Where do work on several fronts. It will man- Southwest Region. But if the appro- they go when they migrate? How age the factors that directly affect priate conditions exist, says Stone, far? Where are they most concen- Reddish Egret populations; ensure who leads the working group, they trated, if at all? long-term stewardship and man- appear to weather natural stressors agement of priority breeding and such as hurricanes and decreases What scientists do know about the foraging areas; implement long- in prey abundance quite well. Re- rarest North American egret spe- term monitoring of egret popula- search by Ken Meyer and scientists cies is that its population is declin- tions; and identify ways to better at Florida’s Avian Research and ing — an estimated 4,250 breeding protect areas that are important to Conservation Institute during Hur- pairs exist today, down from at Reddish Egrets. ricane Irma in 2017, for instance, least twice that number in the found that five GPS-tagged egrets 1930s — and that the saline coastal For a bird whose basic biology is Reddish Egret on the prowl. Photo by Wilfred survived the storm by roosting in habitat it relies on for survival is at still surprisingly poorly known, Marissen, Shutterstock “On both their breeding and feed- All of these factors make life dif- mangrove forests. major risk of destruction by human this sort of expansive, long-term ing grounds, the Reddish Egret oc- ficult for a bird that needs a very activities. vision is vital. made it illegal for hunters to shoot But that resilience applies only if cupies a fringe of coastal habitat, specific kind of habitat to thrive. the birds, but by the time the En- Reddish Egrets have an “appropri- An international coalition “If you have healthy habitat for a and there is a lot of human activity vironmental Protection Agency “The species is a coastal specialist,” ate amount and quality of habi- of local and federal agencies, waterbird like the Reddish Egret, in these areas,” Franco says. One of banned DDT in 1972, the entire explains Clay Green, professor of tat” in which to live, Stone says. nongovernmental organizations, you will have healthy habitat for the most serious factors reducing U.S. Reddish Egret population had biology at Texas State University in “When those habitats are drasti- and universities spread across the other aquatic species,” says Jesús Reddish Egret survival is habitat nearly vanished. San Marcos, and a founding mem- cally altered, limited, or gone, this bird’s geographic range is turning Franco, ABC’s Assistant Coordina- loss caused by poorly planned tour- ber of the working group. While species — like other wildlife species new scientific attention to this tor of the Rio Grande Joint Ven- Legal protections have allowed the ism and residential development. Reddish Egrets can nest in a variety — is much more vulnerable.” striking species: from Laguna ture, one of the partners involved species to rebound a bit in recent Coastal engineering projects — of settings — including bare rock, Madre further south into Mexico in the international working decades. But the bird’s population such as energy development and cacti, and mangrove — they forage Unraveling the Mysteries and Central America, throughout group. “It’s a species we shouldn’t numbers are still below historic dredging — and shrimp aquacul- only in shallow, sparsely vegetated the Caribbean, and all along the lose, and we have to work together levels, Franco says. And it now ap- ture are also playing a role. Back in Laguna Madre in saline coastal habitats. Gulf of Mexico to Florida. These to make sure that doesn’t happen.” pears even this modest recovery is Tamaulipas, Mexico, just across Sea level rise from climate change partners, known collectively as slowing down, and the species is the water from South Padre Island, is another serious threat, Franco Their dependence on this specific the Reddish Egret Working Group, once again in decline. Salvador Narváez, a biologist A True Survivor says. It is difficult to predict and type of habitat likely influences are collaborating to unlock the their distinctive hunting behavior, and site leader with ABC partner Hunted during the 19th century However, it’s no longer poisons perhaps even more difficult to Reddish Egret’s secrets and ensure too. Reddish Egrets are well known Pronatura Noreste, says the for their handsome feathers, Red- and hunting to blame. Humans control, resulting in significant its survival. organization is working with flooding and loss of Reddish Egret in the birding world for their dish Egrets have witnessed the edge are again the culprits, but it’s new, scientists in the U.S. to survey habitat in some areas. Invasive elaborate prey-stalking behavior — Scientists aim to pinpoint im- of existence. The passage of the modern stressors that are at the and track Reddish Egrets outfitted plants and non-native predators what Franco calls the Reddish Egret portant foraging, stopover, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 root of the problem. with GPS transmitters. also threaten the species’ survival. “crazy dance” — hopping, raising

12 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 13 These small, solar-powered devices reproduction, and foraging. The revealed that not all Reddish Egrets The Reddish Egret is a survivor, along parts of Laguna Madre and elsewhere in Reddish Egret habitats, enable researchers to follow the monitoring has already helped migrate. But those who do have a a specialist, and a living barometer birds’ movements throughout the Pronatura identify five important fairly large range — from Louisiana mangroves have been destroyed year. Scientists strap lightweight Reddish Egret habitat regions in to Guatemala, for example. of humanity’s impacts on shallow to make way for manmade GPS transmitters onto the egrets Mexico so far, shown on the map infrastructure such as coastal like tiny high-tech backpacks. So on page 15. Each has its own Efforts to understand where these coastal ecosystems. shrimp farms. More mangroves birds travel are just the latest re- far, the researchers have outfitted threats that will require conserva- Photo by Jeff Dyck will mean more habitat for Reddish more than three dozen egrets with tionists to respond with specific sults of the multinational research. Egrets and greater protection for About a decade ago, the working the devices, on Florida’s Sanibel strategies. (Pronatura recently particularly in the Caribbean, Egret offers conservationists an humans from hurricanes, storm group completed a genetic study Island and along Laguna Madre. received additional funds from where less research has been done. opportunity to preserve the shallow surges, and flooding. that revealed differences in the The transmitters feed location data the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The Caribbean islands might be coastal ecosystems that are so vital DNA of individuals across the Although birders thrill to the back to researchers in real time. through the Neotropical Migratory an important key to Reddish Egret to the bird’s survival. “With its extremes of the birds’ range. This sight of this majestic and rare Bird Conservation Act to continue conservation. strict habitat requirements, the bird Narváez says the research will work on this species in Mexico.) research helped confirm the move- is what scientists call an indicator species, Reddish Egrets represent identify key sites for the conserva- ments — or lack of movements — “The idea is that Cuba may be a species, signaling the health or so much more than visual tion of Reddish Egrets and provide The ongoing research also aims to of certain populations of Reddish bridge or stepping stone between frailty of a very specific kind of splendor. The Reddish Egret is a greater certainty about the birds’ explore the birds’ migratory pat- Egrets, says Texas State University’s eastern populations in Florida and coastal habitat,” Rothman says. survivor, a specialist, and a living priority habitats for wintering, terns. Along with the GPS trans- Clay Green. the Bahamas and central populations barometer of humanity’s impacts mitter work, visual surveys and in Texas and Mexico,” says Green. Consider the mangrove. In an on shallow coastal ecosystems. But he stresses that scientists need color banding in the U.S., Central Only research can say for sure. attempt to shore up Reddish That’s why Franco, Rothman, and Reddish Egret in mangrove more data to get a clearer picture, by Foto Request, Shutterstock America, and the Caribbean have Egret habitat in Laguna Madre, their counterparts in the U.S., A Bellwether for ABC’s Rio Grande Joint Venture’s Mexico, Central America, and the Coastal Habitats many partners are working Caribbean are devoting an immense together — and with Pronatura amount of time and effort to fully Why have scientists become so keen — to restore valuable mangrove understand this bird, and protect it. to protect Reddish Egrets in the past forests. Mangroves grow in flooded decade? Andrew Rothman, ABC’s coastal swamps, protect coastlines Kelli Stone acknowledges the coali- Migratory Bird Program Director, from flood damage and erosion, tion has its work cut out, but she’s says the plight of the Reddish and shelter fish and crabs. But hopeful. By working collaboratively, scientists and habitat managers may be able to minimize the impact of these threats to levels that will al- low the Reddish Egret population to persist — and even increase.

“If we can save it,” she says, “we will also be saving a whole ecosystem.”

Learn more about the Reddish Egret Working Group at: reddishegret.org.

Erica Cirino is a free- lance science writer and artist working in New York and internationally.

14 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 15 Conservationists aim to identify which CLOSING rare species still lack protected areas.

the has always overlooked. We are asking two key made questions: Which bird species are GAP ABC preventing on the brink of extinction due to bird extinctions a top priority. habitat threats, but occur mainly We’ve made great strides outside protected areas? And where toward this goal with the help are the most important sites that of our partners and other require protection to safeguard conservationists, and to date, these overlooked species? we’ve supported the establishment of protected areas for 60 species of According to preliminary results highly threatened birds. gathered by ABC researchers We can enable populations and international partners, 317 In one example, the Rusty- Endangered, Critically Endangered, of the Americas’ rarest birds faced Parrot was downlisted and Data Deficient bird species to stabilize and recover. from Critically Endangered to are found within ABC’s focal Vulnerable, due in part to creation geography (North America, of the Colibrí del Sol Reserve in Central America, South America, greatest need,” says ABC President Colombia. Our progress proves the Caribbean, Hawai’i, and U.S. Mike Parr. “We don’t want to that with sufficient resources and territories in the Pacific). overlook any critical species. It’s political will, we can reduce the Roughly 11 percent of these 317 hard to see the ‘holes’ when you’re threats that drive species toward looking at a list of birds, so we’re extinction. We can enable the species have not been seen in recent years or are likely to be trying fill in those gaps with this populations of the Americas’ rarest analysis.” birds to stabilize and recover. extinct, and 2 percent are species of swifts and storm-petrels that we These “gap species” can be found But our work is hardly finished. know little about — so little, in from the marshy outskirts of a The International Union for the fact, that it is hard to determine Brazilian megacity to the dry Conservation of Nature (IUCN) their primary threats or even forests of western Mexico. Since Red List of Threatened Species confirm their status as Endangered. the majority are clearly threatened still includes hundreds of bird That leaves 87 percent, or 276 by habitat loss, one key strategy species in the Americas that are species, needing conservation is to protect more of their habitat classified as Endangered, Critically action to address the threats — at least enough to safeguard Endangered, or so poorly known driving them toward extinction. a potentially viable population — “Data Deficient,” in scientific By far, the most common threat to of 500 individuals. If the total terms — that they may well be population is less than 500, we’ll Endangered too. Some of these these species is habitat loss (79 per- cent), followed by invasive species protect as many of the surviving species are at least partially birds as possible. Depending on protected in reserves or benefit (16 percent). Wildlife trafficking, hunting, bycatch in fisheries, per- the species and threats, 500 may from ongoing conservation efforts; be more than is needed to secure others are not. secution, or combinations of other threats make up the remainder the population from the threat of To address this disparity, ABC (5 percent). immediate extinction (both the is conducting an analysis to California Condor and Whooping determine which species are being “It’s important that we know Crane recovered from low double- which species are the ones in digit populations), but this can also

LEFT: Lilacine Amazon by Steve Wilson By Daniel Lebbin and David Wiedenfeld TOP: Rusty-faced Parrot by Wim de Groot 16 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 17 By working to establish new reserves for some of these gap species, we will help their populations stabilize and thrive.

LILACINE AMAZON This parrot was recently recognized as its own species, split from the more widespread Red-lored Amazon; Lilacine has a less striking head pattern and a dark (not two-toned) bill. Lilacine Amazons live only in western Ecuador, congregating at communal roosts at night and fanning out to forage during the day.

Pale-headed Brushfinch at nest. Photo by Fundación Jocotoco and local researchers, with support from the Aldo Sornoza U.K.-based Chester Zoo, have been studying this species to learn act as a medium-term population how we might best conserve it. They have identified the foraging goal for the recovery of species and roosting areas of what is likely the bird’s largest population. with smaller current populations. Because the dry forest roosts are unprotected and under pressure for agriculture, ABC and Jocotoco are fundraising to acquire these Protecting habitat for the rarest areas. We’re starting with critical roosting sites and aim to create birds has been at the center of the first reserve for this unique and colorful amazon. ABC’s international efforts for decades. With our partners in Photo by Steve Wilson Latin America and the Caribbean, we’ve enhanced habitat protection across more than one million acres by creating reserves, establishing GRAY-BELLIED COMET easements, and restoring the forests and wetlands these rare SÃO PAULO MARSH ANTWREN The Gray-bellied Comet is one of several spectacular threatened birds need to survive. that live in small enclaves in northern Peru. The reclusive São Paulo Marsh Antwren skulks around wetlands on (The others are the Royal , Purple-backed Sunbeam, the outskirts of Brazil’s largest city. The antwren was described by A perfect example is the Yunguilla and Marvelous Spatuletail.) A bird of arid mountain slopes and scientists as a new species in 2013, and IUCN evaluated the species as Reserve in Ecuador, managed by canyons, the comet is an important pollinator of cacti, shrubs, Critically Endangered in 2016. Research suggests it has likely lost more our partner, Fundación Jocotoco. and trees. All four of these hummingbirds are threatened by than 74,000 acres of its historic habitat as a result of the conversion Before the reserve was established habitat loss, and the comet and sunbeam occur exclusively of wetlands to agriculture and other uses. The current population in 2004, the Pale-headed outside protected areas. Brushfinch occurred entirely estimate is 250 to 300 individuals. outside protected areas, numbered Working with our Peruvian partner ECOAN, ABC helped to In 2017, ABC and our partner SAVE Brasil launched an effort with only 30 individuals, and was establish the world’s only reserve for the spatuletail and engaged Brazil’s Guararema municipality and other local conservationists to considered Critically Endangered. local residents in a more widespread habitat restoration effort establish the first protected area for a population of this species. Given The reserve — established with and awareness campaign. We also supported creation of the Abra enthusiastic local support for the effort, we hope that Guararema will ABC support — now protects Patricia Reserve, which includes important habitat for the Royal establish a series of reserves that will protect this bird throughout much almost the entire population of the Sunangel. Now, we are exploring how to create additional reserves of its small range. brushfinch, which now numbers for these species — with an eye to establishing the first Gray- more than 200 individuals. The Photo by Rick Elis Simpson bellied Comet reserve later this year or next, along with engaging species has been downlisted to local communities in habitat restoration. Endangered as a result of this Photo by Jacques Erard continues p. 20

18 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 19 From Birkenstock to NASA,

YELLOW-HEADED BRUSHFINCH and TOLIMA DOVE A Push to These two threatened species occur in the mountains of southern Colombia and can sometimes be found in the same forests. The Yellow-headed Brushfinch was known well into the 20th century Make Windows as the Olive-headed Brushfinch; in the 1980s, additional research and field work led to its more-colorful common name. The Tolima Dove spends much of its time on or near the ground, searching the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and insects, and playing a key SAFER for seed dispersal role that contributes to reforestation efforts. It is best distinguished from other closely related species by its voice and tail pattern. BIRDS Most of the populations of both the brushfinch and the dove occur outside existing protected areas; in the case of Tolima By Meredith Swett Walker Dove, the Colombian organization SELVA estimates that no more than 2 percent of the dove’s range is currently within existing protected areas. Working with SELVA, we are creating improved maps of the dove’s range and habitat, and identifying the most important places to protect. We’ll next hold workshops with Most of us know the signs: a dull thump, a powdery smudge, or a few local communities and experts to determine the best options for creating protected areas for these birds. It’s a great opportunity: tiny breast feathers stuck on the glass. A bird has hit the window. While many of the birds in our analysis are isolated and require separate reserves to protect stronghold populations, these two may offer a rare opportunity to create one reserve for two species. cientists estimate that up to 1 Birkenstock USA a billion birds die every year Headquarters, California TOP: Yellow-headed Brushfinch by Bob Lewis Sin the United States after At Birkenstock USA, the effort to BOTTOM: Tolima Dove by Fundación ProAves colliding with window glass. reduce window strikes began with The threat is real, says ABC’s an employee named Kerry Burke. We aim to use this analysis to fill in the protection gap Christine Sheppard, Bird Collisions Burke, who passed away in 2016, for the birds that need it most. Campaign Director, but so is the was an accounting manager at the progress we’re making to minimize Novato, Calif., office for more than the risk. “We’re starting to see a 30 years and described herself as Nancy Moock sustained conservation action and analysis to fill in the protection gap help us engage governments and real response to our efforts to make its “official bird nerd.” The office continues to recover its range and for the birds that need it most. other stakeholders in protecting people aware of the dangers that sits on 88 mostly undeveloped 1 population. more birds. But we cannot do it glass can pose to birds,” she says. acres adjacent to a state park. Burke It’s an exciting evolution in our alone. Join our quest to save the “People are realizing that with enjoyed photographing wildlife on As our “gap analysis” continues, 20-year effort to “safeguard the hemisphere’s most threatened birds. minimal effort, they can make the property, but she was alarmed With Burke’s encouragement, ABC and collaborators plan to rarest” — and one that we feel sure their buildings and homes much by the number of birds hitting the Birkenstock put BirdSavers up publish a complete list of the will bring many more species back safer for birds. There is much building’s many windows. on most of the windows in the under-protected bird species of the from the brink. more to do, of course, but we are 22,000-square-foot building. The Americas, along with maps that In looking for a solution, Burke definitely making progress.” modification has been nearly 100 show areas in need of protection ABC is committing matching discovered Acopian BirdSavers. funds of at least $1 million percent effective, says office man- as a first line of defense against The following are five facilities Also known as a “Zen wind cur- toward projects that aim to ager Nancy Moock. People do ask extinction. Working with scientific across the country where simple tain,” Acopian BirdSavers consist prevent extinctions of the most about the strings, she says. “When and conservation partners and modifications have made of lengths of parachute cord hung threatened birds in the Americas by I tell them they’re to keep birds governments across the Western windows safer for songbirds. vertically and spaced four inches David Wiedenfeld (left) is Senior Conservation from hitting the window, they say, Hemisphere, we aim to use this protecting habitat and addressing apart in front of a window. other threats. This analysis will Scientist at ABC; Daniel Lebbin (right) is Vice ‘Oh! That’s great.’” President of Threatened Species at ABC.

TOP: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, one of the many bird species that collide with 20 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 glass — often with fatal results. Photo by valleyboi63, Shutterstock BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 21 2 Key West International cost. Sweets, meanwhile, says  Are you a homeowner, architect, developer, or just

Airport, Florida he has not received any calls Tom Ryon interested in preventing bird collisions? Visit birdsmartglass.org about birds colliding with the At Key West International Air- overpasses since the modification port, the push began with taxicab was completed in 2016, and on of dots or lines, fused into it. Frit- Matt Strausser, a wildlife biologist drivers. Cabs wait for passengers FloridaKeysWindowTinting.com his periodic checks of the roadway underneath two glass pedestrian ting is an ancient technique that employed at the Space Center, says below he hasn’t found any dead overpasses. During migration, is regaining popularity because it that event was a wake-up call for birds. many birds, especially neotropical can be used to create aesthetically NASA. It wasn’t only about the wel- pleasing effects, and the reduced fare of wildlife; the collisions also migrants such as Northern Parulas 3 Walter E. Washington and Prairie Warblers, would hit transparency of the glass helps had an effect on worker morale. Convention Center, the glass on the overpass and fall keep buildings cool. 2 4 “People are walking into their into the roadway below, where cars Washington, D.C. In other areas of NREL’s campus, offices where they’re supposed to would flatten them. This sprawling structure in the the team got creative with their do good quality work, and if they heart of the nation’s capital had a bird-friendly designs. They have to step over five or six dead “The cab drivers would come in similar problem with a glass-walled employed a product called wild that they care about, extremely upset because they’d see pedestrian overpass. Volunteers

Sandy Parker CollideEscape that can incorporate it’s not a great way to start the it happening,” says Tom Sweets with local organization City graphics or text into window day,” Strausser says. of the Key West Wildlife Center, a Wildlife regularly walk several treatments. NREL used it to local wildlife rehabilitation center. miles around downtown to collect decorate their bus shelters with The Space Center took a number “Most of the time when we got and record birds killed in window mountain scenes and text about of steps to mitigate collisions. In there [to rescue the birds], they collisions and rescue stunned birds. living with birds. NREL was even some buildings where transparency were already run over.” They soon discovered that the able to retrofit some buildings seems to be the main problem, 2.3 million-square-foot facility’s Staff from the Wildlife Center that proved problematic for birds, workers are asked to close their teamed up with the Florida Keys L Street pedestrian overpass alone blinds during migration season. Anne Lewis in one instance using a product killed an average of about 11 Audubon Society to approach called Feather Friendly, featuring a (Although this doesn’t reduce re- birds per year, including Veeries, the airport’s management about 3 5 pattern of adhesive dots applied to flections, it does help prevent some American Redstarts, and Yellow- the problem and find a solution. the exterior of the glass. collisions.) On other buildings with “Thanks to ABC’s Bird-friendly bellied Sapsuckers. newer, more-reflective glass, the Building Design booklet, we had a of 2016, there has been an 82 4 National Renewable Ryon monitored bird strikes at the center has applied vinyl cutouts to document in hand to show which  Thanks to ABC's Bird- percent reduction in bird strikes Energy Laboratory, windows before they were retro- break up the reflections. techniques would not work (ve- at the overpass, says City Wildlife Colorado fitted and for two migration sea- friendly Building Design The efforts have paid off. Strausser netian blinds) and which would President Anne Lewis, but no sons afterward. He found that the When the National Renewable has conducted detailed monitor- (striping on the glass),” says Mark change in frequency of strikes number of birds killed each season booklet, we had a document Energy Laboratory (NREL) cam- ing of bird strikes, and since 2012, Hedden, Executive Director of the on other, untreated parts of the dropped from 15 to 20 fatalities pus in Golden, Colo., saw a surge they’ve decreased by about 85 Florida Keys Audubon Society. in hand to show which building. down to one, or sometimes none. of construction roughly a decade percent. ago, Tom Ryon, the facility’s se- Eventually they settled on Solyx techniques would work. The film is surprisingly unobtru- nior wildlife biologist, played an 5 Johnson Space Center, Closing blinds and applying bird- Horizontal Bird Safety Film. The sive. Soon after the Convention active role. Ryon anticipated that Texas deterrent patterns to windows was durable film, applied to the outside City Wildlife, which provides Center decided to purchase the bird strikes would be a problem for With its 1,600 acres of mostly inexpensive and “really doesn’t of windows, has unobtrusive gray wildlife rescue and rehabilitation Solyx film, Lewis, an architect, some of the planned labs, bus shel- undeveloped land near the Gulf impact our operations,” Strausser lines that are visible to birds. Tests in the Washington area and runs was attending an American Insti- ters, and other structures, which of Mexico, NASA’s Johnson Space says. “It was a clear win for us.” performed by ABC and reports the Lights Out DC program, shared tute of Architects convention at featured large amounts of reflective Center is prime habitat for neo- And also for the birds. from the field show that the film is the findings with the Convention the facility. Solyx had a vendor’s glass. So he advocated for bird- tropical migrants. A handful of the highly effective at preventing win- Center management. The group booth there, and Lewis asked the urged the management to apply a company’s representative when the friendly designs to be incorporated. center’s buildings had problems dow collisions. Meredith Swett glass treatment to remediate the Convention Center planned to ap- with bird strikes. Some have been For instance, a “fritted” glass made Walker is a science The airport applied the film to problem. ply the film to the overpass. significant: In 2012, dozens of by Viracon was used in some new writer based in the glass on both pedestrian Indigo Buntings died in one night structures. Fritted glass has a ce- western Colorado. overpasses. Airport Director Don The Convention Center chose It was already installed, he told when an entire flock struck ramic pattern, usually consisting DeGraw reports that the Bird Solyx Vertical Bird Safety Film. her. “I had been walking by it and a window. Safety Film was “well worth” its Since it was applied in the fall not even noticing it,” Lewis says.

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 23 Into the Cerrado Where there are plants, there tend Thirty of the region’s to be birds, and the Cerrado is no Named for its dense vegetation — exception: 850 or more bird species the word cerrado literally means bird species are found inhabit these tropical grasslands “closed” — the Cerrado stretches and scattered forests. The Blue- nowhere else on Earth, across 1.2 million square miles of eyed Ground-Dove is just one of central Brazil, an area three times including the Cinereous the rarities. Thirty of the region’s the size of Texas. It’s one of the bird species are found nowhere else most biologically rich savannas in Warbling-Finch. on Earth, including the Cinereous

the world. Visualize giant anteaters Photo by Fabio Rage Warbling-Finch. ambling through the grasslands, Greater Rheas chasing each other This place is important to people as across the plains, and noisy groups well as to wildlife — for example, of Toco Toucans following one as a source of water. The vast ma- another from tree to tree, and jority of Brazilians use electricity you’ll just skim the surface of this generated by water originating in astounding place. the Cerrado.

The Cerrado’s botanical life is It’s a vital region for agricul- one measure of its greatness, with ture too. Since the 1960s, huge 11,000 species of plants, half swaths of the Cerrado have been found nowhere else in the world. plowed for large-scale agricultural

BLUE-EYED HOPE: Second Chance for a Brazilian Rarity

By Clare Nielsen

t first glance, it may not appear to be appealing bird habitat. The newly established Botumirim State Park is 80 percent barren rock outcrops. But Atucked into small pockets of the park’s tropical savanna, or Cerrado, habitat are the world’s only known populations of Blue-eyed Ground-Dove. This blue-spotted, azure-eyed bird is thought to number only 20 individuals — granted, a small number, but one that signifies much better prospects for the species than even the most optimistic conservationist could have hoped for a few years ago.

TOP: Blue-eyed Ground-Doves by João Sérgio Barros Freitas de Souza RIGHT: Rocky terrain in the new park where the ground-dove was rediscovered. Photo by SAVE Brasil 24 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 25 BRAZIL

Botumirim State Park (approximate location)

requires more than protecting habitat. More must be learned about the little-known bird’s behavior, particularly its breeding biology. To fill in these knowledge Blue-eyed Ground-Doves by Rafael Bessa gaps, SAVE Brasil’s ground-dove research team, led by Bruno Rennó, operations, particularly for soy- conservation-related policies. Brazil song in public for the first time. made important discoveries during beans. In fact, the rocky land now is the first country in the world to SAVE Brasil’s Pedro Develey says of the 2018 breeding season (January encompassed by Botumirim State formally adopt the AZE framework the experience, “When he played to May). It’s now known that Park is still intact partly because it as a tool for conservation priority- the video there was a commotion the birds are found in three site- is inhospitable to soybean-grow- setting within its borders. in the crowd and nonstop ap- faithful subgroups divided by more ing. Other large areas have been plause. It was pure emotion.” than a mile. In addition, Rennó degraded by mining operations, Rediscovering the Dove: and his team believe the species intensive cattle grazing, wildfires, “It Was Pure Emotion” Bennett Hennessey, ABC’s Brazil requires three key elements within and invasive species. Program Director, concurs. “The its micro-habitat: open tall-grass Conservation takes time — discovery of this bird gives us In spite of the pressures to feed the sometimes a very long time. The hope. We have not lost this species country’s growing population and designation of Botumirim State … now, we have to make sure it The Cerrado’s botanical fuel economic growth, Brazil is Park was 20 years in the making. doesn’t go extinct.” showing itself to be a world leader But the search for the Blue-eyed life is one measure of its Ground-Dove was even longer. SAVE Brasil took quick action and in biodiversity conservation. In greatness, with 11,000 July, the Ministry of Environment Seventy-five years passed between — supported by Rainforest Trust — established legislation aimed at the species’ previous sighting in established a private reserve where species of plants, half conserving the country’s last 1941 and the now-famous 2015 the ground-dove was first seen. refuges of endangered species. rediscovery of the species by This reserve and Botumirim State found nowhere else ornithologist Rafael Bessa. Park now encompass the species’ All Brazilian Alliance for Zero in the world. Extinction (AZE) sites will be a entire known population. Bessa unveiled the rediscovery at special focus for the Ministry, the 2016 Brazilian Birdwatching These are vital first steps, but which will now consider these sites Festival, where he played the bird’s ensuring the species’ survival Cerrado flora, Botumirim State Park. in the development of all national Photo by Ciro Albano, NE Brazil Birding

26 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 27 savanna, the presence of the grass Steps to Secure the Species scientists are learning that we can species Lagenocarpus rigidus, and do a lot more than just protect Future work for the species may access to a freshwater stream. These habitat. We don’t have to sit sound less romantic, but is vitally three qualities are only found in 35 back and watch whether a species important. ABC is supporting SAVE percent of the protected area. goes extinct or not.” He notes Brasil’s development of a Species that many new management Action Plan this September, which Researchers also discovered that techniques are being applied for will bring together leading experts the ground-dove’s detectability extremely rare species, ranging on birds and conservation. This radically changes through its from supplemental feeding and plan will ultimately tie into the annual cycle. The bird seems to improving breeding sites to management of Botumirim State sing all day long from a perch reducing predators and establishing Park and national bird conserva- about five feet above the ground captive breeding programs. during the rainy season, but tion plans as well. becomes a silent escape artist The next decade — as Brazil comes Innovation is key, says ABC’s during the rest of the year. to terms with the dual goals of Bennett Hennessey. “Conservation conservation and development

”Conservation scientists are learning that we can do a lot more than just protect habitat. We don’t have to sit back and watch whether a species goes extinct or not.”

One of the crucial components of Blue-eyed — will be essential for stabilizing a bird few had hoped to ever see Ground-Dove habitat is access to freshwater the ground-dove’s numbers. In- again to a species whose habitat is streams. Photo by Ciro Albano, NE Brazil Birding creased support will be necessary, known and protected, in a country both from concerned birders and that has committed itself to saving from conservation groups. the rarest of its biological treasures. de Minas Gerais. Additional Giving all who love Earth’s wildlife international support has been Hennessey is optimistic. “The area a reason for optimism, this small provided by the Critical Ecosystem surrounding the park has a very bird has rallied the international Partnership Fund (CEPF) and low human population, and very conservation community, and the the Mohamed bin Zayed Species little of the land is presently owned steps being taken may well ensure Conservation Fund. or ranched,” he says. “It’s also its survival. fortunate that the park is in the Learn more about our efforts state of Minas Gerias, one of the Poet Mehmet Murat Ildan was to find lost birds: searchforlost- three wealthiest states in Brazil. It right when he wrote, “Wherever birds.org has the ability to actively protect there are birds, there is hope.” areas and to apply federal and state Many other organizations are also environmental laws,” which can be Clare Nielsen is ABC's contributing to the effort to save the more challenging elsewhere. Vice President of Blue-eyed Ground-Dove, including Communications. The Blue-eyed Ground-Dove’s Brazil’s Fundação Grupo Boticário, change in fortunes over the last Instituto Grande Sertão Igs, and several years is remarkable: from Instituto Estadual de Florestas Marcelo Lisita searching for the Blue-eyed Ground-Dove. Photo by SAVE Brasil

28 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 29 FINAL GLIMPSE Kirtland’s Warbler, On Track to a Bright Future

By Shawn Graff

hen the Endangered Spe- stronghold in Michigan’s Lower cies Act (ESA) took effect Peninsula into areas of Michigan’s Win 1973, the Kirtland’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and Warbler was among the species Canada, the population is esti- Thousands of species of birds… to be included on the Act’s first mated to have risen to more than Endangered Species list. The war- 2,000 breeding pairs. This impres- bler spends the winter months in sive number doubles the recovery the Bahamas and breeds in large goal the Service set for the species tracts of young jack pine forests in 42 years ago. the upper Midwest. But fire sup- But with success comes new chal- pression and development, along That’s where ABC comes in. With lenges. As a result of this growth, with brood parasitism from Brown- assistance from the Michigan-based the Service has initiated the pro- headed Cowbirds, had sent the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley cess to take Kirtland’s Warbler off species’ population into a down- Foundation, ABC will work with the Endangered Species list. This ward spiral. By 1974, the number agency and nonprofit partners and is good news on the conservation of singing males had declined to a the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance to front. But it also means the warbler low of 167. The tiny songbird was develop a long-term comprehensive loses federal ESA funding for con- on the brink of extinction. strategy that addresses the species’ servation initiatives. post-delisting, full life-cycle needs. I first became acquainted with Kirt- This is no small administrative The partners will be at the forefront land’s Warbler management about Millions of acres of habitat… detail: Kirtland’s Warbler is utterly of creating and maintaining the a decade ago. I remember a glimpse dependent on continued conserva- programs in the Midwest and in of a yellow, tattered copy of the U.S. tion efforts to manage its habitat, the Caribbean that keep Kirtland’s Fish and Wildlife Service’s Kirtland’s monitor its population numbers, Warbler on the rise. Warbler Recovery Plan from 1976. and control cowbirds. Without It appeared to have been written on It’s possible that these collabora- conservation, the species cannot an electric typewriter. Two things tions could make Kirtland’s War- remain stable, let alone continue to stood out to me when I read the re- bler the first conservation-reliant increase. The Service couldn’t think port: the enormity of the undertak- Endangered species to be delisted about delisting the bird based on ing federal officials envisioned, and — and could offer a roadmap to population numbers alone. These how thoughtful and deliberate the delisting other species that depend other pieces of the puzzle had to be recommendations were. on continued conservation. accounted for, too. Thanks to the collective hard work The partners have already proven The Michigan Department of of many unsung heroes in the that they can bring a species back Natural Resources and the U.S. wildlife conservation community, from the brink. The next step is to Forest Service are stepping up and Kirtland’s Warbler is now an ESA guarantee its future. pledging their continued long-term success story. A sustained and col- commitment to ongoing manage- laborative effort among states, lo- One legacy of bird conservation—yours. ment. However, this still leaves Shawn Graff is ABC’s cal residents, federal agencies, and gaps in addressing the overall full Vice President for the conservation organizations has You can create a legacy for birds by including ABC in your estate plans. Join ABC’s Legacy Circle with a gift life-cycle conservation needs of the Great Lakes Region. enabled the population to exceed through your will, retirement plan, trust, or insurance policy, and you will ensure bird conservation results species. recovery goals. From the species’ for years to come. If you would like more information, or if you have already included ABC in your estate plans, please contact Jack Morrison, Planned Giving Director, at 540-253-5780 or at [email protected].

TOP: Kirtland’s Warbler by Peter Tamas BIRD CONSERVATION | SUMMER/FALL 2018 30 Photos, top to bottom: tern flock by Maksym Gorpenyuk, Shutterstock; beach habitat by Daniel J. Lebbin, ABC; Least Terns by Ivan Kuzmin, Shutterstock NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 2392 P.O. Box 249 MERRIFIELD, VA The Plains, VA 20198 abcbirds.org 540–253–5780 • 888–247–3624

The Eastern Bluebird is one of the many bird species that has benefitted from the protections provided by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. That legislation is now under threat. Photo by Bonnie Taylor Barry, Shutterstock