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BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Conservancy WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Scaling Up Migratory Bird ABC is dedicated to conserving and their throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on Conservation: A New Approach? achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest hile there is more to be philanthropic or government problems facing birds today, innovating learned about the threats funding to turn the situation and building on rapid advancements facing many of around. ABC is piloting a program W in science to halt extinctions, protect migratory birds, we already know in Guatemala that provides bridge habitats, eliminate threats, and build Winter 2018-2019 enough to target conservation funding for landowners to move capacity for . work in ways that will help some from virtually sterile pasture to of the fastest-declining species. shady, bird-rich chocolate, black BIRDCONSERVATION For example, species such as the pepper, cardamom, and ma- A copy of the current financial statement and Wood and Long-billed hogany plantations — in places registration filed by the organization may be Curlew face loss and that provide excellent habitat for obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253-5780, or by 12 New Reserve Is a Rare ’s degradation on both breeding long-distance migrants such as the contacting the following state agencies: and wintering grounds, across Wood Thrush. Florida: Division of Consumer Services, Promising Nest large areas of habitat. toll-free number within the state: By piloting test projects like this, 800-435-7352. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage: How can we deliver conservation ABC hopes to learn how to de- Office of the Secretary of State, Statehouse, 18 Keeping Whooping Cranes Away at a scale that will turn their popu- velop a bird-friendly agroforestry Annapolis, MD 21401. lations around? We will ultimately operation with the potential to New Jersey: Attorney General, State from Powerlines in Kansas of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. need to positively influence mil- generate returns for investors, New York: Office of the Attorney General, lions of acres of land through and which also provides proof Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Casting for “Lost Species”… conservation and restoration. In of concept on the financial, le- 23 What if bird Pennsylvania: Department of State, the United States, we have some gal, and logistical protocols that toll-free number within the state: and Finding Them programs, including Farm Bill con- conservation could larger investors would expect. ABC 800-732-0999. Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, servation incentives, that are large recently signed its first contract generate revenue? Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, enough to significantly influence to support a habitat restoration P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. 27 Kirtland’s Warbler: Recovery, bird populations at scale. Outside project designed to pay us back West Virginia: Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. and Caution the U.S., though, few programs with interest. In our case, we will Registration does not imply endorsement, provide dedicated funds for migra- Curlews, later selling their top- reinvest in more habitat protec- approval, or recommendation by any state. tory birds, and Latin American tion. What would you do? Are you quality beef at a premium. Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC and governments are often already at intrigued? If you are, please watch is published three times yearly for members. DEPARTMENTS I have already seen some small- full stretch trying to conserve their this space, as I will report further Senior Editor: Howard Youth Bird’s Eye View existing parks and other protected scale “bird and business ventures” on what we discover! VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen 2 areas. first hand, and ABC is now work- Graphic Design: Gemma Radko ing with landowners to develop Thank you for supporting and Contributors: David Ewert, Bennett 4 On the Wire But what if bird conservation pilot projects that could be taken partnering with ABC. Hennessey, Steve Holmer, Daniel Lebbin, Bryan Lenz, Amelia McQueen, Jack could generate revenue? ABC staff to scale. But can we step it up a Morrison, Merrie Morrison, Michael J. Parr, 7 Species Profile are piloting a new approach to notch or two beyond this? What if Chris Sheppard, Grant Sizemore, Amy Upgren, David Wiedenfeld, Wendy Willis habitat restoration to see if we can we were to encourage investment 10 Birds in Brief actually generate revenue from in such projects by private capital: For more information contact: 30 Final Glimpse bird-friendly habitat management. funding habitat restoration and American Bird Conservancy The flashy Nacunda can be seen at several For example, a North Dakota getting paid back with interest? 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 ABC-supported reserves, including ’s Barba Azul. The Plains, VA 20198 Photo by Greg Lavaty ranching family might choose to In Central America, where many 540-253-5780 • [email protected] move their herd around the ranch, of our migrant songbirds winter, helping to create a diverse grass- forest loss is severe, and we know Michael J. Parr, President Join us online! land for Bobolinks and Long-billed there is not currently enough American Bird Conservancy

TOP: Blue-throated by Sebastian Herzog

COVER: Whooping by Michael J. Parr abcbirds.org TOP: Don Francisco Lopez, a Guatemalan landowner experimenting with a more bird-friendly approach to farming (black pepper, in this case) with the help of ABC and local partners. Photo by Michael J. Parr, August 2016 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 3

ON the WIRE Welcome News for Jones Beach Piping Plovers

First Protected Area for ’s ollowing an August 4, court- in the park will be humanely Gray-breasted Parakeet ordered settlement, Piping trapped and removed. FPlovers at Jones Beach State Park in New York will now be ABC President Mike Parr says, n August 17, the Ceará state government protected from feral . In March “We are delighted to reach this established the 97-acre Cara-Suja Refuge 2016, ABC filed a lawsuit to protect agreement. By removing the in the heart of the Baturité Mountains in O the birds, alleging a violation of colonies, New York State Parks has northeastern Brazil. Cara-Suja (“dirty face”) is the the Endangered Species Act (ESA) ensured a much safer environment Portuguese name for the Gray-breasted Parakeet, an by the New York State Office of for the plovers to help them nest Endangered, extremely localized species confined to a Parks, Recreation, and Historic successfully in the future.” few upland forests in northeastern Brazil. Preservation for facilitating feral Piping Plovers nest on open sand cat colonies near Piping Plover The creation of this conservation area is the just above the beach tideline and nest sites within the park. culmination of a decade of conservation work by are vulnerable to disturbance and Piping Plovers are now safe from feral cats at Jones ABC’s Brazilian partner Aquasis. The refuge will house Beach, New York. Photo by Matt Filosa, Shutterstock The settlement dictates that all cats . The Atlantic Coast an Aquasis administration office and an interpretation living within Jones Beach State population is listed as Threatened center, while at the gate will sit an environmental If you know of feral cat colonies Park will be humanely trapped and under the ESA and as Endangered police office. on the New York state list. threatening endangered species removed to a sanctuary by March in public parks, please contact 31, 2019. If necessary, a limited Located in isolated mountains rising from a large ABC is grateful to the Goodwin ABC’s Director of Invasive Species number will temporarily live area of dry forest called the Caatinga, 60 percent of Procter law firm, which handled Programs Grant Sizemore at within a fenced enclosure inside the reserve is covered by an unusual combination this case on a pro bono basis. [email protected]. of Atlantic and Amazonian forest. The remaining the park. Any new cats appearing 40 percent consists of open areas targeted for reforestation. The reserve protects not only the Gray- global AZE, which, led by ABC, breasted Parakeet, but also the Spot-winged Wood- Brazil First to Enact a National Decree brings together more than 90 Quail, the isolated Baturité population of Gould’s on Alliance for Zero Extinction Strategy nongovernmental biodiversity Toucanet, and other wildlife. Brazilian partner Aquasis will manage the new refuge for the Endangered Gray-breasted Parakeet in northeastern Brazil. conservation organizations and sites holding the last known Aquasis will sign a long-term management agreement Photo courtesy of Aquasis razil has become the engages with governments, populations of highly threatened with local authorities to manage the refuge, including world’s first nation to multilateral institutions, and the species. In July, the Ministry of conducting educational trips for local school children. Badopt a national policy on private sector. ABC has worked with the Alliance for Zero Extinction Environment of Brazil published partners in both government and ABC supported the Aquasis Gray-breasted Parakeet (AZE), which identifies and maps an ordinance recognizing AZE sites nonprofit organizations in Brazil educational program, and, in 2018, helped to purchase as an official tool to implement on AZE conservation, and looks a vehicle that will enable staff to access remote areas national policies for saving the forward to continued collaborations as the Gray-breasted Parakeet population expands. country’s most imperiled species. to advance AZE site protection in Brazil and throughout the The main threats to the Gray-breasted Parakeet are Brazil is home to nearly 150 critical Americas. Brazil has also secured a illegal trade and habitat destruction. By establishing sites that comprise the last habitats commitment for additional nations an environmental police station in the area and for more than 200 Endangered to consider adopting the AZE protecting a large forested reserve, both of these species, including birds such as the approach within their borders. threats will be reduced. Araripe , Stresemann’s Bristlefront, and Lear’s Macaw, all Work on the global AZE program is of which ABC is currently working supported by the Global Environment with local partners to protect. Facility in conjunction with ABC, BirdLife International, and the United Called the Brazilian Alliance Araripe Manakin and other species will benefit from Nations Environment Program. the Brazilian Alliance for Zero Extinction. for Zero Extinction (BAZE), the Site of the Cara-Suja Refuge. Photo by Ciro Albano initiative was inspired by the

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 5

ON the WIRE SPECIES PROFILE

Threatened Birds Find More Room in Northern and to soften resentment felt by farmers when the birds visit their corn fields. In addition, Armonía he Endangered Long- and is home to more than 527 bird national tree and a natural source Paul B. Jones has helped farmers grow drought- whiskered Owlet and 23 species, including many Peruvian of anti-malarial quinine; many resistant papayas, which don’t other globally threatened endemics such as the owlet and rare orchids; and the Critically T attract the birds. ABC and Armonía bird species got a boost in the Ochre-fronted Antpitta. The Endangered Yellow-tailed also searched for new colonies and September, when ABC funded the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) Woolly Monkey. In addition to monitored those that are known. purchase of two key properties declared the reserve a critical site protecting this diverse ecosystem, that add 104 acres to the Abra for these two species. (For more Abra Patricia protects the local Better public awareness of the Patricia Reserve. The acquisitions on AZE, see the previous story.) watershed, benefiting local macaw’s plight, better enforcement were completed by Asociación Birders come from around the communities as well. of wildlife laws, and increased Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), world to the Owlet Lodge, where, conservation tourism have led To read about a large new ABC’s partner in Peru, and bring the as an added attraction, both Rusty- to a reduction in the number of community reserve established reserve’s total area to 25,250 acres tinged and Chestnut Antpittas birds captured for the pet trade. nearby, see page 11. of cloud forest. The new acreage make daily appearances at newly Cliff and Cactus Bird: Red-fronted Macaw The macaw’s image now graces was private property within the installed feeding stations stocked Support for the land protection and government buildings and vehicles, reserve, alongside a highway that with worms. acquisition was generously provided Scientific Name: rubrogenys and inspired a large statue in one runs through it. It now falls under by David and Patricia Davidson, regional city. ECOAN’s protection. The reserve also provides wintering Population: Approximately 1,000 habitat for several songbirds Field Guides, Judith Randal, Larry Thompson, Laurie Dann, Michael More Promising In 2005, ECOAN established the that nest in , IUCN Status: Endangered Developments reserve with support from ABC. including the Swainson’s Thrush, and Lorna Anderberg, Mohammed Trend: Stable Since then, ECOAN and ABC have Blackburnian Warbler, and bin Zayed Species Conservation Experts now believe the once- Fund, Quick Response Biodiversity worked together to expand it. The Canada Warbler. Among the Habitat: Subtropical dry scrub in dry inter-Andean valleys declining population is stable, and Fund, Sandy Komito, and an Abra Patricia Reserve sits adjacent reserve’s myriad flora and fauna in south-central Bolivia new and ongoing initiatives will to the Alto Mayo Protected Forest is the quina or cinchona, Peru’s anonymous donor. keep this positive momentum go- ing. Since 2009, the largest known Like other macaws, Red-fronteds This sometimes puts them literally Red-fronted Macaw breeding site Milwaukee Bucks Open the World’s First Bird-friendly Arena are large, loud, and beautiful. Al- under the gun. has been protected, a joint effort though mostly green, in flight, this among Armonía and three local professional basketball team partnership with ABC. The Bucks’ Engineers, HNTB, France Sustainable species flashes orange below its Local Pride — and Prejudice communities. In 2019, ABC and with an eye on the environ- design uses nonreflective glass that Solutions, Bird City Wisconsin, and wings and blue above. In the right One of the most localized macaws, March Conservation Fund will sup- Ament, the Milwaukee Bucks is visible to birds, programmed ABC. spot, it’s possible to see flocks of the Red-fronted Macaw faces many port further tourism development for the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve. designed their new arena, Fiserv lighting that turns off overnight Red-fronted Macaws stream over- dangers, including persecution as Forum, to be the world’s first during migration, and includes a Window collisions at homes head from riverside cliffs where a crop pest by farmers, and for the In addition, ABC and Armonía plan certified-bird-friendly sports and plan to monitor the arena for win- and low rise buildings — which they nest and roost. pet trade by wildlife traffickers. to work with local communities to entertainment venue. Fiserv Forum dow collisions in partnership with account for the majority of U.S. bird Habitat loss from agriculture, Red-fronted Macaws eat and start a nursery of important macaw is registered with the certification the Wisconsin Humane Society. collisions — can be prevented. livestock grazing, and firewood fruit, particularly cactus fruits, food trees that will provide the goal of LEED Silver®, a designation collection results in increasingly To learn how you can inexpensively which provide nourishment and birds with more feeding and nest- that will reflect meeting the third Bucks’ ownership took other steps scarce nesting and food resources apply attractive treatments to your moisture in their arid habitat. In ing opportunities, away from farm most difficult LEED standard level. to reduce the arena’s environmental — made worse by severe drought windows to minimize the threat to turn, the macaws serve as effective fields. ABC and Armonía also plan footprint, including landscaping in recent years. Pesticides sprayed birds, visit birdsmartglass.org dispersers for cacti, many of to continue searching for colonies Although the full application is with native plants, starting a on fields where they feed also harm which are unique to the region. and monitoring nesting success, currently pending, the 17,500- composting program, and not the birds. seat arena has been approved for dispensing plastic straws and other and to work with municipal and Unfortunately, native food the U.S. Green Building Council’s petroleum products. A number of To counter these threats, ABC and national governments to prevent sources, including the seeds of Leadership in Energy and Envi- organizations played critical roles our Bolivian partner Asociación further illegal capture of the birds. five declining inter-Andean tree ronmental Design (LEED) program in the process, including Bucks’ Armonía (Armonía) launched an species, are now scarce, and the To see how you can visit and see Bird Collision Deterrence credit leadership, Populous, CAA ICON, awareness campaign with local birds frequently feed in farm fields, the macaws: conservationbirding. (SSpc55), which was created in Eppstein Uhen, Mortenson, M-E Milwaukee Bucks/Kenny Yoo communities to spark regional especially those planted with corn. org/redfrontedmacaw.htm pride in this Bolivian endemic,

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 7 We are up against some tough challenges. YOU CAN CHANGE Birds such as Brazil’s Blue-eyed Ground- Dove number as few as 20 individuals. The THE STORY FOR BIRDS Wood Thrush and other familiar birds are 50 percent less common today than they were 50 years ago. Habitat is disappearing, wind turbine-related bird mortality is With YOU in our corner, fighting alongside us, birds can rising, the Endangered Species Act is under attack…and now we come back from the brink. Habitats can be restored, and we are learning that the overall number of birds that we have lost since 1970 is staggering: a net loss of 2 billion birds from the can change the story in favor of birds … if YOU take action. North American breeding population.

But with YOU in our corner, fighting alongside us, birds can come back from the brink. Habitats can be restored, and we can change the story in favor of birds … if YOU take action.

PLEASE help us raise $1 million for birds by December 31, 2018.

Thanks to several generous major donors, we already anticipate raising $500,000 by December 31. We are asking you to step up to a 1:1 match. Together, we can double this amount to reach our goal of $1 million by year’s end.

Will you give a generous gift today? You have been right there with us, every step of the way — with every bird species we save, every acre we purchase, and every tree we plant. We do a lot together, but we can do so much more.

ABC is the organization that gets results for birds, and you can make the difference between… …another bird lost forever, like the Great Auk…or a success story like the Bald Eagle. …the disappearance of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest…or restoring and protecting endangered birds like the Gray-breasted Parakeet. …a reflective glass skyscraper that draws hundreds of birds to their deaths…or a bird- friendly building designed by an architect educated by ABC.

Be bold. Give big. Help us reach our $1 million goal, and we can write a better story for birds.

Please use the enclosed envelope to make a gift, or give online at abcbirds.org/story.

PLEASE help us raise $1 million for birds TOP: Long-billed Curlew by Dennis W. Donohue, Shutterstock by December 31, 2018. LEFT: Varied Thrush by Tim Zurowski, Shutterstock

8 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019

Photo courtesy of PRS Guitars . The woodstar’s BIRDS in BRIEF and population hovers dangerously Rollover close to extinction: An estimated Harpy Eagle Guitar Help Birds Soar 300 remain — down from 1,500 Benefits ABC’s Brazil in 2002. Conservation Efforts Do you know about the IRA Bald Eagles by Nancy Everds The Chilean Woodstar was found Charitable Rollover? A one-of-a-kind “Harpy Eagle in just four northern Chilean guitar” was auctioned online in If you are age 70 ½ or older, valleys, but has disappeared from October. The guitar, the product you can donate up to $100,000 two of these due to habitat loss of a collaboration between ABC every year from your IRA to and competition with the Peruvian this reintroduction, wild Whooping restricted Everglades water flow, supporter Michael Reid, PRS Sheartail, a hummingbird that has Cranes had not inhabited Louisiana resulting in water levels chronically American Bird Conservancy (or Guitars, and world-renowned been expanding its range into the since the 1940s. lower than in the past. $200,000 per couple if each area. bird carver Floyd Scholz, fetched ‘Akikiki by Robby Kohley has an IRA). These donations $13,100, all of which was Wading Bird Rebound are not taxed and count toward Local Community Protects donated to ABC’s Brazil program. Fuels Everglades your Required Minimum Nearly 40,000 Acres of Made of native Brazilian Peroba- Restoration Hopes Distribution. Peruvian Cloud Forest do-campo wood recovered from If you need any information, In 2017 and 2018, unusually heavy 19th-century Brazilian ranch The IRA Rollover is an easy In October, the community rains soaked South Florida, creating please contact Jack Morrison, houses, the guitar sports a way to achieve your goal of of Yambrasbamba in northern ideal nesting conditions for many ABC Major Donor Officer, striking Harpy Eagle carving. protecting the birds of the Peru, working with Asociación water birds. A 2017 South Florida at 540-253-5780 or Americas. Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), Water Management District report [email protected]. ABC, and the Andes Amazon Fund, tallied more than 3,800 nests of the Threatened Wood , almost Sam Woods, Tropical Birding Ochre-fronted Antpitta by twice the ten-year average. Eastern Black and said Steve Holmer, Vice President of First Hatching of Rare Black-capped Petrel Policy for ABC. “The Black-capped Cheered by bumper crops of , Petrel merits greater protection — Hawaiian Bird in Captivity Receive ESA Decisions ibises, and egrets, conservationists Endangered status that protects it point out that this anomaly could Conservationists are hailing In October, the U.S. Fish and Wild- from all sources of harm is needed become the norm if Everglades the first-ever successful captive life Service (USFWS) announced to halt its population slide.” that the Eastern Black Rail should restoration efforts can garner breeding of the Endangered Chilean Woodstar by Jorge Herreros enough funding and support in the ‘Akikiki, a small, ash-backed, be considered for Endangered sta- years ahead. For decades, canals white-bellied songbird found only tus and the Black-capped Petrel for and other development have in remote forests on Kaua‘i. Threatened status, initiating a year- and chick by Scott Nelson, Shutterstock long listing decision process. The captive-breeding program Record Number of began in 2015 and is a joint “ABC welcomes the decision to established a large new reserve Whooping Cranes Hatch effort of the Kaua‘i Forest Bird consider listing the Eastern Black protecting 39,915 acres of cloud in Louisiana Recovery Project, State of Hawai‘i Rail and is committed to working forest and wetland. with the USFWS to restore habitats In 2011, a satellite Whooping Department of Land and Natural to bring back rail populations Called the Monte Puyo (Bosque Crane population was established Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Chilean Woodstar under the Endangered Species Act,” de Nubes) Private Conservation in Louisiana as a hedge against Service, and San Diego Zoo Global. Gets Reserve Area (PCA), the reserve will be extinction for the only wild, The Chilean Government Forest loss, introduced avian managed by the community. It has migratory flock, which winters approved the Chilean Woodstar malaria, and non-native been recognized by the Peruvian in Texas. The first successful Natural Monument at Chaco in such as rats have contributed to national government as part of the Louisiana hatching occurred in October. The new protected area, steep declines in this Hawaiian country’s protected area system. 2016, but 2018 was a record year, part of ’s national system honeycreeper and the island’s More than 500 bird species live with five birds hatched on private of protected areas, is small, just other native birds. inside the new PCA, including the property. Landowners worked 27 acres, but provides important Endangered Ochre-fronted Antpitta. with state conservationists to nesting and feeding habitat

ensure the birds’ safety. Prior to Wood Storks by Brian Laseby, Shutterstock Black Rail by Brian Small for this Critically Endangered

10 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 11 “Securing the most important From Cattle Ranch to breeding site for this Critically Conserved Endangered species ... is key to the The Blue-throated Macaw only long-term recovery of the species lives in one very specific, and that began in 1998,” says Rodrigo relatively impassable, place — the Soria, Executive Director of the Beni Savanna in north-central Bolivian conservation organization Bolivia. The Beni is an expansive Asociación Armonía (Armonía), tropical dotted here an ABC partner. “We are now wit- and there with palm-dominated nessing the achievements from 20 “forest islands” defined by seasonal years of hard work.” patterns of flooding and a severe

LEFT: A nest box for Blue-throated Macaws in a dry season. On these slightly raised palm grove at the new Laney Rickman Reserve. forest islands, the Blue-throated Photo by Tjalle Boorsma. BELOW: The Nido Macaw roosts, nests, and feeds on Adoptivo nest box program has fledged dozens of young macaws. Photo by Asociación Armonía motacú palm and other fruits.

Securing a Rare Bird’s

hanks to decades of work NEST EGG by passionate scientists, Tconservation organizations, macaw lovers, and local people, A new Bolivian reserve protects key nesting areas the Blue-throated Macaw’s odds for the Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw of survival are increasing. Some dangers facing the bird have diminished, and protection By Meredith Swett Walker Rare bird lost, rare bird found, rare bird gone forever.… measures helped boost the wild population to more than 400 Until recently, many feared this was the Blue-throated individuals. The August 2018 creation of the Laney Rickman Macaw’s tale. Although first described in the early 1800s, Blue-throated Macaw Reserve in this almost-three-foot-long, turquoise-and-yellow Bolivia was the next milestone, protecting the bird’s largest known was thought by some to be . Then, in nesting population. 1992, it was found again.

12 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 13 In , many people “Owning” Macaws … Today, thanks to stricter laws, bet- The design and placement work in the cattle ranching in- Without Owning Them ter enforcement, and a sustained dustry, with cows outnumbering and effective public education pro- of the nest boxes has been Its small range and limited people almost four to one. Many gram launched by Armonía, illegal population made the Blue- fine-tuned to make them Beni residents still get around on trade in Blue-throated Macaws throated Macaw particularly horseback, as less than five percent has largely ceased. The education vulnerable to population declines as attractive as possible to of the roads are paved in the de- program set out to give Bolivians caused by capture for the illegal partment’s 82,458 square miles a feeling of national pride about Blue-throated Macaws. In pet trade. This trade was once the (an area a bit larger than Kansas). their endemic macaw, a creature main threat to the species. Poverty the last 12 years, 76 young unknown to many people in the rates are high in the Beni, and The new Laney Rickman Blue- country, and also focused at the the macaw was a tempting prize. macaws have fledged from throated Macaw Reserve spans local level, emphasizing how the A ranch worker who captured 1,680 acres of savanna and paraba barba azul (Spanish for the nest boxes. a macaw could sell it for a high tropical forest. The land was “blue-beard macaw”) is found price. Often, the bird would then purchased by Armonía in a joint only in the Beni Savanna, that it be smuggled out of the country Blue-throated Macaw chicks in nest box, Laney effort with ABC, the International belongs to the people of Beni, and and sold to buyers in and Rickman Reserve. Photo by Aidan Maccormick, Conservation Fund of Canada, that they have the power to protect Asociación Armonía other parts of the world. IUCN Netherlands, and the World it. In 2015, the Bolivian govern- Land Trust. “Before CITES (the Convention on ment designated the Blue-throated With fewer trees, especially palms, way to increase the number of nest from the Loro Parque Foundation, Macaw a national heritage species. Formerly a cattle ranch, the International Trade in Endangered the Blue-throated Macaws have cavities available to Blue-throated a biodiversity conservation orga- All in all, the change in public at- reserve is home to diverse wildlife, Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), less fruit to eat and, more critically, Macaws has become a priority. nization based in Spain’s Canary titude has been striking, and oc- including Giant Anteaters, Crab- the Blue-throated Macaw had a fewer nest sites. Since the macaws Islands, Armonía put up 20 boxes casional attempts to trade the bird eating Foxes, and birds such as higher price tag than any other nest in large cavities in large trees, The Nest-Best Thing to see what would happen. Blue- are met with condemnation by the White Monjita and Red-billed macaw in Bolivia,” says Bennett a low number of available cavities and-yellow Macaws, Black-bellied local townspeople. According to In 2005, Armonía experimented Scythebill. However, unlike these Hennessey, Development Director limits their reproduction. Also, the Whistling-, and other birds Hennessey, the people in Beni now with providing artificial nest boxes more widespread species, the for Armonía and ABC’s Brazil macaws must compete for cavities used the boxes, but two were soon say, “Leave that bird alone. That’s for breeding macaws on Esper- reserve’s namesake is found in few Program Coordinator. with toucans, more plentiful Blue- occupied by pairs of Blue-throated our bird.” ancita, a privately owned cattle other locations. and-yellow Macaws, and even hon- Macaws, and one of those pairs ranch whose owner wanted to help ey bees. For these reasons, finding a fledged a chick. With illegal trade greatly reduced, conserve the bird. With a grant the biggest threat to the Blue- throated Macaw is now habitat loss. Cattle ranching is the main Macaw Conservation Meets Tourism industry in much of the bird’s range. Ranches bring people; those In 2008, ABC helped Bolivian partner Asociación Armonía people need firewood and building create the Barba Azul Nature Reserve to reverse the decline of materials, so they head to the for- est islands to cut down large trees. the macaw and to restore its habitat. In 2014, ABC and other Sometimes ranchers burn the savan- supporters helped to double the reserve’s size. na to produce better grass for graz- Together, the Laney Rickman and Barba Azul reserves now ing. These fires can threaten macaw protect 28,862 acres of Blue-throated Macaw habitat in nests and prevent new trees from the Beni. Visitors can now stay at Barba Azul and see Blue- growing. In addition, cattle often chew young palms to the ground. throated Macaw conservation in action, while supporting conservation efforts.

LEFT: Luis Miguel Ortega, Assistant Coordinator at the Barba Azul Nature Reserve, monitoring See how you can visit the wild Blue-throated Macaws: Blue-throated Macaw nest boxes. Photo by Aidan conservationbirding.org/aboutbarbaazul.html Maccormick, Asociación Armonía

Visitor cabin at the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. Photo by Oscar Yabeta, Asociación Armonía

14 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 15 critical for the project and the spe- breeding habitat for the species and Critically Endangered, but thanks cies. Of Nido Adoptivo’s 76 fledg- also allows researchers to closely to work by conservation organiza- lings, 51 came from nest boxes study the macaw’s breeding biol- tions including ABC and Armonía, located there. ogy, acquiring knowledge that will engaged local people, and passion- help ensure the species survives. ate bird-lovers like Rickman, this With support from ABC and striking bird seems to be flying to- other partners, Armonía bought “Now we’re really trying to ward a brighter future. the ranch, which became the think about sustainability,” says Laney Rickman Blue-throated Hennessey. To help sustain the ABC is grateful for the generous The nest box idea clearly showed Macaw Reserve, in honor of reserve and the important work support of David and Patricia promise, but to boost the macaw Rickman’s dedication to the birds being done there, Rickman’s family, Davidson, the Gulf Coast Bird population, it needed to be imple- and her tireless work with the Bird Endowment, Armonía, and Observatory-Tropical Forest Forever mented on a larger scale. That’s Nido Adoptivo project. Dorothy ABC established the Laney Rickman Fund, March Conservation Fund, the where Laney Rickman came in. In Paterson, her sister, says Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Fund. Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust, 2006, Hennessey gave a presenta- likely would be a little embarrassed Donations will be used to maintain and an anonymous donor, who tion on Armonía’s work with the Tragedy and Opportunity by the honor, as she wasn’t the reserve and continue the Nido helped make the purchase of the macaws at a Loro Parque Founda- In August 2017, Laney Rickman someone who sought the limelight. Adoptivo program. Firebreaks new reserve possible. tion conference, and Rickman in- died suddenly and unexpectedly But her family is grateful. “It’s truly and fences to control cattle must troduced herself. Says Hennessey, a recent American Federation of at the age of 65. Her death was a remarkable what one person, with be installed and maintained, To donate: abcbirds.org/ “Laney came to me and said, ‘I re- Aviculture meeting. But thanks to major blow to her family, friends, her dedicated, passionate heart, nest boxes need monitoring and rickman-memorial-fund ally want to help Blue-throated Rickman’s hard work and dedica- and fellow conservationists — in- made happen,” says Paterson. repairs. Protecting the reserve Macaws. What can we do to help?’” cluding the Nido Adoptivo project. tion, they signed on 31 nest-box “It makes us all deeply proud to requires sustained funding and Meredith Swett In addition, the Esperancita ranch, Rickman, a former newspaper ex- sponsors in the first year. The have this reserve named after her. also dedication, a quality Laney Walker is a science where many of the program’s nest ecutive, had fallen in love with project took off from there. It eases the grief of losing her in Rickman exemplified. writer based in boxes were located, had recently , given up the corporate knowing that her legacy lives on.” western Colorado. Based on careful observation and gone up for sale. The property was The IUCN (International Union life, and become a passionate and experimentation by Armonía’s staff The Laney Rickman Blue-throated for Conservation of Nature) still pioneering aviculturist. In 1998, in the field, the design and place- TOP: Blue-throated Macaws in flight by Macaw Reserve secures critical lists the Blue-throated Macaw as she founded Bird Endowment, a ment of the nest boxes has been Paul B. Jones; BELOW: Aerial view of the Texas-based nonprofit organization Laney Rickman Reserve, May 2018. fine-tuned to make them as attrac- Photo by Tjalle Boorsma dedicated to preserving the Blue- tive as possible to Blue-throated throated Macaw in captivity, with Macaws. In the last 12 years, 76 a special focus on allowing macaw young macaws have fledged from parents to rear their own young. the Nido Adoptivo nest boxes. But Rickman wanted to help wild In 2017, two birds that had Blue-throated Macaws as well. So, fledged from nest boxes mated Hennessey, Rickman, and other and returned to nest in the Nido conservationists had a series of Adoptivo boxes. This was an huddles and came up with the idea important milestone. “Macaws are for the “Nido Adoptivo” or “Foster very smart birds, so a lot of the Nest” program. For $250, donors behavior is learned as opposed could sponsor a nest box; the funds to innate. And so they’ll have a paid for the box as well as the staff local culture,” says Hennessey. to install and monitor it. Raised in artificial nest boxes, these The group didn’t start with grand pioneering macaws were more ambitions. “I remember Laney say- likely to accept them as nest sites ing, ‘Maybe we’ll sell ten boxes,’” when they reached breeding age. recalled aviculturist Katie Secor at

16 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 17 High-wire Kansas Power Companies Join Forces Act to Prevent Crane-Powerline Collisions By Rebecca Heisman

The Whooping Crane is a bird of distinction. North America’s tallest bird and one of its most endangered species, this gleaming-white, 15-pound wetland denizen almost became as mythical as the now-extinct Passenger Pigeon. In the early 1940s, only 15 remained.

hanks to years of hard-fought far more pervasive danger looms with powerlines. And a 2008 report conservation gains, the one large over the flat landscapes by researchers from the U.S. Fish T remaining self-sustaining mi- these birds navigate: powerlines. and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and gratory Whooping Crane flock now Especially in the poor visibility of Texas State University found that numbers more than 500 individuals. dawn, dusk, or fog, birds frequent- powerline collisions are the num- Every year, they fly from breeding ly collide with them. Each year in ber-one known cause of mortal- grounds in Canada’s remote Wood the United States, as many as 25 ity for recently fledged migratory Buffalo National Park to winter on million birds die after colliding Whooping Cranes. the Texas coast, before heading back north again. This annual journey

A PROMISING — 2,500 miles each way — takes the birds through the heartland of North America. There, they rely on wetlands in the Great Plains to rest and refuel. Over the years, two key areas in Kansas — Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and a collection of preserves known as Cheyenne Bottoms — have provided safe ha- ven for Whooping Cranes passing through the state.

Migration can be an especially vul- nerable time, as travel-weary birds set down in relatively unfamiliar places. In the past, hunters were a major problem. Occasionally, a pro- tected crane is still shot by accident or intentionally, but these days, a

LEFT: Whooping Crane by Rejean Bedard, Shutterstock; RIGHT: Whooping Crane by Michael J. Parr

18 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 19 Fortunately, since the 1980s, a Working to Safeguard proximity to crane roosting and group of forward-looking power Weary Whoopers feeding sites. The USFWS guidance company representatives called instructed that when new lines In 2010, the USFWS issued guid- the Avian Power Line Interaction were installed in sensitive areas, not ance for how power companies Committee (APLIC) has been de- only should new lines be marked in the region should address the veloping methods to reduce both — additional stretches of line risk of Whooping Crane collisions collisions and electrocutions of elsewhere should be marked as well, with powerlines. Ideally, the guid- birds. The challenge is to try to with this additional step aimed at ance document advised, new lines keep run-ins between cranes and further offsetting the risks posed by constructed within the cranes’ mi- lines to an absolute minimum. new construction. Small companies gratory corridor should be buried may not own additional lines in underground. In many cases, how- Kansas utilities are now working high-priority areas, however, so In Wisconsin, Watching Out for Commuting Sandhills with conservationists to ensure ever, burying lines isn’t feasible, the utilities pooled their resources, Cranes and powerlines aren’t just a Kansas issue. Three states away, a brighter future for Whooping so the USFWS also proposed an each contributing money to a fund in Wisconsin, the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the International Crane Cranes and other birds. Nearing alternative: Utilities could opt to held by a nonprofit to be used by Foundation, and the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative have been “mark” their lines, outfitting them completion, their efforts to make whomever did have high-priority working together to reduce the collision risk faced by the Whooping with devices to make them more powerlines more crane-friendly lines to mark. An advisory group Crane’s close relative, the . visible to birds in flight. provide a heartening example of including representatives from how the private, public, and non- In 2010, the American Transmission Company (ATC) began planning the Many of Kansas’ power companies nonprofits such as The Nature profit sectors can come together to construction of a new transmission line that would pass along the edge of are small co-ops. Eric Johnson of Conservancy and the Kansas do good for birds. the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area, a key staging site for Sandhill Westar Energy, one of the state’s Utilities can opt to “mark” Ornithological Society, government Cranes during fall migration. Each year, 10,000 cranes gather in the area agencies, and power companies larger utilities, describes a typical their lines, outfitting them as they prepare to head south. The line’s proposed route cut directly outfit as “maybe one executive di- was formed to provide additional through the cranes’ daily “commute” between the agricultural fields where rector and a crew of five linemen.” with devices to make them guidance for the project. they forage and the Wisconsin River sandbars where they roost. Lacking on-staff biologists and “It’s been encouraging to see ATC’s original application to Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission other resources, small companies more visible to birds in flight. everybody come together for one didn’t include bird-safety concessions. However, conservation would have had trouble imple- very specific purpose,” says the organizations intervened and requested several mitigation measures for menting the new USFWS recom- are really critical. The cranes are Kansas Ornithological Society’s the full 11-mile stretch where the line would be adjacent to key crane mendations on their own. The in an unknown place, they’re Chuck Otte, who was an early habitat. They asked for not only line-marking devices, but also for shorter solution? Kansas’ electrical utilities towers and a one-level instead of multi-level arrangement of wires that tired because they’ve just flown recruit to the advisory group. “The formed a flock. The first step was creates a smaller collision hazard. The Public Service Commission, the several hundred miles, and they representatives from the power simply identifying which lines regulatory agency responsible for the state’s public utilities, ultimately maybe aren’t as aware of their companies, they’re learning about were the highest priority for mark- sided with the birds, requiring these measures when they granted approval surroundings. They’re coming in how birds behave and about our ing — that is, which ones most for the new line in 2015. low, it might be evening when concerns as birdwatchers. And as likely hung in the path of travel- there’s low light, and that’s where a birdwatcher, I’ve learned more Although it won’t go into operation until other sections are completed, weary cranes. it’s critical to either not have those about different kinds of insulators construction of the segment of line in question is now finished, and the bird-friendly mitigation measures are in place. And the Sandhill Cranes? “Most people look at a map of powerlines at all, or if they are and powerlines than I ever thought there, to have them marked.” possible. All of that stuff has been “We have witnessed two collisions of cranes with the powerline since it the lower 48 states and they was constructed,” says the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Steve Swenson. absolutely fascinating to me.” see an arrow where a migration Starting within a 5-mile radius “But these mitigation measures are about reducing collisions, not corridor is, and then they see eliminating them.” around Quivira and Cheyenne It’s All About Being Seen powerlines cutting across that, Bottoms, the Kansas utilities Ideally, no birds would be harmed following new powerline installations. and they get worried,” says “There are a lot of different line- worked with environmental Ensuring that human development does the least harm possible to cranes Anne Lacy, a researcher with the consultants on an assessment that marking products out there on the Wisconsin-based International and other birds is a never-ending process of refinement. (See box next considered factors such as lines’ market,” says Westar’s Eric Johnson. page.) But in Kansas, Wisconsin, and elsewhere, people are coming Crane Foundation. “But it’s okay “Some of them have had scientific together to figure it out. if a bird is flying 2 miles above studies done on how effective they that powerline — that’s perfectly TOP: Marking a power line. Photo by Jay Scott/ are, others haven’t, but when it Westar. LEFT: Whooping Cranes by Richard TOP: Sandhill Cranes by Sarah Jessup, Shutterstock safe. But those stopover areas Seeley, Shutterstock comes down to it, anything that

20 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 21 The Kansas line-marking 113 miles of high-priority lines provincial agencies from both the at Cheyenne Bottoms will be United States and Canada, working project provides reason to completed by the end of 2019, with nonprofit groups as well as hope that cranes and people as well as 90 miles of the total the private sector, continue to of 130 at Quivira. preserve and manage key habitat can coexist along and closely monitor the cranes’ Otte acknowledges that it’s impos- nesting success. New technologies the birds’ migration routes. sible to completely eliminate the such as satellite tracking are risk of Whooping Crane collisions enabling biologists to learn more with powerlines, but he says the makes the line more noticeable or than ever before about their work makes a difference. “These larger in diameter will do some- behavior and annual migration. are things that aren’t just going to thing for birds. Some of them are And now the Kansas line-marking protect Whooping Cranes, they’re just a spiral of pre-formed plastic project provides reason to hope going to protect Sandhill Cranes, that wraps around the line and that cranes and people can coexist they’re going to protect ducks makes it more obvious, and then along the migration routes. and geese, they’re going to help there are others that are a little all sorts of birds. So that in and of Anne Lacy says she’s “cautiously more active. You can clip them Lost Birds itself is a success. I mean, we all optimistic” about Whooping on the line and they spin with the want to have electricity, but how Cranes’ future. “We’re living on wind.” Some of these devices can be can we provide electricity to the this landscape and we are having installed from the ground, but on people of this country while mini- an impact, period, full stop. Now, the largest cross-country lines the mizing the potential negative im- how do we lessen that impact on work needs to be done from above FOUND pact for the wildlife? To me, that’s the things that are living there via helicopter. In these cases, a what this is all about.” already? That’s probably a lesson highly trained lineman sits outside that all of us can learn.” By Daniel Lebbin urricane Matthew slammed ornithologists from the University the helicopter while it hovers along- Decades of hard work have already into the Bahamas with a of East Anglia. Then in May, a side the line, then reaches out and gone into protecting and nurturing vengeance in early October field crew led by Zeko McKenzie, a clips on the device by hand. H the world’s remaining Whooping Rebecca Heisman is an 2016, crashing boats ashore, researcher at the University of The Cranes. The result has been one Following the mantra The work began in 2015. So far, environmental educator- wrecking houses, and sending Bahamas-North, photographed and of the greatest bird comeback turned-science writer and 160 miles of the identified high- a storm surge of salt water that videotaped a bird, documenting its stories, and a shining example communicator. “never give up,” priority lines have been marked inundated and killed many pine continued survival. Shortly after, of two countries collaborating to in and around the two protected ornithologists keep trees, transforming large areas into both teams had other sightings. save a species. Federal, state, and areas. According to Johnson, all ghost forests of leafless trunks. So far, at least five individuals casting for “lost” species. Grand Bahama island was but have been counted, and ABC is one island hit, but as luck would exploring the next actions to Whooping Crane by Connie Barr, Shutterstock Their hard work’s been have it, it was the only home for protect the Bahama Nuthatch and a brown-capped : the hopefully find more birds. paying off. Bahama Nuthatch. In 2017, ABC and the International Crane Foundation published a mapping study that Before the hurricane hit, this species was last seen in June 2016. identifies potential areas of conflict between Despite multiple searches of its Whooping Cranes and wind turbines and pineland habitat from 2017 into early 2018, the nuthatch was associated powerlines and towers near the nowhere to be found. This past birds’ migratory stopovers in the Central Flyway, summer, ABC partnered with which includes Kansas. This information will be the Bahamas National Trust and Bahamian researchers to search reviewed by companies for inclusion in future for the lost bird. Another search line-marking efforts. Bahama Nuthatch by Tom Benson team was dispatched, led by

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 23 Searched and Found and other debris. Antpittas’ far- bristlefronts afterward, but addi- but not relocated since — might carrying songs are often the best tional searches in 2017 failed to de- be re-found with a strong search The recent observation of wild way to locate these birds. ABC tect the species within the reserve. effort. Additional searches for Bahama Nuthatches joins other first reported the Táchira Antpitta Has this bird been lost again? the Ivory-billed Woodpecker are recent success stories of lost birds finding in 2017, and a scientific planned in eastern Cuba by Cuban back from the abyss, in some cases paper containing full details of the We are still hopeful. The reserve has researchers, and Global Wildlife after decades on the missing list. rediscovery will soon be published. a new manager, Alexander Zaidan, Conservation is supporting who is an expert on the species. “Lost birds” are among the most In Brazil, a combination of Now, with the knowledge of the ongoing searches for the Sinú ABC is supporting Biodiversitas as it intriguing ornithological mysteries. skill and luck led to the 2015 bird’s vocalizations, researcher Parakeet, which has not been seen conducts additional searches inside These are species in conservation rediscovery of the Blue-eyed Jhonathan Miranda and others within its range in northwestern the reserve and in forest fragments status limbo, lacking any known Ground-Dove by researcher Rafael hope to find more birds elsewhere since 1949. in the region that may still harbor populations living in the wild, Bessa. As we reported in our last in and across the border surviving populations. After these species, the next-best but not yet classified as extinct. issue of Bird Conservation, the dove in Colombia. prospects for rediscovery could be: They present a unique challenge to had been lost for 75 years, and the What’s Next to Rediscover? conservationists because to protect rediscovery launched a race to save A Rare Bird Goes White-tailed Tityra: This is anoth- birds on the brink, we must know the remaining population. ABC Missing Again There are a few other birds we er recently recognized species, from where they live. And to know where still could find, as well as possible partner SAVE Brasil has been at Named for the stiff bristles on its southwestern Amazonia in Brazil. lost birds live, we have to find rediscoveries yet to be announced the forefront of efforts to create a face, the Stresemann’s Bristlefront Might people be overlooking this them. As with the once-missing by researchers. In addition to new reserve (along with Rainforest is a unique Brazilian bird that nests bird or confusing it with other Bahama Nuthatch, rediscovery can the bristlefront, the Guanacaste Trust) and state park (with Minas in underground tunnels. It was not tityra species? The first specimen be the best catalyst for emergency Hummingbird — found around “Lost” birds are species Gerais state government, the seen for 50 years, until researchers was collected in 1829, but a sight action designed to help bring a one Costa Rican volcano in 1895 Critical Ecosystem Partnership rediscovered the species in 1995. record came from the same area in species back from the brink. in Fund, and other partners). In 2018, With ABC support, our partner ABC funded SAVE Brasil to lead a limbo, lacking any known Biodiversitas purchased land in the New Science, New Searches conservation planning workshop Atlantic Forest between 2007 and Until recently, there were at populations living in the for this species. 2015 to create the Reserva Mata least 36 “lost” bird species in the do Passarinho, now protecting wild, but not yet Also in Brazil, even a very large Americas. Six of these species, bird awaited rediscovery. In 2016, all the known locations for the including the Socorro Dove and classified as extinct. three Belem were Stresemann’s Bristlefront, as well as Spix’s Macaw, survive in captivity, found in captivity. Then in 2017, habitat for many other threatened with conservationists planning scientists saw and photographed bird species. While this reserve was Sunangel and Hooded Seedeater, reintroduction efforts. Eighteen this -sized, curly-crested bird being created and forest restoration for instance, suffered from mistaken others, such as the Eskimo Curlew, in the wild for the first time in 40 projects initiated, conservationists identities. Previously classified as Jamaican Petrel, and Cryptic years. The birds remain within believed that fewer than 15 distinct species, these two birds are Treehunter, are almost certainly the Gurupi Biological Reserve individuals remained. no longer considered to be valid extinct but have not yet been in northeastern Brazil, in one species. Meanwhile, new research This region of eastern Brazil has formally declared so. of Amazonia’s most deforested elevated the Bahama Nuthatch suffered an unprecedented drought regions. The remaining lost species and Guanacaste Hummingbird over the last five years, creating fall into a few categories. The to species status. In part because In Venezuela, an ABC-supported conditions that likely have had an Kinglet Calyptura, Rio de Janeiro of this classification change, ABC search team found the Táchira adverse effect on bristlefront breed- Antwren, and Turquoise-throated worked with partners to search for Antpitta in 2016, roughly 60 years ing, while making the habitat more Puffleg have been the target of the nuthatch, which previously after it was last observed in the vulnerable to fires. In 2016, fires recent ABC-funded expeditions, received less attention when it wild. Round-bodied and short- set on neighboring ranches spread but remain lost. Recent genetic was considered a of tailed, antpittas hop on long legs into the reserve and damaged im- research resulted in some species the Brown-headed Nuthatch, a within dense tropical forests, portant habitat. Reserve staff saw being dropped and others added species common in much of the seeking invertebrates under leaves to our list of lost birds. The Bogotá southeastern United States. TOP LEFT: Spix’s Macaws by Karmi Lindgren; RIGHT: Stresemann’s Bristlefront by Ciro Albano

24 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 25 We hope that someday soon, the concept of a lost bird list itself will vanish, replaced instead by a checklist of birds lost then found. Something to WARBLE

2006. Tityras are thick-set, white- Sinú Parakeets by Rebecca Latham, lathamstudios.com and-black songbirds frequenting lowland forest edge. About Cayenne : It is already dif- ABC’s Kirtland’s Warbler ficult to search for cryptic noctur- nal birds, but in this case, no one expert explains why a knows the bird’s voice. Known from just one specimen taken in French recovering species still Guiana in 1917, there have been a few other unsubstantiated reports needs help in recent years. Despite prior search- Cayenne Nightjar by Daniel Lebbin Glaucous Macaw by Daniel Lebbin es, this species, which belongs to the family including the night- for so long, researchers have not by a checklist of birds lost then and whip-poor-wills, remains adequately surveyed the entirety of found. a mystery lost in the night. this macaw’s former range. If you have an interest in searching By Erica Cirino Glaucous Macaw: The last Lost species can resurface and for any of the species mentioned confirmed sighting of this greenish- inspire successful and sustained in this article, or supporting expeditions to look for them, blue, long-tailed parrot was in conservation efforts aimed at pre- Larger than most warblers, a male Kirtland’s Warbler perches on a jack pine branch, bobs his the 1960s. Since then, some venting extinction. ABC will con- please contact Daniel Lebbin, unconfirmed sightings surfaced tinue to support searches for lost [email protected] tail, then belts out a distinctive, rich, and rising song: “trup trup chip chip chip cho-CHIRIBBIT!” in , which were never birds and work with our partners Somewhere beneath the sun-drenched stand of young pines, his mate sits on their in a grass published or publicized. They may to take action for them when they Daniel Lebbin is warrant follow-up expeditions to are found. Through better aware- Vice President of nest on the shady ground. Mbaracayú Forest Biosphere Reserve ness, more searches, and conserva- Threatened Species and other sites. Although it seems tion action, we hope that someday for ABC. Understated slate-gray above but bright lemon yellow below, the Kirtland’s Warbler illustrates how unlikely that such a large and loud soon, the concept of a lost bird list species could remain undetected itself will vanish, replaced instead each coin has two sides. A bird of the Great Lakes region; a bird of the Bahamas. A scarce and specialized bird — and a conservation success story.

26 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 Kirtland’s Warbler by Brian E. Small BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 27 Severe storms — including those of the Bolstered Numbers … Yet Still a Worry ways beneficial to their goats and Kirtland’s Warblers, last hurricane seasons — do not seem and we will incorporate their input as we develop The Kirtland’s Warbler is being considered for delisting the strategy for protecting Kirtland’s Warblers in the from the endangered species list, after reaching to have damaged the Kirtland’s Warbler Bahamas. a population more than double its recovery goal. While its population has recovered significantly, the population. EC: Any final thoughts on the Kirtland’s Warbler? Kirtland’s Warbler is still among the rarest, most range- DE: The scientific community continues to make great restricted migratory songbirds in North America, with progress in understanding Kirtland’s Warbler ecology only about 2,300 breeding pairs alive today. Within its Kirtland’s Warblers don’t leave their breeding grounds and the challenges faced by these birds. Even though limited breeding range, it occupies a very specialized until late September or even early October. They more research is needed, we will use the available habitat: short, early-succession jack pine forests. often arrive in the Bahamas after a few hurricanes information to identify where Kirtland’s Warblers This bird’s rebound followed decades of international, have already blown through. There could be some are most threatened and thus where conservation multi-agency effort to restore habitat in the Great indirect benefits from rain associated with a hurricane, activities are most needed. That’s where the newly Lakes region and to study the bird on its wintering which stimulates plant growth, leading to more fruits formed Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Team and grounds, as well as programs that control the Brown- and more insects. It’s not clear exactly how much Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance come into play. headed Cowbird, a that lays its eggs the warblers benefit from this added moisture, but The Conservation Team — made up of a wide range in other birds’ nests, to the detriment of the hosts’ severe storms — including those of the last hurricane of stakeholders, including academic scientists and eggs and young. Without human intervention, the Erica Cirino: Where have you studied Kirtland’s seasons — do not seem to have damaged the Kirtland’s government and nongovernmental organizations, Kirtland’s Warbler seemed doomed from the double- Warblers, and what have you observed? Warbler population. including ABC — is completing conservation hit of habitat loss and cowbird parasitism. In the David Ewert: I started researching the species in 2002 EC: Do Kirtland’s Warblers face human-caused plans that list actions needed to protect the birds 1970s and 1980s, the population dipped as low as in the Bahamas, where it lives in broadleaf coppice threats in the Bahamas? If so, what’s being done to throughout their life cycle, including socioeconomic 167 singing males. forests — especially dense, shrubby habitat — on address them? factors. The Alliance, just in its initial stages of the central islands of Eleuthera, Long, Cat, and San Most Kirtland’s Warbler pairs nest in northern DE: As in the United States, development is a potential forming a nonprofit organization, is designed to Salvador. As on the summer nesting grounds, it selects Michigan, in large blocks of young jack pine forest, threat in the Bahamas. To ensure the warblers’ survival raise funds supporting projects recommended by the dense, early-successional habitat. Kirtland’s Warblers many of which are now managed with the bird in in the long term, we need to map — especially in the Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Team as well as to are most frequently seen where there are higher mind. But in recent years, approximately 20 pairs central Bahamas — the most likely potential wintering create an endowment fund. The endowment fund concentrations of certain fruiting shrubs such as wild have been nesting in Wisconsin as well, plus a few in habitat, anticipate potential effects of development and will support activities that will lose federal funding if sage, black torch, and snowberry, which the warblers Ontario. The birds winter almost exclusively in the climate change, and work to create and preserve safe the species is delisted, perhaps as soon as 2019. ABC prefer for feeding. During late winter, as it becomes Bahamas, where biologists including David Ewert, habitat in these areas. And of course we also need to has initiated fundraising for both projects and the drier, Kirtland’s Warblers may concentrate in areas ABC’s Kirtland’s Warbler Program Director and Senior ensure that sufficient habitat remains on their breeding endowment. where water is close to the surface and where food, Conservation Scientist, have been studying their grounds and along their migration route. ABC’s work as part of the Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation habits and distribution. Ewert works with Joseph including fruit and , is relatively common. In March, I spoke to a manager of the Bahamas Team is made possible through the generosity of the Harry Wunderle, a research scientist at the U.S. Forest EC: Are there any other niches in the Bahamas that Electricity Corporation, asking to review management A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation. Service’s International Institute of Tropical Forestry Kirtland’s Warblers occupy? in Puerto Rico. of electric transmission line rights-of-way across If you are interested in contributing to ABC’s efforts to DE: Kirtland’s Warblers are relatively frequent the four islands where Kirtland’s Warblers are most support Kirtland’s Warbler conservation, contact Dan in active goat farms. The goats may sustain early Q&A with ABC’s Kirtland’s Warbler Expert common. In these areas, cutting vegetation minimizes Trudeau at [email protected]. succession habitat by browsing shrubs. Because goats the chances that trees will fall on power lines, but Recently, I spoke with Ewert to learn more about this require water, goat farms often sit in areas with a this activity also helps maintain fruiting shrubs You can read more about this bird and hear its song unusual species’ life history, continued conservation high water table. Such locations often support food preferred by the warblers. It is a win-win situation. at abcbirds.org/bird/kirtlands-warbler challenges, and how to best protect the Kirtland’s production for the Kirtland’s Warblers during the late We were pleased to know that herbicides are not Warbler in the future. winter dry period. used in managing the rights-of-way, as that could Erica Cirino is a freelance science writer adversely affect the growth of fruiting shrubs. We EC: What is the relationship between hurricanes and artist working in New York and have also been encouraged by goat farmers who have and Kirtland’s Warblers? internationally. expressed interest in managing their goat pastures in DE: Nathan Cooper, a post-doctoral student at the PHOTO PREVIOUS PAGE: Kirtland’s Warbler by Brian Small PHOTO THIS PAGE: Kirtland’s Warbler at nest by Ron Austing Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, has shown that

28 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 29 FINAL GLIMPSE Native Birds and Plants: More than Protect Birds for Years to Come: Footnotes in the Landscape Join ABC’s Legacy Circle By Annie Novak find. Over the winter, I went bird- ing with a friend near his home in n the northeastern United California, in an area I knew well States, where I farm and write, from my work in agriculture. As we Iour native oak trees support explored foothills filled with solar 534 species of moths and butter- panels, vineyards, and olive groves, flies. Hundreds more rely on Black I felt my chest tighten with an Cherry, willow, birch, and poplar unfamiliar anxiety. It was my first trees. Of our flowers,Asclepias visit to these familiar places with (milkweed) supports the charis- birds’ needs in mind. The human matic Monarch butterfly;Monarda , signature was evident everywhere, Lobelia, and Phlox are beloved and its scrawl pushed birds to a by many species of bee. Native If you love birds, learn footnote in the story of agriculture plants anchor broadly functional, to recognize and use and development. biologically diverse, and sensual landscapes. native plants. Yet in the areas where the right re- sources remained, an Acorn Wood- If you love birds, learn to recognize pecker sought acorns in a small butterfly- and hummingbird- and use native plants. This starts stand of California Scrub Oak. friendly plants. To date, their “yard at home. For centuries, gardeners Below a giant rock cliff too sheer list” includes an astonishing 282 favored exotic ornamentals. But to farm, a Rock Wren appeared. A bird species. as the biological wealth of the Greater Roadrunner ran alongside North American landscape buckles Ask Zemaitis her secret for attract- the road, through old cattle pasture under the pressure of invasive ing birds and she begins by talking reclaimed by California Sagebrush. plants (and their accompanying about “bugs.” With the knowledge insects and pathogens), it is more Following up on reports of an that 95 percent of North American important than ever to grow a local out-of-range Cassin’s Kingbird, we , or songbirds, feed on The Kirtland’s Warbler is an Endangered Species Act success story. In the 1970s and 1980s, fewer than landscape. Homeowners across continued slowly. I had never seen insects, Zemaitis plants for caterpil- the United States raise 40 million one, but recognized it straight- 200 singing males remained. Today, there are more than 2,000 breeding pairs, and the U.S. Fish and lars, knowing the birds will follow. acres of lawn. Imagine that grass away. There, not five feet away, Wildlife Service has proposed removing this bird from the endangered species list. transformed into bird-friendly The property charms people as balanced on barbed wire, was our ecosystems, instead. well. “Last week, I spotted a new bird. My friend and I high-fived. In neighbor taking photographs of a sliver of appropriate habitat in an “Take into account the habitat The Kirtland’s Warbler didn’t rebound overnight. Will you join the Legacy Circle by leaving a my front yard,” Zemaitis says. “He otherwise largely altered landscape, you live in, and make a garden wants a garden just like it.” it was doing exactly what we ex- Its recovery took decades of hard work from bequest to ABC through your will, trust, or utilizing plants found in that pected: perching in the open, wait- a coalition of conservation partners. For many retirement plan? area,” says Louise Zemaitis, an When I first learned to recognize ing for what came next. birds in the Americas, success will require this artist and naturalist living in the birds in the landscapes I loved, If you would like more information on how to Cape May, NJ. In 2000, she and same intensive effort. it was a kind of satori — a sudden Annie Novak is Manager join ABC’s Legacy Circle with an estate gift, her husband Michael O’Brien, enlightenment — that rang as clear of the Edible Academy at That’s where ABC’s Legacy Circle comes in: or if you have already included ABC in your both expert birders and guides as a bell. I’ve chased its echo ever the New York Botanical for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, since. Garden, an ABC Board By including ABC in your estate plans, you join a estate plans, please contact Jack Morrison, ABC planted their half-acre yard as a member, and author of The special group of supporters that ensures that we Planned Giving Director, at 540-253-5780, or meadow and additionally installed Unfortunately, truly native land- Rooftop Growing Guide. will always be here to protect birds and produce [email protected]. five neatly organized beds of scapes are increasingly hard to real bird conservation results for years to come. TOP: Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower). Photo by 30 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018-2019 David Byron Keener, Shutterstock TOP: Kirtland's Warbler by Robert Royse P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 abcbirds.org 540-253-5780 • 888-247-3624

Red-fronted Macaws by Aidan Maccormick, Asociación Armonía