BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Conservancy WINTER 2016-17 BIRD’S EYE VIEW

The Nature of Threats to ABC is the Western Hemisphere’s specialist—the only organization ere’s a simple of level effect” exists. What’s a few threats to birds. Those that birds lost to window collisions in with a single and steadfast Hare natural (normal preda- the larger scheme of things, these commitment to achieving tion, disease, weather events, etc.); scientists think. (In fact, it’s billions conservation results for native Winter 2016-17 those affecting reproduction (nest- each year.) We should put this wild birds and their ing loss or degradation); and myth to rest. What really matters is throughout the Americas. those affecting the survivorship of the cumulative effect of all threats BIRDCONSERVATION adults (everything else). How we on bird species’ populations— think about these in the context of especially the 40 percent or so A copy of the current financial statement human priorities is critical in under- that are now in decline. Such and registration filed by the organization Making a Safer World for Birds may be obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. standing the future of birds. callousness for individual birds is Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253- perilous in considering the future of 5780, or by contacting the following state We largely accept natural threats conservation. agencies: Wind Energy Takes On a New Look as an unfortunate matter of course. Bird populations have Florida: Division of Consumer Services, 10 Bird populations have evolved to Addressing threats to birds has been toll-free number within the state: 800-435-7352. survive natural threats—unless evolved to survive a major component of ABC’s work Maryland: For the cost of copies and 15 Advocacy and Art: An Architect something else gets out of whack. since our very beginning. Our Cats postage: Office of the Secretary of State, natural threats—unless Statehouse, Annapolis, MD 21401. Robust populations can survive a Indoors program is now in its 20th Uses ABC's Bird-Smart Guidelines New Jersey: Attorney General, State hurricane, but what about a species year. And we continue to take on something else gets of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. whose range has dwindled to a the toughest challenges for birds, New York: Office of the Attorney General, single island? That’s why Hurricane out of whack. Robust whether it’s opposing poorly sited Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 18 One Veterinarian’s Mission: 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Matthew’s recent track over the wind energy projects or developing Pennsylvania: Department of State, A Conversation with Dr. Dave McRuer Bahamas has us worried about populations can survive bird-friendly building guidelines toll-free number within the state: 800-732-0999. the Bahama Oriole and the still- a hurricane, but what for architects. We’ve learned that recovering Kirtland’s Warbler on reducing threats to birds is a lot like Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer 21 Can Biotechnology Save its wintering grounds. about a species whose stopping cigarette smoking: It is the Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA work of decades, requiring endur- 23209. Hawai'i’s Native Forest Birds? Threats that adversely affect habi- range has dwindled to a West Virginia: Secretary of State, State ance and persistence. Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. tat, such as agricultural expansion single island? Registration does not imply endorsement, and wind energy facilities, are The lesson here is that we can approval, or recommendation by any state. worse because they are normally develop solutions that both protect irreversible. Most habitat lost to de- wildlife and serve people. Some- Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC and is published four times yearly for velopment is lost forever; examples these non-habitat threats sometimes times it’s difficult to find those members. of restoration are rare. Some of the requires policy action, our govern- solutions, and sometimes the solu- Senior Editor: Libby Sander best-known conservation groups ment friends, barred from advocat- tions are not perfect. But as this is- VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen focus on preventing habitat loss. ing for policy positions, cannot sue of Bird Conservation shows, they Graphic Design: Gemma Radko DEPARTMENTS They do this because it is important touch these issues, much as they are always there if we work hard to Contributors: Aditi Desai, Chris Farmer, Steve Holmer, Jennifer Howard, Michael may care. So the job of protecting and because many people regret find them. Hutchins, Casey Lott, Jack Morrison, 2 Bird’s Eye View habitat loss and support protection birds falls to a subset of conserva- Mike Parr, Andrew Rothman, Cristina Santiestevan, Christine Sheppard for what remains. tion nonprofit groups and con- 4 On the Wire cerned citizens. For more information contact: It is the “everything else” category— American Bird Conservancy 26 Final Glimpse Further complicating matters, 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 free-roaming cats, pesticides, wind The Plains, VA 20198 turbines in migratory corridors— some ecologists and ornithologists 540-253-5780 • [email protected] are susceptible to the canard that that causes most man-versus-birds Yellow-billed Cuckoo by Paul Sparks, Shutterstock problems. Although addressing a threat to birds is unimportant George H. Fenwick Join us online! unless a demonstrable “population President, ABC

COVER: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is known to be a victim of window collisions and TOP: Long-billed Curlews by Betty Rizzotti free-roaming cats, two of the threats discussed in this issue. Photo by Daniel Cadieux TOP: Bahama Oriole by D. Belasco abcbirds.org BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 3

the ON WIRE N ewell’s Shearwater chick by Hannah Nevins New Colony of Chicks Keeps Hope In the Dominican Republic, Helping to Alive for Rare Newell’s Shearwater Protect Habitat for Bicknell’s Thrush or the second year in a row, at the same colony. Since these has been working Bicknell’s Thrush by Jacob Spendelow conservationists in Hawai‘i chicks were removed from their ABC closely with Fhave translocated natural burrows before that critical SOH Conservación (SOH) and With more than 70 percent chicks to a predator-proof colony. imprinting stage, it’s hoped that Last year, ABC and its Hawai‘i-based they will emerge from their artifi- the Ministry of Environment of all Bicknell’s Thrush and Natural Resources of the partners successfully moved 10 cial burrows, imprint on the new Dominican Republic (MARENA) wintering on the island of Hawaiian Petrels to a protected site colony, and return there as adults to improve the protection of at Kilauea Point National Wildlife after three to five years at sea. the globally important Sierra de Hispaniola, maintaining Refuge. Last month, it was the turn of eight threatened Newell’s The new colony will be the only Bahoruco National Park and the The translocation was made pos- effective protection is key to Shearwater (‘A‘o) chicks to be flown fully protected colony of this spe- neighboring Loma Charco Azul sible by multiple partners, includ- by helicopter from their montane cies anywhere in the Hawaiian Biological Reserve, which ABC this species’ survival. ing the Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird nesting areas to their new home at Islands—an enormous step toward lobbied to create. Recovery Project, Pacific Rim Conser- the refuge. Both species breed only recovering this rare seabird. vation, the Hawai‘i Department of The park and reserve, which are in Hawai‘i. So far the young birds appear to be Land and Natural Resources’ Division on the border with Haiti, include guard communications and patrol relocated outside the park. Together, adjusting nicely to their big move, of Forestry and Wildlife, University forest that provides habitat for protocols; and construct two new ABC and partners continue to look It’s the first translocation of New- says Dr. Lindsay Young, the project of Hawaii-Pacific Cooperative Studies the rare and threatened Bicknell’s guard houses in areas that were for solutions that protect habitat ell’s Shearwater chicks ever un- coordinator with Pacific Rim Con- Unit, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Thrush. They are also home to 28 heavily impacted by illegal activities. and support local livelihoods. dertaken. Like Hawaiian Petrels, servation, one of several partners Service. The National Fish and Wild- of 31 bird species endemic to the Newell’s Shearwater chicks imprint The efforts are making a differ- Funding for this work comes from the that made this project possible. life Foundation, The David and Lucile Dominican Republic and provide on their birth colony location the ence. Guards have destroyed or Neotropical Migratory Bird Conserva- By mid-October, five of the eight Packard Foundation, and ABC donors one of the few known nesting first time they emerge from their confiscated more than 150 charcoal tion Act, administered by U.S. Fish and chicks had already flown away provided funding support. sites for the Black-capped Petrel. burrows and see the night sky; as ovens and have installed bound- Wildlife Service, Critical Ecosystem adults, they will return to breed from their burrows, headed to sea. Yet the protected areas are experi- ary markers, and many people who Partnership Fund; private donors; encing a human and environmen- were living illegally in the park have and MARENA. tal crisis. Until 2014, large tracts Millerbirds Continue to Flourish on Laysan of forest were illegally converted into small subsistence agricultural illerbirds are thriving on There were five to eight birds de- plots, or cut down and baked into Laysan Island in the North- tected outside the extended core charcoal for use in Haiti and for western Hawaiian Islands breeding habitat in two different export to international markets. M several years after ABC, the U.S. areas. While most were territorial ABC’s collaboration with SOH Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and males, researchers noted that there is decreasing the threats to the other partners moved 50 birds from were possibly females and a juvenile forest where Bicknell’s Thrush Nihoa island to Laysan. The species present as well. spend their winters. With more was last sighted on Laysan in 1916. “The continued growth and expan- than 70 percent of all Bicknell’s In August, a monitoring team from sion of the Millerbirds on Laysan is Thrush wintering on the island of FWS surveyed Laysan for Millerbirds, extremely encouraging,” said Chris Hispaniola, maintaining effective and found that core breeding habitat Farmer, ABC’s Hawai‘i Program Di- protection instruments is key to in the northern section of the island rector. “This project has been a total this species’ survival. In the last had conducted an intensive continues to expand and provide success, and shows that Hawaiian two years, ABC has helped SOH demographic study. The Laysan more potential breeding areas. birds can be saved when dedicated and MARENA to hire additional birds were still breeding during this conservationists have sufficient staff and provide them with visit, with several birds observed The researchers’ impression was resources and support.” training (in security and firefight- Leaders in park conservation, shown at an initial meeting at Sierra de Bahoruco National Park’s Visitor that there were more Millerbirds carrying food to nestlings and/or Center. Shown left to right: Cesár Abrill Caceres (Coordinator–SOH); Ramón Marrero Terrero (Provincial ing, for instance) and equipment Director of Pedernales); Luis Peguero (Coordinator–Protected Areas); Jorge Brocca (Executive Director, in the core breeding habitat than fledglings, suggesting the birds can (radios, boots, canteens); improve SOH); Professor José Almonte (Chairman of the Planning Commission); and José Jimenez (former park in 2014, the last year the team breed nearly year round on Laysan. Millerbird by Robby Kohley administrator). Photo courtesy of SOH, May 2015

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 5

ON the WIRE Frode Jacobsen Communication Towers Change Lighting to Protect Birds

ew guidelines for com- systems under the new guidelines. “There are still some 15,000 tall munication tower lights Making the switch saves energy, towers across the U.S. with outdated Nput in place by the Federal reduces operating costs, and reduces lights that are dangerous for birds,” Communications Commission and bird collisions substantially. Sheppard added. “We are asking all the Federal Aviation Administra- tower operators to make this cost- James Mundy, Alamy Stock Photo tion spell out how tower operators Steady red or white lights on saving and life-saving switch to help can save birds and energy without communication towers attract or migratory birds.” Greg Homel, Natural Elements Productions sacrificing safety. The guidelines disorient migratory birds flying at strongly encourage tower operators night. As many as 7 million birds The new guidelines explain how to turn off or reprogram steady- a year die in collisions with towers owners of towers taller than 350 feet and the guy wires supporting them. above ground level and built before Greg Homel, Natural Elements Productions burning red or white lights in favor of flashing lights, which are less 2015 can use a series of easy steps to “By extinguishing the non-flashing deadly to birds yet still alert pilots end the use of non-flashing lights. lights on towers, we can reduce The FCC and FAA are expected to Mark Johnson to the towers’ presence. nighttime bird fatality rates by as release specifications for flashing As of late October, operators of more much as 70 percent,” said Christine lights on towers 150 to 350 feet than 750 tall towers nationwide Sheppard, ABC’s Bird Collisions above ground level. had already updated their lighting Campaign Manager.

A few of the bird species known to be victims of the Blue Creek Wind Farm, shown clock- wise from top: Golden-winged Warbler, Sora, Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Neonics Black-throated Blue Warbler, Lapland Longspur, Golden-crowned Kinglet eonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides. NThey are ingredients in Wind Company Sues to Keep Bird Kill Data From Public hundreds of products, including insect sprays, seed treatments, lue Creek Wind Farm, owned risk. But it also creates a serious direct conflict of interest and soil drenches, tree injections, and by the Spanish company Iber- hazard for bats and many smaller notoriously unreliable. ABC has veterinary ointments to control fleas Bdrola Renewables, has filed a bird species, including Horned Lark repeatedly called for changes in how in dogs and cats. Concentrations in lawsuit in Ohio to prevent two state and Golden-winged Warbler. and by whom that data is collected. products sold for residential use on agencies from making public what ornamental plants can be as much it calls “trade secrets.” The legal The company’s attempt to The history of the Blue Creek legal as 30 times the amount allowed in action comes after an Ohio bird action goes back to 2013, when the agricultural sector. conservation group, Black Swamp use the legal system to block BSBO submitted a Freedom of Infor- mation Act request to the U.S. Fish ABC has been researching this issue Bird Observatory (BSBO), asked to access would set a dangerous see bird and bat mortality data for & Wildlife Service (FWS) to find out for years. In 2013, we authored a Blue Creek. BSBO is not a party to precedent if it succeeds. how many birds and bats were being study revealing that neonics are the litigation. killed at the site. FWS denied the re- toxic to birds and invertebrates, quest, and in 2014 BSBO petitioned even in small quantities, and that and largely irreversible effects on launched a social media campaign, “Iberdrola has sued to keep their data ABC strongly believes that the the Ohio Department of Natural they persist in soils for months and the invertebrates that form the basis including five infographics, to raise hidden from the public and from public and environmental groups Resources and the Ohio Power Siting even years. In a separate study, in of the ecological food chain. The el- awareness of this widespread threat. conservation organizations,” said Dr. should have access to reliable data Board to release the data. That trig- 2015, we found neonics present in evated levels of these chemicals in Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Michael Hutchins, Director of ABC’s about how many of these birds and gered the company’s current lawsuit more than 90 percent of the food many surface waters are already high to stay informed! Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign. bats are killed by the facility, and against the two agencies. samples tested from Congressional enough to kill the aquatic inverte- “What are they trying to hide?” that the company’s attempt to use dining halls. brate life on which so many birds, ABC's Pesticides Program is grateful the legal system to block access ABC thanks the Leon Levy Foundation bats, and other pollinators depend. for the generous support of the Wallace The facility occupies about 80 would set a dangerous precedent if and the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen These chemicals have the potential Genetic Foundation, the Turner square miles in an agricultural area it succeeds. Mortality data provided C. Kleberg Foundation for their gener- to affect entire food chains. They Unfortunately, many people may be Foundation, the Ceres Trust, the Cornell rich in bird life. Blue Creek puts by wind energy companies is a ous support of our work to protect birds persist in the environment, infiltrate unknowingly using these products Douglas Foundation, and the Sarah K. larger birds, including raptors, at from collisions with wind turbines. groundwater, and have cumulative in their gardens. ABC recently de Coizart TENTH Perpetual Trust.

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 7 Help Us Lift Up Migratory Birds

From every habitat and neighborhood in the United States, twice a year, in Will you help ABC save migratory birds with an extra year-end gift? wave after wave, billions of birds in the Western Hemisphere lift up and migrate. We have a special opportunity thanks to a $500,000 challenge match launched Waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, thrushes, warblers, swifts, cranes, loons, and more: by ABC’s Board of Directors and friends. From now until December 31, your gift The phenomenon of migration is an amazing airborne spectacle each of us is will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling protection for migratory birds on their fortunate to witness. breeding and wintering grounds, and reducing threats on the routes between. But migration and migratory birds are in trouble and need your help. Raising $1 million by year's end is a big goal, but saving migration is the largest, As one with a passion for birds and conservation, you have no doubt noticed most ambitious bird conservation challenge ever undertaken. With your help we habitat loss throughout the Americas is on the rise, and migratory paths are can succeed! increasingly fraught with manmade threats such as wind energy facilities, Please use the enclosed envelope to make an additional gift, or give online pesticides, windows, and free-roaming cats. Right now, you can make a difference. at: support.abcbirds.org/helpmigratorybirds

Sandhill Cranes by Critterbiz, Shutterstock The New Face of Wind Energy?

Alternative technologies could be safer for birds, and conservationists are watching closely

by Libby Sander

early every week, Kimberly the air up to 175 miles an hour— Deadly Designs Fast-spinning blades of wind the worst are Texas’s Gulf Wind, the migratory corridor of federally Kaufman receives messages pose for birds. So she’s intrigued by turbines are particularly danger- which sits within two critical migra- endangered Whooping Cranes. Conventional wind energy from birders and conserva- the notion that entrepreneurs are ous to birds during spring and fall, tory pathways and on habitat for N technology is treacherous for birds. tionists alerting her to new wind dreaming up new ways to capture when migrants take to the skies grassland species such as Sprague’s With all of these projects—existing A 2013 study published by the energy designs that bill themselves wind energy. And she appreciates in billions. The wind industry has Pipit and Long-billed Curlew; and and proposed—much of the conflict ornithologist K. Shawn Smallwood as safe for wildlife. The technologies that the Observatory’s supporters asserted that birds fly well above West Virginia’s Laurel Mountain, between infrastructure and wildlife in The Wildlife Society Bulletin come in all shapes and sizes and are are paying attention. turbines’ rotor blades. But research where Wood Thrush and Golden- could be eliminated through bet- found that wind turbines killed an in varying stages of development. by federal scientists suggests other- winged Warbler pass through or ter science and stricter regulation, estimated 573,000 birds annually Yet each claims to do one thing that But she’s also cautious. “If any of wise: Earlier this year, a radar study breed nearby. says Dr. Michael Hutchins, Director in the United States. That figure conventional wind turbines can’t: these designs are going to gain a along the shore of Lake Ontario by of ABC’s Bird-Smart Wind Energy may be conservative for several harness the incredible power of foothold, we have to show that they scientists with the U.S. Fish and Plans for new wind projects, mean- Campaign. But there’s another reasons: The country’s wind capacity wind without killing birds. are as efficient or at least close to Wildlife Service found that birds fly while, have popped up in many route, too, he says. “One of the has since increased. Data on bird the efficiency of the conventional at altitudes that place them squarely other areas that are important for best solutions,” Dr. Hutchins says, fatalities are typically collected not Kaufman, who is the Executive design,” says Kaufman, who is also at risk of colliding with turbines. birds. They include Cape Wind, “would be bird- and bat-friendly Director of Ohio’s Black Swamp an ABC board member. And the only by independent, third parties, but an offshore project in Nantucket wind energy technology.” Bird Observatory, spends a sizable way to know for sure if they’re safe by paid consultants to the wind It’s a sobering pattern that plays Sound, an area with one of the industry. And dead birds are often portion of her waking hours trying for birds is to build them and test out all over the country, as wind highest concentrations of migratory TOP: SheerWind, based in Minnesota, has to raise awareness of the perils that them out, which raises an uncom- hard to find—carried off by predators, projects continue to jeopardize birds in the world; and Nebraska’s developed a technology called Invelox that or struck in such a way that they end it claims is safer for birds. Pictured here is the traditional wind turbines—towering fortable question: “Where do you many bird species—some of them Ninnescah, which would feature a Invelox facility on Palmyra Atoll. Photo by monopoles with blades that churn decide you’re going to experiment?” up far from the turbine itself. threatened or endangered. Among 66-mile-long power line traversing Cindy Coker

10 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 11 Entrepreneurs are trying to seize bird deaths, so they have no incen- So he got to thinking about differ- Palmyra provides nesting the opportunity. The resulting tive to change.” ent ways to harvest wind. habitat for more than a technologies are often otherworldly in their designs: A giant sail that A Different Approach “The problem is that wind turbines million , such as funnels wind through a central are the only electromechanical One of the new companies is this Red-footed Booby. turbine; a helium-filled airship system ever invented where the fuel SheerWind, whose Invelox tech- outfitted with “fins” that generate is not controlled,” says Dr. Allaei, a nology harvests wind energy even electricity as the structures rotate; mechanical engineer who has done in areas where airflow is minimal. and a vertical mast mounted with research and development for the Invelox captures wind by funnel- an oscillating device meant to U.S. military for nearly 30 years. ing it through tubes that “squeeze” mimic the tilting tail of a humpback “Fuel in this case is wind. And when the wind and increase its speed, whale. the fuel is not controlled, you have much in the same way that putting bird issues, noise issues, cost issues, All of these new wind technolo- one’s finger over a garden hose will efficiency problems. Invelox basi- gies still have a lot to prove, Dr. accelerate the flow of water. Then, cally puts the fuel under control. Hutchins says. Can they produce multiple turbines located inside the When you do that, you solve all energy at a similar cost to tradi- structure generate power from the those issues.” tional turbines? And can they prove magnified wind speed. they don’t harm wildlife? Dr. Allaei claims one Invelox struc- Daryoush Allaei, the founder and ture produces between two and a “If they can, then there will be no Chief Executive Officer of Sheer- half and three times as much energy Wind, first heard of wind energy’s excuse for continuing to build and as one traditional turbine. He also Photo by Cláudia Brasileiro Martins Kagiyama operate the bird- and bat-killing “bird issues” while researching says there are several reasons why kind,” he says. But it’s not as simple traditional turbines’ adverse effects the technology is safe for birds: the as developing technologies that are on other creatures: humans. As he funnel-like structure has no rotating and because the technique works wandered into the funnel. Although He would also like to see the federal friendlier to wildlife, he adds. “Gov- dug into the matter of noise and components on the outside; nets just as well in low wind speeds, the company has no data on birds government devote greater financial ernment regulators don’t hold wind vibration, he discovered that bird can be installed at the opening to it doesn’t need to be installed in from the Palmyra Atoll installation, support to research and develop- energy companies accountable for fatalities were a major concern, too. prevent birds or bats from entering; windy corridors along or near birds’ it could be particularly instructive: ment of alternative wind energy migratory pathways. Palmyra provides nesting habitat for designs—especially those that seem more than a million seabirds. most promising. Invelox is currently operating at three locations: a test facility at Still, Dr. Allaei says he is optimistic Cindy Margulis, Executive Director SheerWind’s corporate headquar- that his technology doesn’t harm of Golden Gate Audubon, in Cali- ters, in Chaska, Minn.; at the U.S. birds. “We are bird-safe. We have no fornia, thinks Silicon Valley could Army National Guard’s Fort Custer, evidence otherwise,” he says. “Com- provide a boost, too. “In our patch in Michigan; and on Palmyra Atoll, mon sense tells me that birds are of the nation, we recognize that a tiny dot in the Pacific 1,000 miles more equipped naturally to avoid the combination of incentives and south of Hawai‘i that is co-owned a static structure than a rotating exacting design constraints some- by The Nature Conservancy and the structure. So for that reason I think times produces true innovation,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sever- we have a better chance.” Margulis says. What if, she wonders, al more installations are being built, a wealthy benefactor were to under- including sites in China, Denmark, A Need for Innovation— write a competition to design a new the Netherlands, and New Zealand. and Vigilance way of generating renewable energy that is 100 percent compatible with Although he’s cautiously optimistic SheerWind does not systematically sustaining wildlife populations, and about such new technologies, collect data on bird fatalities at its doesn’t destroy existing habitats? three existing wind facilities. But Dr. Hutchins says an absence of dead Allaei notes that every day, com- birds isn’t the same as scientific proof “Our wildlife populations would pany employees inspect the Min- that a technology is safe for wildlife. sure be well served if we could figure nesota structure, which has been Empirical evidence through rigorous out how to produce renewable operational since 2012, and so far scientific testing is the only way to energy widely without adversely have only once encountered feath- determine whether Invelox or any impacting wildlife and sensitive ers—presumably from a pigeon that other approach is truly “bird-safe.” habitats,” Margulis says.

12 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 13 A Tania Thomson, Shutterstock Brian E. Kushner, Shutterstock Seeing the INVISIBLE

An architect uses ABC’s bird-smart building guidelines to highlight window collisions

Greg Lavaty By Cristina Santiestevan

t first glance, the building fragments could be mistaken Afor a series of abandoned, half-finished houses. And that is entirely intentional. Architect Joyce Hwang and artist Ellen Driscoll conceived and created the three cedar-and-glass structures that make up their art installation, known as

Mark Johnson Bower, as a tangible reminder that Until that happens, however, bird a better regulatory framework, then our homes and buildings are very conservationists have their hands we can start to talk about how to fit much a part of the larger natural full with monitoring the current other designs into that framework.” world. industry. For more than a decade, Golden Gate Audubon has pressed There are many lingering questions, “When we think of buildings and industry and government to stop she says. How would these alterna- built structures, we think of them the slaughter of wildlife at the Al- tive designs be regulated? What as being only for humans,” says tamont Pass Wind Resource Area in procedures and protocols would be Hwang, an associate professor of Northern California, where at least necessary to monitor and evaluate architecture at the University at 4,700 birds die every year—includ- them? How might they negatively Buffalo. “But in reality, anything ing 1,300 raptors—at Altamont’s affect birds in ways that are differ- that’s out there in the world is Among the species killed by wind turbines at facilities. ent from traditional wind turbines? inhabited by a whole host of users, Addressing those questions will be Blue Creek in Ohio (clockwise from top left): American Tree Sparrow, Killdeer, Black-and-white whether or not they’re intended.” Thousands of miles away, in north- crucial, she says, “So we’re not look- Warbler, and Horned Lark ern Ohio, Kim Kaufman is fighting a ing back and saying, ‘We made the Hwang hopes Bower—a recent similar battle. Two years ago, Black same mistakes we made with the addition to Artpark, a visual and Swamp Bird Observatory petitioned conventional design.’” Learn more about Bird-Smart Wind performing arts park in Niagara two state agencies to release data Energy: abcbirds.org/program/ County, N.Y.—will inspire visitors on how many birds were dying at Dr. Hutchins thinks the answers are wind-energy/ to think broadly about the impact of Blue Creek Wind Farm. The facility’s within reach. “Bladed turbines are a human-built structures on wildlife. that I think is not often acknowl- Bower, an art installation in New York State, 2,000-year-old technology,” he says. aims to bring attention to the problem of birds parent company, Iberdrola, is now But she and Driscoll designed their edged by the public.” colliding with glass windows. The project is suing the agencies to keep the infor- “We can do better.” installation specifically to highlight a collaborative effort between architect Joyce Earlier this year, Artpark and City as Hwang and artist Ellen Driscoll. mation private. (See page 6). a problem many people overlook: Living Laboratory, an organization Photo by Joyce Hwang Libby Sander is Senior Writer and Editor at ABC. A journalist for 13 years birds colliding with glass windows. Conflicts like these make Kaufman that raises environmental awareness before joining ABC, she wrote news stories and award-winning features ”We constantly want to look through the arts, commissioned contradiction of windows as some- circumspect about the new technolo- for The New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Chronicle of Hwang and Driscoll to create their thing both beautiful and dangerous, gies. Regulation of the current wind Higher Education. You can follow her on Twitter at @libsander. through glass to frame the world,” energy industry is woefully inad- Hwang says, “but it is something installation. The pair soon discov- while Driscoll wanted to explore a equate, she says. “Once we develop that is so deadly to , and to ered a mutual interest in birds. new vehicle for her illustrations of birds in particular. It’s something Hwang was eager to spotlight the birds and habitat.

14 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 15 Bower, with its three post-and-beam Unable to comprehend glass as a Windows are the second-most lethal structures and beautiful and bird- barrier, birds fly into windows with threat to birds that can be linked safe windows, was the result. Func- startling and lethal frequency. Cur- directly to human activity. Only tional birdhouses sit atop the walls. rent estimates from the Smithsonian domesticated cats kill more birds. Driscoll’s illustrations and other bird- Migratory Bird Center put the num- And while glass-wrapped skyscrap- safe treatments adorn each window ber of birds killed by collisions with ers probably kill the most birds per to create a piece of art that empha- windows at somewhere between building, private homes are respon- sizes windows’ transparency—so 365 million and 1 billion every year sible for approximately half of all dangerous for birds—and solutions in the United States alone. bird deaths by window collision. to address it. Even the name “Bower” The reason for this is straightfor- acknowledges the relationship be- According to Sheppard, migrating ward: there are many more private tween built environments and the birds such as Wood Thrush and homes than there are skyscrapers. natural world; the word is defined as Ruby-throated Hummingbird are This presents a challenge and an op- both a rustic dwelling or cottage and especially vulnerable. “The major- portunity. Glass—in the form of win- a leafy shelter or recess. ity—but by no means all—of the birds that hit glass are dows as well as other architectural that are migrating from their features—is so common that it can these guidelines during the creation kind was Bat Tower, completed in Architect Joyce Hwang’s interest in wildlife and Lethal Miscalculations architecture has resulted in several projects, wintering grounds to their breed- seem an insurmountable problem. of both Bower and No Crash Zone, 2010. That installation provided including Bower, pictured here. Photo by Sergio The problem with glass is simple: ing grounds and back again,” she Yet solutions are readily available, an earlier installation that was also habitat for bats and also highlighted Lopez-Pineiro birds can’t see it. They, like humans, says. The birds travel by night, and and anyone with access to a pane of meant to draw attention to the the threat of white-nose syndrome, because it makes real a poorly un- either see through the glass or see then forage during the day. Because glass has the potential to save the problem of window collisions. a fast-spreading disease that has derstood problem. “Even architects the reflection in the glass. Unlike each day brings new territory, the lives of birds, Sheppard says. “This killed millions of bats since 2007. who are interested in sustainable de- humans, birds cannot distinguish migrants are continually exposed to is one of the very few conservation Art and Advocacy “It seemed like this great ecological sign often have not thought about between the two. unfamiliar panes of glass. issues where you can go home and Bower’s origin story may date back crisis that no one was paying birds,” she says. “They don’t know actually make a difference.” to 1998, when Hwang was working “A lot of people believe that hu- “Whether you say ‘up to a billion’ attention to,” Hwang says. “So I that it’s a big problem. But the at an architecture firm. Asked to mans can see glass,” says Christine or ‘hundreds of millions,’ it’s still There are two ways to help. Hide wanted to make a structure that minute you point it out to them, select products to keep birds off a Sheppard, ABC’s Bird Collisions an enormous number,” Sheppard the glass—and its reflection—com- would draw awareness to these they agree that sustainable buildings building, she looked at catalogs of Campaign Manager. “But the fact is says. ”Everybody has seen a bird pletely, or modify the glass so there animals and reveal them or bring should not kill birds.” bird spikes and wires and thought that we cannot. People learn about hit a window, or heard a bird hit a appears to be a barrier between the some attention to them as a critical it strange that the building would Hwang, for her part, has always been the concept of glass. People under- window. But they all think it’s kind bird and its intended destination. part of our ecosystem.” invite birds to land, and thus fascinated by humans’ conflicted stand architectural cues. So, even of unusual. People don’t realize how Retractable solar blinds mounted require deterrents. Then, while Bat Tower was followed by Bat Cloud. relationships with animals. In ex- though the glass is invisible, we many birds have to be hitting win- to the exterior of a window is one pursuing a Master of Architecture Hwang then broadened her focus to ploring this struggle through Bower know that a window frame means dows in order for basically every- method, and works well for confer- degree at Princeton University, include birds, incorporating both bat and her other projects, she says she there’s glass there. Birds never learn body to have had that experience.” ence rooms or guest rooms where houses and bird houses in her next hopes to emphasize the problems that concept. They take what they windows are rarely used by human she enrolled in a course called installation, Habitat Wall. Bower is and perhaps inspire change. “I feel see literally.” occupants. Elsewhere, applying de- Architecture and Biology. Hwang’s most recent work, and she very strongly that architecture can cals, paint, insect screens, or other “That’s when the wheels started has already begun two new projects. be a form of advocacy.” visible barriers to the exterior of a turning a bit more,” Hwang says. window will do the trick. “After I finished grad school, I re- Sheppard, who has yet to visit Visit birdsmartglass.org for a list of The majority of the birds Bower herself, says she wishes more ABC-recommended solutions for “It turns out that birds are very ally was trying to develop my own people could see the installation homes and commercial buildings. that hit glass are songbirds good at accurately estimating the agenda.” size of their bodies,” Sheppard Hwang completed her graduate that are migrating from says. Birds use this ability to gauge studies in 2003, and in 2005 joined whether they can fly through Cristina Santiestevan is an independent writer and editor committed their wintering grounds to the faculty of the University at or between an obstruction. This to sharing stories about nature and conservation in today’s world. Buffalo. She now divides her time She has written about the ecology of gardens, the myriad impacts knowledge helped guide the cre- their breeding grounds and between teaching and developing of climate change and habitat loss, and the surprising conservation ation of ABC’s recommendations for installations, weaving together her value of whale poop. Visit her blog at outlawgarden.com. back again. bird-friendly building design and interests in wildlife and architec- bird-safe glass. Hwang referred to ture. Hwang’s first project of this

Swainson’s Thrush by Double Brow Imagery, Shutterstock

16 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 17 Aditi Desai: What is the process for there’s a cat in the picture whatso- AD: Do all wildlife attacked by treating a bird that comes in with ever, we prophylactically will start cats have visible injuries? injuries from a free-roaming cat? to administer antibiotics. If we don’t start antibiotics right away, DM: We’ve analyzed our data, and Dave McRuer: These birds are often then the chance of death increases we’ve determined that of the birds very stressed because of the attack, tremendously; cats’ teeth are incred- admitted following a cat attack, human rescue, and transportation ibly sharp and they carry a deadly about 15 percent show no signs of to the Center. So we often will give bacterium in their mouths. injury whatsoever. However, most them some time to rest. of those have to be euthanized or After our physical exam, if we find die. The reason is that a cat’s tooth Turning When we do have the bird in our any wounds, we flush the lesions to is very sharp and can cause little hands, we examine it from one end remove as much bacteria as pos- puncture holes in the skin and to the other, looking very, very sible. Then we’ll either try to close muscle tissue. tend to mask carefully for any kinds of lesions the skin, or we repair fractures and/ where the injuries are, and we may Tragedy into that might be on the skin. The most or try to repair some of the soft tis- not see them on our physical exams. frequent kind of injury on cat attack sue that may have been damaged. patients has to do with trauma to A cat’s mouth has a number of dif- the muscles and skin, and fractures. In addition to antibiotics, we always ferent bacterial species. One produc- treat these patients with fluids and es a toxin that can be deadly even Advocacy AD: Do you ask the rescuer for anti-inflammatory or anti-pain med- with veterinary care. [It’s also harm- additional information about the ications and try to do everything ful to humans.] If the bacterium is injured bird during the intake possible in veterinary medicine to in the bird and we don’t know the process? Is this information help- give them the best opportunity to wound exists, we don’t have an ful for the treatment? survive. If the bird survives for the opportunity to flush the wound to first 24 to 48 hours and there are no try to get rid of some of that bacte- DM: We rely a lot on the rescuers severe tissue wounds, the prognosis ria. And if we don’t put that A veterinarian reflects on his feathered patients—and their legacy to tell us whether they suspect a for release is greatly increased. on antibiotics right away, then we cat has been involved. Because if By Aditi Desai A few of the many cat-killed birds seen by the Wildlife Center each year. Photo by Dr. Dave McRuer

One out of seven. That’s how many small birds brought to the Wildlife Center of Virginia have been captured and injured by domestic cats. Of those, 80 percent die or have to be euthanized because of the severity of their injuries.

Backyard birds—American Robins, The Wildlife Center of Virginia re- Mourning Doves, Blue Jays—are cently published an analysis in The the most frequent victims, but the Journal of Wildlife Management of center’s veterinarians also treat nearly 21,000 birds and small mam- migrating warblers and vireos; mals brought to the center between raptors; and even species such as 2000 and 2010. The study conclud- Purple Gallinule. It’s a problem ed that cat-caused injuries were the that plays out across the country second-greatest cause of death for with staggering frequency in yards, the center’s small avian patients. neighborhoods, and even the most remote landscapes: Scientists We spoke with Dr. Dave McRuer, American Robin by Dr. Dave McRuer estimate that outdoor cats kill 2.4 Director of Veterinary Services at billion birds in the United States the center and a co-author of the TOP: Dr. Dave McRuer examining a newly ad- every year. study, about the problem of free- mitted patient. The Brown Thrasher, which had roaming cats inflicting serious, and been attacked by a cat, later died of its injuries. Photo by Aditi Desai often fatal, injuries on birds.

18 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 19 know that within 24 to 48 hours Photo by DavidTB, Shutterstock that animal is going to die from septicemia, or blood poisoning. Domestic cats are

AD: When you examine these not native to North America injured animals, how do you feel? Insect Invaders and they don’t belong What do you hope rescuers and cat owners can take away from in the environment. these incidents?

DM: When we admit animals that have been captured by cats, I feel In terms of solutions, I think we definitely are being impacted by saddened, as most of these injuries have to recognize that domestic free-roaming cats, and I hope that are preventable. We always try to do cats are not native to North Amer- realization occurs before it is too what’s best for our wildlife patients ica and they don’t belong in the late for many species. and think about the quality of life environment. They are wonderful of those animals. So if the animal house pets. I have cats myself and AD: You see so many discourag- has injuries that are non-sustainable love them dearly. However, my cats ing things on a day-to-day basis. with surviving in the wild, then the are indoor cats, or we put them What keeps you going? best option is humane euthanasia. into outdoor cat rooms or areas DM: The fact that we are able to where they can still have a wild release a third of our patients. They We try to highlight many of our experience but they don’t have have a second chance at survival, patients’ stories and use them as contact with wildlife. teachable moments for wildlife and that means a lot to me and to conservation. If we can discuss the AD: Do you think advocates for my colleagues. injuries and consequences of free- keeping cats indoors will succeed It’s also heartening to train stu- roaming cats, even just focusing in shifting mindsets and poli- dents who are interested in helping on the individual rescued animal, cies enough to protect all native injured wildlife. Our students learn it often leads to conversations wildlife? about many current conservation is- Mosquitoes spread disease among Hawai‘i’s struggling forest birds. about prevention. These include sues, like the impact of free-roaming the importance of keeping owned DM: I am hopeful for a world of cats on wildlife or the consequences cats inside and the need to reduce indoor cats, where wildlife are free of throwing an apple core from a Can biotechnology help? the number of free-roaming cats in from unnecessary predation and car window. We hope our students the environment. Many people are cats are able to live longer and share these messages with family, only aware of the small number of healthier lives. But sadly I don’t friends, and their larger communi- cat victims they personally witness, think domestic cats are ever going ties to help spread the word. That By Jennifer Howard One of the biggest threats to Hawai‘i’s native forest birds not the massive number of wildlife to be completely removed from the gives me a lot of hope. injured by all free-roaming cats. North American environment. It is encouraging that many people are is also one of the tiniest. Non-native mosquitoes that ABC thanks the DJ&T Foundation, AD: Do you think there is a long- working hard to find solutions for Lynde Uihlein, and the Frances spread two deadly diseases, avian malaria and avian pox, term solution that will protect this contentious conservation issue V.R. Seebe Trust for their support birds and other native wildlife? through education, compromises, of our efforts. have infiltrated the main islands. The diseases, like the and the love of all animals. DM: It’s an extremely daunting Go to abcbirds.org/program/cats mosquitoes, are also non-native, and they’re decimating issue to have free-roaming cats in I think there will be a time when to learn how you can protect birds the wild when we know that they people will recognize that wildlife from free-roaming cats. native bird populations already stressed by habitat loss prey upon our native wildlife. As a veterinarian working with injured and introduced plants and animals. wildlife, it’s incredibly depressing Aditi Desai currently works as the Assistant Director of Communications because we know that those animals and Senior Producer at ABC. Her work has taken her from the prairies of North Dakota to the forests of Pennsylvania. Aditi spent four days at the that come in only stand about a 20 Wildlife Center of Virginia and saw firsthand the dedication of staff and percent chance of surviving to a volunteers as they cared for injured native wildlife. point where they can be released. TOP: ‘Apapane being bitten by a mosquito. Photo by Jack Jeffrey. Mosquito photo by Isara Kaenla, Shutterstock

20 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 21 INSECT INVADERS INSECT INVADERS

The threat is becoming even more None of these techniques have Carriers of Disease dangerous for Hawai‘i’s birds. For been shown to directly affect hu- Hawai‘i has no native species of many species, global climate change man health. And removing the mosquitoes. The insect invaders is projected to increase the transmis- mosquitoes could help to restore began arriving by ship in the sion risk as mosquitoes—and the the islands’ natural state of affairs. 19th century, carried as larval malaria parasite—are able to survive These unwelcome insects “are not stowaways in vessels’ water supplies. at ever higher altitudes. A wave of a natural part of the Hawaiian food Two species of mosquito, Aedes could follow. web. No native species depends on aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are them,” says Chris Farmer, ABC’s the chief vectors for diseases that Recent advances in biotechnol- Hawai‘i Program Director. ogy could prevent this epidemic. affect humans, including malaria, Several techniques now exist to Still, manipulating nature can have chikunguya, dengue fever, and modify, suppress, or even eliminate unintended consequences, and Zika, which has been raising alarms mosquito populations to preclude conservationists are approaching around the world this year. Hawai‘i’s the spread of avian diseases. Some the matter with care. When, where, Big Island suffered an outbreak of of these approaches, including the and if any of these techniques are dengue fever earlier this year that introduction of sterile male mos- deployed to save Hawai‘i’s birds de- sickened more than 260 people. quitoes and a bacteria that disrupts pends not just on the state of the sci- For birds, a different species of the reproduction of mosquitoes and ence, but on appropriate oversight— mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, is pathogens, have been tested suc- and, most critically, on making sure the one to worry about. The insects cessfully and safely elsewhere. Other that Hawai‘i’s human population don’t have to penetrate feathers; more controversial techniques, no- supports such an intervention to they aim for the skin of the legs or Most of Kaua'i's endemic birds are hard hit, with some species suffering tably so-called gene drives, are still save the islands’ birds. around the eyes. When they bite, in the developmental stages. infected mosquitoes transmit the population declines of more than 90 percent in recent years.

These unwelcome insects are not a natural part of the avian pox virus or the parasite that taken hold among the islands’ bird models suggest that without fast causes avian malaria. populations, contributing to a rash conservation action, many species Hawaiian food web. No native species depends on them. of extinctions around 1890. By could be wiped out as soon as 2020. The consequences for the victims are the early 1900s, avian malaria had ugly and often fatal. A bird infected begun to take a noticeable toll as Kaua‘i, with its lower elevations, has with pox can develop large tumors well, leading to many extinctions been especially hard hit. “Most of on its legs and eyes and around its in the first half of the century and Kaua‘i’s endemic birds are crash- bill—“anywhere there’s exposed limiting the range of most remain- ing pretty hard,” says Farmer, with skin,” Farmer says. “Birds can just get ing bird species to elevations above some species suffering population so many tumors that they die.” 4,500 feet. declines of more than 90 percent in recent years. Avian malaria, though less gruesome, Native honeycreepers such as criti- is no less dire. It ruptures red blood cally endangered ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke‘e, Too many have already vanished. cells, causes internal organs to swell, and the more widespread ‘I‘iwi are Only 17 species of native forest and infected birds become lethargic currently the biggest losers. The first honeycreeper remain, down from and often die from fever. If they two species are already on the brink 39, according to Joshua Fisher, an survive, they can suffer lasting effects of —each has fewer than invasive species biologist with the that make it harder for them to repro- 1,000 individuals remaining—and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Avian duce and live out full lifespans. increasing exposure to diseases could malaria is one of the main culprits. push them over the edge. As climate “Our birds have been dealing with Decimating Hawai‘i’s change increases temperatures and this for decades, and we’re in critical Forest Birds alters rainfall patterns, the mosqui- toes are spreading upslope. Some TOP: Native Hawaiian birds find refuge from By the late 1800s, as the Culex mosquitoes in the montane forests of Kaua‘i’s population and habitat-change mosquitoes spread, avian pox had Alaka‘i Swamp. Photo by Jack Jeffrey The ‘I’iwi is another Hawaiian honeycreeper that is vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. Photo by Robby Kohley

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 23 INSECT INVADERS INSECT INVADERS ‘Akikiki by Jack Jeffrey numbers now,” Fisher says. The affect mosquitoes in a variety of remaining birds have been restricted Everybody involved in these ways, including female sterility and to higher-elevation stands of forest ongoing conversations a reduced ability to transmit agents that remain mosquito-free. But as of disease. temperatures warm and rainfall agrees on one thing: Public patterns change, mosquitoes will Wolbachia has been used for some invade those refuges as well. approval is critical before bio- time in agriculture as a sort of natural pesticide against a range of Fisher coordinates an avian malaria tech can be brought to bear insects, and some people find it an working group in Hawai‘i that has on Hawai‘i’s mosquitoes. attractive solution because it does brought together scientists and not require genetic manipulation. conservationists from federal and Using it in Hawai‘i, she says, might state agencies, universities, and “give the birds a chance.” NGOs, including ABC. Their goal: to assess an array of different biotech Genetic Interventions solutions that could resolve this Many conservationists also have crisis and provide more habitat for high hopes for a technique that the birds—if the science and public involves mosquitoes genetically opinion agree. ridding the Okinawa archipelago of edited to be unable to breed two non-native species of fruit fly, successfully. It’s a type of modified End of the Line with no damage to public health or SIT: release enough of the altered The simplest way to reduce or elimi- the native ecosystem. In Septem- insects, and mosquito populations If invasive mosquitoes were safely controlled or eliminated, nate mosquitoes is to make sure they ber 2016, during the IUCN World plummet. A firm called Oxitec has don’t reproduce. Under an approach Conservation Congress in Hawai‘i, pioneered this approach in Brazil the benefits to Hawai'i's birds would be immense. called Sterile Insect Technique Kaneshiro convened a two-day and elsewhere against dengue and (SIT), for instance, sterilized male workshop to discuss the feasibility Zika, with Florida next on the list. In the meantime, Hawai‘i’s birds insects are released into the wild in of a mosquito-free Hawai‘i. That work doesn’t involve the Culex science and is actively involved something a single organization could still benefit from the enor- large numbers. Female mosquitoes, mosquito—yet—but the technique in the discussions. “Some of these or agency can decide.” Everybody involved in these ongo- mous efforts being made to reduce overwhelmed by the influx of sterile could be applied to that species for techniques are controversial, but the ing conversations agrees on one mosquito-borne threats to humans. If invasive mosquitoes were safely males, are unable to produce off- the benefit of birds. technologies are so different from thing: Public approval is critical be- “All this energy, all this momen- controlled or eliminated, the spring. Release enough sterile insects, one another that it’s like comparing fore biotech can be brought to bear tum, all this funding is going into benefits to Hawai‘i’s birds would be and the population crashes. A completely different approach a paper plane to a jet engine,” says on Hawai‘i’s mosquitoes. “We need that has grabbed headlines lately eliminating the mosquito as a vec- Mike Parr, ABC’s Chief Conserva- immense. Species now confined to SIT, which doesn’t affect other spe- to be sure that the general public is so-called gene drive technology. tor,” Phelan says. “Conservation has tion Officer. “You don’t throw them small patches of mountain habitat cies or the environment, has been will accept any mosquito eradica- It involves altering an organism’s a unique opportunity right now to all out just because one is especially could expand their range again if around for decades. It has a record tion program that’s adopted in the genome in order to “drive” a trait capitalize on the investment being contentious.” lower elevations were mosquito- of success in the United States and Hawaiian Islands,” Kaneshiro says. through a population. For instance, made in human health.” free. “The birds we have left are the beyond, having been used effec- Culex mosquitoes could be modi- Regardless, Parr says, it’s critical most robust species,” ABC’s Farmer A group called Revive & Restore, Whatever the decision, it needs to tively for more than 40 years against fied in order to derail their ability to that the public has every chance says. “They survived this long. which promotes the “genetic be made soon. “The window is defi- agricultural pests in California, breed. Although many researchers to weigh in on the policy- and And if we give them a little bit of rescue” of endangered or extinct nitely closing on these birds,” says Florida, and other states, and to are at work on gene drive tech- decision-making. “This is a help, they can survive for future species, has been active in these ABC’s Farmer. “We don’t have a ton eradicate screwworm from the U.S. niques, they are controversial and community decision, and not generations.” discussions. Ryan Phelan is Revive of time. Doing nothing—whether and Central America. many years away from being field- & Restore’s Co-founder and Execu- through indecision, lack of aware- ready. The National Academy of Kenneth Kaneshiro is Director of tive Director. Among the techniques ness, or any other reason—will lead Sciences, among others, has made Jennifer Howard is Director of Public Relations at ABC. She was a writer and the Center for Conservation Re- she believes “could be really effec- to further extinctions.” it clear that policy and regulatory reporter with The Chronicle of Higher Education for 10 years and before tive at knocking down mosquito search and Training at the Univer- safeguards have to catch up with that was a contributing editor and columnist with The Washington Post. populations even in remote areas” ABC hasn’t endorsed any one ap- sity of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He was the science before the techniques She writes nonfiction for The Times Literary Supplement and the Boston is a naturally occurring bacterium proach but is staying abreast of the central to an SIT program in Japan, leave the lab. Review and her fiction work has been published by Virginia Quarterly where the technique succeeded in called Wolbachia. This parasite can Review and others. Follow Jen on Twitter at @JenHoward.

24 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 25 FINAL GLIMPSE A Legacy for Birds­ While Confronting Climate Change, CINDY FERGUSON Remember Conservation’s Roots

By Casey Lott and George Fenwick over-exploitation for illegal wildlife limate change is not the trade, direct persecution from biggest threat to birds. It’s shooting, collisions with windows Cmuch more important than and other human structures, and that. Climate change is the biggest more. Climate change adds a threat to life on Earth. The way we new dimension to many of these respond to climate change will de- threats, but it does not supplant or termine the fate of humans and the diminish them. entire range of species over the next century and beyond. Fortunately, ABC is committed to a vision there are many high-quality orga- that does not waver given the nizations and individuals working additional threat of climate change. tirelessly to reduce the ill effects If bird conservation fails to stay We envision an Americas-wide of climate change on humans and landscape where landowners, wildlife. These organizations deserve focused on anthropogenic producers, governments, and our support. conservationists collaborate to threats separate from climate protect native bird species and their Great Gray Owl by Cindy Ferguson At ABC, we believe that although change, many species will habitats, value their protection, climate change is clearly an existen- and routinely consider native birds tial threat, we simply can’t afford continue to decline—and in all land-use and policy decisions. I became a member of American Bird organization, but it is equally family, and colleagues. ABC creates to ignore or de-emphasize the other Conservancy in 2006 and was so important to me that I make a positive and protects habitats, develops and major issues that have caused de- some will become extinct— This approach guides our work impressed [with the organization] that impact beyond my lifetime on bird shares best practices that ground its clines for birds over the past cen- in many ways. We team up with well before climate change has I joined ABC's Legacy Circle in 2007. conservation and the creatures that work, leads collaborations to leverage tury. These issues must still form, as partners across Latin America to bring me so much joy. That is why I resources and multiply the results, and they always have, the backbone of the chance to threaten them. develop reserve networks that My path to ABC and the conservation joined ABC's Legacy Circle. takes on difficult challenges to reduce our conservation. protect rare birds and help many sector started many years ago with threats to birds. No organization has other species. We join forces with a deeply held commitment to the I am involved with and provide When it comes to bird conservation, done as much as ABC to protect birds suburban growth, the expansion state and federal agencies in the protection of the environment and financial support to a number of the largest and most acute threats across the Americas. of industrial-scale agriculture, U.S. to restore bird habitats from the birds and wildlife that depend on well-known bird conservation and are still what they’ve always been: and habitat fragmentation due coast to coast. And we advocate in it. This commitment has guided my environmental organizations. Yet, it The staff of ABC is incredibly effective habitat loss, habitat degradation, and to resource extraction are not Washington, D.C., to reduce some charitable giving and how I spend is ABC that is best aligned with my and committed and I am fortunate to direct mortality from human activi- going away in the near future. of the thorniest human-caused my personal time—birding, hiking, goals of advancing a strong bird have experienced several ABC field ties. These threats require specific That’s why we at ABC take on threats to birds, pushing for stricter running, and nature photography. conservation agenda and achieving trips with them. It is a privilege to actions that may have nothing to do many of the specific causes of oversight of pesticides and more- strategic and meaningful results. be associated with this outstanding with climate change remediation. bird mortality that are serious effective regulation of the wind Five years ago I chose a new career organization now and in the future. I If bird conservation in particular, enough to place some species in industry. We will continue to fight, path that enabled me to marry There are many reasons why I have hope that you will become part of the and wildlife conservation in general, danger of extinction: poisoning first and foremost, for birds. Their avocation and vocation. I now work included ABC in my will and why I share ABC family too. fails to stay focused on anthropo- by environmental contaminants, survival depends on it. at a well-respected environmental my enthusiasm for its work with friends, — Cindy Ferguson genic threats separate from climate change, many species will continue to decline—and some will become Casey Lott is Vice President for Conservation Information Synthesis at ABC. He has diverse ornithological experience working with , seabirds, extinct—well before climate change You can leave a legacy for birds when you join ABC’s Legacy Circle with an estate gift through and raptors, and has participated in conservation programs to monitor rap- has the chance to threaten them. tor populations and decrease bird collisions with towers on migration routes. your will, retirement plan, trust, or life insurance policy. If you would like more information, or if Direct causes of habitat loss you have already included ABC in your estate plans, please contact Jack Morrison, Planned Giving such as deforestation, urban and Director, at 540-253-5780, or at [email protected].

26 BIRD CONSERVATION | WINTER 2016-17 Cerulean Warbler by Dan Behm NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 249 PERMIT NO. 2392 MERRIFIELD, VA The Plains, VA 20198 abcbirds.org 540–253–5780 • 888–247–3624

The Hispaniolan Crossbill, a distinctive bird found only in the Dominican Republic and protected by the conservation work of ABC and in-country partners. Photo by Guillermo Armenteros