The Newsletter of American Bird Conservancy Bird Calls FEBRUARY 2013 l Vol. 17, No. 1

Lesser Prairie-Chicken May Get Federal Protection

he Lesser Prairie-Chicken, an iconic western bird have long been fearful that an ESA listing for this species that shares its shrinking habitat with everything could mean costly new land-use restrictions (Bird Calls, from cattle herds to wind farms, may soon be Vol. 15, No. 3). Environmental groups called the proposal Tadded to the list of plants and animals whose rangelands welcome but long overdue. are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. Best “The status of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken is a proxy for the known for its stomping, booming mating dances, these status of the stunning prairie lands that used to cover large 1-2 pound brown-barred game birds used to be abun- parts of this country,” said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy dant in the short-grass prairies found in Colorado, Texas, Advisor at ABC. “It’s our hope that this proposal will spur Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. Now more than 80 further conservation efforts to help both the species and percent of those grasslands are gone, the rest are highly the ecosystem recover. ” fragmented, and Lesser Prairie-Chicken counts have de- clined dramatically. This listing proposal has lent urgency to region-wide efforts to develop voluntary conservation plans that would ABC and other environmental groups have been argu- protect the Lesser Prairie-Chicken by connecting and ing for years that the Lesser Prairie-Chicken deserves a restoring crucial bits of western prairie grassland, and by spot on the Endangered Species List. In 1998, the U.S. finding ways to mitigate ongoing threats to the existence Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) ruled that such a listing of the species. Those ongoing threats include conversion of was “warranted but precluded” by the need to deal with grasslands to tilled agriculture, the rapid spread of invasive “higher priority” species of concern. That move put the grasses, habitat changes linked to oil drilling and mining Lesser Prairie-Chicken on what is commonly known as the activities, excessive grazing, and fire suppression. Fences, “Endangered Species Waiting List,” where some rare spe- power lines and wind turbines can also pose problems, cies have languished for decades. since this species will not nest near human structures. Now, as part of a settlement agreement linked to a list- FWS and other federal agencies are helping the affected ing lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, states develop these voluntary conservation plans; con- FWS has formally proposed to classify the Lesser Prairie- servation agreements are already in place in Texas, New Chicken as a Threatened species, a term applied to species Mexico, and Kansas, and another plan is being devel- found likely to be at risk of extinction in the foreseeable oped in Oklahoma. The Natural Resources Conservation future and thus in need of federal protection. Service is providing funding for some of these programs. The listing proposal was published in the December 11, It could be a year before FWS issues a final a ruling on the 2012 issue of the Federal Register, initiating a 90-day pub- listing plan. lic comment period. Comments should be plentiful, since oil companies, cattle ranchers, and wind power companies

TOP: Lesser Prairie-Chicken: Eleanor Briccetti

Page Page Page New Study Finds Outdoor Calls for Change at First Stresemann's Cats Kill “Staggering” Nation’s Deadliest Bristlefront Nest 5 Numbers of Birds 11 Wind Turbines 15 Discovered 2 l Bird Calls

ABC’s Hawaiian Bird Film Wins International Prize

ndangered Hawai'i, a video about the ongoing ex- Hawai'i the unfortunate nickname of “bird extinction capi- tinction crisis facing Hawai'i’s endemic birds, was tol of the world.” awarded the International Jury Prize at EKOFILM Wallace thanked the actor Richard Chamberlain for donat- E- International Film Festival on the Environment and ing his time and narration skills to the film. “He helped Natural and Cultural Heritage. The EKOFILM Festival give this video the sense of urgency that it deserves,” said has long been one of the leading environmentally-oriented Wallace. “I am sure that Richard is one of the main reasons festivals in the world, twice recognized as the top festival of why this video has been so well-received.” its kind. The festival was first held in 1974, and is hosted in the city of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Chamberlain remarked that the video was “something that I had to be a part of,” adding that he has long thought of “We are thrilled to receive this award,” said George Wallace, Hawai'i as one of the world’s most treasured jewels.“I lived the senior writer and director of the film and Vice President there for many years, so I could relate to what was happening for Oceans and Islands at ABC. “We hope it will bring to its environment. The video was a wonderful opportunity more attention to Hawai'i’s stunning birds, the threats they to give back. I’m thrilled to have been able to contribute.” face, and the actions we can take now to save them.” ABC produced this film with funding from the National More than 70 species of bird have gone extinct since Fish and Wildlife Foundation. DVDs are available for Europeans first arrived on the Hawaiian Islands (Bird Calls, $9.95 plus shipping at www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/ Vol. 11, No. 3). Many more are serious decline, earning oceansandislands/hawaii/endangered_hawaii.html

Palila Still Declining in Hawai'i

wo recent studies by the U.S. Numerous factors impact Hawai'i’s Geological Survey and col- subalpine forest, but the two biggest laborators including ABC are extreme recent drought and nearly Thave found that populations of the 200 years of browsing by exotic graz- Palila, a highly endangered honey- ing animals. Drought reduces food creeper found only in subalpine forest availability, particularly māmane seeds on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i, have steeply (the primary Palila food), reducing declined over the last 10 years. The Palila breeding success and survival. Although Palila populations have declined over the past 10 study also found that other endemic Cattle, goats, and sheep have been years, conservation measures, including fencing the birds' Hawaiian birds sharing this habitat, most important habitats, are expected to help the species grazing on Mauna Kea since their rebound. Photo by Peter LaTourrette, birdphotography.com including the Hawai'i 'Elepaio, the introduction in early 1800s. These 'Apapane, and the 'I'iwi, have been species have destroyed and degraded cows from the majority of the Palila’s negatively affected. the native Hawaiian forests and sup- designated critical habitat within the The Palila population peaked in 2003 pressed regeneration, leading to long- state’s Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and at nearly 6,500 birds, but dropped to term decline of the Palila and other Ka'ohe Game Management Area. approximately 2,200 birds in 2012 bird species. Excessive grazing worsens In addition, a strategy to eradicate – a 66 percent decline. The species’ the effects of drought, as does compe- the grazing animals from within the range also continued to contract. It tition from invasive plants. fenced area is under development. The was detected in a block of less than fence could be completed within sev- 2013 will be a year of significant prog- six square miles of forest, despite sur- eral years, and implementation of por- ress for the conservation of the Palila. veys throughout the species’ nearly tions of the eradication strategy could The State of Hawai'i, with fund- 95 square miles of designated critical come even sooner. ing support from the U.S. Fish and habitat on Mauna Kea. In 2008, Palila Wildlife Service, is constructing a 52- were consistently found in a forested mile fence to exclude goats, sheep, and area more than four times larger. OPINION FEBRUARY 2013 l 3 Corporate Defiance Keeps Dangerous Rat Poisons On The Market

he Red-tailed Hawk known kids. The Environmental Protection EPA gave the companies three years as Pale Male built a nest on Agency (EPA) ordered companies to to comply with the safety improve- the ledge of an exclusive Fifth take specific steps to improve safety. ments called for in its 2008 decision. AvenueT apartment building near New Those steps are hardly outlandish, and Most companies made the necessary York City’s Central Park in the early most manufacturers – as well as some adjustments. But the $37 billion 1990s. Soon he became a local celeb- national retailers – have been quick to company Reckitt Benckiser, maker of rity with his own Facebook page, web- conform. Yet Reckitt Benckiser, whose products ranging from Woolite and site, and YouTube video. brands fill the pantries and laundry Lysol to French’s Mustard, chose to rooms of homes throughout America, defy the EPA. They even signed up a But Pale Male’s story has been bit- chose to fight the EPA’s science-based former member of Congress to contact tersweet. Last year, the 22-year-old conclusions. They are carrying out Senators and Representatives urging hawk’s mate died after eating poisoned unprecedented stalling tactics while them to stall the cancellation process. rats. Pale Male found a new mate, but their d-CON rat poisons continue to The company continues to sell its their three chicks were exposed to rat cause gruesome deaths in hawks, owls d-CON poisons as loose pellets and poisons as well. One died, and the and other raptors, as well as in dogs pastes and to peddle the most toxic others needed life-saving treatments. and cats. formulations to residential consumers. Pale Male himself still faces danger every day from the widespread use of On February 6, 2013, the EPA an- rat poisons. nounced in the Federal Register that The U.S. government now it is moving to ban the sale of 12 d- Raptors everywhere face the same recognizes that rat baits are CON mouse and rat poison products threat. A San Francisco wildlife hospi- that fail to comply with EPA safety tal, WildCare, received Great Horned harming a lot more than rodents: standards. The company has 30 days Owl Patient #1709 in November. The they are killing raptors, poisoning to appeal, and they say that they plan owl was dead on arrival. This bird had pets, and sickening kids. to do so. been a neighborhood mascot of sorts, often spotted near a popular walking The degree of corporate recalcitrance trail. As with 74 percent of the preda- in this case is unparalleled in recent tors admitted by WildCare this past Approximately 10,000 children are ac- history. When EPA issues a Risk year, the owl tested positive for expo- cidentally exposed to the poison baits Mitigation Decision under FIFRA, it sure to rat poison. A necropsy revealed each year. The effects are dispropor- is standard practice for companies to two widely used rodenticides, brodi- tionately borne by children from low- comply. Sometimes the affected indus- facoum and bromadiolone. income families. tries negotiate a compromise. But to outright refuse to conform to a Risk As the leader of the National Pesticide In 2008, EPA concluded that cer- Mitigation Decision under FIFRA, Reform Coalition, American Bird tain rat-poison products cause “un- and then to tie up the agency in years Conservancy has sought to rein in reasonable risk” under the Federal of administrative and judicial proceed- the use of these rat poisons. We have Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide ings, has not happened in more than been presenting testimony, conducting Act (FIFRA). As a result, EPA ordered 20 years. outreach to manufacturers and retail- companies to re-formulate these prod- ers, and assembling incident reports ucts in protective bait stations and to Although these tactics are not illegal, on pets and wildlife killed by these stop marketing “second generation” they drain public resources and delay poisons. Partly as a result of these anti-coagulants on the consumer mar- measures that would protect children, actions, the U.S. government now ket, instead limiting their sale to large wildlife, and pets. These companies recognizes that rat baits are harming a containers from agricultural stores. are also gaming the regulatory system lot more than rodents: they are killing EPA wants to stop equipping every to gain an advantage over more ethical raptors, poisoning pets, and sickening homeowner with a nuclear missile when a slingshot will do. continued on next page 4 l Bird Calls

Dangerous Rat Poisons Kept On Market competitors, such as Bell Laboratories, ABC is approaching other retailers, continued from page 3 that have complied with the EPA’s including Walmart, Home Depot, and order. Lowe’s, urging them to show similar leadership. ABC applauds those companies that have put children’s health and animal Raptor predation is an important welfare above corporate profits. We are adjunct to snap traps, electrocution, heartened by Bell Laboratories’ deci- and other rodent-control approaches. sion to follow the rules, and by Good Great Horned Owls like Patient Housekeeping’s announcement that #1709 consume about five medium- d-CON products will no longer carry sized rodents per day, while Pale Male its Seal of Approval. We are encour- and his fellow Red-tailed Hawks will aged by Target and other retail chains dine on roughly three. Let’s work which have pulled from their shelves together to support Pale Male, his rodenticide products that do not com- heirs, and their fellow rodent-control ply with the EPA directive. champions.

Corporate intransigence continues to put lethal poisons in the way of raptors, such as this Red-tailed Hawk, and many other species. Photo by Michael Stubblefield.

Study Finds California Bird Is Among the Nation’s Rarest

he current population of the The study observed that the Island Island Scrub-Jay, a brightly Scrub-Jay population is now smaller colored blue and gray bird than that of many of species currently Tfound only on California’s Santa listed as Threatened or Endangered Cruz Island, is only one-fifth of what in the United States; however, neither experts had previously believed, ac- the federal government nor the state cording to a new study led by the of California has listed the species as Smithsonian Institution’s Migratory Threatened. Bird Center in Washington D.C. The “Whenever a species only exists in study was published in the journal small numbers in a single location, it Ecological Applications. is cause for concern,” said ABC Vice “The bad news is that we only have President Mike Parr. “That concern is The Island Scrub-Jay occupies an extremely limited territory, occurring only on California’s Santa Cruz Island. Photo by about 2,500 of these birds left, a very heightened when the location in ques- Laura Erickson. small number for any species,” said tion is a relatively small island. Islands lead author Dr. Scott Sillett of the are especially vulnerable to introduced “The entire range of [the Island Scrub- Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center. predators, severe weather, and climate Jay] is protected in Channel Islands “The good news is that we are see- change impacts that could threaten the National Park…nevertheless, our ing an increasing population trend. survival of this bird.” population estimates, coupled with It appears that there has been about a the species’ restricted range and low… The authors of the study take a cau- 20-30 percent population increase in diversity underscore [its] vulnerabil- tiously optimistic view on the future the last 25 years, owing to a series of ity to natural disasters and West Nile of the Island Scrub-Jay, noting that: conservation actions on the island.” virus.” FEBRUARY 2013 l 5

New Study Reports That Outdoor Cats Kill “Staggering” Numbers of Birds and Mammals

utdoor cats kill at least 1.4 Unowned cats — including feral cats billion birds and 6.9 billion in TNR colonies found all over the mammals every year, ac- country — were said to kill at least Ocording to the most extensive study of 900 million birds a year. The authors cat predation ever undertaken. Those add that efforts to create more TNR death tolls, far higher than all previous colonies in the United States are cur- estimates, have triggered new calls for rently being implemented “without controls on outdoor cat populations. widespread public knowledge, consid- eration of the scientific evidence or the “The carnage that outdoor cats inflict environmental review processes typi- is staggering and can no longer be cally required for actions with harmful ignored,” said ABC President George environmental consequences, partly Fenwick. “This is a wake-up call for by determining that outdoor cats with cat owners and communities to get owners kill at least a half billion birds serious about this problem before even per year.” more ecological damage occurs.” Native bird species were found to The peer-reviewed study was co- make up the majority of the birds

authored by Scott Loss and Peter Gibson Marge Swallow: Cat with Barn Marra, research scientists at the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center, “The carnage that outdoor cats inflict is staggering and can no longer be and by Tom Will, a research scientist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ignored…This is a wake-up call for cat owners and communities to get Service’s Division of Migratory Birds. serious about this problem before even more ecological damage occurs.” It has been published by the online George Fenwick, President, ABC journal Nature Communications. After systematically reviewing more anthropogenic (human-caused) mor- preyed upon by cats. Studies of the than 170 previous cat predation stud- tality source.” Other man-made bird mammals killed in urban and sub- ies, the authors estimated that outdoor and mammal killers include pesticides urban areas concluded that the most cats kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 and collisions with windows and com- common prey species were mice, billion birds per year. The estimated munications towers. shrews, voles, squirrels and rabbits. death toll for mammals ranged from All of these mammals are important 6.9 to 20.7 billion per year. ABC had previously estimated that food sources for birds of prey such as outdoor cats kill 533 million birds These new estimates show that out- hawks, owls and eagles. each year – a number that some ani- door cats are responsible for more bird mal welfare groups dismiss as wildly “The very high credibility of this study and mammal deaths than “any other inflated. Those groups have long should finally put to rest the misguided argued that large colonies of notions that outdoor cats represent feral cats can be controlled some harmless new component to the by so-called “Trap-Neuter- natural environment,” said George Return” (TNR) programs, Fenwick. “Every time we lose another and that owned cats left to bird species or suppress their popula- roam outdoors do not kill tion numbers, we’re altering the very many birds or mammals. ecosystems we depend on as humans.” This study results seem to refute those arguments.

Cat with Gila Woodpecker: Dawn Grafe, FWS 6 l Bird Calls

Energy Company Pleads Guilty In Bird Deaths

Denver-based oil and gas The case against SM dates back to But in 2007 and 2008, when the company has been fined 2005, when FWS agents documented FWS conducted follow-up inspec- $22,500 in connection the deaths of migratory birds at un- tions, agents found more dead migra- Awith the deaths of birds at the com- netted or insufficiently netted “reserve tory birds. Reserve pits at the sites pany’s drilling facilities in Montana, pits” at drilling facilities in Montana, remained un-netted or insufficiently Wyoming, and Nebraska. The fine was Nebraska, and Wyoming that con- netted. FWS concluded that the birds imposed after SM Energy Company tained chemical substances known killed at these sites died after coming pled guilty to three misdemeanor vio- to be harmful or deadly to birds. The in contact with harmful liquids stored lations of the Migratory Bird Treaty FWS notified the company of these in the pits. Act (MBTA). mortalities and encouraged it to make The company began addressing its the pits ‘bird safe’ by netting them. In addition to the fine, the company bird kill problems before the fine was was placed on probation for one year Many violations of the MBTA are levied, preparing an Avian Protection and ordered to pay $7,500 toward im- handled by Notices of Violation, Plan (APP) that described appropriate provement of migratory bird habitat. which are ticket-type citations issued measures for reducing the hazard The SM Energy Company was also by FWS agents. The FWS issued a to avian wildlife and enhancing its ordered to continue implementing a Notice of Violation for $3,025 to rescue/rehabilitation efforts. The $300,000 remediation program in- Nance Petroleum in 2005 for 12 mi- APP was completed and presented tended to prevent future bird deaths at gratory birds found dead at one of its to the FWS and government, which the company's facilities. un-netted reserve pits in Wyoming, approved it in March 2012. Nance Petroleum paid that fine.

Bird Groups Question Exemptions in Streaked Horned Lark Protection Plan

he FWS recently proposed “It is biologically unlikely that the reciprocity established through formal to list the Streaked Horned proposed rule will result in this spe- agreements of continued and desired Lark, a subspecies of the cies even persisting, let alone moving land management for an allowance of THorned Lark, as Threatened under the on a trajectory towards recovery,” said take,” said Fenwick. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This ABC’s Bob Altman. “The compromis- bird has been declining because of loss es and the uncertainties are too great.” and degradation of its prairie habitat These include: Threatened rather than caused by development and agriculture Endangered status, a Critical Habitat in the heavily populated Willamette designation that will protect only 50% Valley and Puget Lowland regions. of the existing lark population, and a The lark’s range has contracted to less so-called “4d” rule, that exempts ESA than half of its historical range and protection for approximately 80% of continues to contract from the north the population on airports and agri- and south; its estimated population is cultural lands, now less than 1,600 birds. “A 4d Rule can be an effective tool for While ABC supports the FWS on the listed species conservation, but not in creation of this proposed rule, it has cases such as this, where there is no The Steaked Horned Lark would benefit from ESA several concerns. protection, but the listing rules currently proposed are less than ideal. Photo: Rod Gilbert. FEBRUARY 2013 l 7

Key Peruvian Bird Reserve Expanded

he Critically Endangered provided by the National Fish and Iquitos Gnatcatcher, the Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Vulnerable Allapahuayo Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust, TAntbird, and the Mishana Tyrannulet and ConocoPhillips. are three of the bird species that will benefit from the purchase of more “ProNaturaleza and ABC efforts have than 1,100 acres of private inholdings significantly improved our capacity within Peru’s Allpahuayo Mishana to manage the reserve,” said Carlos National Reserve, which is near the Rivera, the reserve’s director. “Their city of Iquitos in Northern Peru. The support and involvement is greatly driving force behind these deals, the appreciated.” Peruvian conservation organization A total of five new bird species have ProNaturaleza, collaborated with ABC been described from this area, and a to complete this purchase (Bird Calls, sixth is now awaiting confirmation. Vol.15, No.1). “Allpahuayo Mishana is an incredibly In addition to ABC, ProNaturaleza special place,” said Martin Alcalde, worked with SERNANP, the Peruvian Director of ProNaturaleza. “It regu- agency in charge of protected areas, larly offers us surprises that highlight and with a coalition of Peruvian non- The Mishana Tyrannulet is one of the vulnerable bird species the need to protect the lands in and profit groups and community lead- that will benefit from the expansion of Peru’s Allpahuayo around the reserve.” ers. Funding for the land deals was Mishana National Reserve. Photo by Jim Brumm.

New Population of Royal Cinclodes Found

he discovery of a previously therefore quite significant, because unknown population of the they raise the odds that this rare spe- Critically Endangered Royal cies might be saved.” TCinclodes in Peru is raising hopes that The Royal Cinclodes is listed by this rare species can be rescued from the International Union for the extinction. Conservation of Species (IUCN) as In August 2012, biologists with Critically Endangered. It was recently the Peruvian environmental group listed as Endangered under the U.S. Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos Endangered Species Act (Bird Calls, The discovery of a new population of Royal Cinclodes is an (ECOAN) spotted at least one Royal Vol. 16, No. 3). encouraging sign that this very rare species may ultimately Cinclodes inside the Huaytapallana be saved from extinction. Photo: Fabrice Schmitt The largest concentrations of this spe- Regional Conservation Area in Peru’s cies are found in southern Peru, with Junín department (a department and fires also stunt the growth of these other populations in Bolivia, close to is comparable to a U.S. state). The slow-growing trees. Interestingly, the the Peruvian border. sighting took place 29 miles north of newly-found population of Royal Cinclodes favor a different habitat the nearest known population of the This bird is a habitat specialist, usually of rocky alpine areas, not mossy species. found on the moss-covered ground in woodlands. Polylepis woodlands. Unfortunately, “There may well be fewer than 250 these woodlands are severely threat- of these birds left in existence,” said See www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/ ened by local people who harvest the Constantino Aucca Chutas, President international/Polylepis.html for more trees for firewood. Grazing animals of ECOAN. “These new sightings are information. 8 l Bird Calls

Canada Expands Protected Wetlands Near Vancouver

he government of Canada has rely on this estuary throughout the vastly expanded the Alaksen year, including Long-billed Dowitcher, Ramsar Site, first designated Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Tin 1982, from 1,448 to over 51,000 and Black-bellied Plover. acres. The resulting area, now known The Delta hosts one of the largest as the Fraser River Delta Ramsar Site, wintering waterbird populations in is comprised of a vast estuary system Canada, including 40 species of ducks, that is an important link in the chain geese and swans. Up to 100,000 Lesser of wetlands used by waterbirds migrat- Snow-Geese migrate through or win- ing along the Pacific Flyway between ter in and around the estuary, and Black-bellied Plover: Greg Lavaty, www.texastargetbirds.com Arctic breeding grounds and South ducks including American Widgeon, American wintering grounds. Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, established an intergovernmental The Fraser River Delta is a major stop- Surf Scoter, and Greater Scaup stage treaty for the conservation and wise over point for many species of migrat- or winter here. use of the world’s wetlands through lo- ing shorebirds, including nearly the cal, regional and national actions and The creation of “Ramsar” sites began entire world population of Western international cooperation. See www. with the Convention on Wetlands Sandpipers, an ABC WatchList spe- ramsar.org for more information. held in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, which cies. More than 35 species of shorebird

Guarded Praise for New Drilling Proposal in National Petroleum Reserve

n August 2012, Secretary of the The preferred plan would designate caribou herds of the NPR-A are a sub- Interior Ken Salazar proposed al- “special areas” as protected from ener- sistence resource for over 40 northern lowing additional oil and gas de- gy development, including Teshekpuk and western Alaska Native villages velopmentI in the National Petroleum Lake, which provides critical nesting, located there. Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), one of the molting and staging areas for many Some coastal areas that serve as habitat Arctic’s greatest migratory bird nesting species of migratory birds. Thousands for seals, polar bears and other marine and molting areas. This proposal was of Pacific Brant, Canada, Snow, and mammals will also be protected. the most environmentally friendly op- White-fronted Geese molt their flight tion out of several, and would leave feathers in the vicinity of Teshekpuk “This proposal would allow us to half of the 23.5 million acre reserve Lake each summer, and globally sig- continue to expand our leasing in the — about 12 million acres — preserved nificant populations of Black-bellied NPR-A, as we have done over the for nesting birds, migrating caribou, Plover, Dunlin, and Semipalmated last three years as part of the Obama and many other types of wildlife. Sandpiper nest there. Administration’s focus on expanding safe and responsible oil and gas devel- The plan would also safeguard the opment, and builds on our efforts to Utukok Uplands, a vital nesting area help companies develop the infrastruc- for raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, ture that’s needed to bring supplies Gyrfalcon, and Rough-legged Hawk, online,” Salazar said. and part of the range for a herd of 350,000 caribou, which needs these The BLM will issue a final decision large expanses for migration. The sometime in 2013.

Thousands of Pacific Brant nest and stage in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve. Photo: Alan Wilson. FEBRUARY 2013 l 9

GUEST EDITORIAL: Single Wind Turbines — The Lone Danger Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director, Black Swamp Bird Observatory

hile the bird conservation that this is a very dangerous place for community focuses most “Wind energy has a place in our a wind turbine. And, in their review efforts on commercial- of the project’s environmental assess- energy portfolio, but location Wscale wind development, single, ment, the agencies collectively call out midsized turbines are also peppering matters for the sustainable future more than 50 erroneous and/or mis- the landscape in areas of globally im- of bird populations.” leading statements. portant migratory bird habitat. With You might think, considering the little to no regulation aside from local Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director overwhelming support and the many zoning boards, wind turbines reach- Black Swamp Bird Observatory documents from state and federal ing heights of 300+ feet are being wildlife agencies against installing a installed at breakneck speed as the in- wind turbine in this location, that the dustry recognizes these single units as project could not possibly go forward, an effective strategy to skirt what few right? regulations exist on a local level. When strung together, these single turbines Wrong. Despite overwhelming opposi- essentially become wind farms, with tion, the current voluntary guidelines all the inherent dangers they pose to and lack of industry regulation, are birds. allowing this project to continue mov- ing forward. In northwest Ohio, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) is advo- Public action is the number one force cating for protecting migratory bird against these misplaced, irresponsible, stopover habitat from wind energy de- and dangerous projects that threaten velopment. Our most recent efforts in- more than just the birds that pass volve encouraging officials to relocate through the areas of these individual a large wind turbine planned for the turbines. These projects threaten our Camp Perry Air National Guard facil- overall ability to protect birds any- ity, located deep in the heart of the where. It will require citizen action to most sensitive stopover habitat in the force our government officials to do entire region. Our position has been something about it. officially supported by local, state, and national organizations such as So speak up. Take action. Be a voice American Bird Conservancy, National for the birds. Wind energy has a place Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited in our energy portfolio, but location and The Nature Conservancy. matters for the sustainable future of bird populations. Both the FWS and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Read more about BSBO’s efforts at have repeatedly told project officials Photo: Mike Parr, ABC www.bsbobord.org.

Migrating Sandhill Cranes: wikimedia.org 10 l Bird Calls

Thousand Turbine Wyoming Wind Farm Could Become Country's Biggest Eagle Killer

he Chokecherry-Sierra Madre The Greater Sage-Grouse, a candi- site may become the nation’s date for listing under the Endangered biggest eagle-killing wind Species Act, is also threatened by the Tfarm, based on an estimate by the Chokecherry-Sierra Madre project. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), More than 900 of the project’s 1,000 which says the 1,000-turbine facility turbines would be located in sage- would kill between 150 and 210 rap- grouse habitat. Originally, because of tors a year, including 46 to 64 Golden the high quality of its sage-grouse hab- Eagles. itat, virtually the entire Chokecherry- Sierra Madre project area was within If the BLM’s prediction is accurate, an area that was specially designated this single wind farm would kill al- as off-limits to energy development. Golden Eagle: Brian Murphy most as many Golden Eagles each Rather than avoid the area specially year as the many wind farms of the designated to protect sage-grouse, the “ABC supports wind energy notorious Altamont Pass in California. project’s developer asked to have the HawkWatch International has com- boundary of the area changed. A state when it is bird-smart, but the mented that the BLM’s mortality es- committee agreed to this request. Chokecherry-Sierra Madre is not timate for Chokecherry-Sierra Madre may even underestimate the potential In addition to the Chokecherry-Sierra a bird-smart project.” Madre’s project’s problems for raptors carnage, estimating that the Wyoming Kelly Fuller wind farm might kill more than 700 and sage-grouse, the project’s Final Wind Campaign Manager, ABC raptors annually, more than 200 of Environmental Impact Statement them Golden Eagles. (EIS) was approved before all of the necessary avian studies were com- “ABC supports wind energy when it “Regardless of whose estimate is pleted, and without including plans is bird-smart, but the Chokecherry- ‘right,’ even the lowest predictions are for mitigating the project’s impacts Sierra Madre is not a bird-smart proj- too high, and would likely turn the on birds. Instead, some of the proj- ect,” said Fuller (Bird Calls, Vol. 15, project area into a population sink ect’s most important analysis is be- No. 1). for Golden Eagles, where more birds ing pushed off to a series of future would be killed than could be replaced Environmental Assessments, which Recently ABC joined with Biodiversity by the area’s breeding population,” said raises serious legal questions. Conservation Alliance and Western Kelly Fuller, ABC’s Wind Campaign Watersheds Projects in sending a Coordinator. formal letter of protest to the BLM after the EIS was published. The let- ter pointed out scientific and legal The Greater Sage-Grouse, a flaws in the BLM’s approval of the project site, and noted that the project candidate for listing under could be relocated in southeastern the Endangered Species Act, Wyoming with far fewer environmen- tal consequences. is also threatened by the Chokecherry-Sierra Madre The Chokecherry-Sierra Madre proj- ect cannot be constructed until BLM project. grants Right of Way permits, the tim- ing of which is uncertain. Efforts will continue to protect Wyoming’s birds from what Fuller calls “an oversized,

Greater Sage-Grouse: Alan Wilson irresponsible project”. FEBRUARY 2013 l 11

Calls for Change at Nation’s Deadliest Wind Turbines

n October 2012, ABC and seven and the owners agreed to apply for an other conservation organizations According to the FWS, the Incidental Take Permit for the bat. asked FWS to make changes at a 28-turbine Criterion Wind Project Although the take permit would be for deadlyI wind energy facility in western an endangered bat, federal law requires Maryland. According to the FWS, the has killed more birds per wind the government to analyze the impacts 28-turbine Criterion Wind Project has turbine than any other facility of the project on all wildlife, including killed more birds per turbine than any studied in the U.S. — more than birds. It was during that analysis that other facility studied in the U.S. — the Criterion Wind Project’s high bird more than 16 birds per turbine. 16 birds per turbine. mortality came to light. “I cannot imagine that the state of ABC and partners have asked for more Maryland is proud that the wind Permit, as required by the Endangered extensive environmental analysis of the turbines of the first commercial wind Species Act when activities will likely project, such as surveying for eagles power project in the state ­— a short result in the killing or disturbance of a during the times they are most likely drive from our nation’s capital — are threatened or endangered species – in to be present at the site. Depending on the most deadly for birds in the en- this case the endangered Indiana bat. what these surveys show, the project tire country,” said George Fenwick, FWS also asked for comments on a may pose a greater risk to eagles than President of ABC. proposed Habitat Conservation Plan, currently thought, and extra measures This dubious distinction became which must be completed before a to protect them may be needed. public after FWS asked for com- take permit can be issued. ABC has also asked FWS to choose ments on three documents concern- The Criterion Wind Project began the operational alternative that in- ing the project. The first was a draft operation on Backbone Mountain in cludes nighttime curtailment of Environmental Assessment (EA) of the December 2010. Maryland conser- turbines during the peak of fall mi- existing and potential environmental vationists who were concerned that gration, which is the only alternative impact of granting an Incidental Take the owners of the project would kill that the EA predicted would lower the Permit for the Project. The second was endangered bats immediately sued, number of birds killed by this project. an application for an Incidental Take

A Legacy of Bird Conservation Join the growing number of bird conservation supporters who have created a legacy for birds by including ABC in their estate plans. Here’s what longtime supporters Steve and Britt Thal say about ABC: “We believe ABC provides the best insurance that birds will continue to bring pleasure to those who value their company. In these difficult economic times, we were looking for ways to continue to support ABC’s programs. What better way to accomplish this than by including ABC in our will? It is a wonderful way for people like us, with a fixed income, to give to an organization that so reliably delivers conservation results for birds.” We hope that others will join us in helping support ABC in perpetuity. If you have already included American Bird Conservancy in your estate plans, or if you would like more information on how to join ABC’s Legacy Circle, please contact ABC Planned Giving Director Jack Morrison at 540-253-5780, or [email protected]. Photo courtesy of Britt Thal courtesyPhoto of Britt 12 l Bird Calls

Marbled Murrelet Numbers Plummet in the Pacific Northwest

ederal conservation efforts Washington Department of Fish and murrelet’s decline over the past cen- haven’t come close to halting Wildlife, and Crescent Research, a tury. They believe it still may be a con- the decline of the Marbled private research firm. tributing factor, thanks to major fires, Murrelet,F a seabird that nests in logging, and wind storms. The study, published in the Condor, old-growth forests in the Pacific found that Marbled Murrelet numbers Another change cited as potentially Northwest. That is the gist of a major in five different study areas fell sharply important was increased nest predation, new peer-reviewed study of the status between 2001 and 2010, from a total which caused a decline in nesting suc- of the species, prepared by scientists count of roughly 22,200 to around cess. This rise in nest predation seems from the U.S. Forest Service, the 16,700. The study areas include all but to be associated with the increased pres- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the one of the Marbled ence of crows and ravens, which in turn Murrelet conservation is linked to increased development. zones identified in “This study confirms the fears that the federal Marbled conservationists have held for years,” Murrelet Recovery said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Plan. Analyst for ABC. “By showing that The authors of the the Marbled Murrelet is still in sharp study cite the loss of decline, the study emphasizes the need nesting habitat as a for stronger, more aggressive conserva- major cause of the tion measures.”

Marbled Murrelet chick: USDA Forest Service.

Controversial Settlement Endangers Threatened Seabird is urging the FWS to do more to protect Council, Carpenters Industrial Council, and Douglas ABC the Marbled Murrelet, a small seabird County, Oregon. The lawsuit charged that FWS had listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. unlawfully designated Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet in the states of California, Oregon and ABC has asked for the withdrawal of a proposed consent Washington. If the decree is accepted by the court, it decree that would eliminate Critical Habitat for the would vacate 3.7 million acres as Critical Habitat for Marbled Murrelet, arguing that this habitat protection is the bird designated in 1996, and require a new Critical required by the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Habitat designation by September 2018. “We are asking the Administration and relevant federal agencies to adopt more stringent protective measures for the threatened Marbled Murrelet, and withdraw the proposed court settlement,” said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Advisor for ABC. “If Critical Habitat for the species is eliminated, then murrelets will lose important protections despite a declining population and multiple threats that are pushing the species toward extinction.”

FWS agreed to the consent decree, which followed a lawsuit filed by the American Forest Resource

Adult Marbled Murrelet at sea: Peter LaTourrette. FEBRUARY 2013 l 13

New Proposals Aim to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Oceans

nvironmental groups are push- establish water quality ing the federal government to standards for plastics, take specific actions to address then issue rules requiring aE major problem in the oceans of the individual states to start world — giant swirling gyres holding meeting those standards. billions of pounds of plastic bags, plas- CBD also asked the tic bottles, plastic disposable lighters, EPA to designate plastic packaging materials and other Laysan Albatrosses nesting amid piles of plastic trash on Midway Atoll. Much of this plastic the Northwestern will be fed to their chicks, with deadly results. Photo: Steven Siegel, Marine Photobank plastic garbage. (Bird Calls, Vol. 16, Hawaiian Islands and the No. 3). Papahānaumokuākea Marine National feeding plastic trash to their chicks. By all accounts it won’t be easy to Monument as a Superfund site be- It is estimated that over 97% of clean up these gyres, given the stagger- cause of the large amount plastic trash all Laysan Albatross chicks in the ing amounts of plastic trash involved found in its waters. This would be the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands end and its world-wide distribution. first time that plastic-polluted waters up ingesting plastics in this way. Many in the United States have been consid- of the chicks that die have stuffed their But groups like ABC say there are ered for Superfund status. But George stomachs full of plastic.” steps can be taken to reduce the flow Wallace, Vice President for Oceans of plastics into the world’s oceans. and Islands at ABC, says it’s a step Wallace added that there is a need for One such step was recently pro- that should be taken. more research into the threats posed posed by the Center for Biological by the plastics in our oceans, noting Diversity (CBD), which petitioned “All of these materials pose a direct that when plastics break down into the Environmental Protection Agency threat to wildlife, through entangle- microscopic particles, they sometimes (EPA) to start using the Clean Water ment or ingestion,” Wallace said. “For bind to toxic chemicals. Those toxic Act to keep more plastic trash out of example, Laysan and Black-footed chemicals are passed up the food chain rivers, bays and other waterways. This Albatrosses in the Northwestern when the microscopic plastic bits are proposal would require the EPA to Hawaiian Islands are well-known for eaten by plankton and small fishes.

Court Stops Logging in Marbled Murrelet Habitat

n injunction halting 11 tim- The state of Oregon voluntarily sus- “Oregon’s forest practices are the most ber sales and all logging ac- pended timber sales on more than reckless in the Pacific Northwest and tivities in occupied Marbled 1,700 acres of older forests when are pushing the Marbled Murrelet AMurrelet sites in the Tillamook, this lawsuit was originally filed. closer to extinction,” said Francis Clatsop, and Elliott State Forests in Environmental groups responded by Eartherington, conservation director Oregon has been issued by US district requesting an injunction that would with Cascadia Wildlands, an Oregon- court Judge Ann Aiken. The ruling stop all logging in the Murrelet sites based environmental group. “This was prompted by a lawsuit charging until the lawsuit was resolved. ruling should send a signal to the lead- that this logging posed a threat to the ership of Oregon that balanced forest In the ruling granting the request for murrelet, a federally protected seabird. plans are critically needed to truly pro- the injunction Judge Aiken concluded The lawsuit was filed by Cascadia tect the murrelet.” that the voluntary logging ban did not Wildlands, the Center for Biological protect the murrelet sufficiently, in Diversity, and Portland Audubon part because it could be unilaterally Society (Bird Calls, Vol. 11, No. 3). lifted by the state of Oregon. 14 l Bird Calls

Feds Propose Change to Wood Stork Status

oughly 40 years ago the Wood Stork looked like FWS Director Dan Ashe calls it was wading toward extinction. Many of the these figures proof that the wetlands it requires for successful nesting had been Endangered Species Act drainedR or otherwise destroyed. By the 1970s, the breeding works. “This is a good population had dipped to a low of 5,000 nesting pairs. day for the Wood Stork, and a good In 1984, FWS declared the Wood Stork an Endangered day for conser- species, which meant that the Endangered Species Act vation,” said could be used to protect some of its habitats. For this Ashe when the and other reasons, wetland conservation efforts gained proposal was momentum, as did efforts to restore the swamps that had announced. been lost. The Wood Stork has bounced back since then and no longer appears to be headed toward extinction. The The Wood Stork number of Wood Stork nesting pairs now stands at roughly is the only true Wood Stork: 9,500, according to FWS. That’s more than the 6,000 list- species of stork that Larry Thompson ing pair mark required for a change to Threatened status, nests in the United but less than the three-year average of 10,000 nesting pairs States. Its all-white needed for complete delisting. body and jet-black, featherless head have earned it nicknames like “Flinthead” and “Ironhead.” Wading Bird Nesting Plummets in South Florida The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program helped reverse the fortunes of One of the nation’s largest and most important wading the Wood Stork by restoring over 200,000 acres of wet- bird breeding areas, south Florida, which includes the lands in Florida and more than 115,000 acres in Alabama, Everglades National Park, has seen wading bird nesting Georgia, and South Carolina during the past 18 years. rates fall 39 percent below ten-year averages, according Thousands of acres of wetlands are also being protected to a new report by the South Florida Water Manage- on private lands to assist in habitat and wildlife protection ment District. This decline, which seems to be related to the weather, runs counter to the long-terms growth through restoration in conjunction with establishing con- of bird populations in this same area, thanks in part to servation easements. Meanwhile, the Endangered Species ongoing attempts to restore natural waters flows in the Act required landowners to minimize, avoid or mitigate Everglades. ABC believes the sharp decline proves the wetland losses. need to complete the restoration work. Curiously, Wood Stork numbers have not risen in Florida’s According to the new report, approximately 27,000 Everglades (see sidebar), which used to be a stronghold for wading bird nests were built in south Florida during the the species. Instead, the birds have expanded their nesting 2012 nesting season – a 39 percent decline from the av- range, turning up as far west as Mississippi and as far north erage over the last decade and a 6 percent decline from as North Carolina. the estimate of roughly 78,000 nests issued in 2009. Wood Stork numbers in Florida could start to rise again All species of wading birds built fewer successful nests as large-scale restoration projects in that state continue. this year, but the extent of the decrease varied widely These include the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration among species. Successful White Ibis nests fell 39 per- Program, the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, and the cent below the ten year average; Snowy Egret nests St. Johns River Headwaters Restoration Project. were down by 56 percent.

The Endangered Wood Stork, which appears to be on the increase elsewhere, fared especially poorly in the Ev- erglades; it is thought that all 820 nests in South Florida either failed or were abandoned in 2012. FEBRUARY 2013 l 15

First Nest of Critically Endangered Stresemann’s Bristlefront Discovered

he first known nest of one The Stresemann’s Bristlefront was reserve’s manager. “It is urgent that we of the world’s rarest birds, unrecorded for 50 years until it was protect more of the natural Atlantic the Critically Endangered rediscovered in 1995 in Brazil’s east- Forest in this area and reforest areas TStresemann’s Bristlefront, was discov- ern Atlantic Forest region. The world where forest has been lost. The best ered in Brazil in October 2012. Strong population estimate of this species is way to save this species is by increasing evidence of the presence of nestlings estimated at fewer than 15 individu- its potential habitat.” was also found. als and is threatened by fires, logging, ABC is working closely with Fundação and the clearance of forest for cattle Two Brazilian researchers visiting Biodiversitas to protect and acquire ranching and agriculture. The Atlantic Fundação Biodiversitas’ Mata do land in and around the 1,500-acre Forest is one of the most endangered Passarinho Reserve discovered the Mata do Passarinho Reserve, where forests in the world with only 10 per- bird’s nesting tunnel (characteristic the nest was found (Bird Calls, Vol. cent of its original area remaining. It of this species) about three feet from 13, No. 2). About 245 bird species once extended along the coast of Brazil the ground in an exposed vertical dirt have been recorded in the reserve, into Paraguay and northern Argentina. ledge overhung by vegetation. The 37 endemic to Brazil. In addition tunnel, estimated to be around six feet “This is the discovery of a lifetime, to being the only known site for the deep, was surveyed and filmed with a made all the more gratifying by the Stresemann’s Bristlefront, the reserve micro-camera, and further data should fact that not only have we found live is a critically important site for the be published shortly. adult birds, but we have also found Endangered Banded Cotinga and the strong evidence of several chicks Critically Endangered yellow-breasted as well,” said Alexandre Enout, the capuchin monkey.

Pauxi Pauxi Reserve Expanded C erule an W arb he Cerulean Warbler and 25 ler : B the American Redstart, the Northern ar other neotropical migrants th S Waterthrush, and the Rose-breasted c will be the key beneficiaries h o

r Grosbeak. The Critically Endangered

r Tof a successful two-year-effort by ABC e Blue-billed Curassow and Endangered and its partner Fundación ProAves to Helmeted Curassow have also been re- purchase and protect key wintering ported from this area in recent years. habitat in Colombia. “Cerro de la Paz and the Pauxi Pauxi Nine new properties totaling nearly Reserve may be one of the best mi- 700 acres on the western flank of in the last 40 years, these properties grant hotspots in Colombia,” said the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve have been provide crucial wintering habitat Alonso Quevedo, Executive Director purchased, expanding the reserve to for other neotropical migrants, such of ProAves. “It is fantastic that our ef- approximately 4,500 acres. The newly as the Tennessee, Black-and-white, forts to protect resident species, such acquired land is part of an impos- Mourning, Canada, Blackburnian, as the Helmeted Curassow, could also ing, mountainous outcropping called and Black-throated Blue Warblers, help dozens of migratory bird species.” Cerro de la Paz. Deforestation due to agricultural and urban expansion has long been a prob- lem on these important lands. In ad- dition to providing winter habitat for the Cerulean Warbler, whose popula- tion has declined by about 70 percent Cerro de la Paz landscape: Fundación ProAves 16 l Bird Calls

Controversial Recovery Plan Proposed for Mexican Spotted Owl

he FWS has published a and communities where agency controversial final version research has demonstrated they of its Mexican Spotted Owl are most effective.” TRecovery Plan. ABC and other groups The Mexican Spotted Owl, which have expressed concern, saying that occurs in Arizona, Colorado, New this plan supports logging, thinning, Mexico, Texas, and Utah, and south and other forest management methods through the Sierra Madre Occidental that could be harmful to Spotted Owls and Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico, and their prey. was listed as Threatened in 1993 un- “The proposed high levels of thin- der the Endangered Species Act. FWS ning and fuel reduction in Spotted completed the original recovery plan Owl habitat have not been shown for the Mexican Spotted Owl in 1995. to support populations of Mexican A federal judge concluded in 2011 that Mexican Spotted Owls (young with chick shown) face continual Spotted Owls,” said Steve Holmer, threats from logging, thinning, and other forest management without owl monitoring data, the agen- methods. Photo: Mike Fugagli, Owl Biologist/Hawks Aloft Senior Policy Advisor for ABC. “We cy was unable to prove the species was urge the USDA Forest Service to take not being harmed by proposed logging Vol. 16, No. 1). Conservationists will a cautious approach and avoid log- projects. The court also found that the continue to review forest restoration ging within or near the sites occupied Forest Service had not been monitor- efforts in and near areas occupied by by the owls and instead focus on fuel ing the species’ population (Bird Calls, the Mexican Spotted Owls. treatments and thinning near homes

Fifth International Partners in Flight Meeting Set for Utah, Aug. 25–28

Partners in Flight, the nation’s leading The meeting will feature keynote speakers, coalition of bird conservation vendors, social events, a poster session, and a groups, will hold its fifth meeting wide range of birding field trips. Space is limited, since 1990 in Snowbird, Utah, so prospective vendors and interested bird on August 25-28, 2013. This conservationists are urged to make their plans year’s meeting, “Advancing Bird and reservations promptly. Conservation in the Americas,” is Program inquiries should go to Terry Rich being organized by ABC and will focus ([email protected]) or Merrie Morrison on “full life-cycle” bird migration studies and ([email protected]). Logistical inquiries should attempt to identify projects that link migration go to either [email protected] or to studies in both hemispheres. [email protected]. More details are available at http://www.pifv.org

Stock.xchng FEBRUARY 2013 l 17

FWS Proposes Listing Gunnison Sage-Grouse

he FWS has proposed to list the Gunnison Sage-Grouse as Endangered under the TEndangered Species Act, and designate 1.7 million acres of critical habitat in an effort to help save the species (Bird Calls, Vol. 16, No.1). Two years ago, FWS ruled that calls to add this sage grouse to the federal Endangered Species List were “war- ranted but precluded” by the need to deal with “higher priority” issues. That ruling changed after a U.S. District Court settled a listing lawsuit by ap- proving a multi-year endangered species listing plan. As part of that settlement, FWS agreed to publish a proposed rule on whether or not to list Gunnison Sage-Grouse and designate critical habitat. Gunnison Sage-Grouse currently Gunnison Sage-Grouse: Noppadol Paothong Noppadol Sage-Grouse: Gunnison occur in seven widely scattered and isolated populations in Colorado and The human population in all counties within the range of Gunnison Utah. Recent population estimates indicate that six of the seven popula- Sage-Grouse averaged a 70 percent increase since 1980. The population tions have declined over the last 12 of Gunnison County, an area that supports more than 80 percent of all years. The largest population, in the Gunnison Basin, has remained rela- Gunnison Sage-Grouse, is predicted to more than double by 2050. tively stable. Principal threats to Gunnison Sage- Gunnison Sage-Grouse, is predicted to birds gather during breeding season Grouse are livestock grazing, habitat more than double by 2050. for courtship displays) in northeast- loss and degradation, and habitat frag- ern Utah. The lek was eventually These human population increases mentation due to residential, urban, abandoned. typically bring increases in power line and commercial development and installation, which can cause a sig- “Adding the Gunnison Sage-Grouse associated infrastructure such as roads nificant increase in grouse predation to the list of endangered species marks and powerlines. Some estimates sug- by Golden Eagles, who use the power an important turning point for this gest that over 90 percent of the bird’s lines as perches to spot and prey on amazing bird,”said Steve Holmer, historic habitat has been lost. grouse. In one study, Golden Eagle Senior Policy Advisor at ABC. “With The human population in all coun- predation on sage-grouse increased ongoing development pressure and ties within the range of Gunnison from by nearly 50 percent of the to- a growing human population, firm Sage-Grouse averaged a 70 percent tal predation after completion of a protection measures for its remaining increase since 1980. The population transmission line within 220 yards habitat are urgently needed.” of Gunnison County, an area that of an active lek (an area where these supports more than 80 percent of all 18 l Bird Calls

Colorado Landowners Cooperate to Help Endangered Birds

n southern Colorado, ranchers, In return, these landowners will be farmers, and government officials largely exempted from a part of the have agreed to work together to Endangered Species Act that requires protectI two endangered bird spe- them to obtain federal permits before cies –the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and building fences, clearing ditches and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. performing other acts of “routine The flycatcher was formally declared maintenance.” Endangered by the federal government The driving force behind this new in 1995. The cuckoo is a candidate for agreement was the Rio Grande Water Endangered Species listing, which is District, which controls the valley’s expected to take place sometime this sparse water supplies. After it was fi- year. nalized, the new plan drew high praise Both birds nest in willows and small from Noreen Walsh, an acting U.S. cottonwoods found near streams and Fish and Wildlife Service Regional wetlands in the San Luis Valley. In Director. the past, that vegetation was routinely “This plan will allow people to sustain cleared to make way for more crops their rich tradition of working the fer- and cattle. Now, farmers and ranchers tile landscape of the (San Luis) valley, will protect these key nesting areas and while contributing to the conservation create some new ones. of fish and wildlife in their own back- yards,” said Walsh. Yellow-billed Cuckoos in Colorado should benefit from new agreements to protect and restore their riparian habitat in that state. Photo: Owen Deutsch

FWS Expands Critical Habitat for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

has decided to expand “This decision constitutes about a FWS the critical habitat of 65 percent increase in stream miles the Endangered Southwestern Willow designated as critical habitat for this Flycatcher, adding 490 stream miles flycatcher, and about a 75 percent and 88,149 acres of land to this bird’s increase in protected acreage,” said western range. This flycatcher nests Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Advisor in vegetation near rivers, streams, and at ABC. “It’s a major step towards the wetlands. It was added to the federal recovery of the species.” Endangered Species List in 1995; since A critical habitat designation does not that time its habitat has been protect- affect land ownership or establish a ed by the Endangered Species Act. refuge or preserve, and in general has The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher no impact on private landowners tak- ing actions on their land that do not Although the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher was added to is also on the ABC WatchList, which the Endangered Species list in 1995, it still needs conserva- identifies bird species and subspecies require federal funding or permits. tion attention. The recent expansion of its critical breeding in greatest need of immediate conser- The new designation becomes effective habitat by FWS is another step towards full recovery of this subspecies. Photo: Tom Grey vation attention. on February 4, 2013. FEBRUARY 2013 l 19

Native Wildlife Rebounding After Rat Eradication on Palmyra Atoll

almyra Atoll, a 580-acre col- The island is truly rebound- (formerly ‘Rat Island’) of the Aleutian lection of islets located about ing,” said Gregg Howald, North Island chain in the Alaska Maritime 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, America Regional Director at Island National Wildlife Refuge (Bird Calls Phas been given a rat-free bill of health Conservation. Vol. 13, No. 1). one year after about 30,000 rats were The removal of introduced species Although Palmyra is rat-free today, eradicated as part of a major effort to is an effective conservation tool that the threat of reintroducing invasive remove these introduced predators. has been successful on numerous is- species is present anytime a boat or Non-native black rats were likely in- lands across the globe, including the airplane travels to the atoll. A detailed troduced to the atoll during World Galapagos (see sidebar this page), biosecurity plan is in place to mini- War II, and the population rapidly. the Channel Islands off the coast mize the threat of non-native species The invasive rodents ate eggs and of California, and Hawadax Island being introduced to the atoll. chicks of ground and tree-nesting birds, particularly Sooty and White Terns, land crabs, and the seeds and Saving Native Species by Removing Rats from the Galapagos seedlings of native trees. Lava lizards, marine iguanas, and news for Galapagos Penguins and In June 2011, project partners includ- the finches with the famous beaks some extremely rare plants. Snails ing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, — thanks to Charles Darwin, the and geckos thought to be extinct The Nature Conservancy, and Island endemic plants and animals found have started reappearing as well. Conservation began removing rats from on the Galapagos Islands have a place in scientific history. A more ambitious effort to eradi- Palmyra using brodificoum, a rodenti- cate invasive rats was launched cide that has been successfully used in Unfortunately, many of those plants last fall, when helicopters dropped similar projects on other islands. and animals may now be headed about ten tons of rat poison onto toward extinction, due in part to a the Pinzon and Plaza Sur islands. This project was the result of more plague of introduced rats that feed than seven years of planning to ensure on eggs, small animals, and na- Before the poison pellets were that native species were not harmed tive vegetation. By most accounts, dropped, fifty Galapagos Hawks during the removal, and was the first rats first came to the Galapagos were captured and moved to a step in a longer-term effort to restore when they jumped off sailing ships holding center. The birds will be re- the atoll’s ecological balance. 400 years ago. Now, hundreds of leased after the carcasses of all the millions of the rodents infest the poisoned rats have decomposed. “The collaborators did an outstanding 19-island archipelago. Researchers will spend will now job. The science on these efforts has spend at least year checking the been evolving, and while there have A massive rat eradication effort was islands for signs of living rodents. been some learning experiences along launched about a year ago, when the way, the Palmyra effort stands helicopters started dropping tons out as a great example of how to do it of poison pellets onto three of the right and get rid of destructive inva- smaller islands in the Galapagos chain. These pellets, developed sive species while still protecting the by Bell Laboratories, an American native wildlife,” said George Wallace, company, were designed to attract Vice President for Oceans and Islands rodents and repel other animals. at ABC. Spokesmen for Island Conservation, “With the atoll free of rats, we are a leading collaborator in the eradi- already seeing a dramatic increase in cation effort, say the three small many things that rats preyed upon: islands are now rat-free — good Galapagos Hawk: nesting and migratory birds, native Hans Stieglitz tree seedlings, and small invertebrates. 20 l Bird Calls

Restoration Plans and Further Punishment For BP

n the Gulf of Mexico, the com- The second phase of the Early the company demonstrates that it can pany responsible for the gigantic Restoration Plan will feature efforts meet federal environmental standards. Deepwater Horizon oil spill is to restore the habitats needed by BP has appealed to the EPA, asking movingI forward with agreements beach-nesting sea turtles and birds. the agency to reconsider what the to help affected wildlife, even as it Kacy Ray, ABC’s Beach-nesting Bird company has done to help clean up struggles to respond to a ban on new Conservation Officer, said those the catastrophic spill. Spokesmen say federal contracts. efforts were essential. they’ve made great improvements to The oil firm has promised to deliver “The millions set aside to protect their operations since the spill, point- several hundred million dollars for en- beach-nesting birds throughout the ing to new drilling standard that re- vironmental restoration efforts, to be Florida Panhandle and into Alabama portedly exceed federal standards. overseen by representative of affected and Mississippi could do much more Meanwhile, BP has been bracing for states and federal agencies. Some of than help these birds recover,” said another ruling from the federal gov- that money will be spent to rebuild Ray. “It could help them thrive in the ernment that could hit them with big badly oiled beaches, marshes and bar- future.” (Bird Calls, Vol. 15, No. 3). fines related to the civil damage sec- rier islands. Other funds will go to BP has now spent billions to repair tion of the federal Clean Water Act. wildlife conservation projects and to the damage done by the Deepwater The maximum penalty could be as protection of especially sensitive wild- Horizon oil spill, and has paid a $4 high as $50 billion. life areas. billion dollar federal fine. Now, a So far, BP says it has spent $24 billion The first phase of the Early Restoration further punishment has been ad- on clean-up, restoration, and com- Plan includes projects that address ministered by the Environmental pensation related to the oil spill. The coastal habitat damages in four Gulf Protection Agency (EPA), which has company anticipates that it will spend states and restoration efforts for oyster told BP that it’s been blocked from another $7.8 billion to settle outstand- beds, reefs, dunes and recreational new federal grants and contracts until ing claims. boating routes.

Key Bird Law Put At Risk by Unproductive Congress

hen the 112th Congress came to a close on the Americas. Those grants have advanced conservation ef- January 3, 2013, it was quickly branded as one forts for declining migratory species such as the Cerulean of the least productive Congresses in modern Warbler, and for many popular American backyard birds. Wpolitical history. The NMBCA grants program is at risk of being zeroed out Unfortunately, this lack of productivity threatens some because of the Congress’s lack of action. So is NAWCA, important bird conservation programs. For example, which restores wetland habitats beneficial for wildfowl the failure of the Congress to pass Senator Jon Tester’s and other birds. Over the course of the last 22 years it has (D-Montana) S. 3525 “Sportsmen’s Act of 2012” means a helped restore approximately 25 million acres of wetlands. number of conservation programs important for birds will The Sportsman’s Bill drew wide bipartisan support in the expire or run the risk of losing future federal funding. Senate, but encountered problems linked to a language that Bird conservation programs stuck inside in this unpassed would have barred the EPA from regulating lead in bullets bill include the Joint Ventures program, the North and fishing tackle, and a provision that would have allowed American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), the the importation of polar bear trophies into the United federal Duck Stamp program and, perhaps most criti- States. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) objected to cally, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act this language and the bill was eventually pulled. Now it (NMBCA). This is the law that created the NMBCA grants falls to the new Congress to protect these key bird conser- program, the only federal U.S. grants program specifically vation programs. dedicated to the conservation of migrant birds throughout FEBRUARY 2013 l 21

BLM Cuts Annual Bird Deaths in Oil and Gas Fields by Half

igratory bird deaths at oil “Seeing this downward trend in bird and gas operation waste mortality is great news. Enforcement pits have been reduced by of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act M50-75 percent in the last 15 years, sav- by dedicated staff of the FWS and ing an estimated 1-1.5 million birds implementation of Best Management from grisly deaths caused by their Practices by BLM is obviously landing in chemical-laden waste wa- making a difference. The willingness ter pits at oil and gas operations. The of the Department of Justice to Dead bird in oil pit: Pedro Ramirez, FWS. policy document, recently released by prosecute offenses clearly provides the Interior Department’s Bureau of the needed incentive to make sure the Fenwick added,“I have every reason to Land Management (BLM), states that industry shows diligence in following believe that with continued persistence bird mortality has been reduced from the law,” said George Fenwick, by the federal government, this down- about two million per year in 1997 to President of ABC. ward trend in mortality caused by the between 500,000 and 1 million per oil and gas industry will continue.” year today.

Python-Hunting Contest Targets Lurking Threat to Florida’s Native Wildlife

here’s a new development in “There’s a need to raise the sense of them into the wild when they become the fight to stop spread of urgency here,” said Darin Schroeder, too large to keep. Burmese pythons through the Vice President of Conservation In a recent study, scientists collected TFlorida Everglades: a state-sponsored Advocacy at ABC. “These snakes mul- more than 300 Burmese pythons in python hunting contest, with cash tiply quickly, are highly adaptable to Everglades National Park and found prizes for the winners. new environments, and consume a that birds, from the five-inch-long wide variety of prey, including mam- The “Python Challenge” will pay House Wren to the four-foot-long mals, amphibians, lizards, and threat- $1,500 each to the amateur and state- Great Blue Heron accounted for 25 ened and endangered bird species.” licensed snake hunters who catch the percent of the python’s diet in the most pythons between January 12 and Schroeder noted that the new compe- Everglades. February 10, 2013. The amateur and tition follows a Congressional hearing Burmese pythons can grow up to 20 licensed hunters who bag the biggest held on November 29 on H.R. 511, a feet long. The biggest python ever Burmese python will be paid $1,000. bill to ban imports of other constrictor captured in the Everglades – taken snakes that pose a major threat to na- last August – was 17 feet, 7 inches tive wildlife (Bird Calls, Vol. 16, No. long and pregnant with 87 eggs. Last 1). The change, which was supported year, a different python made national by ABC in a letter to the House headlines when it killed and ate a Natural Resources Committee, would white-tailed deer. make importing or transporting these snakes over state lines a federal offense. The contest was developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Long-lived constrictor snakes have Conservation Commission with help done tremendous ecological damage in from University of Florida, the Nature Florida, where people who originally Conservancy, the Wildlife Foundation bought the snakes as pets often release of Florida, and ZooMiami. Burmese python: Lori Oberhofer, FWS. 22 l Bird Calls

establish a second colony in a safe BIRDS IN BRIEF location (Torishima is an active vol- cano). The translocated chicks were Two New Frog Species hand-fed on Mukojima until they Described From Peru fledged. Save the habitats of high-profile A total of 70 Short-tailed Albatross birds and you may end up saving chicks have been translocated since creatures that the world has never 2008; all but one of these fledged suc- seen before. That’s a lesson research- cessfully from Mukojima. The egg in ers with ABC and other groups this first nest on Mukojima belongs have learned many times, and now to a four-year-old male translocated it’s happened again. The latest ex- from Torishima as a chick and an un-

ample was announced in the journal Productions Elements Natural Homel, Greg banded female. Unfortunately, the egg Zootaxa, in an article describing two The biggest factor threatening the did not hatch successfully. However, previously unknown species of frogs it is not uncommon for first nesting found in 2009 in Central Peru. The continued survival of this species is a significant loss of habitat (90 percent) efforts by young albatross pairs to frogs were discovered by researchers fail. Spokesmen for the Yamashina doing survey work in two new re- over the past approximately 100 years due to land conversion for plantations, Institute say they’re optimistic that serves in the area: the Monte Portreo this nesting attempt bodes well for the Municipal Conservation Area and agriculture, and cattle pastures. Much of the Honduran Emerald’s habitat is effort to establish a new population on the San Marcos Private Conservation Mukojima. Area. ABC worked with Asociación now on privately owned land and is Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) to often planted with non-native grasses create the new reserves. for cattle foraging. On a positive note, the Honduran Emerald Habitat Management Area has been expanded by about 2,060 acres and was reclassified as the Honduran Emerald Wildlife Refuge by the Honduran Government in 2011. First Short-Tailed Albatross egg laid on Albatross Short-Tailed First NHK Photo: Mukojima. Anahí Oróz, ECOAN Anahí Oróz, Short-tailed Albatross Land Manager Guides “These discoveries demonstrate that Nesting Attempt on Now Available we still have much to discover in Mukojima Island this part of Peru,” said Anahí Oróz ABC, in cooperation with other en- of ECOAN. The establishment of A milestone has been passed in the vironmental groups, has published these important conservation areas long-term effort to conserve endan- several guides designed to help west- was funded in part by the Gordon & gered Short-tailed Albatrosses in ern landowners conserve birds in Betty Moore Foundation. Japan. In mid-November of 2012, sagebrush/grassland, ponderosa pine Japan’s Environment Ministry and the forest, and oak ecosystems. The guides Honduran Emerald Yamashina Institute for Ornithology provide conservation management Proposed for Listing reported that a Short-tailed breeding methods for threatened bird species, pair had laid an egg on Mukojima The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and for “surrogate” or “focal” birds Island, in the Ogasawara (Bonin) that are representative of particular has proposed listing the Honduran Islands of Japan. Emerald, a hummingbird endemic to habitats. five small valleys in the Honduras, as Researchers had started moving Bob Altman, ABC’s Pacific Northwest Endangered under the Endangered Short-tailed Albatross chicks from Conservation Officer, said the books Species Act. This hummingbird’s Torishima Island (where nearly all of are aimed at “hands-on” managers of population is estimated to be fewer the world’s Short-tailed Albatrosses these ecosystems. ”Our job was to tell than 1,500 and decreasing. nest) to Mukojima in 2008 to FEBRUARY 2013 l 23

them in a user-friendly way what they flyer can be downloaded or ordered in can do to help the target birds thrive.” hard copy at the site. The guides can be accessed at The website also features a slideshow www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/ of bird-friendly buildings, case stud- specialreports.html ies, links to bird-friendly legislation in North America, and information Note to Builders of New about research on bird-friendly glass. Minnesota Stadium: Make It Bird-Friendly Managed Deer Hunt Features Non-lead-Ammo Last May, the Minnesota legislature and the Minneapolis City Council A managed deer hunt with a twist agreed to fund construction of a new was held last fall for hunters with dis- professional football stadium to re- abilities at the Lost Mound Unit of place the aging Metrodome. While the Upper Mississippi River National Eagle: FWS Bald this is good news for fans of the Wildlife & Fish Refuge. The twist was Administration (FAA) to conduct Minnesota Vikings, it could be very that each of hunters was given a free a study of its own. Specifically, the bad news for the region’s birds. box of non-lead shotgun slugs and coalition asked the FAA to find out encouraged to use them on a volun- Conceptual drawings for the new how human pilots would be affected tary basis. The shells were provided by stadium have raised concerns that if steady-burning red obstruction ABC, FWS, and Saving Our Avian it could cause significant mortality sidelights were to be replaced by more Resources (Project SOAR). to birds from collisions with glass bird-friendly white flashing lights. (http://www.twincities.com/sports/ The non-lead shells were provided as The FAA has now conducted those ci_21651983/vikings-stadium-archi- part of an effort to reduce lead poi- studies (Bird Calls Vol. 13, No. 1), tect-be-announced). soning in eagles scavenging on offal and concluded that ability of pilots to (gut piles) left in the field by hunters. Minnesota’s Department of Natural see towers would not be affected by Research has shown that lead bullets Resources (DNR) has already called the elimination of the steady-burning leave small pieces of lead scattered attention this potential problem. In lights, Now, in conjunction with the through carcasses and gut piles. These October 2012, the DNR requested Federal Communications Commission lead fragments are a deadly poison to further study of potential bird col- (FCC), the FAA is taking applica- eagles and other scavenging birds. lisions, citing ABC’s Bird-friendly tions from tower owners who want to Building Design as one of its resources. John Schultz, Non-lead Campaign turn off these lights, which could save Manager at ABC, said he hoped to millions of birds while simultaneously That request has been passed on see more of these voluntary non-lead cutting energy and maintenance costs. to HSK Sports and Entertainment hunts take place in the near future. Group, the company chosen to design “Hunting and the money generated and build the stadium. If you have questions or want more informa- by hunters helps support important tion on our articles, contact Bob Johns at wildlife management programs all over 202-234-7181, x210, ABC Launches Bird or e-mail [email protected] Collision Website the country,” he said. “We need to find ways to get the lead out of those Bird Calls is the newsletter of American Bird The problem of bird deaths caused by Conservancy and is produced for members gut piles without painting hunters in a of ABC and the Bird Conservation Alliance. collisions with glass is receiving more negative light.” Editors: George Fenwick, Steve Holmer, attention as a major source of bird Bob Johns, Jack Morrison, Merrie Morrison, mortality: new research and greater Feds Processing Requests to John Nielson, Mike Parr, Gemma Radko, media coverage are two of the reasons Turn Off Tower Lights George Wallace. for this increased awareness. AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY When research showed that birds are 1731 Connecticut Ave, NW, 3rd Floor To further spread awareness, ABC has more likely to strike communication Washington, DC 20009 created a new bird collision website, 202-234-7181/fax 202-234-7182 towers lit with steady-burning lights, [email protected]/www.abcbirds.org located at http://collisions.abcbirds. ABC, other conservation groups, and Bird Conservation Alliance org. ABC’s Bird-friendly Building representatives of the communication www.birdconservationalliance.org Design publication and home windows industry asked the Federal Aviation 24 l Bird Calls

Red-tailed Hawk: Greg Homel, Natural Elements Productions Help ABC Protect Birds from Dangerous Pesticides!

ou have read in this issue’s editorial that certain 4 Continue to apply pressure to galvanize supporters in dangerous rodenticides are killing raptors, poison- fighting for cancellations and restrictions of organophos- Ying house pets, and sickening children. The Environ- phates and other pesticides which are deadly to song- mental Protection Agency (EPA) is trying to ban the use of birds, raptors, and waterfowl. these super-toxic rat poisons. One of the world's biggest household products companies has refused to comply, in- 4 Educate the public and policy makers about the poten- stead choosing to tie up the agency in years of administra- tially devastating effects of neonicotinoid insecticides tive and judicial proceedings while their products continue on birds, and provide input to the EPA on those under to poison. review.

ABC and its National Pesticide Reform Coalition partners Pesticides don’t just kill pests. have helped dramatically reduce bird deaths from pesti- Please donate today using the enclosed envelope or online cides over the past 16 years, and continue to work on a at www.abcbirds.org­ — not only will you be helping to pro- number of fronts to remove dangerous pesticides from the tect birds and other wildlife, but you will also help make our consumer market. Your support today will help us: shared environment safer. 4 Work with the EPA to restrict the 12 rodenticide formu- lations that pose extreme risk to children, raptors, and other wildlife.