Vol. 13, No. 3 BIRD CALLS October 2009 Victory for Spotted Owl Conservation IN THIS ISSUE merican Bird Conservancy Act for Songbirds Bill and other conservation Advances. Senate Committee groups are celebrating a July reauthorizes the Neotropical announcementA by Secretary of the Migratory Bird Conservation Interior Ken Salazar that the Bureau Act (NMBCA) at higher levels. of Land Management will withdraw Story page 5. the Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR), a controversial logging plan Study Finds Outdoor Cats affecting federal forests in the state. Easy Prey for Coyotes. The Secretary also announced that de- Spotted Owl: Implications for safety of cat cisions by the previous administration ClipArt.com colonies; recommendations to reduce designated Critical Habitat include keeping cats indoors. Administration to withdraw the for the Northern Spotted Owl and Story page 7. Oregon logging plan. implement a flawed Recovery Plan for the species were also being reversed. “These are important steps toward conserving Northern Spotted Owls, ABC is a plaintiff in a lawsuit seeking Marbled Murrelets, and other threat- to halt the Recovery Plan, and has led ened species that rely on old-growth advocacy efforts in conjunction with forest, and in assuring the integrity members of the Bird Conservation of forest management in the Pacific Alliance to convince the Obama
continued on page 2 LaTourrette, Peter Warbler: Hooded www.birdphotography.org ABC Petitions EPA to Ban Import of Pesticide-Treated EPA Puts Brakes on Bird-Killing Pesticide Foods. Ban to include crops n May 2009, the U.S. most deadly pesticides to birds still on containing any traces of 13 Environmental Protection Agency the market. It is responsible for the toxic pesticides. Story page 9. (EPA) announced its final deci- deaths of millions of wild birds since Big Wins for Birds On sionI to ban any residues of the highly its introduction in 1967, including National Forests. Federal toxic pesticide carbofuran on food. Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed judge strikes down 2008 forest Carbofuran is an insecticide sold Hawks, and migratory songbirds,” planning regulations that elimi- under the name Furadan by FMC said George Fenwick, President of nated key wildlife protections. Corporation. The agency’s decision ABC. “This EPA decision marks a Story page 11. confirms a proposed action first an- huge victory for wildlife and the nounced in July 2008, and will ef- environment.” ABC Calls for Action to fectively make it impossible for the Halt Mountaintop Mining. Most uses of carbofuran on food pesticide to be used on any food crop. Proposed bill to halt environ- crops were voluntarily cancelled by This rule becomes effective December mentally devastating practice. FMC in March 2009 following a 31, 2009 to allow for existing stocks Story page 15. proposal by EPA to ban all applica- to be used. For complete list of stories, tions. However, FMC is still fighting see page 2. “Carbofuran causes neurological to maintain other uses, including field damage in humans, and is one of the continued on page 2 Bird Calls
Contents Spotted Owl Conservation Victory, from page 1 Victory for Spotted Owl Conservation 1-2 EPA Puts Brakes on Bird-Killing Pesticide 1-2 Northwest,” said Steve Holmer, ABC’s forests of the Pacific Northwest hold ABC’s Viewpoint: A Critical Time for 3 Decisions on Wind Power Director of the Bird Conservation a globally significant carbon store that Scientists to Investigate Impacts of Wind Energy on Migratory Wildlife 4 Alliance. “The decision to withdraw should be preserved. House Passes Bill to Authorize Joint Ventures 4 the Western Oregon Plan Revisions The WOPR did not undergo con- Act for Songbirds Update: Bill Passes Senate 5 will not only help protect Spotted Owl Committee; Awaits Full Vote sultation under Section 7 of the and Marbled Murrelet habitat, but Reserve Expansion Aids Threatened Species 6 Endangered Species Act, and so en- in Brazil and Peru will also assure that the vast storehouse Bird Trade Continues to Harm Endangered 6 dangered species experts at FWS and Species in South America of carbon contained in these mature National Marine Fisheries Service did Study Finds Outdoor Cats Easy Prey for Coyotes, 7 and old-growth forests is left intact.” Recommends Keeping Cats Indoors not review the plan’s impacts. As a re- Will the Hawaiian Hawk be Removed from the 8 Endangered Species List? The WOPR would have tripled old- sult, the Secretary announced that the ABC Petitions EPA to Ban Import of Food 9 growth logging on federal forests in WOPR was legally indefensible and Containing Pesticide Residues EPA to Review Pesticide Impacts on 10 Oregon managed by the Bureau of must be withdrawn. Endangered Species in the Bay Area Land Management. An estimated EPA Registers Harmful Rodenticide, Opens 10 “This announcement represents not Door to Bird Poisonings 680 known Spotted Owl sites and only a victory for the owls and mur- Big Wins for Birds on National Forests 11 600 Marbled Murrelet sites, as well as New Study to Help Spectacular Hummingbird 12 relets, but for the scientists within the significant additional old-growth habi- Loggerhead Shrikes Clings On in Canada 12 federal government who have strug- States and Communities Tackling Light 13 tat needed for young owls to safely Pollution Harmful to Migratory Birds gled to be heard in past years,” said disperse would have been eliminated. Saltmarsh Birds Threatened by Sea-Level Rise 14 Holmer. “This decision is an encourag- Threatened wild-salmon stocks would Mexican Wetland Threatened with Development 14 ing step in re-establishing the role of FWS Enforces Migratory Bird Treaty Act 15 also have been impacted. ABC Calls for Action to Halt Mtn-top Mining 15 good science in the decision-making Contaminants Plague Osprey in Chesapeake Bay 16 A National Academy of Sciences process”. Contact Steve Holmer, ABC, Two Bird Species Proposed for Canadian Listing 16 Selenium, Ducks, and the Great Salt Lake 17 study (www.pnas.org/content/106/
2 OCTOBER 2009 ABC’s VIEWPOINT A Critical Time for Decisions on Wind Power
t can come as little surprise to learn that wind power is Conservation groups on the committee, and American Bird the fastest growing energy sector in the United States. Conservancy separately in public comments, have drawn a Wind farms are springing up in every state, and the line in the sand, demanding protection for grassland birds. DepartmentI of Energy forecasts 175,000 new turbines to As a result, industry has agreed to large “no-go” buffer be installed before 2030 in the quest to supply 20% of zones around leks (breeding display grounds), tentatively the nation’s energy needs with this renewable, non-CO2 proposed at three to five miles for sage-grouse and 1.5 miles producing source. Unfortunately, areas with reliable, high for prairie-chickens. This would mean substantial areas of winds are often prime habitat for wildlife; from the wide the Great Plains, including portions of Kansas, Wyoming, expanses of open plains that are key breeding grounds for and Idaho, would be off-limits to wind development. This grassland birds to ridge top raptor flyways to songbird mi- is a very significant concession by the wind industry in an gration corridors. At the desired rate of expansion, wind effort to find common ground in protecting sensitive birds. farms will soon fragment more than 30,000 square miles of Industry representatives also promised to consult early with land (greater than the total combined areas of Maryland, the FWS as they develop new wind farm proposals so that Massachusetts, and New Jersey), dotting forested ridges in at-risk species threatened by habitat fragmentation could Appalachia, sagebrush and grassland landscapes throughout be protected in all regions of the country. This is a real leap the West, and other key wildlife habitats across the nation. forward in thinking on industry’s part. Environmentalists and the wind industry have now been The Advisory Committee has not yet addressed the dif- debating for two years about how to develop wind projects ficult issue of how to protect migratory birds when bad while simultaneously protecting birds, bats, and wildlife weather drives flocks into the turbine rotors. This is of habitat. To that end, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s particular concern for wind farms situated along ridge tops, Wind Power Advisory Committee (FAC) met in late throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, along the edges of the September to formulate final recommendations on siting Great Lakes, or on tips of peninsulas such as Cape May, and operation of wind projects across the country. The New Jersey. American Bird Conservancy and Cornell Lab committee has been discussing a set of rules for protecting of Ornithology have organized a team of migration and wildlife while building wind projects, but there have been radar experts, and are developing recommendations and a many conflicts along the way. research agenda to address these problems and knowledge gaps (see article on page 4). FWS will forward our recom- One of the thorniest issues has been the proposal to place mendations in parallel with the FAC recommendations to off limits the breeding areas of sage-grouse and prairie- the Secretary of Interior, so there is hope that these issues chickens, two groups of birds with dramatically declin- will be addressed in the final guidelines next year. ing populations, but which are neither protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act nor the Endangered Species Act. The FAC will likely recommend that their guidelines be The Department of Energy and the wind industry have voluntary, and that the industry be given incentives to fol- maintained that wind projects should be allowed anywhere low the best management practices and processes outlined in the country where there is good wind power potential, therein. American Bird Conservancy believes that these rec- except for specifically protected areas. Conservationists be- ommendations will have greater strength as rules enforce- lieve that development will fragment much of the remain- able under law, giving them the teeth to make a difference ing prairie and sagebrush habitat, and on top of agriculture, in the future of America’s birds and in our progress toward urban development, and oil and gas exploration, could be truly green energy. the final straw for many of their sensitive denizens. While everyone wants clean, renewable energy, it must come at the expense of species extinctions. Wind turbines: stock.xchng
3 Bird Calls Scientists to Investigate Impacts of Wind Energy on Migratory Wildlife hirty top wildlife scientists have compiled a list wind energy facilities, as well as work done by researchers of some of the highest research priorities to help elsewhere. Top research priorities identified by the coalition America’s rapidly growing wind energy industry include more accurately estimating mortality at existing Tprotect birds and bats. The scientists used data gathered wind turbines; documenting how interactions of birds and from cutting-edge tools such as weather surveillance ra- bats with turbines are affected by factors such as weather, dar, thermal imaging, and microphones directed skyward topography, and their distribution near wind turbine to map migrations by day and night. The scientists were blades; and determining best practices for mitigating the brought together at a meeting hosted by ABC, the Cornell impacts of wind energy development on birds and bats. Lab of Ornithology, and the Johnson Foundation. “Imagine if a similar effort had taken place at the turn of “We see great potential in wind energy towards addressing the 20th Century with the auto industry and air quality,” global climate change and reducing America’s reliance on said Kraig Butrum, President and CEO of the American fossil fuels,” said Michael Fry, American Bird Conservancy’s Wind Wildlife Institute, an umbrella organization for the Director of Conservation Advocacy. “It’s critical we act now wind energy industry and environmental groups. “We’d to understand the interactions between wind energy instal- probably be in a completely different place when it comes lations and birds and bats.” to global climate change and energy dependence because we considered environmental impact from the start.” Contact New research will build upon monitoring and studies of Michael Fry, ABC,
House Passes Bill to Authorize Bird Conservation Joint Ventures n July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. North America’s 2188, the Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation most biologically Act of 2009, which was introduced by Rep. Frank diverse streams. KratovilI (D-MD). The bill formally authorizes the FWS The purchase Joint Ventures Program, which has been effectively carrying links together out bird conservation planning and projects since 1987. federal and state Hooded Warbler: Peter LaTourrette, www.birdphotography.com protected lands, “By applying science and bringing people together, Joint and provides breeding habitat for the Cerulean Warbler, Ventures across the United States have created a model whose population is declining throughout its range. The site for solving wildlife management problems and restoring was identified as part of a broader assessment of Cerulean habitats critical to conserving declining species,” said David Warbler habitat carried out by the Central Hardwoods Joint Pashley, ABC’s Vice President for Conservation Programs. Venture under the leadership of ABC’s Jane Fitzgerald. Joint Ventures (JVs) are regional partnerships involving Thanks to the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, ABC federal, state, and local government agencies, conservation is helping reforest abandoned mine lands in Ohio and organizations, corporations, tribes, and individuals, who Virginia, which will help support populations of declining advance conservation efforts and help identify local land bird species including the Wood Thrush, and Cerulean, use priorities. There are currently 21 JVs in the United Blue-winged, and Hooded Warblers. States that provide coordination for conservation planning and implementation to benefit birds and other species. Nationally, Joint Ventures have directed $4.5 billion in conservation spending from federal grants and programs, For example, last year, a coalition including American Bird state conservation dollars, and private donations, and have Conservancy, the Missouri Department of Conservation, protected, restored, or enhanced more than 13 million acres The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Conservation of important habitat for migratory bird species. Contact Heritage Foundation, protected important floodplain David Pashley, ABC,
4 OCTOBER 2009 Act for Songbirds Update: Bill Passes Senate Committee; Awaits Full Vote n important landmark has “We are particularly grateful to all been passed in American “This legislation is urgently those who have emailed their Senators Act for Bird Conservancy’s needed. Nearly half of our and Representatives so far as part ASongbirds Campaign, aimed at gain- of the Act for Songbirds Campaign ing greater funding for migratory bird songbirds are now in decline or through ABC’s automated action sys- conservation in the Americas. The facing serious threats; effective tem, requesting that they support this Senate Environment and Public Works legislation,” said Schroeder. “To date, Committee has passed S. 690, which conservation projects can help us this has resulted in eight Senators and reauthorizes the existing Neotropical to start turning that around.” 14 Representatives cosponsoring the Migratory Bird Conservation Act bills, but we need broader support (NMBCA) at significantly higher Darin Schroeder in both houses to ensure passage this levels to meet the growing needs of Vice President of Conservation Advocacy, ABC year. We encourage everyone to take our migrant birds. The bipartisan bill, this opportunity help to by visiting sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D- “This legislation is urgently needed. www.abcbirds.org/action.” MD) and Michael Crapo (R-ID), now Nearly half of our songbirds are now A brief video on the campaign, Act moves to debate in the full Senate. in decline or facing serious threats; ef- for Songbirds, can be viewed on ABC’s Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) has fective conservation projects can help YouTube Channel, www.youtube. introduced similar legislation in the us to start turning that around,” said com/abcbirds. Contact Anne Law, House of Representatives. Darin Schroeder, ABC’s Vice President of Conservation Advocacy. ABC,
Act for Songbirds Progress to Date
4 ABC raises awareness on the issue of migratory bird funding
4 Legislation introduced in the House
4 Legislation introduced in the Senate
4 Legislation passes out of Senate Committee
WE ARE HERE Legislation passes out of House Committee
Passage in Senate Passage in House
Legislation signed into law by president (TOP) Painted Bunting: Greg Lavaty (BOTTOM) Cerulean Warbler: Frode Jacobsen
Migrating shorebirds: Paul Salaman
5 Bird Calls Reserve Expansion Aids Threatened Species in Brazil and Peru and its Brazilian partner REGUA have ac- piece of land along the western side of the reserve. The ABC quired some important properties to expand property, called Bellavista by its previous owners, is just 58 the Guapi Assu Ecological Reserve in Rio de Janeiro State, acres, but protects an important watershed that supplies Brazil. The new area is key because it contains significant water for the Long-whiskered Owlet Biological Station and amounts of remaining Atlantic Forest, lodge. Additional land acquisitions are also in negotiation and fills a breach between the two main to protect further habitat for the owlet and the other en- parts of the reserve. With this gap filled, dangered species safeguarded by the reserve, and to prevent the reserve now consists of a large con- illegal logging, hunting, and orchid harvesting. tiguous unit of almost 15,000 acres, as Birders visiting Abra Patricia now have a new way well as two separated, smaller units totaling of watching the diverse bird life of the reserve another 2,500 acres. These lands are home with the construction of a new canopy to several threatened birds of the Atlantic observation tower. Visitors can climb Forest, such as the Golden-tailed Parrotlet up to treetop level to observe flocks of and a reintroduced population of the Red- brightly colored songbirds such as the Chestnut-breasted billed Curassow. It is also possible that Chlorophonia, Flame-faced Tanager, and White-eared it contains a remnant population of the Red-billed Curassow art courtesy of BirdLife Solitaire, that normally lead to “birders neck” when seen Kinglet Calyptura, a “lost” species that has from the ground. The tower, which is the first cloud for- not been seen since the late 1990s. est canopy bird observation tower in the Andes, was ABC also recently assisted its Peruvian partner, Asociación built with support from ABC and the Gordon and Betty Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), in expanding the Abra Moore Foundation. For more information contact David Patricia-Alto Nieva Private Conservation Area in the Wiedenfeld, ABC,
Bird Trade Continues to Harm Endangered Species in South America he three juvenile Golden Parakeets pictured here were photographed in Bolivia, where they were found while being transported en route to Peru. TThese endangered birds were illegally caught and smuggled out of Brazil, where they occur in decreasing numbers, primarily in the Amazon Basin of the state of Pará. They were reportedly sold to a Peruvian by a known (and previously jailed) illegal bird trader. These and other threatened birds are protected by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), mak- ing their international transport illegal without permits, but in this case, the Bolivian government failed to confiscate the birds or charge the person transporting them. The illegal bird trade is responsible for declines in the popu- lations of several species, including the Blue-throated and These endangered Golden Parakeets were illegally trapped and smuggled from Lear’s Macaws – two species that ABC is helping to protect Brazil. Photo: Mauricio Herrera through work with its Bolivian and Brazilian partners. Threatened species have benefitted from the long-standing Asia remains a serious threat. For more information, U.S. import ban on all wild-caught birds, and more recent- contact Bennett Hennessy, Asociación Civil Armonía, ly from a similar ban by the European Union. Nevertheless,
6 OCTOBER 2009 Wikipedia.com Study Finds Outdoor Cats Easy Prey for Coyotes, Recommends Keeping Cats Indoors
oyotes regularly “Well-meaning, but misguided feed on TNR practitioners are creating un- outdoorC cats, ac- cording to a scientific safe conditions for domestic cats study, Observations of by releasing them back into areas Coyote-Cat Interactions by Shannon Grubbs of the where they may become prey for University of Arizona and coyotes and other predators.” Paul Krausman of the University of
Montana, published in the Journal of Darin Schroeder Wildlife Management (July 2009). The Vice President of Conservation Advocacy, ABC researchers tracked coyotes in Tucson, Arizona, and observed 36 coyote-cat “Well-meaning, but misguided interactions, of which 19 resulted in TNR practitioners are creating unsafe Cats kept indoors are safe from roving predators such coyotes killing cats. conditions for domestic cats by as coyotes. Photo: stock.xchng releasing them back into areas where Other studies have found that approx- they may become prey for coyotes imately 13% of a coyote’s diet consists According to one source, animal con- and other predators,” said Darin of cats. However, during this study, in trol agents in Austin, Texas have had Schroeder, ABC’s Vice President of the 45 instances when coyotes were to remove coyotes from the vicinity of Conservation Advocacy. “Providing observed feeding, 42% of the meals TNR colonies over liability concerns – an all-you-can-eat buffet for coyotes were cats. The researchers concluded the local coyotes, attracted by cat food is not a sensible solution. We urge that any cat outside in that area is vul- and the easy availability of cat prey, states and communities to reject this nerable to coyote attack, and recom- were losing their fear of people. inhumane approach to the feral cat mended that cat owners keep their problem, and to require responsible “County officials are wrong when cats indoors. care of pets and the removal of feral they say TNR is an effective solution,” This finding raises questions about cats from the wild.” said Schroeder. “The truth is that trap, neuter, and release programs TNR fails to eliminate cat colonies, Despite this risk of predation, TNR (TNR) that catch feral cats, neuter and instead perpetuates many of the has been adopted in areas with them, and then release them back into problems these colonies create, includ- large coyote populations. Arizona’s the wild. ABC has consistently raised ing the predation of birds and other Maricopa County, which is the fourth concerns about TNR programs be- wildlife, risks to human and wildlife largest county in the country with cause these cats kill hundreds of mil- health, and public nuisance.” nearly four million people, has ad- lions of birds each year, and because opted TNR. ABC recently produced a short film, TNR programs do not provide a hu- Trap, Neuter, and Release: Bad for Cats, mane solution for the cats themselves. Disaster for Birds, available on ABC’s YouTube channel
FWS 7 Bird Calls Will the Hawaiian Hawk be Removed from the Endangered Species List? n June, FWS reopened the public island-wide survey every five years be- comment period for the proposed tween 2012 and 2032. Post-delisting removal of the Hawaiian Hawk monitoring ensures that a species orI `Io from the federal list of endan- delisted due to recovery remains se- gered and threatened species. Due to cure from the risk of extinction after the level of interest in this proposal, ESA protections have been removed. FWS provided an additional 60 days The Service can initiate procedures to for the public to submit comments immediately relist the `Io if it experi- regarding the proposed rule and the ences significant declines in numbers draft post-delisting monitoring plan. or distribution. For more informa- ABC believes that due to its small tion, contact George Wallace, ABC, population, downlisting the species to
8 OCTOBER 2009 ABC Petitions EPA to Ban Import of Food Containing Pesticide Residues n August, ABC petitioned the dichlorvos. The Avian Incident U.S. Environmental Protection “Preventing import of crops Monitoring System (AIMS), a Agency (EPA) to ban the import with these pesticide residues database of bird-pesticide interactions ofI crops containing any traces of 13 in the United States maintained by toxic pesticides. These pesticides are will not only encourage for- ABC (www.abcbirds.org/ policy/ highly hazardous to birds, and their eign growers to use safer pes- pesticides), has records of bird deaths resulting from nearly all of the 13 use is either banned or restricted in the ticides… it will also level the United States. However, they are still petitioned pesticides before they commonly used on crops throughout playing field for U.S. farmers were cancelled in the United States. Latin America, where many species of growing the same crops who For example, 388 birds, including U.S. migratory birds spend the winter Cedar Waxwings, Mourning Doves, months. In addition to the risks to have to comply with stringent and Eastern Bluebirds were killed by birds, several of these chemicals also domestic pesticide standards.” fenamiphos in nine separate incidents; pose a risk to agricultural workers. phorate killed nearly 3,000 birds in Michael Fry 32 separate incidents, among them “Allowing residues of these hazard- Director of Conservation Advocacy, ABC Black-necked Stilts, Eastern Bluebirds, ous pesticides on imported food and many waterfowl, and diazinon gives tacit U.S. approval to foreign
Cedar Waxwing: Tom Grey Black-necked Stilt: ClipArt.com Mourning Doves: Gary Smyle countries to use chemicals that are use there can pose a significant threat has been documented as the culprit in known to be deadly to our migratory to bird populations. more than four hundred incidents that birds,” said Michael Fry, American have left over 4,000 birds dead. These “Preventing import of crops with Bird Conservancy’s Director of U.S. data are a likely indication of these pesticide residues will not only Conservation Advocacy. “EPA has similar bird deaths in Latin America. encourage foreign growers to use safer an obligation under Executive Order pesticides and implement integrated The petition was posted to the Federal 13186, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, pest management practices that re- Register on September 1, 2009, ini- and the Endangered Species Act to duce overall pesticide use, it will also tiating a 60-day public comment ensure that migratory birds are not level the playing field for U.S. farmers period. If you would like to send harmed. This petition is an entirely growing the same crops who have to comments, see www.regulations.gov/ new approach to ensuring that those comply with stringent domestic pesti- search/Regs/home.html#submitCom obligations are fulfilled.” cide standards,” said Fry. ment?R=0900006480a1a51f. Many of the Latin American countries The full petition is available at Specifically, ABC is seeking to that currently use these pesticides ex- www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/ revoke the import tolerances for port coffee, bananas, citrus crops, and releases/090730_petition.html. cadusafos, cyproconazole, diazinon, other produce to the United States. dithianon, diquat, dimethoate, Contact Michael Fry, ABC, Agricultural areas – in particular shade fenamiphos, mevinphos, methomyl,
9 Bird Calls California Clapper Rail: EPA to Review Pesticide Impacts on Glen Tepke Endangered Species in the Bay Area n July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed settlement of a lawsuit initiated by the Center for Biological Diversity relating toI pesticides and endangered species in the San Francisco Bay area. The suit claims that EPA has not complied with toxicity, or indirectly by destroying habitat or reducing the Endangered Species Act by failing to consult with FWS food availability. Sub-lethal exposure to pesticides can af- scientists. Under Section 7 of the Act, consultations are fect behavior, reproduction, and nervous system function. required to establish that EPA’s actions regarding the regis- Changes in bird behavior may lead to increased predation tration and re-registration of pesticides will not jeopardize and nest abandonment. the survival and recovery of listed species, or destroy or ad- “The California Clapper Rail only inhabits marshes around versely modify their critical habitat. San Francisco Bay, and numbers fewer than 1,000 birds,” More than 900 pesticides are registered for use in said Moira McKernan, ABC’s Pesticides and Birds Program California, and over 61 million pounds of pesticide active Director. “FWS considers the Clapper Rail to be vulnerable ingredients were applied to the Bay Area from 1999-2005. to pesticides from runoff that can affect its insect food sup- Pesticide-laden runoff can pose acute and chronic problems ply.” to wildlife. If the court agrees with the proposed settlement As a result of the suit, the EPA may have to impose greater agreement, it would require EPA to review the health ef- restrictions on the 74 pesticides in the eight San Francisco fects of 74 pesticides on 11 listed vertebrates, including the Bay area counties affected, including establishing buffer California Clapper Rail, by 2014. zones around application areas to reduce runoff. It also has Pesticides used within one mile of California Clapper the potential to create a precedent that will have a huge Rail habitat include acephate, aldicarb, azinphos-methyl, impact on the way EPA registers and reregisters pesticides. chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, naled, and permethrin. These Moira McKernan, ABC,
EPA Registers Harmful Rodenticide, Opens Door to Bird Poisonings onservationists are concerned over a recent failed to consider the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision secondary poisoning to register the poison Rozol (chemical name effects of Rozol on migratory Cchlorophacinone) to kill prairie dogs. This chemical has birds. been registered in the past to kill pest rodents such as mice and rats, but this new use could also lead to large ABC met in person with EPA officials to object to numbers of birds of prey being poisoned after they feed on their handling of the registration process, and Audubon of the poisoned animals. Landowners are supposed to pick Kansas wrote a detailed letter to the EPA about its concern up carcasses found above ground, but animals can die up with the widespread use of Rozol throughout the Great to three weeks after application, so many prairie dogs will Plains. Their comment noted that eagles, hawks, swift foxes, likely be missed, eaten by scavengers before they can be badgers, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets all face the pros- collected, or preyed on before they succumb to the poison. pect of secondary poisoning from Rozol on millions of acres. The Ferruginous Hawk is a species of particular concern There are other rodenticides, such as zinc phosphide, al- in this area, and the black-footed ferret, one of the most ready registered for use on prairie dogs, that have little to endangered mammals in the world, preys exclusively upon no risk of secondary poisoning when used according to prairie dogs. The ferret is listed under the Endangered label instructions. ABC believes that, given the risks to en- Species Act, but EPA has failed to undertake mandatory dangered species and predatory birds, and the availability consultations with FWS scientists to ensure that they are of an acceptable alternative, the use of Rozol for prairie not harmed by this new use of Rozol. In addition, EPA has dogs should be discontinued. Contact Michael Fry, ABC,
11 Bird Calls New Study to Help Spectacular Hummingbird
merican Bird Conservancy (ABC) and its Peruvian partner Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) have collaborated with a number of Aother authors to produce a new report that will help ad- vance conservation in one of the world’s bird diversity hot- spots. The report, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Connie and Jeff Woodman Family Foundation, finds that most of the species at greatest risk in the Marañon-Alto Mayo region of the Andes Mountains currently have little or no protected habitat. Conservation groups now plan to use the report to guide land protection Marvelous Spatuletail: Greg Homel efforts in the region. eastern forests). This study identified 64 bird species of “Together, ABC and ECOAN have succeeded in protecting conservation importance in the Marañon, with a subset vital habitat for many of Peru’s threatened species, includ- of 28 bird species of the highest conservation priority. ing the endangered Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird Twenty-six of these are endemic to Peru, and four have and Long-whiskered Owlet, both of which are found been identified by the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) only in the Marañon-Alto Mayo Conservation Corridor,” as restricted to single, small areas, the protection of which is said study co-author Hugo Arnal, ABC’s Director of essential if the species are to survive. International Sustainable Conservation. “But there are “This work highlights the critical need to protect the many other species here that remain unprotected, and this Marañon-Alto Mayo Conservation Corridor,” said study helps prioritize future conservation work to ensure ECOAN’s President Constantino Aucca, another of the the best results can be achieved with critical conservation study authors. “Even though the region is considered a dollars.” high conservation priority, barely 0.1% of it is actually The Marañon-Alto Mayo Conservation Corridor protected.” constitutes a rugged and varied landscape covering over The study and associated maps and satellite images can be six million acres in northern Peru, and includes high downloaded from www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/interna- conservation priority desert, dry forest, and yungas (a tional/action/maranon.html. Contact Hugo Arnal, ABC, transitional zone between the Andean highlands and the
Loggerhead Shrike Clings On In Canada he tiny Canadian breeding population of the tat conservation, if the species is to remain a Canadian Loggerhead Shrike is still clinging to existence, breeding species in the long-term. and thanks to conservation action has seen a small The reasons for the shrike’s precipitous decline in eastern Tincrease in recent years from 18 pairs in 1997 to 27 in North America are still poorly understood. The species once 2008. A captive-breeding and release ranged throughout the eastern portion of the United States program managed by Wildlife from Florida north to Canada, but it is now rare north of Preservation Canada has had North Carolina. The fact that the species can find suitable some impact on the shrike’s habitat in southern Canada suggests that there may be some recovery, but there is still significant chance of recovery elsewhere if we can fully understand the work to do, including expanded habi- precise reasons for the original decline. Possibilities include the loss of grassland and scrub habitats, and pesticide im- pacts, but further study is still needed. For more detailed information on this study, see Loggerhead Shrike: Tom Grey www.wptc.org/wildlife/shrike.php.
12 OCTOBER 2009 States and Communities Tackle Light Pollution Harmful to Migratory Birds
ommunities are starting to on astronomy and star gazing, passed Skyglow, also called light waste or light attack the problem of light the first legislation in the United pollution, is light which is carelessly pollution, which is harmful States to reduce “skyglow”. Chicago or deliberately emitted upwards from Cto migratory birds, through voluntary started the first voluntary Lights poorly aimed or badly designed lamps. programs and also through legislation. Out project in the United States, This unnecessary lighting is responsi- Inspired by Audubon Minnesota’s spurred by increasing bird mortality ble for an array of problems, including voluntary Lights Out program, the caused by the growing number of tall the deaths of thousands of migrating state of Minnesota recently enacted buildings. Now, all tall buildings in birds each year. a law requiring all state-owned and the downtown area dim lights for five Many bird species migrate at night, leased buildings (totaling more than orienting to stars and the Earth’s mag- 5,000) to turn off their lights after netic field. Artificial lights can confuse midnight during spring and fall migra- Lights Out programs now exist in the migrants, particularly on overcast tion seasons. ABC is currently work- many cities, including Toronto, nights when stars are not visible and ing with the San Francisco Board of Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, birds fly low. Birds in large numbers Supervisors, which is considering an will circle buildings, towers, and other ordinance requiring all commercial Indianapolis, and Boston. lighted structures until they collide buildings to turn off lights after 9 pm, with the structure or each other, or or one hour after the close of regular drop from exhaustion. To compound business. months each year, saving an estimated the problem, some lights used to Detroit Audubon’s Project Safe Passage 10,000 birds annually, as well as mark towers and bridges for airplane inspired Michigan Governor Jennifer significant amounts of electricity. navigation were recently shown to also Granholm to proclaim spring and fall “Many people didn’t understand disrupt birds’ magnetic orientation – migration periods as Safe Passage Great why the birds were dying. Once they a double whammy. Lakes Days in Michigan, since 2006. learned it was due to the lights, they We hope that these examples of com- This March, the Michigan House were happy to help,” said Linda Day munities taking action will inspire of Representatives passed HR 31, a Harrison, President of BW Phillips similar efforts across the country, until resolution to encourage the Michigan Realty Partners, and a member of Lights Out is no longer the excep- Department of Natural Resources the Building Owners and Managers tion but the rule. The popularity of and the Michigan Public Service Association of Chicago. Lights Out the Earth Hour anti-global warming Commission to promote Project Safe programs now exist in many cit- campaign
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13 Bird Calls Saltmarsh Birds Threatened by Sea-Level Rise
pecies of marsh birds such as the Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Willet, Seaside Sparrow, and Marsh Wren could experience 80% population declines Sin the Chesapeake Bay region if sea-levels rise by three to The Black Rail and other saltmarsh species will be severely impacted by predicted six feet by the year 2100. The analysis by the Center for sea-level rise. Photo: Greg Lavaty Conservation Biology of William and Mary College found that sea-level rise will be particularly harmful to the Black that remains is whether any sort of effective mitigation Rail, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Henslow’s Sparrow, which exists that will allow salt marshes to move further inland. rely solely on irregularly flooded high marsh. The scientists’ Many of these areas are now developed, and may demand simulation found that many of the known breeding sites of hard barriers to keep the ocean at bay. This could squeeze these species would be inundated by rising waters. salt marsh habitat out of existence, and with it, many bird species that have evolved there. See www.ccb-wm.org for Sea-level rise is a particularly acute problem for the more information. Chesapeake Bay, which is already losing marshland twice as fast as the global average due to natural subsidence caused Another study has found that as much as half of California by movement in the North American plate. The region could be occupied by new bird communities by 2070, supports approximately 30% of the salt marsh along the according to PRBO Conservation Science and other re- Atlantic Coast, and 60% of the salt marsh north of the searchers. While the movement of individual species as Carolinas. result of climate change is already being documented, this study broke new ground by determining that entire new The researchers simulated the loss of marshes from rising assemblages of birds are likely to result, with uncertain ocean waters, currently predicted to globally rise between consequences. For more information on this study, see a two and six feet by the end of this century. One question www.prbo.org.
Mexican Wetland Threatened with Development
he Mexican Government is and pesticide runoff, have already permitting the industrial been shown to have had some ef- development of Laguna de fects on this vital habitat. CuyutlanT in Colima, Mexico, the fourth largest mangrove lagoon in Laguna de Cuyutlan lost its legal the nation, and the largest wetland environmental protection after the within a 700-mile span along the Mexican government accepted rec- Pacific Coast. The lagoon is on the Elegant Tern: Tom Grey ommendations for development based principal western migratory corridor for 89 species of on a three-month environmental impact study. The waterbirds and shorebirds, 22 of which are at risk, includ- state and federal laws protecting mangroves and wetland ing the Magnificent Frigatebird, Clapper Rail, Wilson’s habitat have been set aside in favor of industrial interests. and Snowy Plovers, Least, Elegant, and Gull-billed Terns, The decision is being challenged in court by local envi- Western Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, and Heermann’s ronmental groups, led by Bios Iguana, who brought their Gull. case to the tri-national Commission for Environmental Cooperation, which was set up as part of the North Construction of an access canal for liquified natural gas American Free Trade Agreement. The case is still pend- container vessels is expected to raise the concentration of ing, but unfortunately, construction continues until the salt and water levels throughout the lagoon system, which Commission rules on the legality of the permits, despite would kill species of mangrove and fish not adapted to the fact that there has been no scientific demonstration these new conditions. As a result, many species of reptiles, that these species will be unaffected as required by Mexican mammals and invertebrates could lose their habitat and law. Contact Esperanza Salazar Zenil, Bios Iguana, food supply. The ongoing local uses of the area, including
14 OCTOBER 2009 FWS Taking Action to Enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act n two separate cases, oil giant Colorado, which received some of the Wyoming, the National Fish and ExxonMobil and PacificCorp, oiled birds. Wildlife Foundation, the Murie a major electric utility, recently Audubon Society of Casper, PacificCorp similarly pleaded guilty pleadedI guilty to killing eagles and Wyoming, and the Native American under the MBTA to electrocuting other migratory birds, and will pay Fish and Wildlife Society for projects 232 Golden Eagles and other fines that will be used to support to conserve raptors and eagles. migratory birds on its power lines in a wildlife rehabilitation center in Wyoming between 2007 and 2009. “Both of these cases represent a wel- Colorado, and to fund raptor re- The company has agreed to pay come and significant change in at- search and conservation projects in $1,410,000 in fines and restitution, titude by the Department of Justice, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. and spend an additional $9.1 million which has often been reluctant to ExxonMobil was convicted under the to repair or replace equipment prosecute wildlife kills under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to protect migratory birds from MBTA in the past,” said Michael of failing to protect 85 birds from future electrocution. The agreement Fry, ABC’s Director of Conservation entering and dying in open oil tanks with PacificCorp follows years of Advocacy. “ABC hopes that these cases and pits at oil production fields in five failure by the utility to use readily will bring about a marked change in states between 2004 and 2009. The available techniques to prevent raptor the behavior of utility and oil com- company will have to pay $600,000 in electrocutions. panies operating in the West, where fines and spend $2.5 million modify- neglect has frequently killed protected Funds from the fine will be distrib- ing the oil facilities to prevent future birds.” Contact Michael Fry, ABC, uted to conservation organizations, injury to birds. They will also donate
ABC Calls for Action to Halt Mountaintop Mining epresentatives Frank Pallone mountains are removed to access coal and government scrutiny. New legisla- (D-NJ) and Dave Riechert seams, and millions of tons of rock tion could finally put an end to the (R-WA) have introduced leg- and fill are dumped into surround- destruction. “This legislation is es- Rislation that could bring an end to the ing valleys. Entire mountainsides are sential to keep mountaintop mining environmentally devastating process turned into barren plateaus, streams operations from inflicting irrevocable of mountaintop coal mining. The bill, and their aquatic life are buried forever damage to mountain forest and ripar- H.R. 1310, would amend the Clean under an avalanche of fill, and for- ian ecosystems that many bird species Water Act to clarify the definition of ests are decimated. More than 1,200 depend on,” said Darin Schroeder, “fill material” and prevent mountain- miles of streams and river valleys in ABC’s Vice President of Conservation top mining waste from being dumped Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Advocacy. “By taking action today, into nearby valleys. Senators Ben Tennessee have been turned into bar- citizens can help the Cerulean Warbler Cardin (D-MD) and Lamar Alexander ren moonscapes by mountaintop min- and other bird species of conservation (R-TN) have introduced a compan- ing activities so far. concern.” ion bill in the Senate, S. 696, “The The most notable bird species harmed ABC encourages you to contact your Appalachia Restoration Act”, which by this practice is the Cerulean lawmakers and urge them to cospon- accomplishes the same task. If the Warbler, which prefers mature forests sor the new legislation. Visit www. legislation passes and is signed into on ridgetops, and whose core breed- abcbirds.org/action to send letters law, it would force the Army Corps of ing range falls within the Appalachian to your Senators and Representative Engineers to re-evaluate how it issues coalfield region. Since surveys began today through ABC’s automated ac- permits for mountaintop mining. the 1960s, the Cerulean Warbler pop- tion system. Contact Darin Schroeder, Mountaintop removal/valley fill coal ulation has declined by 70%. ABC,
15 Bird Calls Contaminants Plague Osprey in Chesapeake Bay esearch is finding that environmental contami- which affected their reproductive nants are still a potential threat to Ospreys in success. Birds exposed to the high- the Chesapeake Bay, which supports the world’s est dose laid fewer fertile eggs ten Rlargest concentration of the species with more than 2,000 days later than non-exposed birds, pairs. Barnett Rattner and his U.S. Geological Survey co- and produced fewer hatchlings and workers examined Osprey eggs in the bay for DDT and fledglings. These effects are similar other organochlorine pesticides. They found DDT and its to those of DDT on predatory rap- metabolites to be at less than half the levels reported in the tors, and may be contributing to the 1960s and ‘70s, but total organochlorine concentrations decline of American Kestrels. in eggs were only slightly lower than those reported in the Most mixtures of PBDEs have been 1970s. After publication of Rachel Carson’s landmark book Osprey: Greg Lavaty voluntarily withdrawn from the mar- Silent Spring, almost all organochlorines, including DDT ket, and they are banned in California, were banned, but their presence is still felt. but this group of chemicals is persistent in the environ- Of growing concern is another group of chemicals that oc- ment, and Ospreys, Kestrels, and other birds are likely to cur in the environment as a result of the use of flame retar- be exposed for many years to come. dants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are similar Although Osprey populations are currently at near record in many ways to organochlorines, and have been linked to high levels, ABC’s Casey Lott had this word of caution: toxic effects in human and animal studies. PBDEs were de- “Current success does not predict the future for recovering tected in Chesapeake Bay Osprey eggs by Rattner and his bird species such as the Osprey and Peregrine Falcon that colleagues. ABC’s Pesticides and Birds Program Director, accumulate contaminants in their systems. It is essential to Moira McKernan, has studied the effects of PBDEs in bird continue monitoring populations so we know that previous eggs, and concludes that the chemical levels Rattner re- recovery efforts are not being reversed. If we stop monitor- corded would be lethal to developing embryos. ing, how will we detect the next DDT?” A recent study found that a mixture of flame retardants For more information, contact Moira McKernan, ABC, caused egg shell thinning in captive American Kestrels,
Two Bird Species Proposed for Canadian ESA Listing n April, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) met to assess Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. The Magdalen Canadian wildlife species that may be at risk of extinc- Island population of the grebe, in the province of Quebec, tion.I As a result, two more bird species were added to their was listed as endangered. This small breeding colony list of threatened and endangered wildlife—the Whip- (averaging just 15 adults) has persisted here for at least a poor-will and the Horned Grebe. century, but has recently shown declines in both size and area of occupancy. The assessment of the Whip-poor-will as threatened was based on a new status report presented to the Committee, COSEWIC is an independent committee of experts that which showed both long- and short-term population de- assesses and designates which wildlife species are in danger clines, possibly totaling more than 30% over the past ten of disappearing from Canada. The Government of Canada years. As with other aerial foraging insectivores, habitat loss takes COSEWIC’s designations into consideration when and degradation, as well as changes to the insect prey base establishing the legal list of wildlife species protected by its were cited as likely causes. Endangered Species Act. After receiving COSEWIC’s rec- ommendation, the Minister of the Environment can either The Horned Grebe was designated as a species of special choose to list the species, ask for more information, or de- concern (one level below threatened and two below cide against listing altogether. Before making his decision, endangered) due to loss and degradation of its wetland however, he must consult with key Canadian stakeholders, habitat and pressure on its wintering areas. Canada has including First Nations, and open up a public comment approximately 92% of the North American breeding period. For more information visit www.cosewic.gc.ca and range of this species, which is found in the provinces of www.ec.gc.ca. 16 OCTOBER 2009 Selenium, Ducks and the Great Salt Lake he State of Utah recently Utah has proposed a selenium limit of waterbirds, including ducks, shore- proposed a new rule on the ten parts per million in the Great Salt birds, and grebes, but this case goes discharge of selenium into Lake, which lab studies have shown beyond the health of the lake itself. Tthe Great Salt Lake to protect nesting will protect 90% of mallard eggs. The Utah decision will set a precedent waterfowl. The rule was prompted However, FWS stated that this level for selenium discharges throughout the by mining activities and agricultural needs to be halved to protect 100% of United States, including California’s runoff, which have the potential to duck embryos, as required under the Central Valley, the Salton Sea, and dis- increase selenium concentrations to Migratory Bird Treaty Act. charges from mountaintop coal mining toxic levels over the next few years. in Appalachia (see article on page 15). The Great Salt Lake is an ABC- In 2005, EPA approved selenium dis- Selenium contamination of wetlands designated Globally Important Bird charges from mountaintop coal mining has been a problem in much of the Area because of its significance as a over the objections of FWS and USDA arid West due to its presence in agri- stopover site for millions of migrating Forest Service scientists. This decision cultural drainage and irrigation runoff. allowed the continued mining and dis- In 1982, deformed duck embryos at charge into rivers without costly clean- Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge up of the selenium contamination. in California caused the closure of the refuge. Ever since, FWS has carefully The EPA Office of Water must now monitored selenium buildup in rivers make a decision on the Utah rule, and wetlands throughout the United which is expected before the end of States. 2009. Contact Michael Fry, ABC,
Idaho Plan to Kill Pelicans Lacks Justification he Idaho Department of Fish Since 2002, the pelican populations pelican predation relative to other and Game has accepted a con- at the two main Idaho colonies have trout mortality factors, implies cause troversial management plan grown tremendously. At the Blackfoot and effect relationships without Tfor American White Pelicans, which Reservoir, there are now 2,400 breed- statistical support, and appears to use proposes to reduce pelican predation ing birds, up from 1,400, and on Lake pelicans as a scapegoat for the myriad on Yellowstone cutthroat trout and Walcott on the Snake River, the popu- issues facing native trout populations. Bonneville cutthroat trout. The plan lation has increased tenfold, to 4,000 In 2004 and 2008, Idaho listed the calls for killing thousands of birds – birds. Meanwhile, according to the pelican as critically imperiled, because approximately 200 birds per month Idaho Department of Fish and Game, it has fewer than 10,000 individuals over the five-year term of the plan – to the number of spawning trout fell from in just two colonies. Ninety percent of achieve a 70% reduction at one of the 4,700 in 2001 to only 14 in 2005. the pelican’s diet is non-game fish such pelican colonies and a 50% drop over- ABC and several other conservation as chub. Yet the state wants to reduce all. Managers want to kill the pelicans organizations expressed concern about numbers to just 700 breeding birds at because they believe them responsible the plan and submitted comments the Blackfoot Reservoir and 2,100 in for declining fish populations. encouraging the managers to avoid Lake Walcott. killing the birds. In particular, Because the pelicans are migratory ABC feels that the plan did not birds, they are federally protected convincingly argue that pelicans were under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. limiting trout populations, given other In order to kill them, state biologists pressures on the fish. For example, must receive a “take” permit from poor water management during the FWS. No application has been sub- spawning season decimated the trout mitted thus far. For more information, population after 2001. The plan fails contact Jessica Hardesty Norris, ABC, to analyze the scope and effect of
Swamp shooting has been taking place on Barbados for High numbers of American Golden-Plovers are still being shot in Barbados generations, and is reminiscent of the mass bird-shootings swamps each season. Photo: Greg Lavaty. and market hunting prevalent in the United States dur- ing the latter part of the 19th Century in its uncontrolled, financing restoration of the area. Bird Studies Canada and indiscriminate take of birds. As many as 30,000 to 45,000 BirdLife Caribbean have also contributed funds to support Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, the future management of this sanctuary. American Golden-Plovers, and other shorebirds are shot “I ran a campaign to seek either policing of the shooting each year. Observers have noted the high numbers of swamps by monitoring and controls, or preferably, to get American Golden-Plovers being taken, amounting to as it outlawed altogether,” said wildlife conservationist Mike much as 5% of the total population each year. Shemilt, a former resident of the island who has tirelessly All species are shot regardless of their scarcity; there is even campaigned for an end to the hunts. “This included lobby- an instance of the (now probably extinct) Eskimo Curlew ing the then-opposition political party in Barbados, which being shot in the Barbados swamps in the mid 1960s. became the governing party at the last general election.” Although native Barbadian Maurice Hutt wrote a paper Although the new Prime Minister and his Minister of decrying this wholesale slaughter in 1991, no action was Environment have stated their intention to ban the prac- taken at the time, largely due to the influence of a small tice of swamp shooting, to date, nothing has been done to but politically powerful group of shooters, who continue to stop the annual slaughter of migrating shorebirds. You can promote the practice to this day. write or e-mail the Minister of the Environment to express Recently, though, there have been some positive develop- your views on the continued shorebird hunts: The Rt Hon. ments. Packers Conservation Wetland, a ten-acre former Dr Esther Byer Suckoo, Minister for the Environment, 1st shooting swamp is now being operated as a bird sanctuary Floor, The S.P. Musson Building, Bridgetown, Barbados, by two former hunters who have leased the land and are West Indies, or at
Greater (left) and Lesser (right) Yellowlegs are only two of the shorebird species threatened by unrestricted shooting in Barbados swamps. Photos: Greg Lavaty.
18 OCTOBER 2009 ABC Works to Include AZE in the Convention on Biological Diversity n October 2010, government chart progress of biodiversity preserva- leaders from around the world tion is an enormous challenge due to will meet in Nagoya, Japan to the diversity of organisms worldwide. discussI numerous conservation topics By protecting sites that are the last at the tenth Conference to the Parties refuges of critically endangered and of the Convention on Biological Parr Mike Photo: endangered species, AZE offers a Diversity. Though the United States simple, straightforward method of has yet to join, the Convention pro- AZE offers a simple, protecting global biodiversity. vides an unprecedented opportunity to straightforward method to focus the international community on Recently, the scientific body that save critically endangered and the plight of the world’s most threat- recommends indicators to the ened species. Convention, the Biodiversity Indicator endangered species that are Partnership, adopted AZE as a sub- Through the Alliance for Zero restricted to single sites. indicator under ‘Coverage of Protected Extinction (AZE), ABC and other Areas’. The inclusion of AZE will leading conservation organizations make the convention’s targets both are working with the global scientific reserves. The economic value from more achievable and more focused. and conservation community to help tourism, carbon sequestration, and Some countries such as Brazil and ensure the maximum benefit for the watershed protection are further in- Colombia are already working to pro- rarest species through the implementa- centives to safeguard these areas. Now tect these sites and their species, which tion of the Convention. By providing that the Convention is poised to adopt are typically endemic to a given coun- feedback to the Secretariat, ABC is AZE as an indicator, this proven strat- try and a source of national pride. aiming to challenge governments to egy will likely be a centerpiece for the continued protection of most imper- better protect their biodiversity and to ABC has contributed to the protec- iled species in the Americas. For more aid countries to better monitor their tion of many AZE sites and species information, contact Mike Parr, ABC, success towards the 2010 biodiversity throughout Latin America, predomi-
Nesting Sites Found for Rare Peruvian Tern team of researchers sponsored is categorized as endangered on the by ABC located 14 new nest- IUCN Red List. The observations that ing sites for the endangered formed the basis for that decision were APeruvian Tern, five of which are in made in the 1970s and 1990s. In the Peru. According to an article published recent study, a team compiled the in- earlier this year in Bird Conservation formation on distribution, numbers, International (Vol. 19:175–186), wet- habitat use, and threats of Peruvian lands are a more important habitat Terns that has become available be- for the tern than previously supposed, tween 2003 and 2008. but threats are mounting across their “The human population explosion range. “Its habitat is disappearing as Peruvian Tern and chick: Patricia Saravia on the coast of Peru has been ter- quickly as we can look for it,” said the rible for these birds,” said Jessica study’s lead author, Carlos Zavalaga. land conversion to agriculture, and Hardesty- Norris, co-author of the presence of feral cats and dogs.” Peruvian Terns breed in the sandy des- the article, and Director of ABC’s Contact Jessica Hardesty Norris, ABC, ert plains of coastal Peru and northern Seabird Program. “The birds usually
19 Bird Calls New Greater Sage-Grouse Numbers May Influence FWS Listing Decision, Threaten Wind Energy Development new FWS report heightens potential conflicts with its sagebrush habitat. Recent, additional threats include Wyoming’s burgeoning wind industry and Greater drought, coalbed methane extraction, and the develop- Sage-Grouse conservation. New survey results ment of wind power. It is now found primarily in eastern Ashow average declines in sage-grouse populations on their Montana, Wyoming, northwestern Colorado, Utah, south- breeding grounds of 30% between 2006 and 2008, and ern Idaho, Nevada, southeastern Oregon, and northeastern researchers are expecting the trend to continue in 2009. California. There is also an isolated population in central Although the new survey numbers are down, they are more Washington. than double the population in the mid-1990s, and still up Listing would almost certainly impact the development of from 2002-2003 numbers. wind farms, whose footprints destroy breeding sites and Three listing petitions to include the Greater Sage-Grouse whose turbines disturb courtship behavior, and would under the Endangered Species Act have been filed. In also affect cattle grazing and methane extraction opera- 2005, the Bush Administration issued a decision that the tions. Conflicts with the sage-grouse have already caused species did not warrant listing, but that decision was later one company, Houston-based Horizon Wind Energy, to overturned in court for failure to consider the best science pull out of a wind farm construction project in Wyoming, (see Bird Calls Vol. 12, No. 2), and FWS now has until and in a July letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the February 26, 2010 to issue a new decision. American Wind Energy Association, Interwest Energy Alliance, and Renewable Northwest Project wrote that Once widespread over much of western North America, placing core sage-grouse areas off-limits to wind develop- the Greater Sage-Grouse has suffered a huge range con- ment would result in the loss of more than $20 billion in traction over the past 200 years due to urbanization and capital investment. Contact Gavin Shire, ABC, agricultural development that have eliminated most of
Montana Easement Protects Habitat for Migrant Waterfowl hanks in part to efforts by ABC, the Flathead Land The easement was purchased using funds from a North Trust recently signed a conservation easement with American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant. the owners of one of the highest quality wetlands ABC staff provided technical support, including identifica- inT the Flathead Valley of northwest Montana. This valley tion of bird habitat benefits, field surveys of spring water- is one of 22 Bird Habitat Conservation Areas designated fowl at the site, and GIS support. ABC works closely with by the Montana Bird Conservation Partnership, an effort the land trust and their “River to Lake” Initiative, designed spearheaded by ABC for the Intermountain West Joint to protect valuable riparian habitats along the Flathead Venture. The easement protects 295 acres on the interior River and north shore of Flathead Lake. of Church Slough, an oxbow of the Flathead River that is The Church Slough property was a key site, not only be- heavily used by migrant waterfowl, especially in spring. cause it is so important to migrant and breeding birds, Thousands of Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails, and but because it can serve as an “anchor” property for ad- American Wigeon feed here from late March through April ditional habitat protection efforts along a portion of the on their way north. The property currently provides habi- river where development pressures have been mounting tat for Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Sandhill Cranes, Red-naped and family farmers are looking for long-term conservation Sapsuckers, Vaux’s Swifts, Willow Flycatchers, and many alternatives for their lands. other birds, and includes the potential for a growing local “American Bird Conservancy has been a valuable partner Trumpeter Swan population. in our efforts to achieve our conservation vision,” says “There were more swans here this spring than we have seen Marilyn Wood, Executive Director of the Flathead Land in years,” said landowner Ben Louden, who has also volun- Trust. “We see the protection of bird habitat and our wa- tarily removed his cattle from the land to improve riparian terways as critical to long-term ecological health and qual- habitat conditions. “We are glad to protect the future of ity of life here in the Flathead Valley.” Contact Dan Casey, these habitats for the sake of the birds and other wildlife.” ABC,
20 OCTOBER 2009 Ashy Storm-Petrel Not Endangered, Says Interior Department he Department of the instantly decimate a large percentage Interior announced on of the global population. Artificial August 19, 2009 that the light at night is another growing threat AshyT Storm-Petrel, an imperiled to nocturnally active seabirds such seabird, does not warrant protection as the Ashy Storm-Petrel. Lights on under the Endangered Species Act. boats, oil and gas platforms, and other The Department acknowledged that offshore and onshore structures can the petrel faces threats from multiple attract and confuse storm-petrels, who sources, including predators, light Ashy Storm-Petrel: Glen Tepke continuously circle, unable to extri- pollution, oil pollution, and climate cate themselves from the lights’ halo. change, but contends that these do not experienced severe population declines Eventually, they drop from exhaustion threaten the species’ survival. in recent decades: the largest popu- or collide with lighted structure, caus- lation, which nests on the Farallon ing injury and death. Listing under “Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Islands National Wildlife Refuge, de- the Endangered Species Act would is continuing a Bush-era approach of creased by 42% in 20 years, prompt- force federal agencies to consider these denying protections to species based ing the IUCN World Conservation and other potential impacts to the on an incomplete and selective in- Union to designate it as globally storm-petrel when seeking permits for terpretation of the science,” said Dr. endangered. The Department of the coastal energy development and other Shaye Wolf, a seabird biologist with Interior’s decision ignored the findings activities. the Center for Biological Diversity, of a recent study that determined that “Species in steep decline with fewer which submitted the petition to list the Ashy Storm-Petrel’s population in than 4,000 breeding pairs should be the Ashy Storm-Petrel in October of the northern part of its range declined a high priority for listing. This was a 2007. by 76% over a 22-year period from disappointing decision for the Ashy 1985 to 2006. The Ashy Storm-Petrel is a small, Storm-Petrel,” said Jessica Hardesty smoke-gray seabird found almost ex- The specter of new oil and gas devel- Norris, Director of the American clusively off the coast of California, opment off California’s coast poses a Birds Conservancy’s Seabird Program. where it nests in rocky cavities on 17 further threat. A single oil spill near Contact Jessica Hardesty, ABC, small islands and forages in the heavily breeding or foraging hotspots could
Obama Administration Confronts ESA Backlog he Endangered Species Act sweeping ecosystem-based listings that states that the Department would address many species at the of the Interior must issue a same time. This approach began under Tdecision on whether a species deserves the last administration when they a listing within a year of receipt of the proposed listing 48 plants and animals listing petition. Currently there are on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. over 250 plants and animals which The Service grouped the species are awaiting such a finding that are proposing the protection of more than referred to as “candidate” species – 27,000 acres of habitat under a single some which have been awaiting a recovery plan. Currently the Service is decision from the Department of reviewing two similar listing proposals the Interior for as long as 25 years. for other islands in Hawaii which has The Fish and Wildlife Service, the a total of 67 species on the candidate Interior Agency which is responsible list. Contact George Wallace, ABC, Xantus’s Murrelets, although an ABC Watch List for handling listing of endangered species of highest concern, remain on the ESA
21 Bird Calls
Hummingbird, Black Inca, and BRIEFS White-mantled Barbet. ABC Releases New BNN It is estimated that up to four pairs of Bushbirds are present in dense scrub Video Highlighting the and forest on a steep slope beside State of the Birds Report the reserve lodge. The sightings ex- ABC’s latest Bird News Network pand the species’ known range from (BNN) videocast highlights the Norte de Santander and Antioquia.
recently released State of the Birds ProAves and EcoTurs are establishing Tepke Glen Murrelet: Marbled Report and its importance in mark- a Bushbird trail to allow improved ac- Murrelet Population cess for tour groups and researchers. ing a way forward for bird conser- in Nosedive vation efforts in the United States. The video features Secretary of the Study Debunks Alleged Ben- The most recent FWS population Interior Ken Salazar and ABC’s efits of Trap, Neuter, Release assessment of the Marbled Murrelet Darin Schroeder speaking at the In an essay published in the August found that the population of this press conference for the report’s re- 2009 issue of Conservation Biology, threatened species is declining lease, as well as interviews with staff a team of scientists summarized the very rapidly, with a 34% drop about American Bird Conservancy’s scientific literature about the negative in Washington, Oregon, and efforts to address threats to birds. impacts of feral cats on wildlife and California between 2001 and The video can be viewed on ABC’s the ineffectiveness of trap, neuter, and 2008. The central California YouTube channel at
22 OCTOBER 2009
While this bill does not address the problem feral cats pose to birds, it is a small step in the right direction. The measure could further stem the overpopulation of cats (feral cats in particular), if it required all cats in the state to be licensed. A provision in the bill assigning ownership to people who feed feral cats would make those people ultimately responsible for the bird deaths the cats cause, and would be a significant advance. Waterfowl Numbers Up The latest government survey of U.S. waterfowl populations shows a 13% FWS increase over last year’s estimate, and Morocho Franco Parakeets: Golden-plumed “This study further reinforces the a 25% increase over the 1955-2008 importance of bird conservation,” Artificial Nest Boxes said Darin Schroeder, American at Tapichalaca Showing Bird Conservancy’s Vice President Success for Conservation Advocacy. “The During a monitoring visit to State of the Birds Report, released ear- Ecuador’s Tapichalaca Reserve in lier this year, found that one-third April 2009, a researcher confirmed of all bird species in the United that White-breasted and Golden- States are in decline or facing seri- plumed Parakeets, two species ous threats. Losing these species considered vulnerable to extinction, could have significant economic were nesting successfully in nest consequences.” Download the study Lavaty Greg Redhead: boxes erected for them in 2007 at
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American Bird Conservancy’s Planned Giving – The Future for Birds
s you plan for your future, you can also secure the future for wild birds and their habitats by making a planned gift Athat includes American Bird Conservancy. ABC is the only national non-profit focusing solely on bird conservation in the Americas. Through your estate planning, you can help protect threatened birds while generating financial benefits for you and your family. A growing number of our members have supported ABC by naming it as a beneficiary of their wills, living trusts, retirement plans, or insurance policies. When you establish a bequest or other planned gift to ABC, you become a member of the Legacy Circle. Our Legacy Circle members have made a vital commitment to bird conservation by assuring there Left to right: Rachel Fenwick, Stuart White, and Cyrus Fenwick bird- watching, 2006. Photo: Rita Fenwick will be a champion for wild birds in the Americas for generations to come. By planning for your future, you can help secure the These are exciting, yet challenging times in bird future for birds. conservation. ABC is a leader in building partnerships to protect habitat, improve national and international American Bird Conservancy is a not-for-profit policies, and directly conserve the most endangered organization headquartered in The Plains, VA. Our birds. We’ve had many successes, but there is much Tax Identification Number is 52-1501259. more work to be done. For more information about bequests and Planned The best assurance for the future of ABC isthe Giving, please contact Jack Morrison at 540-253- endowment of its core mission—preserving the rarest 5780 or [email protected]. species, safeguarding and expanding habitat, and eliminating threats to birds. We invite you to join ABC’s Legacy Circle by making a gift that endures.