BIRDCONSERVATION The Magazine of American Bird Conservancy SPRING 2020 BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Appreciating the Constancy ABC is dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on of Migratory Birds achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating wanted to extend my very best wishes to you and ABC has had a strong start to 2020. For example, we are and building on rapid advancements your family for ongoing health and safety as we all working successfully with the Commonwealth of Virginia in science to halt extinctions, protect adjust to these challenging circumstances during the to provide alternative habitat for the large waterbird I habitats, eliminate threats, and build coronavirus outbreak. colony at Hampton Roads’ South Island that will be dis- Spring 2020 capacity for bird conservation. placed by the bridge-tunnel expansion. ABC also worked As we continue to adapt, some constants and familiar with Peruvian partner ECOAN to gain government recog- abcbirds.org comforts are sure to lift our spirits. Birds are among these nition of a new protected area harboring endemic birds, BIRDCONSERVATION constants, and I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy including the Critically Endangered Royal Cinclodes, A copy of the current financial statement and some birding and bird song as they begin their northward and expanding the Vilcanota Reserve Network to 21,285 registration filed by the organization may be obtained by contacting: ABC, P.O. Box 249, movements and spring migration picks up. acres. For more examples of bird conservation in action, The Plains, VA 20198. 540-253-5780, or by New Looks at a please see our most recent Conservation Impact Scorecard contacting the following state agencies: 16 At the time of this writing, most of our staff were working (abcbirds.org/scorecard). Florida: Division of Consumer Services, remotely in the interest of their well-being, but we’re also toll-free number within the state: Phantom Warbler 800-435-7352. planning for the long-term. As soon as the present crisis The most important thing for us right now is to let you is over, we will need to redouble our efforts to tackle the Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage: know we care about you and appreciate your support, Office of the Secretary of State, Statehouse, task at hand: recovering declining bird populations. In and that you can count on ABC to continue our work to Annapolis, MD 21401. the meantime, we are keeping in touch with bird groups New Jersey: Attorney General, State 26 ABC Birding: Sleepy Creek save native birds and their habitats into the future. of New Jersey: 201-504-6259. we work with in the U.S., and with our international New York: Office of the Attorney General, partners to share experiences and identify ways to work We will be keeping in touch with everyone by e-mail and Department of Law, Charities Bureau, Wildlife Management Area 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. together effectively and safely during the next few weeks. on social media, so please consider following us on Face- Pennsylvania: Department of State, book, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and posts on all toll-free number within the state: Thanks to wonderful supporters like you, ABC is in a great things bird to lift the spirits as we advance through the 800-732-0999. 30 The Bid to Save Venezuela’s position to carry out our mission: to save native birds and Virginia: State Division of Consumer Affairs, next few weeks. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, their habitats. I’m not going to pretend this isn’t going to P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. Thank you again for your support. Cardenalito be a challenge, but I believe that ABC is as prepared as we West Virginia: Secretary of State, State Capitol, can be — and birds still need our support. We very much Charleston, WV 25305. hope that you will join us in helping birds this year, de- Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by any state. A Note From Senior Editor Howard Youth: DEPARTMENTS spite the challenges we are all facing. Bird Conservation is the magazine of ABC and is published three times yearly for members. Dear Bird Conservation readers: 2 Bird’s Eye View Senior Editor: Howard Youth In this spring issue, we introduce several new VP of Communications: Clare Nielsen elements inspired by your feedback to our Michael J. Parr, President Graphic Design: Gemma Radko recent magazine reader survey. 4 Perspectives Contributors: Andrés Anchondo, Erin Chen, Thank you for your input, and for helping us to David Ewert, Bennett Hennessey, Steve Holmer, fine-tune the magazine. Our aim is to have you Brad Keitt, Daniel J. Lebbin, Conor Marshall, 6 On the Wire smile each time you discover its arrival in the Joel Merriman, Merrie Morrison, Michael J. Parr, Andrew Rothman, Christine Sheppard, Amy mailbox! Upgren, George E. Wallace, EJ Williams, 14 Birds in Brief We hope you will like the new additions. Wendy Willis, David Younkman Let us know what you think at: For more information contact: [email protected] 36 Flying Lessons American Bird Conservancy 4249 Loudoun Avenue, P.O. Box 249 Best wishes from all of us at Bird Conservation. The Plains, VA 20198 38 Bird Hero 540-253-5780 • [email protected]

Find us on social! TOP: Baltimore Oriole in native serviceberry by Brian Lasenby, Shutterstock OPPOSITE: Common Loons by Brian Lasenby, Shutterstock COVER: Kentucky Warbler by Alan Murphy, AlanMurphyPhotography.com

BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 3 PERSPECTIVES

To prevent extinctions and another pandemic, it’s time to END THE GLOBAL WILD BIRD TRADE

he tragic emergence of the COVID-19 global While the trade in wild animals is a global phenomenon, Hornbill has also been decimated by trade in its casque died from H5N1, a flu strain that had previously killed pandemic has once again exposed the nexus the massive scale of the trade in wild birds across Asia (the large decorated parts of the bird’s upper mandible). dozens of people in Asia. China has placed temporary Tbetween human health and wildlife conservation is hard to fathom. Millions of birds from hundreds of These are carved like elephant ivory into complex bans on certain wildlife trade in the past, and has done so issues. Wild bird markets where birds, other wildlife, and species are sold in markets there every year — displayed designs for sale to wealthy collectors. West Africa has a again in a limited manner in response to COVID-19, but domesticated animals are often confined in crowded for sale in tiny crowded cages often close to other similar but less extensive internal trade in vulture parts bans enacted after SARS in 2003 were later abandoned. unsanitary conditions are potential breeding grounds wild animals such as monkeys, bats, wild cats, and for misguided medicinal use, and African and South This time it needs to be different and not restricted for novel viral and other disease pathogens. The vast domesticated animals such as chickens. One study found American birds are also sold widely in Asia. solely to China or to certain wildlife species. While these trade in wild birds also threatens many species around that 19,000 birds from more than 200 species were traded problems have been especially acute in Asia thus far, this the world. Despite attempts at regulation, this trade still over a period of just three days in the main bird markets Watching the humanitarian crisis from the spread of trade is worldwide in nature and should be addressed at a results in the trapping of millions of birds for food, pets, in Jakarta, Indonesia. COVID-19, it is clear that these unsanitary bird mar- global scale. and other human uses each year. Asia’s wild bird markets kets could harbor more disease time bombs waiting to The demand for pet songbirds in Asia has led to a detonate (to be clear, wild birds do not The trade in wild birds is not in particular are helping to drive an overwhelming loss Red Siskins of birds from the region’s forests, but this is a global vacuum effect in which wild birds are being “sucked out” represent a disease threat to people un- sustainable in its current form. To feed problem with significant trade in Africa and the Americas of forests by bird trappers in unimaginable numbers — der normal circumstances). The new coro- from northern South it, many birds will vanish, never to that also impacts bird populations. This trade should be pushing many populations and indeed some full species navirus pandemic — following on from be replaced — and it clearly has the stopped now for the good of wild birds, other wildlife, such as the Black-winged Myna, Javan Hawk-eagle, and SARS, MERS, and non-coronaviruses such America have also potential to endanger thousands or and human health. Straw-headed Bulbul toward extinction. The Helmeted as Ebola, monkey pox, and Zika, among millions of people if another novel many others (all diseases that made the been pushed to the pathogen emerges from just from one transition from animals to people) — of these markets that are potential brink of extinction for surely indicates that it is time to close the “petri dishes” of new diseases. primary origin of these diseases, the global the bird trade. trade in wildlife, including exotic bird mar- We must now take steps to halt this kets flourishing in Asia and elsewhere. The human cost of trade to allow wild birds to recover only one disease outbreak is just too great, as evidenced from what has been decades of unsustainable trapping by the currently unfolding global shutdown. throughout the world’s tropics — and to safeguard people from what is a predictable potential source of future viral The trade in wild-caught birds ought to be halted pandemics. The U.S. government should eliminate all regardless of the potential for disease transmission loopholes in our own wildlife trade laws and encourage to people, and it is not confined to Asia. Birds such other countries to also abandon the trade. Action by the as Painted Buntings are trapped to meet demand for Department of State and the U.S. Trade and Development pet birds in Cuba and Mexico, and wild birds are also Agency to request that our global trading partners close popular in trade throughout South America. Beyond the large-scale bird markets, police illegal trapping, and widespread trapping of stunningly beautiful parrots and develop economic alternatives would demonstrate real toucans, songbirds such as the Ultramarine Grosbeak progress toward getting this issue resolved, making both are also often displayed in cages — including at roadside birds and people around the world safer in the process. service stations to entertain gas-pumping customers with ABC will be working with Global Wildlife Conservation their songs. Red Siskins from northern South America and other partners to advance this issue. have also been pushed to the brink of extinction for the While the trade in wild animals is a bird trade since they can crossbreed with canaries to global phenomenon, the massive scale produce rare orange varieties (see p. 30). of the trade in wild birds across Asia is Halting this global bird trade is the right thing to do for birds and other wildlife. The United States (in 1992) hard to fathom. and Europe (in 2007) have already halted the large- scale import of wild birds from the tropics. In Europe’s case this was primarily for human health reasons — the Wes Sechrest, Ph.D., Michael J. Parr, British government did an abrupt U-turn to support the Chief Scientist & President, ABC CEO, Global Wildlife move after a quarantined parrot in the United Kingdom Conservation

A Great Hornbill for sale in an illegal bird market in Indonesia. Photo by Danich Mamai, Shutterstock

4 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 5

ON the WIRE New Research Fuels Race to Save In Wake of Weakened Migratory Bird Protections, One of Mexico’s Rarest Birds MBPA Legislation Offers Hope reviously known only from its habitats, which are quickly being n late January, the federal gov- The Act’s prohibition on the killing system. Obtaining a permit would semi-deciduous forests, the degraded. Follow-up activities will ernment proposed a new regula- or "taking" of migratory birds has require a company to adhere to best PCritically Endangered Short- engage local ejidos, communities that Ition that will further weaken the long been understood to extend to management practices; if accidental crested Coquette was recently combine communal and individual 101-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty “incidental take” — meaning unin- bird deaths occurred, the permit- recorded for the first time in cloud land use under the traditional Mexi- Act (MBTA), a landmark law that for tentional but predictable killing of holder would be protected from forests with pine — and in new can land tenure system. Hopefully decades has protected and helped birds from hazards such as open oil liability. In this way, the permitting locations — according to research soon, voluntary protected areas will to restore and maintain populations pits, tall towers, and powerlines. system would provide industry published in January. A team safeguard coquette habitat. of many bird species, from loons to with greater certainty and a level led by Dr. Carlos Almazán of the The risk of liability under the songbirds. The proposed rulemaking playing field requiring that the same Autonomous University of Guerrero Almazán’s team and a local nongov- MBTA long provided the energy by the Department of the Interior conservation standards be met by studied this tiny hummingbird ernmental organization, the Instituto sector — including the oil and gas seeks to codify a 2017 legal opin- all players. in the only place it’s known, the para el Manejo y Conservación de industry, wind energy development ion that has ended all enforcement Sierra de Atoyac in Guerrero, la Biodiversidad, A.C., will also help companies, and transmission line “The MBPA provides an excellent against the predictable and prevent- Mexico. Because the coquette occurs develop income-generating projects operators — with an incentive to framework to start preventing bird able killing of migratory birds from nowhere else, the mountain range geared to provide communities with work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife mortality by applying best manage- commercial activities. is designated an Alliance for Zero financial sustainability, while reduc- Service to minimize bird deaths. ment practices and steps to mitigate Extinction (AZE) site. ing pressures on coquette habitats. The research led to another interest- “This rulemaking is another setback But the Administration’s new policy inevitable impacts,” says Holmer. ing discovery: The team observed for birds cherished by millions of eliminates this incentive to minimize “Given the efforts to further weaken With ABC support, the Almazán team “It’s an ambitious project,” notes that the diminutive hummingbird Americans at a time when many and mitigate impacts of industries’ the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the has been studying the coquette for Amy Upgren, ABC’s lead on the proj- pierces fruit to access nectar. migratory birds are undergoing pre- activities on migratory birds. need for this new legislation becomes over a year to learn more about the ect. “But if we can partner with ejidos cipitous declines,” says Steve Holmer, even more critical.” bird’s basic ecology and geographic to successfully create protected areas “We are still learning a lot about the This problem would be resolved by ABC’s Vice President of Policy. “We distribution, and has reached out to while fostering revenue-generating coquette,” notes Almazán, “and we the newly introduced (on January 8) Meanwhile, ABC and partners are urge all citizens to speak out against local communities about conserving opportunities, the long-term pros- look forward to continued collabora- this harmful policy change and ask Migratory Bird Protection Act (H.R. engaged in legal action to oppose pects for both people and the Short- tion with ABC to study and conserve that the law be strengthened to 5552), or MBPA. Introduced by Rep. weakening the original MBTA. Short-crested Coquette (above) and coquette habitat crested Coquette will be improved.” this important species.” Alan Lowenthal and now boasting in Sierra de Atoyac, Mexico (below). Photos by Greg reverse the decline of migratory bird Learn more: Visit abcbirds.org Homel, Natural Elements Productions populations.” more than 60 bipartisan co-sponsors, the MBPA would create a migratory and search on “lawsuits.” bird incidental take permitting

The newly introduced MBPA provides an excellent framework to start preventing bird mortality by applying best management practices and steps to mitigate inevitable impacts.

6 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 Bald Eagles by Justin Russ, Shutterstock

ON the WIRE

With Mammals Gone, Rare Peruvian Seabird Returns Potatoes Loom Large Over Rare Mexican Grassland

ecent monitoring efforts ince 2008, ABC, Mexican part- Extrema reached out to local authori- confirm the Endangered ner Pronatura Noreste, and ties, including the national water RPeruvian Diving-petrel’s Sother groups have worked hard commission, state and federal gov- return to Chile’s Chañaral Island, to protect key grasslands south of the ernment representatives, and the once home to the species’ larg- U.S. border, including the El Tokio general public. The national water est breeding colony, estimated at Grassland Priority Conservation Area commission recently stepped in and 100,000 breeding pairs. The robin- near the city of Saltillo — one of capped the illegal wells. sized, black-and-white seabird van- North America’s largest remaining ished from Chañaral in the 1940s, grassland ecosystems. Communications among conser- after nonnative foxes and rabbits vation organizations, local potato were introduced to the island. El Tokio, also an ABC BirdScape, grower associations, and large com- includes the last stronghold of the panies involved in potato production Peruvian Diving-petrels currently Worthen’s Sparrow and the last here are ongoing. ABC and its part- Mountain Plover by Agami Photo Agency, Shutterstock nest on just six islands off the coasts large colony of the Mexican Prairie ners are following up directly with of Chile and Peru, having vanished Dog. Both species are endemic and international companies looking to the identified players to find sustain- from seven others over the years Endangered. Also, an estimated invest in expanding potato produc- able solutions that include preventing Project Puffin, a National Audubon and collect camera trap footage. They due to a wide variety of threats. 15 percent of the global Long- tion there. Due to this speculative incursions into the protected zones. Society effort that decades ago were surprised to see, in the same These included: guano extraction, photograph, three Peruvian Diving- billed Curlew population winters investment, new and illegal wells sparked the Atlantic Puffin’s return ABC thanks the Southern Wings poaching, egg collection, invasive petrels exploring the site. Even more there, along with large numbers of have been dug near protected natu- to Maine nesting islands. program for its support of the predators, bycatch in fisheries, and surprising, the first photograph Mountain Plovers, a few of which ral areas, likely intended to convert El Tokio BirdScape. competition for habitat and burrow In September 2019, the team set up was taken the day that the team also nest. (El Tokio is the species’ only grasslands to agriculture. sites from invasive rabbits. speakers at two sites on Chañaral, left Chañaral in September. In the known Mexican breeding site.) Shortly after learning of these wells To support ABC's efforts to save along with a solar panel, two 12-volt following days, camera traps had After years of work to rid Chañaral Recently, the area’s flat expanses and tilling within protected areas, this unique ecosystem, see: batteries, and an MP3 player with snapped Peruvian Diving-petrels at of invasive species, in 2017, Chile’s drew the interest of national and Pronatura Noreste and Reforestación abcbirds.org/save-el-tokio/ a looped recording of Peruvian the second site, where they entered National Forestry Corporation Diving-petrel vocalizations provided artificial burrows. (CONAF) and Island Conservation by Conservation Metrics. The declared the island fox and rabbit goal: to draw young breeding-age To date, there has been no confirmed NYC Passes Landmark Bird-Friendly Building Legislation free. With support from ABC and diving-petrels in to investigate the re-nesting on the island, but the the David and Lucile Packard n December 2019, the New York Director. “Many strategies for con- Glass collisions kill up to 1 billion new habitat. Also, 31 artificial nest partners are hopeful that one day the Foundation, a team was assembled City Council approved Proposed trolling heat, light, and even secu- birds in the U.S. each year. Accord- burrows, made of PVC pipes, were island will once again be a popula- to lure the seabirds back. Island Initiative 1482B — to date, the rity can be bird-friendly strategies, ing to NYC Audubon’s Project Safe installed, and three motion-sensing tion stronghold for this diminutive I Conservation and CONAF staff most broad-reaching bird-friendly too. These can be incorporated into Flight, 90,000 to 230,000 birds die cameras were placed at each site to and endearing seabird, and that this worked with a diving-petrel expert building policy in the U.S. On Janu- almost any building style but should each year during their migrations detect and monitor the birds’ arrival. project will inspire future efforts to from the Universidad Católica del bring back other seabirds. ary 12, the initiative became law and be built into project design from the through New York City alone. Proj- Norte in Coquimbo, Chile, who drew A month later, CONAF staff returned gave the city’s building department outset to minimize additional costs. ect Safe Flight’s citizen science tool TOP: Caught on camera trap, Peruvian Diving-petrels D-Bird (d-bird.org) has, since 2014, up a plan inspired by the success of to the island to monitor the project investigate artificial burrow sites on Chañaral. BELOW: a year to draw up guidelines before That’s why this kind of legislation is Peruvian Diving-petrel by Agami Photo Agency, enforcement begins. The policy so important.” empowered the public to report bird Shutterstock requires that new buildings’ materi- strikes, helping NYC Audubon to als meet bird-friendly standards that The following consortium of part- determine the worst bird-collision greatly reduce collision risks to birds. ners worked directly with the City sites in New York City. The policy also covers major renova- Council, providing background on tions that include modifying existing the problem of bird-glass collisions Fortunately, at both home and com- glass, and applies to construction and insight into materials and design mercial buildings, many windows across the city's five boroughs. solutions: ABC, New York City can easily be made safe for birds. Audubon, the New York Chapter of Find solutions at birdsmartglass.org “Bird-friendly building design the American Institute of Architects, should not be seen as an add-on or the Bird-safe Buildings Alliance, and ABC thanks the Leon Levy Foundation an extra,” says Christine Sheppard, architects representing FXCollabora- and David Walsh for their support of ABC’s Glass Collisions Program tive and Ennead Architects. ABC's Glass Collisions Program.

8 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 9

ON the WIRE

Bird Conservation Groups File Lawsuit in Federal Bahamas Bird News: Abaco After Hurricane Dorian

Court Over Icebreaker Wind Project n late January, ABC and the both pine and coppice habitats Bahamas National Trust (BNT) were mostly undamaged and held n December 2019, ABC and Black Common Loons, a globally take the proper steps to demonstrate teamed up to survey Abaco, to promising numbers of Bahama Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) significant population of Red- that the benefits outweigh the risks I assess Hurricane Dorian’s damage Parrots, Olive-capped and Bahama filed suit in federal court against breasted Mergansers, and many to wildlife.” I to the island’s bird populations and Warblers, Bahama Yellowthroats, the U.S. Department of Energy and other waterfowl. Despite this, the vegetation. The team found that the and wintering migratory songbirds. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for fail- agencies have failed to adequately Despite serious concerns regarding the risk of wind turbine-caused mor- September 2019 storm walloped pine ure to comply with federal laws when evaluate environmental impacts and This monitoring provides important tality and other impacts on birds, the forests and tropical broadleaf coppice they assessed environmental impacts reasonable alternatives that would data that will be compared with past Icebreaker proposal has continued to habitat on the island’s northern half. associated with the proposed Ice- reduce the project’s impacts to birds. records and planned future surveys move forward over the past decade. breaker Wind project. ABC and BSBO The news, however, was better on on Abaco. BNT and ABC are also Among other shortcomings, to com- believe that violations of the National Sited in one of the world’s the island’s south end, away from gathering data on Grand Bahama, ply with NEPA, the project should Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and where the storm’s eye passed. There, Bahama Warbler by Daniel J. Lebbin another island devastated by Dorian. Clean Water Act took place. most important migratory have been evaluated through a com- prehensive environmental impact Icebreaker would be the Great Lakes’ corridors, Icebreaker would statement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife first offshore wind energy project — Service recommended that course of Lilacine Amazon Gets a Reserve, Just in Time threaten an enormous and only the second in the United action but was ignored. n a bid to prevent the extinction from the more-widespread Red-lored by 500 to 1,000 roosting birds will be States. Sited in one of the world’s number of birds and also most important migratory corridors, Through this suit, ABC and BSBO of the Lilacine Amazon — a color- Amazon by a less-striking head pat- protected from charcoal production it would threaten an enormous num- set a potentially dangerous seek to require that the agencies Iful parrot found only in western tern and a dark (not two-toned) bill. and agricultural clearing, two threats ber of birds and also set a potentially involved complete a legally adequate Ecuador — Fundación Jocotoco Protection of Lilacine Amazon roost- pervasive in western Ecuador’s low- dangerous precedent for hundreds of precedent for hundreds of analysis of alternatives for the proj- established a new protected reserve ing sites is of primary importance land dry forest. additional offshore turbines likely ect. They should also conduct a in November 2019, with support because these birds congregate at additional offshore turbines “This reserve is a great first step,” to follow. robust analysis of Icebreaker’s cumu- from ABC and Rainforest Trust. The communal roosts at night and fan says Wendy Willis, Deputy Director likely to follow. lative impacts, which would mirror Las Balsas Communal Reserve also out during the day to forage in the Proposed for the southern part of a similar requirement recently set protects habitat for the Great Green surrounding countryside. of International Programs for ABC. “But we need to do more if we’re Lake Erie, offshore of Cleveland, “We need renewable energy develop- for offshore wind facilities along the Macaw. Both parrot species number This behavior led to identification going to save the Lilacine Amazon. Ohio, the project site lies within ment to combat climate change, but Eastern Seaboard. fewer than 2,500 and are listed as of the 209 acres protected at the Las People in these communities need a Global Important Bird Area that it needs to be done right,” says Joel Endangered on the IUCN Red List. ABC and BSBO are being represented Balsas Communal Reserve — land real economic opportunities as an draws millions of birds annually. Merriman, Director of ABC’s Bird- The Critically Endangered Ecuador- by the public interest environmental that is “crucial to protect the largest incentive to conserve their land.” There, concentrations of migrating Smart Wind Energy Program. “We ian White-fronted Capuchin monkey law firm Eubanks & Associates, LLC. birds include the recently delisted also lives in the reserve. population of this endangered must ensure that we’re not creating To address these needs, Fundación Kirtland’s Warbler, as well as parrot,” says Dr. Martin Schaefer, new problems by building turbines ABC thanks the Leon Levy Foundation The Lilacine Amazon was recently CEO of Fundación Jocotoco. Jocotoco is exploring sustainable in high-risk areas for birds. This for its support of ABC’s Bird-Smart recognized as a species, differentiated ways to create more products from Red-breasted Merganser by FotoRequest, Shutterstock precedent-setting project needs to Wind Energy Program. “We believe that more than a quar- the community’s carob trees and to ter of the Lilacine Amazon’s total address the region’s most serious envi- population roosts in the new reserve, ronmental issues, including encroach- in close proximity to the Las Bal- ment into protected habitat and sas community,” adds Dr. Michael trafficking parrots for the pet trade. Moens, Jocotoco’s Conservation Director. “We’re grateful to the Work to conserve this area and species is community for granting us a 99-year supported by ABC, Fundación Jocotoco, lease agreement on this land.” Rainforest Trust, Tropical Forest Forever Fund at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, The lease agreement with Las Balsas David and Patricia Davidson, Ted will ensure that the carob trees used Reissing, and an anonymous donor.

Lilacine Amazon by Daniel Arias Cruzatty

BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 11 Be Bold for Birds

Over the past year, ABC contributed to these Your donation will support our 50-50-5 Action and many more advances in bird conservation: Plan to make an enormous difference for birds, for our earth, and for future generations. • ABC led an expedition in spring 2019, the first ever to capture, tag, and track Over the next 25 years, we will: Endangered Black-capped Petrels from off • Recover populations of 50 flagship birds. Hatteras, North Carolina, to likely nesting • Protect and conserve 50 million acres. grounds on the island of Hispaniola. • Reduce the five most critical threats to birds. • A new 3,185-acre community reserve was For more details about this plan, visit declared in Peru that will protect rare forests abcbirds.org/50-50-5-plan and threatened birds including the Critically Endangered Royal Cinclodes. Every gift moves us closer • The Virginia House of Delegates postponed to reaching these goals. further considerations in 2020 of HB 1727, a bill that would sanction cat abandonment throughout the state of Virginia via the pro-

gram known as trap, neuter, release (TNR). Top row, left to right: Harpy Eagle by Alfredo Maiquez, Shutterstock; Waved Albatross by marktucan, Shutterstock; Bobolink by Dan Behm; Red Knot by Eleanor Briccetti Bottom row: Lear’s Macaw by Agami Photo Agency, Shutterstock

Donate by June 30th to meet our 1:1 match! Give today, and you will make a transformational difference for birds.

Last fall, we woke up the world with the news you to please step up to this 1:1 match and that nearly 3 billion birds across the U.S. and double that amount to support our action plan Canada had been lost within a lifetime. Now for the next 25 years of bird conservation. more than ever, it is time to Be Bold for Birds. Please help us meet our 1:1 match by giving At the end of last year, we launched our two- your most generous gift by June 30. year, $25-million campaign “Save Birds, Save Every donation has impact, Our Earth.” With our spring “Be Bold for Birds” and thanks to the support We hope you will join us as we commit to initiative, we’re reaching for the next milestone of our donors, ABC’s efforts Be Bold for Birds. toward that goal — to raise $500,000 by June continue to make a critical 30. Thanks to several generous donors, we Please use the enclosed envelope to make a gift, difference for birds. already have half of that secured. We are asking or give online at: abcbirds.org/be-bold/

TOP: White-throated Sparrow by Jacob Spendelow RIGHT: Rufous Hummingbird by punkbirdr, Shutterstock

had to hand-raise chicks in captivity mountain grasslands, wetlands, and platform, where the wind energy BIRDS in BRIEF or climb tall trees to treat nests with rare Polylepis forests high in the industry, management agencies, con- insecticide. Andes’ Vilcanota range. The PCA servationists, and other stakeholders Nesting Season: sits near the word-famous Incan can become better informed and ABC is supporting a multi-partner Cat Threat Elevated ruins of Machu Picchu and protects avoid siting wind energy facilities in effort led by University of Minnesota, threatened birds including the areas important to birds. This time of year, nests Charles Darwin Foundation, and the Critically Endangered Royal and recently fledged Galápagos National Park Directorate Cinclodes, Endangered Ash-breasted See: abcbirds.org and search on Common Murre by Michael Woodruff young provide easy fod- to identify a biological control agent Tit-Tyrant, and Endangered White- “wind risk” to stop this growing threat. der for roaming, outdoor by Dennis W. Donohue, Shutterstock Southwestern Willow Flycatcher that time, an enduring high-pressure browed Tit-Spinetail. In turn, cats. You can help pro- ridge brought warmer-than-usual the forest helps protect water tect birds by keeping New Antpitta Species Discovered in Colombia temperatures to a large area. The phe- supplies flowing downhill to farms, cats indoors and by settlements, and tourist lodges in

Tufted Puffin by Greg Homel, Natural Elements Prods nomenon was nicknamed “the Blob.” promoting that others The Tororoi Bailador or “dancer Cusco’s sacred Urubamba Valley. do the same, for their Puffin Beaks Help antpitta,” as it is locally known, was A study published in the online good and also for birds Cool Hot Fliers identified as a new endemic species journal PLOS ONE in January hypoth- The local agricultural cooperative and other wildlife. José Zúñiga Letona de Huarán, Ltda. Tufted Puffins’ large bills likely help in Farallones de Cali National Park, esized that the Blob created great ABC’s Cats Indoors brochures submitted Kuntur Wachana for them shed heat generated by energy- west of the Colombian city of Cali, food scarcity for marine life, leading will help you get the message out. recognition, with assistance from intensive commutes between fishing in 2019. Blackish with a pale eye- to “extreme mortality and reproduc- You can purchase or download them ABC and Peruvian partner organiza- grounds and nests. A study published ring, malar stripe, and belly, this tion failure” in Common Murres and here: shop.abcbirds.org/ tion Asociación Ecosistemas Andi- in the Journal of Experimental Biology Tororoi Bailador by Dusan Brinkhuizen other seabirds. Approximately 62,000 nos (ECOAN). With ABC support, in November 2019 used thermal im- dead or dying murres washed ashore A Great Year for Great Lakes ECOAN has partnered with more aging to measure and compare heat from California to Alaska, two-thirds Piping Plovers than 20 local communities in the lost by puffin beaks and bodies. The of them adults. The researchers esti- Vilcanota Mountains to conserve Threatened California Birds Although high water levels reduced birds’ bills shed heat faster than their mated that the actual count was likely ecosystems and improve local liveli- Will Benefit From Newest the amount of habitat available bodies, and accounted for 10 to 18 about 1 million since many bird car- hoods. This ninth PCA brings the (and Last) Joint Venture to them, Piping Plovers in the percent of heat exchange, although casses would not have reached shore. Vilcanota Reserve Network’s total Great Lakes region had a great year they make up six percent of the bird’s In January, ABC and partners Recent weather trends, including protected acreage to 21,285 acres. in 2019. Thanks to coordinated surface area. launched the California Central Coast the Blob, fuel scientists’ concerns conservation efforts by federal, state, Joint Venture (C3JV). This regional about changes to climate and Some major supporters of this project and tribal partners, this Endangered In other puffin news, Atlantic Puffins partnership targets conservation of oceanic ecosystems. are: Global Conservation Fund (GCF), population of beach-nesting birds were recently documented using one of the country’s most biologically Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, has grown exponentially from the implements — namely, sticks — to small, skulking forest bird is so far important regions. Priority birds in- Peru Private Reserve The Jeniam Foundation, John D. & 16 nesting pairs known when the scratch themselves, thus joining the known from just one of the park’s clude the Marbled Murrelet, Western Conserves Rare Forest Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, lakes’ population was federally listed short list of tool-using animals. ravines. It was first identified by Snowy Plover, Southwestern Willow and Andean Birds Marshall-Reynolds Foundation, New in 1986. The record high population researchers from Icesi University, Flycatcher, and California Least Tern. England Biolabs Foundation, and the was 76 nesting pairs in 2017, but Introduced Fly Threatens who confirmed the species’ status In January, Peru’s Ministry of Weeden Foundation. 2019 was close, with 71 pairs. Galápagos Landbirds via genetic testing. Environment recognized the Kuntur Filling the last remaining gap, C3JV’s establishment means there is now na- On Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, Wachana Private Conservation Area ABC Unveils Updated Wind Like other antpittas, the Tororoi tionwide Migratory Bird Joint Venture the introduced parasitic flyPhilornis (PCA), a 3,185-acre community- Risk Assessment Map Bailador appears virtually tailless. Not coverage. ABC’s lead partners for the downsi threatens 12 Darwin’s finch owned protected landscape of yet officially named, the bird gets A visual tool designed to make re- C3JV include the U.S. Fish and Wild- species and nine other endemic its local moniker from its habit of newable energy safer for birds and life Service (FWS) and California Poly- landbirds. The fly’s larvae emerge to waggling its chest while perched, a other wildlife, ABC’s Wind Risk technic State University (Cal Poly), suck the blood of recently hatched habit noted in other antpittas. Assessment Map now includes loca- as well as 23 partnering agencies and bird chicks. With no natural tions of existing wind turbines. The organizations. C3JV was made pos- predators in the Galápagos, Philornis “The Blob” Likely Killed a map was developed in 2015 as a sible thanks to a key group of donors, flies occur in numbers so high that Million Pacific Murres resource highlighting likely points including Cal Poly, Department of they often kill chicks in the nest. The most powerful marine heatwave of conflict between bird populations Defense, FWS, Bureau of Land Man- Piping Plovers by Ray Hennessy, Shutterstock For the Critically Endangered on record in the northern Pacific took and wind energy projects. It now agement, Land Trust of Santa Cruz Mangrove Finch, ornithologists have place between 2014 and 2016. During utilizes a more user-friendly County, Big Sur Land Trust, and ABC. White-browed Tit-Spinetail by Greg Lavaty

14 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 15 KENTUCKY SPRING

It may take years for beginning birders to spot a Kentucky Warbler, but only a life's work unlocks this forest phantom's secrets.

by Howard Youth

skulker and featherweight neck-craning, eye-straining, and post-fledgling dispersal. Her research world traveler, the Kentucky mosquito-swatting, the observer may has tried to answer very basic AWarbler is like a marsh rail or see, at least for a moment, Geothlypis questions about longevity, return a rainforest antbird — dwelling in a formosa — or, as the scientific name rates to territories, and other aspects world of shadow as we try to peer in. translates, the “beautifully formed of this mysterious bird’s life history. earth-finch.” That has meant chasing a lot of songs In spring and early summer, males of and covering many miles on foot to this lemon-and-olive, black-masked Diving in Deep visit different territories — sometimes songbird sing a rich, double-noted six to 12 miles a day. turry-turry-turry that recalls somewhat Vickie McDonald has seen more the rollicking notes of its neighbor Kentucky Warblers that anyone Getting this “in the weeds” on the Carolina Wren. “Learn the song; you’ll meet. An Associate Professor of warblers — mist-netting, measuring, ten Kentuckies are heard for every Biology at the University of Central and handling normally secretive one seen,” advised birding pioneer Arkansas, she spent 20 summers in subjects — you’re bound to learn Roger Tory Peterson. This clarion Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, things that few or no other people song beckons birders and the few as well as some winters in Panama, have. “One thing that I found and biologists who dedicate years of studying what makes this bird documented with photographs is fieldwork to this species to tread tick. She has studied its behavior that the dark mask and crown of over increasingly soppy ground to a — who mates with whom, song a male is not always so dark,” says low, damp, shrub-and-vine-covered types, territories — and conducted McDonald. Most bird field guides pocket of forest. There, after some one of the first studies tracking illustrate males as darker-headed

Kentucky Warbler by Ryan Askren BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 17 non-flying invertebrates of medium anymore.” And sometimes prime size.” This might include bugs, KEWA real estate, even if protected, beetles, caterpillars, and ants. “After is not safe…. fledging, the young ones seek the biggest, fattest, droopiest caterpillars A Cost That Is Deer that can be found.” I saw my first Kentucky Warbler in “Legacy” real estate can be a big June 1984, on a trail in Great Falls factor in warbler match-making: Park in Northern Virginia that was “The best territories, presumably one of the best stakeouts for this those with less predation and more species close to Washington, D.C. food, seem to be the most traditional Today, the park and trail remain but ones,” says McDonald, “those that the breeding Kentuckys are gone. are occupied again and again, and The most recent eBird sighting where older males first appear in I found for this spot was during spring. But it’s not just the same migration almost a decade ago. individual coming back to the same territory.” On my last visit there, a few years ago, I could see what happened: Prime Kentucky McDonald thinks that there’s some- Gone was the thick understory of thing ingrained in the birds that shrubs, vines, ferns, and forbs, re- Warbler habitat is fixated on location, location, placed beneath the mature trees by location. “There’s something tra- provides plenty of a thick blanket of invasive Japanese ditional, social, like a loose lekking Stiltgrass. Deer had trampled, over- ground,” she says, referring to the cover and food, browsed, and over-grazed the under- communal sites where displaying growth, in the process hoof-planting elements greatly male sage-grouse, prairie-chickens, fast-spreading stiltgrass seeds. The and manakins, among others, vie diminished in areas resulting habitat modification, com- for prospecting females’ attention. monly seen in forest areas within an “The males show up first; then the with high-density hour’s drive of Washington, D.C., first-arriving, perhaps oldest, females provides far less cover, few if any deer populations. show up there to the core, traditional nest sites, more vulnerability, and re- areas first.” duced food resources. In other words, Such allegiance to priority sites it’s inhospitable for a bird that nests than females, but McDonald found Conservation Center in Midway, fatigued Alexander Wilson. The was undoubtedly packed with raises a flag with McDonald, who on or near the ground and needs that this coloration varies between Alabama. That bird, first banded in Scottish-born adventurer, who perfect habitat for the bird — damp frequently calls the species by its plenty of hiding places. individuals. “Just because you’ve 2010, was recaptured in 2016, then died three years later at the age deciduous forest where plenty of bird-banding code name: “There Recent studies in the Blue Ridge been told the darker one is the male again in 2019. Thought to be at least of 47, covered more than 12,000 light filters down, nourishing a dense might be something underlying what Mountains and elsewhere confirm is not necessarily true,” she notes. 11 years old, it holds the species’ miles, amassing the first exhaustive understory of shrubs and vines. KEWAs want. Physically, an area may that Kentuckys favor areas with low longevity record and has lived about look at American birdlife. In his seem to be the same. But maybe it McDonald also knows that, despite McDonald has spent many days in deer density, likely for these reasons. as long as any known wood-warbler. nine-volume masterwork American was not occupied before.” For this many dangers, Kentucky Warblers such ideal habitat, which provides That’s an amazingly long run for a Ornithology, Wilson described dozens reason, McDonald believes that can live a long time. For years, she not only plenty of cover but lots of Luckily, Kentucky Warblers have a bird weighing less than three grapes. of new species, including five now prime habitats, with their traditional held the record for re-capture of the food for the birds. During her years large breeding range. Although field bearing his name — a storm-petrel, ties, cannot easily be replaced. oldest-known Kentucky Warbler, of study, she’s carefully watched guide maps show them as present Innate Real Estate plover, snipe, phalarope, and warbler “Playing chess games with swaps believed to be at least nine years old. what adults stuff into their nestlings’ across much of the East, a detailed — and the Kentucky Warbler, and trades — you can’t just assume That record was apparently broken The Kentucky Warbler was first eagerly gaped bills. “Adults seek map showing 2014 to 2018 eBird a bird he named for the mostly a one-for-one or even a two-for- in 2019, when a Kentucky Warbler described and named in the spring out just about any soft-bodied data points (see map, p. 23) paints a forested state in which he found it. one trade if old places are not there was re-captured at the Wehle Land of 1810 by a gun-toting, lean, and In those days, Kentucky’s frontier arthropod,” she says, “essentially, continued on page 22

Kentucky Warbler by Serge Forcier 18 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 19 Mixed-Flock “Ant”ics Throughout its wintering range, the Kentucky Warbler joins mixed-species feeding flocks that pick off prey flushed by roving army ant swarms. Flocks follow ant activity, often taking cues from motmots and some other resident species. At these flocks in Costa Rica, there is little compe- tition between species, but migratory species including the Kentucky Warbler usually don’t tolerate others of their kind.

In this flock, how many species you can identify? Clue: This scene takes place in a Costa Rican cloud forest. A key can be found on page 22.

Artwork by Chris Vest different picture of their abundance: and semi-humid lowlands and a publication and society named for East of the Appalachians, the overall foothills. Small numbers winter the man who named the bird — the density of the breeding Kentucky in Colombia and Venezuela, and Kentucky Warbler was the most fre- Warbler population is far lower than the species is very rarely recorded quent migrant recorded at army ant in the Appalachian foothills and west during winter in the Caribbean. swarms at a study area near Monte- of the mountains. There, large blocks Deforestation has been extensive in verde, Costa Rica, both in percent- of habitat with robust populations most parts of the bird’s winter range. age of army ant raids attended and remain in Arkansas, Missouri, individual birds seen. In all, the 2010 and elsewhere. And certain forest On the wintering grounds, Kentucky study recorded the Kentucky Warbler management strategies in these areas Warblers haunt the forest under- at just over 20 percent of the swarms, benefit this bird species and others story, both in mature and advanced with one individual each at ten dif- (see sidebar, p. 25). second-growth forest. There, beneath ferent “events.” Migrant Wilson’s luxuriant cover, they adopt some Warblers and Wood and Swainson’s But Kentucky Warblers spend almost interesting behaviors. Wintering Thrushes also attended, although half the year in the United States. Kentucky Warblers join resident they were recorded less frequently. The rest of their lives plays out south birds and other migrants in mixed Six other migrant warbler species of the U.S. border. feeding flocks, and, from Mexico to showed up, but only in once-or-twice Colombia, they have been seen at- cameos. Kentuckys in tending army ant swarms. The famed the Tropics waves of ravenous ants fan out across A Swarming Personality the forest floor, sending before them As is true of many Neotropical fleeing insects, spiders, centipedes, The dynamics within energetic migrants, the Kentucky Warbler’s scorpions, tiny frogs and lizards, and swarm feeding frenzies are only winter range is concentrated in a other prey. A variety of birds wait recently coming to light. In many far smaller area than its breeding in the wings to snap up the startled cases, there seems to be a surprisingly range, mostly from southern Mexico creatures. In a study published in The tolerant ambiance. Among the resi- through Central America’s humid Wilson Journal of Ornithology — dent “regulars” attending the Costa

Kentucky Warblers spend The same authors published a the queen and eggs. Based on more ARTWORK KEY 2014 study in The Wilson Journal of than a decade of observations almost half the year in the Ornithology that again focused on in Costa Rica, Drexel University 1. Kentucky Warbler the Monteverde area. They found professor Sean O’Donnell indicated 10 United States. The rest of 2. Wood Thrush 9 no evidence that birds of different in a 2017 Biotropica article that the 3. White-nosed Coati 7 their lives plays out south species competed at ant swarms. motmot and other bivouac-checking (Inter-species competition has been species not only notify but tolerate 4. White-eared Ground- 8 Sparrow 11 of the U.S. border. observed in other regions, however.) generalist ant followers including the Kentucky Warbler. 5. Orange-billed Other studies find likely benefits Nightingale-Thrush Rica ant swarms were the resident 3 Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush to foraging in these mixed flocks, But that doesn’t mean there 6. Ruddy Woodcreeper 6 12 (the most frequently recorded spe- including safety from predators and isn’t competition within species: 7. Lesson's Motmot 2 4 cies), Lesson’s Motmot, Rufous- “here’s the swarm” signals alerting Kentucky Warblers and other 8. Northern Emerald-Toucanet and-white Wren, and Ruddy birds to these quickly materializing migrants, including Wood Thrushes, 9. Yellowish Flycatcher Woodcreeper. but widely scattered events. The are territorial even on their wintering Lesson’s Motmot and some other grounds, chasing off others of their 10. Brown-throated Sloth 5 Some of these nonmigratory species species specialize in monitoring species. That may explain why 11. Rufous-capped Warbler 1 are much larger than warblers. How army ant bivouacs — mobile nests usually only one Kentucky Warbler 12. Emerald Glass Frog can a Kentucky Warbler stand its the colonial insects make by balling or Wood Thrush is seen per ant ground in these feeding parties? themselves in a mass protecting swarm.

22 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 23 Joining the Conservation

he Kentucky Warbler is a lovely bird facing an uncertain future. The landbird conservation network Partners in Flight has the species on its Yellow Watch List of T declining birds, noting a 29-percent drop in population between 1970 and 2014. About half of the states where Kentucky Warblers nest list it as a bird of conservation concern.

Fortunately, with the right balance, Kentucky Warblers can thrive in working landscapes, benefiting, for example, from certain forest thinning techniques, sustainable agriculture, Our challenge as wildlife and conservation projects on multi-use private, federal, and state lands. ABC is involved in a number of large-scale conservation initiatives benefiting Kentucky Warblers. These habitat stewards is to ensure programs include: Artwork by Louis Agassiz Fuertes this bird doesn’t make the ultimate disappearing act, BirdScapes Southern Wings BirdScapes are landscape-scale areas identified by ABC This program collaborates with ABC and fosters vanishing for good. that provide habitat to help sustain or recover targeted participation by state fish and wildlife agencies in the migratory bird species or populations. On the Kentucky conservation of migratory birds beyond U.S. borders. Warbler’s wintering grounds these include Guatemala’s Conservation of migration and overwintering sites is a Conservation Coast, Northern Nicaragua Highlands, priority for the program, and over 11 years, Southern Bosawas (also in Nicaragua), and the Yoro Corridor and Wings has brought together 30 state fish and wildlife Agalta-Lost City in Honduras. Some of these areas get agencies with conservation partners in many parts of funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Neotropi- the Neotropics. Among the BirdScapes benefiting from cal Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA). Within these Southern Wings support are Guatemala’s Conservation BirdScapes and others, ABC and partners work on improv- Coast and the El Jaguar Reserve within the Northern ing protection of remaining forests, promoting beneficial Nicaragua Highlands BirdScape. Both sites are important agroforestry and silviculture (including shade-grown to Kentucky Warblers. At El Jaguar, Southern Wings has Amid the Foliage: McDonald has also seen a Kentucky leave the nest.” When danger strikes, coffee), and habitat restoration projects. supported the development of tree nurseries, habitat restoration, and outreach and education activities with Fight and Flight tussle with a Carolina Wren. But fledglings “go for the darkest, tiniest more ominous dangers lurk: nest- little crawl space, and are incredibly Joint Ventures local landowners, as well as ABC and El Jaguar efforts to As spring peaks, Kentucky Warblers monitor migratory birds via a newly installed MOTUS tower robbing jays and crows, raccoons, hard to find,” she says. An estimated 84 percent of the Kentucky Warbler‘s are on territory and then on eggs. and opossums, Cooper’s Hawks, that tracks radio-tagged birds. global population falls within ABC-supported regional Because we mostly just hear them and the ever-vigilant Brown-headed For most observers, Kentucky partnerships called Migratory Bird Joint Ventures (JVs). sing, it’s easy to overlook the Cowbird, a blackbird that lays eggs in Warblers are phantoms, mostly heard JVs bring together local, state, federal, and Sustainable Forestry Initiative effort these birds take to raise their Kentucky and other songbird nests, and not seen. In many areas, though, nongovernmental organizations (including ABC), ABC works with at least a dozen companies that next generation. McDonald has so the hosts will raise cowbird young, even their telltale song is fading. seen many dramas play out on to the detriment of their own. Our challenge as wildlife habitat corporations, and landowners. sustainably manage millions of acres of working forests Kentucky territories. “There can be stewards is to ensure this bird doesn’t JVs implement certified to the standards of the Sustainable Forestry direct competition between Worm- Despite adults’ territorial tussles, in make the ultimate disappearing act, long-term habitat Initiative, Inc. Those standards include a commitment eating and Hooded and Kentucky the high-stakes game of songbird vanishing for good. management to conserve biodiversity, with special consideration for Warblers,” she says. “The Kentucky survival, McDonald thinks being benefiting many riparian areas, native vegetation, and thinning of forests able to vanish is key: “I believe that Howard Youth is is usually the most aggressive — less declining migratory bird to promote understory development. These types of one of the attributes that a KEWA ABC’s Senior Writer/ tolerant than some other species. populations. Efforts to management activities benefit Kentucky Warblers Editor. But I’ve seen a Worm-eating Warbler pair, a female presumably, is looking enhance habitat for the and other birds such as Wood Thrushes and steal food out of the bill of a foraging for in a male’s territory is not so increasingly scarce Cerulean Swainson’s Warblers. Kentucky. A Kentucky would win a much exactly where the nest will be, Warbler, for example, also fair competition.” but rather its proximity to escape — Howard Youth havens for the young when they benefit Kentucky Warblers.

Wintering Wood Thrush, Costa Rica. Photo by Luis César Tejo, Shutterstock

24 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 Kentucky Warbler by Ray Hennessy, Shutterstock BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 25 Thanks to input from our recent reader survey, we’re launching this new department, Sleepy Creek Wildlife taking readers to a birding site benefiting from ABC and partners’ conservation efforts.

Lay of the Land: Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management ABC BIRDING Management Area, West Virginia Area (WMA) spans 23,000 acres of mountainous forest in West Virginia. Mature oak-hickory forest predominates, but there are also about 3,500 acres of oak-pine for- est, and also scattered clearings. Undergrowth includes Mountain Laurel and serviceberry. The WMA is 16 miles long, north to south, and between 1.5 and 3 miles wide. A 205-acre lake lies at its heart.

Focal Birds: Common nesting woodland birds include Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, and many Neotropical migrants: American Redstart; Ovenbird; Worm-eating, Black-and-white, Prairie, and Pine Warblers; Wood Thrush; Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Eastern Whip-poor-will; Baltimore Oriole; Indigo Bunting; and Scarlet Tanager. Cerulean Warblers breed in smaller numbers but can be found by listening for their “cheera cheera cheera chicha-CHEEE” song in tall deciduous stands near small openings in the forest.

Other Wildlife: Black Bear, Bobcat, River Otter, Beaver, Eastern Box and Wood Turtles, Timber Rattlesnake.

When to Visit: The Cerulean Warbler and other nesting Neotropical migrant species sing on territory mid-May through June, quieting down by early July. Turkey hunt- ing season ends May 16, 2020; some roads are closed after that date to protect nesting Wild Turkeys, but the roads described here remain open. Sleepy Creek WMA is open year-round, but before visiting, check state hunting seasons at www.wvdnr.gov.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Ovenbird by Jim Zipp. THIS PAGE, clockwise from top right: Mountain Laurel by Margaret Wiktor, Shutterstock; Scarlet Tanager by Jay Ondreicka, Shutterstock; Eastern Box Turtle by Christian Puntorno, Shutterstock; Black Bear by critterbiz, Shutterstock; Ruffed Grouse by Neal Herbert

BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 27 Getting There

Conservation Activities: A sign entitled “Cerulean Warbler Management Area,” located on the “range road” (see map), marks the site where the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (which ABC leads), and the National Wild Turkey Federation performed a 2017 shelterwood harvest. This carefully planned small clearing benefits the birds by preserving diverse forest structure, while allowing in more light to nurture oak and hickory saplings. This area is designed to provide enhanced habitat for Cerulean Warblers and other forest birds, and should attract them over the next five years. Meanwhile, the low vegetation and edge habitat at this Sleepy and other nearby active management sites attract early successional species including the Prairie Warbler, White- Creek eyed Vireo, and Indigo Bunting. WMA Cerulean Warblers nest nearby in the forest, at the edge of other small clearings: Walk about 100 yards past the sign and through the shelterwood harvest and you will Sleepy arrive at these canopy gaps. Creek Lake

RIGHT: Cerulean Warbler by Ray Hennessy, Shutterstock BELOW: Cerulean Warbler Management Area sign in winter by Josh Vance

Directions: From the town of Shanghai (roughly seven miles west of Interstate 81), head west on Hampshire Grade Road, 826 Range which soon enters the WMA. Shortly Road Interstate 81 7 miles after entering, you reach the top of the mountain. Take the first right onto Hampshir the gravel road, where you see the Grade Roade sign directing visitors to Sleepy Creek Shanghai Lake. (This road is marked on maps as forest service road 826 and is known locally as the “range road.”) Pennsylvania Ohio

From the range road turnoff, drive MD about a mile until you see on the right the large “Cerulean Warbler West Sleepy Management Area” sign explaining the Creek Virginia WMA cut and its wildlife benefits. Elsewhere along the “range road” are signs describing other timber management KY Virginia practices that benefit wildlife.

Sleepy Creek WMA has many trails Learn more about the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture and its work at: and also a camping area near the lake. amjv.org/creating-wildlife-habitats/

28 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 29 by Howard Youth

n a dreary winter morning, three of us from ABC We learn that these pampered siskins won’t remain here escape the Nation’s Capital sprawl, driving west to for long. Over the past several years, SCBI keepers and Othe Blue Ridge Mountains. Our goal: to see one of researchers have honed the most effective strategies the Americas’ most eye-popping and fast-vanishing birds. for breeding these birds, tweaking housing and dietary SAVING After two hours, we reach our target destination, pulling arrangements, monitoring behaviors and matches — so into the 3,200-acre Smithsonian Conservation Biology that these husbandry “secrets” will help other zoos carry Institute (SCBI) and up to an unassuming beige building the torch. Through careful tracking and coordination, called the Small Animal Facility. When we leave the car, these North American institutions aim to create a Species we’re neither wearing parkas nor carrying binoculars. Survival Plan yielding a genetically rich, sustainable RED This is no birding stakeout, after all, but a bird encounter zoo-network population. A similar effort is underway in of a different kind. Europe, the part of the world where the South American siskin’s troubles began. SCBI is a rural redoubt geared to recovering imperiled species. Black- footed Ferrets, Guam Kingfishers and Gaudiness and Greed GOLD Rails, and members of southeastern Through careful coordination, Under normal circumstances, Red Canada’s rare Loggerhead Shrike Siskins wouldn’t be rare. Like many population all live in the building North American institutions goldfinch and siskin species, they we’ve entered. But there’s also aim to create a Species are habitat generalists, frequenting another resident, a species ABC, the patchworks of semi-humid forest Smithsonian Institution, Venezuelan Survival Plan. A similar effort and edge, fields, and farms, partner and nongovernmental including shade-coffee plantations. is underway in Europe, where organization Provita, and others Flocks often wander nomadically work together to save. Looking like the South American siskin’s depending upon the season, a goldfinch cloaked in cardinal divining the best spots to find a plumage, the bird we seek is, in fact, troubles began. bounty of seeds and berries. called Cardenalito in South America. The Red Siskin’s eye-catching color Soon, 17 Red Siskins — half the proved to be its downfall. As the North American zoo population — Spanish colonized Venezuela in the zip before us, the males breathtaking 1500s, returning ships brought back blazing-red with black heads many “newly found” creatures, and wings, and the females gray, including this fiery-red finch. patched with red. We hear rich, Imperial powers kept many secrets A tale of two songbirds, warbling songs and inflected, almost from each other. Apparently, questioning calls that remind us of Cardenalito was one: Almost three one wild and vanishing, local goldfinches. Mostly hidden centuries passed before the species the other domesticated. within a purple-flowering plant hung was recognized by science and from the ceiling, a female sits on a tightly woven nest. began dazzling the rest of Europe. Will this story end happily Keeper Erica Royer shows us a used nest unlike any ever By the late 1800s, Red Siskins were being imported in in one of the world’s most found in the Red Siskin’s northern South American large numbers, not only as pets but also to feed the range. It consists mostly of burlap and coconut fiber and feather trade, with dead birds’ plumage providing a challenged countries? string. But the soft layer inside, where jellybean-sized, splash of cherry-red to hats and other accessories. But mostly white eggs once sat, includes contributions from the biggest wave of siskin capture was yet to come, other exotic wildlife living at the facility: “The birds here inextricably tied to a familiar songbird hailing from line their nests with materials we provide,” says Royer, windswept islands off the North African coast. “and that includes bison fur, Cheetah fur, and Scimitar- horned Oryx and Dama Gazelle hair.”

LEFT: Male Red Siskin by Gerhard Hofmann, Alamy Stock Photo ABOVE: Red Siskin nest with egg, lined with zoo animal fur. Photo by Howard Youth

30 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 31 Venezuela’s Red Bird Renaissance Like a Canary in a… When Canary Met Siskin The Island Canary was on Europeans’ radar long before These days, consumers crave the groundbreaking and apping South America and partners have expressed in this Red Siskins appeared. Early in the Age of Exploration, in exciting, in cars, cellphones, fashion, and running shoes. perched just above the Equator, species,” says Dr. Kathryn Rodriguez- the late 1300s and early 1400s, Spanish and Portuguese The same spirit prevailed in the centuries-old cagebird C Venezuela is a culturally vibrant Clark, a population ecologist for the ships brought back intriguing streaky, greenish-yellow trade around the time of World War One, when a hot and biologically diverse nation that Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Red songbirds from the Canary Islands. Although pretty, new idea surfaced: the creation of a red canary. This en- in recent years has been among the Siskin Initiative co-founder. these birds did not look much different from the closely deavor proved to be quite a challenge, but like hard-core most economically and politically In Venezuela, the Red Siskin Initiative related European Serin, common on the mainland. The birders, aviculturists are a highly competitive and persis- challenged countries as well. Here, the (RSI) team, led by Miguel Arvelo as co- imported birds, however, wowed people with their rich, tent lot. Starting in the 1920s, orange breeds appeared. Red Siskin is a source of pride, and ordinator, recently inaugurated an off- sustained songs. By the 1500s, canaries were sold across But eye-popping red canaries remained elusive. many stakeholders have thrown their site breeding facility. At the Red Siskin reintroduce this species in a sustain- Western Europe. And through careful matchmaking, hats into bringing back this bird, from Conservation Center (RSSC), housed able way,” says Arvelo. “This center breeders began selling more colorful individuals. All- In his book, Birkhead describes how in 1924, after Venezuela’s Provita to the Association within the private Leslie Pantin Zoo in will house a Red Siskin population that yellow canaries debuted by the mid-1600s, and many seeing a Red Siskin in an aviary and hearing that a few of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ABC, Turmero, a founder population is be- helps to ensure against extinction.” fancy breeds followed. aviculturists had dabbled in matching the siskin and the Smithsonian Institution, and others. canary, German geneticist Hans Duncker hatched a ing built that hopefully will yield birds Built using an AZA grant, the center “By the 1870s,” wrote Tim Birkhead in his 2003 book plan that went a concerted step beyond. He had spent “We’ve been really pleased at the for reintroduction into the wild. “We received confiscated Red Siskins and The Red Canary, “songbirds could be heard and seen in years tinkering with canary genetics and now wanted to level of interest that other AZA have created essential infrastructure to also some donated by Venezuelan virtually every home in Europe.” Canaries were especially experiment with two species, producing a canary that facilities and national and international rescue, rehabilitate, raise, and one day cagebird breeders. “Working with prized in these years before radio and television, inherited the siskin's striking scarlet plumage color. “His breeders in Venezuela is another part their trilling and deep warbling providing comforting idea was to combine the genetic material of two distinct of RSI’s educational and outreach background music. species to create a new one — a transgenic canary,” efforts, and is creating a conservation wrote Birkhead. “This was the first attempt to create a mindset,” says the Smithsonian’s Brian Of course, canaries had another important use. Calling genetically modified animal, the first bit of animal gene Coyle. “We’re working with breeders an environmentally sensitive species a “canary in a coal technology.” mine” is now a tired metaphor, but these songbirds really in Venezuela. Provita is reaching out did join miners as they were lowered down impossibly Given no other alternatives, birds of the two species can and creating an alliance between long, pitch-black mine shafts. There, canaries provided interbreed and produce viable young. Within two years, conservationists and aviculturists. an air-quality alert system, the sensitive birds dropping persistent Duncker and his colleague Karl Reich had tried Breeders have responded very dead when toxic fumes crept into a shaft. their first Red Siskin x yellow canary crosses. The birds positively. They feel a strong sense they produced, though, were at best orange. Competitive of responsibility to help recover this aviculturists kept reaching for red. “The popularity of beloved species in the wild.” coloured canary projects in North America and Europe Yellow canary x Red Siskin crosses yielded — Howard Youth meant that from the 1940s, huge numbers of Red Siskins birds that were at best orange, until the were taken from their native Venezuela to fuel the bird TOP: Captive-bred Red Siskin at the Smithsonian facility. breeders’ fantasies,” wrote Birkhead. Photo by Chris Crowe. LEFT: Red Siskin enclosures at the Red Siskin Conservation Center in Venezuela. Photo by secret ingredient was found.... the Red Siskin Initiative

“Many of the siskins didn’t survive the transatlantic or “red-factor,” canaries — the result of crossing journey, and in a few decades the population plum- then back-crossing Red Siskins and canaries — a diet meted,” says Brian Coyle, the Smithsonian’s Conserva- including carotenoid supplements. Birds do not produce tion Commons Program Manager. Coyle began working carotenoids themselves, but acquire them through diet. on Red Siskin conservation at the Smithsonian in 2013 Such diet-induced color enhancement occurs in many and was main coordinator for the international partner- wild birds, including flamingos, House Finches, and ship called the Red Siskin Initiative (RSI), of which ABC Northern Cardinals. is part. He remains a lead member. “By the early 1950s, the Red Siskin was the first species in Venezuela to receive Red canaries finally appeared in 1964, when orange endangered species status.” canaries were fed a supplement called Carophyll that is used to pigment factory-raised chickens’ egg yolks. So, in Around this time, aviculturists realized that the only the end, the red canary was a product both of genetics way to attain a reddish canary was to feed orange, and diet. PHOTOS FROM LEFT: Yellow canary by Eric Isselee, Shutterstock; Red Siskin pair by yantzepg; red-factor canary by Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

32 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 33 These agricultural communities sit nestled between Henri The partners also help farmers excel. “We have been pro- RED SISKIN HISTORIC RANGE RED SISKIN CURRENT RANGE Pittier and Macarao National Parks in north-central viding them with technical assistance with farming prac- Venezuela. Bird-friendly agriculture there would help tices, including how to produce organic fertilizers, and build a wildlife habitat corridor between these protected helping to build strong relationships with farmers while areas, benefiting not only siskins but more than 70 building capacity,” says Anchondo. “Provita helped cre- migratory bird species, including Cerulean Warblers, ate a cooperative and helped farms get certified organic Northern Waterthrushes, and Olive-sided Flycatchers. and Smithsonian coffee certification.” The targeted farms now cover 400 acres, but the area will be expanded in coming years. Smithsonian’s Brian Coyle points out how involving farmers in conservation work makes a huge difference to the birds. “Wild siskins forage Linking Siskins with and nest in shade-coffee farms Venezuela Guyana Venezuela Guyana Better Farm Yields Involving farmers in in Venezuela. This gives us the “We know that reserves are impor- opportunity to release birds in a Colombia Colombia tant for conservation, but it’s not conservation work makes a controlled location that keeps them safe from trappers and where farmers enough,” says Andrés Anchondo, huge difference to the birds, Conservation Specialist with ABC’s can help with monitoring. Migratory Bird Program. Anchondo as wild siskins forage and nest Map from Red Siskin Initiative “Not only are we helping farmers works with Provita on projects that in shade-coffee farms with their livelihoods, we are show- build capacity in shade-grown coffee ing how conservation can benefit and other agricultural communities A Tattered Range Red Dawn in Venezuela. them economically, and how they in Venezuela. “We work on a variety The International Union for Conservation of Nature Although they are now rare, there’s hope for a Red Siskin can be ambassadors for protection of of habitats, and collaborating with (IUCN) now lists the Red Siskin as Endangered, with an revival. Partnerships, ongoing conservation work, and endangered species in the country communities is key, especially for estimated remaining wild population ranging from 1,500 community involvement now play vital roles in the and the world,” Coyle adds. Red Siskins and migratory birds, par- to 7,000 adults. species’ future. And much of the work, including a new ticularly those that use a wide range breeding facility (see sidebar, p. 33), is now being carried Shortly after bidding the siskins of landscapes.” Red Siskins now occur in just seven known pockets of out in Venezuela, always the core of this species’ range. adieu and stepping out of SCBI’s habitat, after once being a common bird across northern Small Animal Facility, we hear ABC and partners also work with Venezuela, west to the Colombian border. The species Despite day-to-day challenges, Provita is making American Goldfinches overhead. It’s farmers to help them get their har- is known from the Caribbean as well, with likely recent headway to save some of Venezuela’s rare wildlife, and hard to imagine a bird as ubiquitous vests certified. When rollercoaster- reports from Puerto Rico. And in Guyana, a population the Red Siskin tops the list, in part because it features as a goldfinch being absent from ing coffee prices plunged, many is located far from other known sites, near the Brazilian prominently in the country’s culture. The Cardenalito this landscape. But that’s exactly Venezuelan shade-coffee farms were border. graces the country’s currency and pops up in songs, what’s happened to Red Siskins cleared for other crops. RSI partners poetry, and art. Yet few young Venezuelans have ever in Venezuela. With so many Since the species was found in Guyana in 2000, ABC have been working with remaining seen one in the wild. Hopefully that soon will change. encouraging conservation efforts and other groups have supported its conservation and shade-coffee growers to get USDA Organic, the Organic underway, Red Siskin fans have some strong reasons for petitioned the government to have it protected. As Once the captive-bred population builds, the plan is to Standard of the European Economic Community, and hope. With determination, partnership, and focus, it’s in Venezuela, it is now illegal to capture or otherwise release birds on farms and in natural areas in northern Smithsonian Bird-Friendly® certifications, which yield a quite possible that in the years ahead, we’ll all be able to harm siskins in Guyana. (In the U.S., Red Siskins receive Venezuela, including in two areas where the Red higher price for their crop and enable them to export it rejoice in the return of Cardenalito. protection under the Endangered Species Act and cannot Siskin Initiative is working with farmers: the Piedra de to interested overseas buyers. be legally bought or sold without a special “captive-bred Cachimbo and La Florida. ABC thanks Environment and Climate Change Canada for its So far, 39 farms are certified USDA Organic, including 13 wildlife” permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife support of our work with Provita and the Northern Venezuela that also have Smithsonian Bird-Friendly® certification, Service.) BirdScape. which requires, among other things, the use of ten or Everywhere they remain, however, wild Red Siskins are more native shade tree and shrub species; more than Howard Youth is sought by poachers, not so much for the canary trade 40-percent foliage cover; preservation of leaf litter and ABC’s Senior anymore, but because these birds are pretty and rare and groundcover plants; and, when possible, living fences. Writer/Editor. thus valuable, in the U.S. fetching up to $600 on the black market. LEFT: A field technician checking shade-grown coffee at a Venezuelan plantation. ABOVE: A local producer collects shade-grown Ending the global trade in wild birds would help the coffee during the harvest season. Photos by Diego Benítez, Provita. siskin (see p. 4).

34 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 35 FLYING LESSONS What Are Florida’s Birds Telling Us?

With this new column, we go on the road with Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal, who are sharing their experiences with birds as they travel across the country.

By Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal

lorida is a head-spinning It’s fascinating, so Florida became 15,000 of these birds are found in The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, We left Florida in February thinking place to go birding. One the first stop on our five-month road clusters across the Southeast. an endemic subspecies in serious about what’s ahead. On the one Fday you’re chasing a flock of trip around the country — a birding peril, was also on our list. Just 30 hand, many millions of birds fill When we caught up with a wood- Roseate Spoonbills across 140,000 safari of sorts. In January, we packed breeding pairs remain on managed this state, a glorious abundance of pecker cluster at St. Sebastian River acres of pristine wetlands, and up our Airstream trailer, gathered public lands. If a last-ditch rescue soaring, flapping, squawking, and Preserve State Park east of Orlando, the next you’re watching Purple binoculars and cameras, and headed mission isn’t successful, this sparrow singing. On the other hand, that three birds were roosting in these Gallinules forage in a ditch a short south from our home in North will be the next bird to go extinct cacophony can no longer be taken custom-made cavities. At dawn, jaunt from a Starbucks. Carolina. in the United States, as the Dusky for granted. they darted through a stand of Seaside Sparrow, another Florida- A few weeks ago, we tracked Endan- Eight years ago, our love of birding 70-year-old Longleaf Pines alongside endemic subspecies, did in 1990. What are the birds telling us? gered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers turned into an obsession. Like many warblers and nuthatches — just the through a state park without meet- birders, the more we learned, the protective clan they need to survive. Our time with the Grasshopper Their survival is ever more ing another soul. On nearby Inter- more we realized how much there Sparrow was the equivalent of an dependent on the very species Another of our targets was the state 95, two Sandhill Cranes grazed is to know. With our full-time emergency room visit: We joined a responsible for their decline. Some Florida Scrub-Jay. It’s a keystone on the grassy shoulder as traffic work as journalists winding down, crew of wildlife specialists south of of what’s needed — the tools, the ABOVE: Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. RIGHT: bird still in decline, found only in science, the expertise — is in place. whizzed by a few feet away. we started following the birds. Florida Scrub-Jay, Red-cockaded Woodpecker; Orlando as they released the year’s a few counties in Central Florida. But as a society, we’ve yet to show Before long we launched a website photos by Anders Gyllenhaal. first group of captive-bred sparrows The sandy, mostly treeless scrubland The Florida peninsula has a rich and began writing articles for just in time for the breeding season. the political will and sustained it requires has been carved up by avian landscape, home to more newspapers and magazines. signature species are under particu- Yet even the most optimistic commitment to ensure that all than 500 species, found from lar pressure, reaching the limits of development, and pressures are researchers on this project concede species, including such signature the mangroves in the Keys to the Our concept is simple. Birds have their adaptability and in need of ag- likely to accelerate as sea-level rise that the sparrows could be gone in birds as the endemic jays and Panhandle’s oak hammocks. An much to teach us, from the impacts gressive conservation to survive. pushes people back from the coasts. just a few years. sparrows, thrive here in Florida. impressive 10 million acres of parks, of a shifting environment, to how We found the jays in a 200-acre pre- refuges, and other protected areas nature is constantly in flux, to how Our tour started with the Red- serve near Titusville that illustrates are managed for conservation. we should stay quiet long enough cockaded Woodpecker, a species the dilemma. The tract is surround- Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal are veteran journalists to truly listen and observe. Hence that shows what mandated ed on all sides by homes and roads, who’ve worked at a string of newspapers from The But Florida is on a collision course our website “Flying Lessons: What conservation can accomplish. Once leaving room for just a half-dozen Miami Herald to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. with its birds. People and birds tend we’re learning from the birds” the woodpecker was added to the They spend more than half their time these days to like to live in the same places federal endangered species list in of these highly territorial birds. The (flyinglessons.us). traveling the U.S. and writing about birds. here, and with 21 million residents, 1973, more land was protected and jays followed us along the trail, the Florida now ranks as the third-most- In Florida, the lessons are on biologists started installing artificial two pairs chattering and devouring populated state. daily display. Many of the state’s nest cavities for them. Today, about acorns practically at our feet.

36 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 BIRD CONSERVATION | SPRING 2020 37 Edrin Symonette is an artist, goat and sheep farmer, and citrus grower. He was born and lives on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, one of the islands where Kirtland’s Warblers (an ABC priority species) winter. For years, he has been working with ABC, its partner the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), and others to manage his land, both for livestock and warblers. Here is his story, in his own words.

My father farmed I had the opportunity to go to I really first learned about the Kirtland’s Warbler through when I was a kid. At school on a scholarship and Dave Ewert from ABC and Joe Wunderle from the time, I hated run track at Hampton the U.S. Forest Service. They ran nets farming. University in Virginia. through my farms. Anytime I saw Dave and Joe, I knew the birds were here.

When I came home one Sometimes, they brought kids schooled at the holiday, I fell in love University of the Bahamas to track the birds with goats and animal and do some of the recording and netting. husbandry, and Some came back here and are either working at then later Bahamas National Trust or are doing other work returned to farming. in the Bahamas. Get Your Ducks in a Row... Setting up pasture systems for the goats seems to work well for the What determines the length of time we leave livestock in pastures is warblers. The goats take the local vegetation they want — native grasses, rainfall: The drier it is or the less rain we have, the shorter time we leave legumes, etc. — and leave a lot of what the warbler feeds on: animals in the field. With more rain, the rotating system is a little slower, allowing them to stay in the fields a little longer. ... with a Legacy Gift to American Bird Conservancy.

We have hope for the future of birds in the Americas, thanks in part to ABC’s Legacy Black Torches, Snowberry, and White Sage bushes, which have the berries. Circle — a special group of our supporters who have made a bequest from their estate to ABC. Collectively, these individuals share a vision of a better future for birds, their habitats, and the environment as a whole, and have made a personal commitment to support ABC’s bird conservation efforts for years to come.

When I first learned about the birds, they (Ewert and Wunderle) told me that what I've been doing over Will you please join with them by including the years, not even knowing it, helps the birds. I was just managing the land and food sources. But that helps the birds, which is very cool. ABC in your estate plans?

Wood Duck drake by clarst5, Shutterstock

If you are interested in more information about how to leave a legacy of bird conservation, or if you have already remembered ABC in your will, or as a beneficiary of a trust, IRA, or insurance plan, please contact Award-winning watercolor painter Beatriz Benavente lives in Spain, where she specializes in scientific and bird illustration. You can follow Jack Morrison, ABC Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, at [email protected] or 540-253-5780. her on Instagram at: instagram.com/tellingwildstories/ 38 TOP: Wood Ducks by Paul Reeves Photography, Shutterstock P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 abcbirds.org 540-253-5780 • 888-247-3624

Red Siskin by Ger Bosma, Alamy Stock Photo