Vol. 15, No. 2 BIRD CALLS June 2011

New Gulf Coast Project to Protect IN THIS ISSUE Beach-Nesting Birds in Five States Landmark Trial Underway Over Bird-killing Buildings ne year after the start of in Toronto, Canada. the massive Deepwater Case Horizon oil spill in the pits owners of three glass office GulfO of Mexico, ABC announced it buildings against environmental will launch a five-state, Gulf Coast groups. Story page 5. conservation effort to identify and Legal Action Forces Expansion implement protective measures for of Snowy Plover Critical Habitat. vulnerable beach-nesting birds such as New proposal from FWS aims the Least Tern, Black Skimmer, Sand- to increase land for Pacific Coast wich Tern, and Royal Tern. Funded population of the Western Snowy by the National Fish and Wildlife Plover. Story page 7. Foundation, the project will reduce impacts on key beach-nesting bird colonies, which are currently vulner- able to accidental disturbance by beachgoers, dogs, and ATVs. Black Skimmers: Tom Grey

continued on page 2

Three New Protected Areas Established Lavaty Greg Plover: Snowy in Mexico’s Yucatán Region Three More Condors Poisoned by Lead Ammo. New study re- illions of migratory and water sources on the mainland of the veals that lead is the primary fac- resident birds will benefit Yucatán Peninsula. The 49,000-acre tor limiting recovery of condors from the designation of Cozumel Forest and Wetlands State in the wild. Story page 11. threeM new protected areas totaling Reserve is being created on the island over 76,000 acres on the Yucatán of Cozumel off the eastern coast of Biggest Ever Rodent Eradication Peninsula of Mexico by the outgoing the peninsula to protect forest and Effort Shows Promising Early Governor of the State of Quintana wetland resources. Returns. Efforts concentrate on Roo, Félix González South George Island and Palmyra The island of Cozumel is particularly Canto. Atoll in the Pacific. Story page 15. significant, as it is home to three Two of the new endemic bird species, the Cozumel First Endowment to Assist reserves, Chichank- Thrasher, Cozumel Emerald, and Community-Owned Bird anab Lagoon State Cozumel Vireo, as well as 15 endemic Reserves Established in Peru. Reserve, and Bacalar subspecies, including the Yucatán Two million dollar endowment Lagoon Ecological Woodpecker, Yucatán Flycatcher, and established by ABC and partners. State Park will pro- Cozumel House Wren. Story page 19. tect important continued on page 4 For complete list of stories, see page 2.

Yucatan Woodpecker: Tom Murray Bird Calls

CoNTENTS Gulf Coast Conservation Project, from page 1 New Gulf Coast Project to Protect Beach- 1-2 The project will draw on expertise Nesting Birds in Five States Three New Protected Areas Established in 1, 4 from partners throughout the Gulf Mexico’s Yucatán Region region, including the Barataria- ABC’s Viewpoint: Cumulative Mortality: 3 How Many Dead Birds Is Too Many? Terrebonne National Estuary Program, Sage-Grouse May Get More Funding to 4 National Audubon Society, the Pas- Prevent ESA Listing Than if Listed cagoula River Audubon Center (and Landmark Trial Underway Over Bird-Killing 5 Buildings in Toronto, Canada their Audubon Junior Naturalist and Proposed Legislation Would Prevent Millions 5 “Chick Shelter” programs), and the of Bird Deaths Introduced Deer on Hawai'i Pose a New 6 Mississippi Coast Audubon Society, Threat to Native Birds and the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. Florida Scrub-Jay Headed for Extinction? 6 Legal Action Forces Expansion of Snowy Plover 7 “Beaches are among the most limited Critical Habitat New Plan to Break ESA Listing Backlog Halted 7 and threatened of all bird habitats in ABC Announces Findings in Bird Feed Test 8 the United States. They provide only Arizona Ponderosa Pine Forests to be Restored 8 a tiny sliver of nesting opportunity for Least Tern: Ralph Wright Supreme Court Rejects Appeal to Keep Deadly 9 birds, and are often heavily used by Pesticide on Market Mice Eradication for Farallones Would Protect 9 humans, squeezed by development, Specifically, the project partners, with Ashy Storm-Petrel But Has Risks and frequented by colonies of feral the help of volunteers, will implement Trumpeter Swans Dying From Lead Poisoning 10 in Northwest U.S. and Canada cats. Consequently, birds that require conservation measures such as signage Three More Condors Poisoned by Lead Ammo, 11 this habitat face considerable survival and fencing at critical, unprotected, or New Study Shows Lead Limiting Recovery challenges. Much of their plight is insufficiently protected colony sites for Seabird Losses on Midway Exceed Early Estimates 12 Red Knot Population Crashing; Listing 12 caused by humans, so it is only fitting beach-nesting birds, to reduce acciden- Urgently Needed that we take steps to fend off some of tal nest destruction and abandonment. Appalachian Reforestation Project Recognized 13 those challenges and give the birds a These direct protection measures First Predator-Proof Fence in Hawai'i Completed 13 Drug-laced Mice Used to Control Brown 14 fighting chance,” said Mike Parr, will be supported by a public aware- Tree Snakes on Guam ABC Vice President. ness campaign designed to encourage Biggest Rodent Eradication Effort in History 15 beach-goers to respect and avoid sensi- Shows Promising Early Returns Habitat to be targeted by the project State of the Birds Report Finds Public Land 16 tive nesting areas. Essential for Hundreds of Species was directly impacted by the oil spill, What’s New In Wind Energy 17 both from the oil itself and also as a Both the Least Tern and the Black Golden-winged Warbler May Be Proposed 18 Skimmer are on the U.S. WatchList, for ESA Listing result of the cleanup effort. Cleanup First Endowment to Aid Community-Owned 19 crews on foot and in vehicles disturbed which identifies birds that need con- Bird Reserves Established in Peru birds and destroyed nests, while re- servation attention to survive a con- Years of Negotiations Benefit the Endangered 20 Chestnut-capped Piha moval of sand from nesting areas to vergence of environmental challenges, Threat Status Lowered for Rare Ecuadorian Bird 21 construct protective berms along the including habitat loss, invasive species, Birds in Brief 22-23 tideline caused further damage. and climate change. Help Protect America’s Birds From Deadly Toxins! 24

If you have questions or would like more information on any of our articles, contact Bob Johns at 202-234-7181, x210, or e-mail [email protected]

Bird Calls is the newsletter of American Bird Conservancy and is produced for members of ABC and the Bird Conservation Alliance. Editors: George Fenwick, Steve Holmer, Bob Johns, Jack Morrison, Merrie Morrison, Mike Parr, Gemma Radko, Darin Schroeder, Gavin Shire, George Wallace. AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY 1731 Connecticut Ave, NW, 3rd Floor Washington, DC 20009 202-234-7181/fax 202-234-7182 E-mail: [email protected] Black Skimmer nesting colony along the Mississippi Web: www.abcbirds.org coast, 2010. Photo, Mike Parr, ABC Bird Conservation Alliance www.birdconservationalliance.org

2 JUNE 2011

ABC’s VIEWPOINT Cumulative Mortality: How Many Dead Birds Is Too Many? he cat brings a bedraggled habitat loss, an additional million will Ovenbird into the house. The be a million too many, and populations bird is already dead. You qui- of even common birds could begin a etlyT dispose of it. A Wood Thrush hits slow decline towards extinction—and your window and dies on the patio. even if not toward extinction, isn’t there You wince as you give it the same treat- a point at which we can agree there are ment. A Philadelphia Vireo crashes into fewer birds and higher population risks a communication tower in Mississippi. than we desire? You might have seen it in Ohio over the Nature is not a laboratory; we cannot weekend, but now you can’t. Similar test these theories in controlled isola- events are played out across the country tion and see what happens. Most bird day in, day out. Each individual case populations are too hard to monitor, may seem inconsequential to the overall changes often happen too gradually, and population of a particular bird species, they are generally too hard to link to but what about the cumulative effect particular threats when many threats are that these deaths have on birds? acting concurrently. So rather than just At American Bird Conservancy, we talk Cat with Ovenbird: Andrew Currie, Creative Commons, pointing fingers at others, we believe we October 2009 with many of the stakeholders involved should minimize all significant causes of in activities that harm birds – from peo- bird mortality. ple who feed feral cats to representatives high-risk strategy of migration. So per- The primary driving factor of private of the pesticide industry. Without fail, haps these mortality factors are all just industry is profit maximization, which each one disputes the seriousness of their fine: a few birds here, a few birds there; means that any push for additional en- impacts, and points the finger at some a thousand more there, a million more vironmental safeguards will usually be other cause of bird mortality as being the there. So long as the habitat is still there, met with the response that it costs too “real culprit.” Cat advocates blame habi- perhaps they can withstand everything much and is too burdensome. This tac- tat loss, the wind industry blames moun- we can throw at them and then some. tic is leveraged with the notion that jobs taintop coal mining; a representative of At ABC, we have done a lot of thinking and the economy will be negatively im- the communication tower industry once about the issue of cumulative mortal- pacted as a result. More often than not, suggested to us that the real problem ity recently, in particular in relation to this is a fallacy, but where it is true, it is was birds getting drunk from eating fer- the development of the wind industry. invariably a short-term consequence. As menting berries along highway medians It looks as though wind turbines will taxpayers, shareholders, and citizens, we and crashing into cars. We address each be killing somewhere between one mil- need to demand more from industry. As diversion (including the very real issue of lion and four million birds each year stewards of the land for the generations poorly planned highway plantings) with when the industry is fully built out that will follow, we have the responsibil- patient persistence, carefully researched across the country; a relatively small ity of taking the longer view beyond a scientific evidence, and when necessary, number when compared to the massive company’s balance sheet for this fiscal legal action. mortality caused by cats and collisions year. The top threats that migratory songbirds with windows, both of which number The hunting community addressed the face are, in fact, natural: severe weather in the hundreds of millions, perhaps declines of waterfowl this way when events—especially in the fall, and dep- even billions. Of course cats don’t kill they set up a major funding program redation by native predators. Fortu- many Golden Eagles, and windows for wetland acquisition and restoration, nately, populations of most migratory don’t threaten Whooping Cranes, but and just a few decades later this effort is songbirds have breeding strategies that in terms of mass casualties, wind is defi- a global model of conservation success. are designed to cope with these levels nitely not the biggest threat. But what Isn’t it time that other interest groups of mortality. Most songbirds have high if we are already close to a tipping point started thinking this way too? reproductive rates, specifically designed for some bird populations? At some to withstand heavy losses during the point, particularly in the face of ongoing

3 Bird Calls

New Protected Areas in Yucatan, from page 1

“The new protected area in Cozumel is one of the most In 2004 and 2006, ABC supported surveys to locate the important conservation actions by the state government of Cozumel Thrasher. Although the first expedition proved Quintana Roo in many years,” said Gonzalo Merediz, the fruitful, the 2006 expedition failed to turn up any birds, Executive Director of the Mexican conservation organiza- and the species has not been seen since. The creation of this tion Amigos de Sian Ka’an. “It not only represents a tool to new reserve in Cozumel means that if the thrasher still sur- preserve pristine tropical forest and endemic bird and mam- vives, one of the very few remaining areas it may inhabit is mal species, it also helps to promote a sustainable develop- now protected. ment on Mexico’s largest inhabited island and the most important cruise destination in the world.” ABC, Amigos de Sian Ka’an, and the Yucatán Peninsula Avian Alliance are working together to protect bird habitat Juan Martinez-Gomez of the organization Endemicos In- in the Yucatán for U.S. WatchList species such as the Red- sulares and the Secretary of the Mexican Alliance for Zero dish Egret, Wood Thrush, Prothonotary Warbler, Swain- Extinction, agreed, saying “The three new protected areas son’s Warbler, and Kentucky Warbler. Most recently, thanks represent an important step for the conservation of species to funding from the Southern Wings program, ABC helped facing imminent extinction. These reserves were made pos- purchase a 650-acre property in the Yucatán for the protec- sible due to the continuous efforts of the groups Amigos de tion of migratory bird habitat. Sian Ka’an and Sacbé.”

Sage-Grouse May Get More Funding to Prevent ESA Listing Than if Listed n Feb 4, 2011, the Department of Agriculture’s is far more than a Natural Resources Conservation Service an- listed bird species nounced the availability of $23 million in match- typically receives Oing funds to protect the declining Greater Sage-Grouse in in an average year. three western states: Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. As a candidate The funding is designed to prevent the listing of the grouse for listing, sev- under the Endangered Species Act, and will be matched eral agencies and by state, local, and tribal governments or non-government industries have Greater Sage-Grouse: FWS agencies. a vested interest The money would buy development rights on nearly in helping the species recover, whereas if it were listed, the 50,000 acres of farms and ranches, including approximately financial responsibility would fall mainly to FWS, whose 40,000 acres of prime sagebrush in Wyoming, 7,000 acres budget appears relatively impoverished when compared to of working lands in Montana, and roughly 2,000 acres of other agencies such as the Department of Agriculture. large, intact sagebrush grasslands in Colorado. The purchas- A wind development company, Renewable Energy Systems es would ensure that the land will be preserved as habitat Americas, Inc., also recently proposed to establish a $16 for sage-grouse. million sage-grouse conservation fund to help mitigate a Cattle ranchers are particularly concerned about the pos- 170-turbine wind project in Idaho and Nevada. Unfor- sibility of federal restrictions on grazing should the grouse tunately, habitat loss for the grouse is not easy to mitigate be listed, as are members of the oil, gas, and wind indus- for, especially since the proposed project would occupy tries, all of which have a significant focus on the state of 30,000 acres of habitat that would never be recovered for Wyoming, where more than half the world’s sage-grouse grouse. One way to mitigate would be to improve habitat reside. Ironically, the grouse may end up far better funded that is currently grazed by reducing the number of cattle. as a candidate for listing than it would if it were actually However, that would mean that the ranching community added to the list of Endangered Species, since $23 million concerns would again come into play.

4 JUNE 2011 Landmark Trial Underway Over Bird-Killing Buildings in Toronto, Canada any of the 48 million with building windows that lead to Americans who enjoy bird- bird fatalities: (1) birds try to fly to watching will have a strong sky, trees or structures reflected in the Minterest in an unprecedented lawsuit glass’ mirror-like surface; (2) where underway in Toronto, Canada. One of windows are situated on opposite sides the most deadly threats to birds world- of a building or perpendicular to each wide – building collisions – has, in a other on building corners, birds try to sense, been put on trial. fly to sky or vegetation seen through the building and (3) birds are attracted The case pits the owners of three to the areas around buildings when adjoining, 17-19-story glass office lights are left on at night (a major buildings – Consilium Place Towers Consilium Place Towers, located in Toronto, Canada, have been responsible for the collision deaths of thousands of problem in many urban areas in North – against two environmental groups – birds over the last decade. Wikimedia.org America). Ecojustice and Ontario Nature. Those groups claim that the buildings, whose The lawsuit followed lengthy, failed at- According to the Canadian non-profit exterior faces are almost entirely glass, tempts to negotiate a settlement. The group FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness are responsible for the deaths of about maximum fine under the act is Can$6 Program), each year in Toronto, more 7,000 birds in the last decade, mak- million per day for a first offense. The than one million birds are killed in ing them the most deadly in the entire companies also face a maximum fine collisions with building windows, the greater Toronto area. of Can$60,000 under the Ontario majority during spring and fall migra- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty tions. Toronto is located in a major Menkes Consilium Inc., Menkes De- to Animals Act. migratory bird corridor, and has had velopments Ltd., and Menkes Prop- guidelines in place for a number of erty Management Services Ltd., along According to researchers, up to one years to encourage building owners to with three other companies, have been billion bird deaths are thought to take action, including applying trans- sued under Ontario’s Environmental occur from collisions with glass on parent window coverings and turning Protection Act with discharging a buildings in the United States alone. lights off at night. harmful contaminant: the light There are three principal problems reflected from the windows.

Proposed Legislation Would Prevent Millions of Bird Deaths llinois Congressman Mike Quigley practicable. Importantly, the bill has mission,” said Quigley. “I’m proud (D-IL) has introduced legislation been deemed cost-neutral by the Con- to continue what we started in Cook in the House that will prevent the gressional Budget Office. County and work with the American deathsI of millions of birds that collide Bird Conservancy to do all we can to The legislation proposed by Congress- with windows at thousands of federal make sure birds continue to be a part man Quigley is very similar to legisla- buildings across the country. of our world.” tion he sponsored in 2008 when he The bill, the Federal Bird-Safe Build- was Cook County Commissioner. Building collisions are arguably the ings Act of 2011 (HR 1643) calls for That legislation was approved unani- single greatest man-made killer of each public building constructed, mously by the Cook County Board of birds. From one hundred million to acquired, or altered by the General Commissioners and has been the basis one billion birds or more die each year Services Administration (GSA) to of subsequent bird-safe ordinances from collisions with glass on build- incorporate, to the maximum extent across the country. ings—from skyscrapers to homes. possible, bird-safe building materials While this legislation is limited to “The way we live our lives cannot be and design features. The legislation federal buildings, it could lead to more detrimental to other species and this would require GSA to take similar widespread applications of bird-friendly bill recognizes the importance of that actions on existing buildings, where designs elsewhere.

5 Bird Calls

Wikimedia.org Introduced Deer on Hawai'i Pose a New Threat to Native Birds ollowing confirmation of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was a national leader the presence of introduced in using fences to remove goats to protect its endangered axis deer on the Big Island plants and animals. DOFAW is currently building a fence of Hawai'i,F a joint effort has been around Palila Critical Habitat on Mauna Kea, which will launched to survey deer populations and be followed by the eradication of mouflon-sheep hybrids ultimately remove them. The program is being conducted from inside the exclosure. If axis deer become established by the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Re- on Hawai'i, existing conservation exclosure fences on the sources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the island will have to be raised to eight feet to keep the ani- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Big Island Invasive Spe- mals out of sensitive areas. cies Committee, and federal natural resource management Axis deer were first introduced to Moloka'i and O'ahu in agencies, with the support of local landowners and citizens. 1868, Lana'i in 1920, and Maui in 1959. Until now, they Conservation agencies are particularly concerned about had not been introduced to the island of Hawai'i, and the deer’s impact on native ecosystems and threatened and their confirmed presence there has grave implications for endangered species. For example, Hakalau Forest National Hawai'i’s native ecosystems and species. The axis deer on Wildlife Refuge has been largely fenced to keep out feral Maui have multiplied to more than 12,000, causing signifi- pigs, making large-scale reforestation possible to benefit cant damage to bird habitat, crops, and trees. the endangered Akiapōlā’au, Ākepa, and Hawai'i Creeper.

Florida Scrub-Jay Headed for Extinction? he Florida Scrub-Jay, a bird endemic to that state, The Florida Scrub-Jay was designated as Threatened by is continuing to experience steady population de- FWS in 1987 due to this ongoing loss and degradation clines despite decades of being listed as an endan- of its habitat. It is also classed as a Red List (Highest Tgered species, according to a new survey. Concern) species on the U.S. WatchList. The 2010 report was based on surveys by 280 volunteers Because there can be a lag time of five to 15 years between with the Jay Watch Program, run by The Nature Conser- actions such as controlled burns and the re-growth of ideal vancy in collaboration with Archbold Biological Station. It scrub-jay habitat, significant portions of potential jay habi- found that of 63 scrub-jay sites studied in the early 1990s, tat are still in poor condition, even at sites where appropri- more than half had fewer jays in 2010 and 15 had none. ate habitat restoration actions have been taken. The scrub-jay’s favored habitat of evergreen oak scrub, scat- “It is time that the Florida Scrub-Jay was uplisted from tered throughout the Florida Peninsula, has proven ideal Threatened to Endangered. It is on a downwardpath, for agriculture and development. Combined with fire sup- and unless we accelerate conservation for the pression, this has resulted in the loss of about 93% of the species it could be headed for extinction,” species’ historic range. said ABC Vice President, Mike Parr. The Florida Scrub-Jay employs a cooperative breeding Read the complete 2010 survey at strategy, where birds typically mate for life and the off- www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/ spring stay with parents as “helpers” until a mating op- northamerica/unitedstates/florida/jay- portunity opens up nearby. They are highly territorial, and watch-report-2010.pdf typically will not travel more than five miles from where they hatched. Their territorial boundaries remain fairly stable from year to year. Unfortunately, this tendency to- ward site fidelity makes the species ill-adapted to search for new territories when faced with the loss and fragmentation of its habitat.

Florida Scrub-Jay: Larry Master 6 JUNE 2011

Legal Action Forces Expansion of Snowy Plover Critical Habitat n a legal settlement, a new pro- reduced to 12,145 acres following a Federal agencies are required to con- posal from FWS aims to dramati- lawsuit by developers. But a subse- sult with FWS regarding actions that cally increase the amount of land quent lawsuit from the Center for may affect Critical Habitat, but private designatedI as Critical Habitat for the Biological Diversity seeking greater landowners do not unless they are in Pacific Coast population of the West- protections for the bird, forced FWS receipt of federal funding or require ern Snowy Plover. The plover breeds to re-assess the designation, resulting federal permits for their actions. primarily on coastal beaches from in this recent proposal, which would The Snowy Plover was listed as threat- southern Washington to southern Baja increase the available Critical Habitat ened in 1991, and biologists estimate California, Mexico, and is designated from 12,145 acres to 28,261 acres that no more than 2,270 breed along as a threatened species under the on beaches in California, Washing- the Pacific Coast of the United States, Endangered Species Act (ESA). ton, and Oregon. Of the total acre- with approximately an equal num- age, 9,040 acres are on federal lands, In 1999, FWS designated about ber breeding on the West Coast of 12,740 acres are owned by states or 19,500 acres as Critical Habitat. Baja California, Mexico. The largest local agencies, and 6,145 acres are However in 2005, that number was number of breeding birds occurs from located on private lands. In addition, south of San Francisco Bay to south- 336 acres are on tribal lands in ern Baja. The species’ decline has been Washington. attributed to loss of nesting habitat, Critical Habitat designation is a pro- human disturbance, encroachment vision under the ESA that identifies of European beach grass on nesting geographic areas containing features grounds, and predation. essential for the conservation of a A final decision on the proposal by threatened or endangered species, and FWS is expected later this year. which may require special manage- Snowy Plover: Greg Lavaty, April 2008 ment considerations or protection.

New Proposed Plan to Break ESA Listing Backlog Halted new plan designed to allow the agreement objected to the plan. and individuals to sue to enforce these FWS to focus its resources on CBD had been involved in parts of deadlines. species most in need of protec- the negotiations that led to the initial The Candidate List was originally en- tionA under the Endangered Species Act agreement, and contended that the visioned as an administrative tool that (ESA) was announced in May, then resulting language was not forceful would identify species for which FWS stayed shortly thereafter by a U.S. Dis- enough and that recently listed Can- would shortly make listing determina- trict Court Judge for the District of didate Species may not have been in- tions. However, some species have re- Columbia, who ordered more negoti- cluded. Under the judge’s order, CBD mained on the list for years. In the last ating by the parties through June 20. was brought back into the four years, FWS has been petitioned negotiations. FWS had proposed the work plan as to list more than 1,230 species, result- part of an agreement with WildEarth The Endangered Species Act cur- ing in numerous lawsuits. Guardians. Had it been approved, the rently protects more than 1,300 Under the proposed agreement, if plan would have enabled the agency species in the U.S. and about 570 spe- FWS determines that listing is war- to systematically, over a period of six cies abroad. The law allows citizens, ranted for a species, the agency will years, review and address the needs of groups, and government agencies to propose that species for listing and more than 250 species now on the list petition for species to be protected allow the public to review and com- of Candidates Species for protection under the ESA, and sets specific statu- ment on the proposal before making a under the ESA. tory timelines for responding to those final determination. A list of candidate petitions. Unlike many other federal The Center for Biological Diversity species is available at www.fws.gov/ laws, the ESA contains a broad “citi- (CBD), which has filed numerous endangered/improving_ESA/listing_ zen suit” provision, enabling groups lawsuits that would be affected by workplan.html 7 Bird Calls ABC Announces Findings in Bird Feed Contamination Tests has announced the results of its study to buy their favorite seed, America’s bird watchers should feel ABC test the risk to wild birds posed by pesti- assured that the birds they love are getting a healthy food cides in bird seed. The ABC study involved seed samples product,” Schroeder said. randomly taken from four sources across the country: Wal- The ABC studies were the first of their kind, and resulted Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, and Target. Bird seed was then from previous, sporadic wild bird seed contamination inci- shipped to the California Food Safety Laboratory at the Uni- dents. “We wanted to make sure that past poisoning cases versity of California, Davis, where the detailed analyses were were behind us, and as far as we can tell, that is the case. conducted. The studies specifically looked for harmful pesti- The bird seed producers seem to be doing a good job of cides, such as organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. producing a safe product,” he said. “The potential for birds to be unwittingly poisoned by the Schroeder also announced that this round of tests may not very people who feed them was something we felt it impor- be the last. “These tests produced favorable findings, but tant to know, so we could either raise the alarm bell or put some form of periodic analysis may be warranted to make people’s minds at rest,” said Darin Schroeder, ABC’s Vice sure that we can all continue to buy bird food products President for Conservation Advocacy. with peace of mind, and to ensure that people’s money “I am pleased to announce that all the tested bird seed is spent helping birds, and not unintentionally harming was either free from pesticides or contained residues below them.” levels that would threaten bird health. So, in continuing to

Arizona Ponderosa Pine Forests to be Restored recently signed agreement will facilitate restoration selected for funding in 2009. on four National Forests in Arizona, a state which President Obama included $4 hosts the largest contiguous stands of ponderosa million for this forest restoration pineA in the world, important for several WatchList species initiative in his fiscal year 2012 such as the Lewis’s Woodpecker and Flammulated Owl. budget, although that figure The Forest Service signed a memorandum of understand- could shrink during the congres- ing with a wide range of stakeholders this February that is sional budget process. Continued aimed at restoring 750,000 acres of public forest land on funding will be crucial to the suc- the Coconino and Kaibab Forests over the next ten years, cess of this effort. with an eventual goal of treating 2.4 million acres on the The conservation and restoration Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves Forests over 40 years. Bugwood.org of ponderosa pine forests is one Momentum for the agreement was fueled in part by the of the major landscape challenges series of fires that burned across northern Arizona in 2010, facing private landowners and land management agencies followed by severe flooding from the runoff from the bare in the western United States. This habitat, historically hillsides. Pressure to address burgeoning fire concerns had maintained by frequent low-intensity fires, was once been building ever since the massive Rodeo-Chediski fire of dominated by open, older stands of large trees, with 2002, which burned nearly half a million acres. The agree- high snag densities and a mosaic of natural openings and ment was welcomed by Arizona communities, land manag- regeneration. But logging of old-growth, grazing pressure, ers, environmental groups, and the logging community as a and fire suppression have decreased habitat diversity, broad-based commitment to active forest restoration. increased the density of small trees, and greatly increased the risk of fire. The Arizona initiative is one of 31 projects proposed across the country under the Forest Service’s new Collabora- The restoration effort must now take into account a fire tive Forest Landscape Restoration Program. According that has been described as the second largest ever in Ari- to the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, the aim of the program is zona’s history, and that has consumed over 300,000 acres to “encourage the collaborative, science-based ecosystem including parts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. restoration of priority forest landscapes.” Ten projects were

8 Red-tailed Hawk: Michael Stubblefield JUNE 2011 Supreme Court Rejects Appeal to Keep Deadly Pesticide on Market he U.S. into the U.S. But FMC fought this Carbofuran first came under fire in the Supreme Court decision, and went to progressively 1980s after EPA estimated that over a has rejected higher ruling authorities to keep their million birds were killed each year by Tpesticide manufacturer product alive. the granular formulation when used in FMC Corporation’s last-ditch effort normal agricultural production. Many A July 2010 ruling by the U.S. Court to continue use of its highly toxic of these deaths followed applications of Appeals for the District of Colum- pesticide carbofuran (trade name of carbofuran that were made with bia upheld the EPA decision to ban Furadan). ABC has fought for more specific attempts to prevent exposure. domestic carbofuran food tolerances, than a decade for the total cancellation The granular formation was cancelled but reversed the decision to revoke the of carbofuran based on its deadly in 1994, but the liquid form remained import tolerances. ABC, Defenders impact to birds and other wildlife. on the market. of Wildlife and several other groups The Environmental Protection Agency in favor of banning all tolerances had In its 2005 ecological risk assessment (EPA) has found that carbofuran filed a Friend of the Court (amicus) on carbofuran, EPA stated that all presents an unacceptable risk to birds, briefing to support the EPA decision. legal uses of the pesticide were likely other wildlife, and people, and took to kill wild birds and confirmed that Carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, is the unprecedented step of revoking all carbofuran is also a threat to human among the most highly toxic pesticides food tolerances of the pesticide (ban- health through contaminated food, known to birds. A single drop is lethal, ning residues of the chemical in any drinking water, and occupational ex- and more than fifty species have been amount on food) for crops grown both posure. Carbofuran has been unavail- documented as having died from car- domestically and overseas. This effec- able for domestic uses on all but two bofuran poisoning, including Bald and tively prevented U.S. use of carbofu- small non-food crops since 2009. Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and ran, as well as use on crops imported many migratory songbirds.

Ashy Storm-Petrel: Glen Tepke Mice Eradication for Farallones Would Protect Ashy Storm-Petrel But Has Risks

has proposed a project found nowhere else in the world. Ad- FWS to eradicate the non- ditionally, many marine animals forage native house mouse from the Farallon in the surrounding rich waters. Islands off the coast of California species, particularly Western Gulls. Invasive house mice on the Farallones to aid the globally endangered Ashy Two small pellets can kill a gull. are altering the food web by attracting Storm-Petrel. FWS is planning the mouse eradica- numerous migrant Burrowing Owls to tion for the fall when fewer birds are The Farallon Islands (located about the islands. When the mice numbers on the island and when mice are at 27 miles west of San Francisco) host decline in winter, the owls turn to the peak numbers. The Burrowing Owls the largest seabird breeding colony in petrels for food. About 40 percent on the island will be translocated the United States outside of Alaska of the predation of the Ashy Storm- elsewhere, and hazing and other pro- and Hawai'i. They are home to 25 Petrels comes from Burrowing Owls. tection techniques are being explored percent of California’s coastal breeding Mice also feed on native invertebrates, for other birds that will be present at seabirds (more than 300,000 individu- and spread invasive plant seeds. als of 13 species) and support about the time of the eradication to prevent The eradication of the mice would half of the world’s population of Ashy them being poisoned. Nevertheless, be achieved using the rodenticide Storm-Petrels. The islands support the use of other kinds of poison and bait brodifacoum, which would be aeri- world’s largest Western Gull colony of stations on the ground could be alter- ally applied. The use of brodifacoum more than 25,000 birds. The islands natives to aerial application of brodi- is controversial because it poses sig- also host many species of migratory facoum, but these are not currently nificant poisoning risks to non-target birds, and a salamander and cricket under consideration. 9 Bird Calls Trumpeter Swans Dying from Lead Poisoning in Northwest U.S. and Canada ne of North America’s most iconic birds, the Trumpeter Swan, is dying in unusually high num- bers from lead poisoning in the northwest United OStates and southwest Canada according to the Northwest Raptor and Wildlife Center (NRWC) and the Canadian Wildlife Service in Delta, British Columbia. “We have personally treated at least six cases of fatal lead poisoning in Olympic Peninsula Trumpeter Swans just this winter, which is likely only a fraction of the number of Trumpeter Swan suffering from lead poisoning. Although this bird was treated by poisoning cases in the wild,” said Matthew Randazzo of the skilled wildlife rehabilitators, it did not survive. Marge Gibson, 2008. NRWC, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization located in Sequim, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. “Hunters are one of the mainstays of conservation in this country, yet many do not realize the impacts of spent lead “All of these swans were shown to have ingested lead am- in poisoning wildlife. We encourage these conservation munition, which is poisonous across a wide range of spe- leaders to learn more about the problem and to voluntarily cies. If these swans had died in the wild, it’s likely that their switch over to non-toxic ammunition, which is widely carcasses would have been consumed by scavengers such as available. The price is still higher than lead, but the bullets Bald Eagles, who then could have been poisoned as well,” are more accurate and they will save many Bald and Golden he said in a recent interview with the Seattle Post Intelli- Eagles, Mourning Doves, swans, and diving birds,” said Mi- gencer newspaper. chael Fry, ABC’s Director of Conservation Advocacy. The Canadian Wildlife Service also reports that in the Van- At least 75 species of birds have been documented with lead couver area, four times as many swans have died from lead poisoning. The birds slowly succumb to kidney failure, cen- poisoning this year compared with the same time last year. tral nervous system malfunction, and gastrointestinal com- Of the 2,500 swans that have died in the region since 1999, plications. Many of the symptoms, such as seizures and loss most were killed by lead shot poisoning. of motor control, are similar to those inflicted by pesticides The use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting has been long since banned in the United States. required in the United States since 1991, and Canada According to Martha Jordan of the Trumpeter Swan banned the use of lead shot for all migratory bird hunting Society, “No one knows why we have seen this upturn in in 1999. However, spent lead shot continues to remain lead poisoning. We could speculate, but we really need in the environment, where it can be picked up by swans, the science. That is something we hope to get an answer loons, and other birds that mistake it for grit that they use for through studies we want to carry out if funding can be to grind up food in their gizzards. Additional lead also con- made available.” tinues to be introduced to the environment through upland hunting for species such as pheasants and doves.

…spent lead shot continues to remain in the environment, where it can be picked up by swans, loons, and other birds that mistake it for grit.

Common Loon: Alan Wilson

10 JUNE 2011 Three More Condors Poisoned by Lead Ammo; New Study Reveals Lead is Primary Factor Limiting Recovery hree more California Condors, Most Wild Condors Exposed among the most endangered to Lead From Ammunition birds in the world, have died Tfrom poisoning from lead ammuni- The recent study analyzed blood col- tion, while three others were spared lected from 17 pre-release condors ex- probable death by emergency, life- posed to “background” sources of lead saving treatment, according to The and 70 free-flying condors in Califor- Peregrine Fund’s Condor Recovery nia. This blood analysis was compared Program in Arizona. This brings the with an analysis of a representative se- total number of condors killed by lead lection of 71 lead-based ammunitions. in the last 11 years to 19 out of a cur- The results demonstrated that the rent wild population of just 191. chemical signature of the lead found in free-flying condors is different from Condor Deaths Confirm that of captive birds, and based on Study Findings that signature, that about 90% of free- flying condors had been exposed to

The deaths were reported just weeks 2007 Haig, Susan lead-based ammunition. after a new study was announced at The study also found that out of 760 the Society of Toxicology’s Annual “This study is especially Meeting in Washington, D.C. that condor blood samples collected in points to lead ammunition as a pri- important and unique because California between 2004 and 2009, mary factor limiting the survival and not only does it cite lead as a about 35% of free-flying condors are chronically exposed to lead levels well- recovery of condor. The study was major factor, but it identifies conducted by scientists at the Uni- known to be toxic. versity of California, Santa Cruz, the lead ammunition specifically.” University of Wyoming, the U.S. Fish Michael Fry, and Wildlife Service, and the National Director of Conservation Advocacy, ABC ABC Partners Park Service. with BirdNote “This study is especially important and History of Condor unique because not only does it cite Recovery in the U.S. ABC is delighted to be partnering with lead as a major factor, but it identifies ® California Condors were decimated the producers of BirdNote , a daily lead ammunition specifically. While as a species, reduced to just 22 wild radio series about birds broadcast on many field studies have suggested that National Public Radio stations around individuals by 1982. There followed a lead ammunition was the source of of- the country. BirdNote shows are two- captive breeding and release program ten fatal lead poisoning in these birds, minute vignettes that incorporate the that has seen the wild population rise skeptics had demanded highly specific rich sounds of birds with stories that to 191 condors in the wild (California: data to identify the source(s) of lead illustrate the interesting—and in some 97, Arizona: 74, and Baja California, poisoning. We now have that informa- cases—truly amazing abilities of birds. Mexico: 20), but despite substantial tion in the form of sound science that management efforts to reduce lead ABC-BirdNote stories focus on conser- connects the dots between condor vation issues facing birds and what ABC exposure risk, California Condors deaths and lead ammunition,” said is doing to resolve those issues—ranging continue to be poisoned on a regular Michael Fry, Director of Conservation from Hawaiian songbirds to Cerulean basis. For example, in 2009, almost Advocacy for ABC. Warblers to King Rails. You can listen 50% of the condors monitored at to previous shows or download pod- the release site in Pinnacles National casts at www.birdnote.org. If it doesn't Monument had to be treated for lead already, ask your NPR station to carry poisoning. BirdNote! House Wren: Michael Stubblefield Michael Wren: House

11 Bird Calls

Seabird Losses on Midway Far Exceed Early Estimates n addition to the tragic loss of human life, the March tsunami in Japan took a heavy toll on albatrosses and other seabirds nesting on Midway Atoll National Wild- lifeI Refuge. Water swept over most of Eastern Island, while flooding was restricted to more coastal areas on the larger Sand Island, which has coastal bluffs and more elevation inland. Chicks were swept from their nests and buried in mud and debris. The adults fared better, but many were soaked and battered, making it impossible for them to A Bonin Petrel mired in its burrow by debris deposited by the powerful tsunami that struck swim or fly. At least 110,000 Laysan and Black-footed Midway. This bird was lucky – many petrels were buried alive and perished. Pete Leary, Albatross chicks (about 22 percent of the year’s productiv- March 2011, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ity) and more than 2,000 adult albatrosses were lost. good news came on March 21, when biologists confirmed Other species also sustained heavy losses. The Bonin Petrel, that Wisdom had returned to her nest. By mid-April, the a smaller burrow-nesting bird, lost nearly all of its young on male Short-tailed Albatross had also been seen feeding its Eastern Island, where most nests were flooded. It is hoped chick. In June, wildlife refuge biologists at Midway banded that many adults were at sea when the wave hit, but a full the five-month-old Short-tailed Albatross chick to track its assessment of the impact on the populations will be pos- movements after it fledges. sible only over the years to come. ABC’s work to protect seabirds, particularly albatrosses, Wisdom, a 60-year-old Laysan Albatross and the world’s from mortality threats is more important than ever in the oldest known wild bird, was raising a chick this year with face of this catastrophe, including efforts to eradicate inva- her mate, as was the first endangered Short-tailed Albatross sive species in Hawai'i, eliminate bycatch and intentional to have a chick hatch on U.S. soil. The Short-tailed Alba- take of albatrosses in Ecuador and Peru, and ensure that the tross chick was swept about 40 yards away, but a biologist United States signs on to the Agreement for the Conserva- found it the next day and returned it to its nest. Some tion of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).

Red Knot Population Crashing; Listing Urgently Needed

Defenders of Wildlife, and several other Commission, housed under the National Marine Fisheries ABC, conservation groups are calling on FWS Service, to consult with FWS on the regulations it estab- to take immediate steps to list the rufa Red Knot under lishes for the horseshoe crab fishery. Horseshoe crab eggs the Endangered Species Act (ESA) following the release of are a crucial part of the knot’s diet during the short period a new report that shows further alarming declines in the it stops on Delaware Bay beaches to refuel during its north- bird’s population. This action is ABC’s latest in its extensive ward migration. The decline in Red Knot numbers elevates history of advocating for listing of this bird. the importance of implementing stronger protections at the Bay and elsewhere along the mid-Atlantic. The report by Amanda Rey, Larry Niles, Humphrey Sit- ters, Kevin Kalasz, and Guy Morrison determined that a “People who want to see this bird in the wild best make decrease of at least 5,000 Red Knots from the previous year plans in the near future because the way things are going, had occurred at key wintering grounds in Tierra del Fuego, it will be gone sooner rather than later,” said Darin Schro- Chile. Populations in other locations declined as well. The eder, ABC’s Vice President for Conservation Advocacy. estimated current total population for the migratory shore- The report concludes that despite horseshoe crab harvest re- bird is now likely fewer than 25,000. strictions put in place over the past decade “there is still no Listing the subspecies under the ESA would initiate the evidence of recovery of the horseshoe crab population.” Re- development of a recovery plan and require federal agencies strictions to date have only been enough to stop the popu- whose actions affect Red Knots to consult with FWS. List- lation from declining further, are insufficient to recover the ing would also require the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries population, and will continue to be insufficient unless the harvest is greatly reduced. 12 JUNE 2011 Appalachian Reforestation Project Recognized

he Appalachian Regional forests on areas where surface coal soil compaction became common on Reforestation Initiative mining has occurred or is currently surface mines, and aggressive grasses (ARRI) has been honored in ongoing. These areas include the Ap- and other non-native ground covers Tthe first Presidential Migratory Bird palachian breeding ranges of many were generally planted. There are an Stewardship Award, announced by species of neotropical migratory song- estimated 750,000 – 1,000,000 acres Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on May birds, notably the Cerulean Warbler, that have been reclaimed to grasses 25, 2011. The award is designed to which depends on intact interior for- and other undesirable vegetation (e.g., promote efforts and partnerships in ests. To date, the coalition has planted autumn olive), contributing to both federal agencies that lead to better more than 70 million trees on over forest fragmentation and the spread of migratory bird conservation. This first 100,000 acres of mined land that non-native plants. The ARRI effort is award was presented to the Interior might otherwise have been reclaimed targeting projects to remedy these is- Department’s Office of Surface Min- to non-native grassland that is poor- sues, while also reducing erosion and ing Reclamation and Enforcement quality habitat for the native birds of sedimentation. (OSMRE), which coordinates the the region. In addition to the reforestation efforts, ARRI initiative with major contribu- Following the implementation of the the Presidential Award also recognized tions from a variety of groups includ- Surface Mining Control and Reclama- ABC’s Colombian partner, Fundación ing ABC, the Appalachian Mountains tion Act of 1977, regulators focused ProAves, for their work with ARRI Joint Venture, the Cerulean Warbler on stabilizing the landforms created and CWTG in a pen-pal program that Technical Group (CWTG), the Gold- by mining in lieu of restoring diverse, links high school students from the en-Winged Warbler Working Group, native forests. Regulators wanted to coal fields of the Appalachian Moun- the National Fish and Wildlife Foun- solve problems such as severe erosion tains with students in the Andean dation, and The Trust for Wildlife. and sedimentation often seen on pre- coffee-growing region of Colombia, Created by OSMRE in 2004, ARRI act surface mines. As a result, excessive South America. focuses on restoring native hardwood

First Predator-Proof Fence in Hawai'i Completed

he predator-proof fence Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawai'i through, or around the Ka'ena Point Nat- chapter of The Wildlife Society, and digging their ural Area Reserve at the north- local communities. way under the Twest tip of the island of O'ahu (Bird fence and into Dogs, cats, and mongoose had threat- Calls Vol. 15, No. 1) was completed the protected ened ground-nesting seabird popula- in March of this year, and will benefit area. The re- tions in the area, killing up to 15% native seabirds such as the Laysan Al- sult should be of the chicks each year. Rats have also Mouse: Wikipedia.org batross and Wedge-tailed Shearwater. an increase in had an impact, eating seabird eggs and The project to exclude predators from the population of breeding seabirds, chicks, and even attacking adult birds. a 59-acre area of key bird habitat has greater numbers of invertebrates, and Rats and mice also eat native plants been a very successful cooperative ef- regeneration of native habitat. and seeds, causing additional habitat fort involving Hawai'i’s Department of degradation. Following completion of the fence, Lands and Natural Resources, the U.S. predator removal began and has pro- The 6.5-foot-high, 2,040-foot-long ceeded swiftly. Project workers report fence, which will not affect public that there have been no signs of dogs, access to the area, is the first of its cats, mongooses, or rats on the point kind in the United States. The fence for over a month, and only a few provides a combination of features in- pockets of mice remain. For more cluding fine mesh, a rolled hood at the information visit the Ka'ena Point top, and a skirt buried underground, Ecosystem Restoration Project, designed to prevent animals from www.restorekaena.org. jumping or climbing over, squeezing New predator-proof fence at Ka'ena Point on O'ahu. Lindsay Young, Pacific Rim Conservation 13 Bird Calls Drug-laced Mice Used To Control Brown Tree Snakes on Guam or over 15 years, it is has been well-known that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is acutely toxic to the brown tree snake, an invasive speciesF to islands such as Guam, where it has created en- vironmental havoc. An 80 mg children’s dose will kill a tree snake in approximately three days. The trick is getting snakes to ingest the drug. Most snakes only eat prey they kill themselves. However, the brown tree snake is also a Wikimedia.org scavenger, and U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services has developed a technique that takes advantage of this behavior: dropping …attention has been focused on preventing brown dead mice carrying lethal doses of acetaminophen into the forest canopy. Dead mice filled with the drug are affixed to tree snakes from reaching other islands, especially cardboard strips and dropped from a helicopter over target others in the Marianas Archipelago and Hawai'i, areas. Paper streamers tangle the mice in the canopy vegeta- where the snakes could deal a crippling blow to an tion, where they are found and consumed by snakes. already-beleaguered avifauna. On September 1, 2010, a small-scale experiment was con- ducted to refine the application method. About 200 mice were dropped over 20 acres in the vicinity of the Guam The brown tree snake was accidentally imported to the is- Naval Base, where snakes can get onto cargo planes and land of Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific, from risk being transported to other islands. Some of the mice the Solomon Islands immediately following World War II. had tiny tracking devices attached to them that allowed It took only about 20 years for the snakes to cause the ex- researchers to track their fate and make estimates of how tirpation of nine of Guam’s 11 forest-dwelling birds. They many were eaten by snakes. also cause electrical outages, slow international shipping and transportation, cause agricultural damage, and increase Automation of the technique should eventually allow the health care costs. While Guam’s forests have fallen silent, control of snakes over larger areas. While it is impractical to much of the attention has been focused on preventing expect that Guam will ever be snake-free, use of toxicants in brown tree snakes from reaching other islands, especially combination with other methods has promise for creating others in the Marianas Archipelago and Hawai'i, where management areas where snake populations could be main- the snakes could deal a crippling blow to an already-belea- tained at low-levels so that birds could be re-established. guered avifauna. Between the costs of damage and control on Guam, biosecurity measures in Hawai'i, and research into control methods, the annual costs associated with the brown tree snake are estimated to be in excess of $12 million. The Department of Lands and Natural Resources of the Com- monwealth of the Northern Marianas, north of Guam, reports that two snakes have been captured on Rota, five sighted on Tinian, and 76 sighted and 11 captured on Saipan. Since 1981, eight tree snakes have been found in Hawai'i, but it is not known to have become established. To date, control on Guam has focused on spot-lighting and capture, use of snake barrier fencing to create exclosures and enclosures, trapping, and canine inspections.

View of Apra Harbor, Guam. Photo: wikipedia.com

14 JUNE 2011

Audubon's Shearwater: Glen Tepke Bristle-thighed Curlew: Michael Walther

Biggest Rodent Eradication Effort in History Shows Promising Early Returns hat many believe is the covering an estimated 13 percent of biggest rodent eradication the total area that is rat infested. The effort in history – target- island is well suited to a phased ap- ingW perhaps up to one million Norway proach since glaciers have created rats – is taking place on South Georgia isolated, ice-free areas on the island. Island in the Pacific, where rats have Glaciers should prevent rats in neigh- decimated the populations of many of boring, untreated areas from re-infest- the island’s birds. Chicks of ground- ing newly created, rat-free areas. Two Wandering Albatross: Mark Jobling nesting seabirds such as albatrosses and seasonal applications will probably be petrels are favorite targets of the rats necessary to achieve full eradication. that eat them. Other impacted birds White-throated Storm-Petrel, Blue of concern include the South Georgia While some impacts to birds and Noddy, and Gray-backed Tern. Con- Pipit, the most southerly songbird in other animals from the rodenticide servationists hope that these species the world and the South Georgia Pin- are expected, steps have been taken to will begin to return once the rat eradi- tail, a duck endemic to the island. keep them to a minimum by creating cation program gets underway. pellets of a particular shape, color, and In the first phase of the project, led size that will be less attractive to non- The eradication effort involves an by the South Georgia Heritage Trust, target species and applying the poison aerial broadcast of a rodenticide called helicopters dropped 50 tons of roden- outside the breeding season. brodifacoum. The native land crabs ticide over the targeted area in March are not at risk of being poisoned as FWS is moving forward with a similar they are immune to the effects of the eradication effort for rats on Palmyra chemical. However, any animals that Atoll in the central Pacific, in conjunc- consume the crabs would be at risk. tion with The Nature Conservancy Therefore, in order to minimize the of Hawai'i and Island Conservation. effects of the bait on non-target spe- Rats present a great threat to nesting cies, FWS proposes to capture the seabirds on this island, compete with shorebirds on the island and tempo- native land crabs for food, limit native rarily house them to keep them from plant recruitment, and disperse the consuming crabs and bait. FWS is seeds of introduced, invasive plants. particularly interested in the Bristle- thighed Curlew, a WatchList shorebird Many species of breeding seabirds that will be present in low numbers on have been extirpated by rats on Pal- the island at the time of application. myra, including Audubon’s, Christmas Only about 3,500 breeding pairs of Island, and Wedge-tailed Shearwa- this species remain in the world. ters, Phoenix and Bulwer’s Petrel,

stock.xchng 15 Bird Calls State of the Birds Report Finds Public Lands Essential for Hundreds of Species coalition of groups coordi- In addition to the funding challenge, nated by FWS and including many policy issues are also pending. ABC has released the 2011 The Administration must soon decide AState of the Birds Report, which finds how strong the wildlife protections that public lands provide essential will be on the 193-million-acre Na- habitat for the survival of hundreds tional Forest System. The U.S.D.A. of bird species. More than 300 of the Forest Service is currently accepting Read the entire State of the Birds 2011 800 bird species inhabiting the United public comments on a proposed forest report at www.stateofthebirds.org States have at least 50% of their dis- management rule that scientists say tribution on public lands and waters, weakens existing wildlife protections. underscoring the importance of a number of pending policy and spend- ing decisions affecting public lands Public Lands Provide Habitat that the Obama Administration is now weighing, and which could have far- for Imperiled Species: reaching effects on bird populations. 97% of the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler distribution is on “The State of the Birds Report, de- public lands. scribing the importance of public 79% of Gunnison Sage-Grouse distribution is on public lands. lands to our birds, comes at a time of tremendous budgetary challenges Sage Sparrow and LeConte’s Thrasher have more than 75% of and underscores the importance of their distributions on public lands during the breeding season. maintaining support for the manage- Almost 46% of the distribution of the California Gnatcatcher, a ment of our precious public lands,” threatened species, is found on Department of Defense lands said George Wallace, Vice President such as Camp Pendleton. of American Bird Conservancy. “For example, in the state of Hawai'i and in Publicly owned islands support more than half of the entire the U.S. Pacific island territories, some global nesting populations of 16 ocean bird species. of the country’s most imperiled bird Among declining Hawaiian species depend almost exclusively on forest birds on Kaua'i, an public lands managed by federal, state, average of 78% of their and territorial agencies. Especially in distribution is on public Hawai'i, it is an ongoing challenge to ensure that management of extensive land owned by the state. public lands is focused on the conser- vation of unique bird species in immi- nent danger of extinction.” LeConte’s Thrasher: Glen Tepke

Alakai Swamp, Kaua'i. Jack Jeffrey

16 JUNE 2011 Update on ABC’s Bird-Smart Wind Power Campaign

Working Together to Update on U.S. Fish & Dramatic Video Shows Bird Protect Birds Wildlife Service Wind Strike at Wind Turbine America Bird Conservancy’s bird- Energy Guidelines In March, ABC showed TV news smart wind power campaign con- The public comment period on the watchers in the Washington, D.C. tinues to grow. As this issue of Bird draft Wind Energy Guidelines has area what it can look like when a large Calls went to press, 57 groups have now closed. With the help of our bird- bird collides with a wind turbine. Our endorsed the campaign statement, smart wind partners, ABC’s call for bird-smart wind power advertisement including the American Birding As- public involvement generated more ran when federal decision makers were sociation, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, than 21,000 comments (out of the watching the news more than usual, Center for Biological Diversity, and 29,000 that FWS says it received). waiting to hear if the federal govern- many Audubon Society chapters. If you or your organization sent in a ment would shut down due to the budget fight between Congress and These groups have recognized that comment, thank you! the President. mandatory federal standards for the Now the waiting begins. While FWS wind industry that include bird-smart is evaluating the public comments, the The dramatic video, provided to ABC principles are the best way to protect guidelines will undergo a peer review courtesy of instantlyviral.com, was birds while still encouraging wind process conducted by The Wildlife So- filmed in Crete by an American tourist energy development. ciety to help the Service ensure high- in the area. It shows a Griffon Vulture quality science. The Wind Turbine striking a large, modern wind turbine Guidelines Federal Advisory Com- similar to those commonly in use in mittee may also reconvene to consider the United States. The bird suffered a recommending changes to the guide- broken wing and has been in rehab for lines. There is no official date for when over one year, still unable to fly. the final document will appear. You can watch the ad at www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/ releases/110405.html.

Bird-Smart Wind Power Campaign Statement

Wind power can be an important part operational and construction mitigation, of the solution to global warming, but monitoring, and compensation to wind farms can also kill birds—including reduce and redress any unavoidable eagles, songbirds, and endangered bird mortality and habitat loss from wind species—through collisions with turbines energy development. These are issues and loss of habitat. By 2030, there that should be included in mandatory will likely be more than 100,000 wind federal wind standards. All wind farms turbines in the United States, and these should employ bird-smart principles and are expected to kill at least one million comply with relevant state and federal birds each year—probably significantly wildlife protection laws. more. Wind farms are also expected to impact almost 20,000 square miles of Are you part of a group that would bird habitat, and another 4,000 square like to endorse the bird-smart wind miles of marine habitat, some of it critical campaign statement? If so, please to threatened species. Bird-smart wind contact Kelly Fuller, ABC’s Wind power is carefully sited, and employs Campaign Coordinator at (202) 234- 7181, ext. 212 or [email protected].

Wind turbine: Mike Parr 17 Bird Calls Golden-winged Warbler May Be Proposed for ESA Listing n June 2, FWS announced the results of a 90-day Hybridization with the closely-related Blue-winged Warbler finding on a petition submitted to list the Golden- and nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds are also Winged Warbler under the Endangered Species factors in this species’ decline, as is deforestation on its win- OAct (ESA). The Service determined that listing the species tering grounds in Central and South America. may be warranted, and is now initiating a status review of This species is listed as being of the Highest Concern on the the Golden-Winged Warbler. FWS is requesting scientific U.S. WatchList. ABC is working to boost Golden-winged data and other information from the public. populations in a number of ways, such as support of the The Golden-winged Warbler’s breeding range is scattered Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (a coalition across wide areas of early-successional forest in the eastern of federal and local agencies, citizens, and other groups and central United States, and as such, listing the species dedicated to restoring forests on reclaimed mine sites in would require the designation of large swaths of Critical the eastern United States. These restored forests can pro- Habitat. This could prove controversial, as it would poten- vide much-needed habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler tially bring the bird’s needs into conflict with energy, agri- and other early-successional species such as the American cultural, and other development interests. Woodcock (see article on page 13). Populations of the Golden-winged Warbler have expe- To restore essential wintering habitat for the Golden- rienced alarming declines due to loss, degradation, and winged Warbler, ABC and partners in Latin America are modification of its preferred early-successional habitat. working with local communities, coffee growers, and ranch- ers to promote bird-friendly practices such as silvipasture and shade coffee. ABC is also working to restore native forests by planting thousands of trees to restore wintering habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler and other neotropi- cal migrants. To submit information to FWS prior to their August 1 deadline, visit www.regulations.gov and enter docket number FWS-R3-ES-2011-0028. For this review, FWS is seeking only data and information to assist with the status review. General letters of support/opposition will not be considered at this time.

Golden-winged Warbler: Bill Hubick

ABC is working to boost Golden-winged Warbler populations in a number of ways, such as the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative.

“Ripping” compacted soil to prepare land for reforestation, September, 2009. Richard Davis, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy 18 JUNE 2011 First Endowment to Aid Community-Owned Bird Reserves Established In Peru n June 2011, a $2.0 million en- To date, participating communities dowment fund was established by have protected over 15,000 acres in Fondo de las Américas del Perú seven Private Conservation Areas I(FONDAM), Conservation Interna- recognized by the Peruvian national tional’s Global Conservation Fund government, with more reserves cur- (GCF), Conservation International– rently being created. Over half a mil- Perú, and ABC for Polylepis forest con- lion Polylepis saplings and other native servation projects near Machu Picchu. species have been planted to restore forests, and many areas have been “The establishment of the first endow- Juvenile Royal Cinclodes: Kazuya Naoki fenced to protect saplings from grazing ment for Private Conservation Areas animals and promote regeneration. is great news for Peru. This support will ensure not only the sustainability ECOAN estimates only 127 Royal “The project has benefitted more than of these areas, but also the conserva- Cinclodes occur in the Vilcanota 8,000 people in over 20 communities tion of the biodiversity of such an by planting 150,000 trees that pro- area out of a global population that important ecosystem as Vilcanota, in a vide a sustainable fuel wood supply so collaborative work with local commu- may number fewer than 200 birds. people do not need to cut down Polyl- nities,” said Luis Suarez, executive di- epis forests to cook,” said Constantino rector for Conservation International Aucca, President of ECOAN. The proj- in Peru. These forests support threatened bird ect has also provided nearly 6,000 fuel- species, including the Royal Cin- efficient clay ovens to reduce fuelwood Thanks to funding from The Gordon clodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, needs, erected solar panels to provide and Betty Moore Foundation, Mar- and Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant. ECOAN electricity and hot water, helped build shall Reynolds Foundation, Inter- estimates only 127 Royal Cinclodes greenhouses to provide healthy food to American Foundation, and other occur in the Vilcanota area out of a the communities, and funded health donors, ABC and its Peruvian partner global population that may number and educational services. ECOAN have worked since 2001 with fewer than 200 individuals. These for- indigenous communities in the Vilca- ABC and ECOAN have also provided ests also protect important watersheds nota Mountains of the Andes to pro- communities with technical assistance which drain into the Amazon basin. tect and restore high altitude Polylepis to improve pasture management, wool forests on community-owned lands. production, textile marketing, and the development of sustainable nature tourism at the private Conservation Areas. A new visitor center opened this February at the Abra Málaga Thastayoc-Royal Cinclodes Private Conservation Area.

Plant nursery, Vilcanota. ECOAN, 2010

Vilcanota mountains, July 2008: Mike Parr ABC 19 Bird Calls Years of Land Negotiations Benefit the Endangered Chestnut-capped Piha ’s partner Fundación ProAves has secured the distribution is lim- ABC purchase of land vital for the long-term pro- ited to a single, tection of the Critically Endangered Chestnut-capped Piha small patch of in the central Andes of Colombia. Called the San Benigno remnant forest. In property, it will, along with several other key acquisitions, 2006, ProAves, with expand the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve from 1,700 support from ABC acres to 5,300 acres thanks to the timely support of ABC and Conservation Chestnut-capped Piha: Fundación ProAves, www.proaves.org and World Land Trust-US. International, estab- lished the Chestnut- “The diligence and persistence of ProAves to do the hard capped Piha Reserve to help stabilize and increase the work on the ground to protect land for endangered species population of this species. is to be commended. Because of their efforts, all of us can visit the Chestnut-capped Piha in its montane forest habi- The reserve is a huge boon for the piha as well as other tat in Colombia,” said Benjamin Skolnik, ABC’s Interna- endemic, endangered species, including the Red-bellied tional Program Officer in charge of Colombian projects. Grackle, Black Tinamou, and Multi-colored Tanager; migrants such as the Cerulean Warbler; and 11 globally First discovered in 2001 by ProAves, the piha was quickly threatened species of amphibians. Surveys to determine the listed as Critically Endangered due to its small popula- abundance of the piha on the recently acquired properties tion and threats to its remaining habitat. It also qualifies as are an immediate priority. an Alliance for Zero Extinction species because its global The Chesnut-capped Piha Reserve is ideal for ecotour- ism. Lodging, trails, feeders, and observation towers are all available and well-maintained. The new property offers fur- ther opportunities for tourism development, with a 19th Century ruin that was formerly a gold repository, as well as numerous artifacts and structures made by the now-extinct, indigenous Nutabes people. Future work will entail refur- bishing the fort, restoring the lakes, and possibly building new visitor cabins and a restaurant.

Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve, 2011. Benjamin Skolnik, ABC

Lodge (top) and hummingbird garden (above) at the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve, April 2011. George Fenwick

20 JUNE 2011 Threat Status Lowered for Rare Ecuadorian Bird; More Conservation Needed to Prevent Extinction he Pale-headed Brush-Finch, one of the world’s rarest birds has been downlisted from TCritically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of globally threatened birds after of more than a decade of sustained conservation action. The announcement came following news that the brush-finch has in- creased in number from fewer than 40 to over 100 pairs today thanks to an international conservation collabora- tion involving Ecuador’s Fundación Jocotoco, ABC, World Land Trust-U.S and others. “We are indebted to our partners and individual donors in making these remarkable gains,” said Zoltan Walic- zky, Executive Director of Fundación Jocotoco. “For a long time, everyone Pale-headed Brush-Finch at nest: A. Sornoza thought that this bird was extinct. Yunguilla Valley. Fundación Jocotoco When it was rediscovered in 1998, “While the news that the Pale- conservationists realized we had been moved quickly to purchase the land, handed a unique second chance and headed Brush-Finch is being establishing the Yunguilla Reserve. were determined not to waste it. Sus- downlisted is encouraging, it by Several years of intensive research re- vealed that the brush-finch population tained, focused international coopera- no means signifies the end of the tion is what has made the difference.” was suffering not only from habitat struggle to save it.” degradation, but also from parasit- “While the news that the Pale-headed ism by Shiny Cowbirds, which have Sara Lara, VP, International Programs, ABC Brush-Finch is being downlisted is en- become more numerous due to land couraging, it by no means signifies the fragmentation and increased food end of the struggle to save it, nor an The Pale-headed Brush-Finch has like- supply due to agriculture. opportunity to relax. Rather it proves ly always been a rare bird with a tiny that we can succeed given sufficient range, restricted to two arid rainshad- Following establishment of the reserve, resources, and should serve as a call to ow valleys in the Andes of southern and with management of the cowbirds redouble our efforts,” said Sara Lara, Ecuador. In the late 1960s, however, and restoration of the habitat, the ABC’s Vice President of International agriculture began to destroy its limited brush-finch population began to slow- Programs. “Any species whose entire habitat, and the species was not seen ly increase. Thanks to the generosity of global range is limited to just one site for more than 30 years. several benefactors, including the Bara- of a few hundred acres faces particu- kat Foundation and Robert Wilson, In 1998, ABC funded an expedition larly difficult challenges. This bird still more than 370 acres are protected and led by experts from Jocotoco and Aves perches precariously on the knife edge actively managed, helping maintain y Conservación that found a tiny pop- between survival and extinction, and habitat for the brush-finch,and the ulation of the brush-finch in a 60-acre its survival totally depends on continu- threatened Little Woodstar, the rare patch of scrub woodland in the Río ing conservation actions.” Buff-fronted Owl, and many species of amphibian.

21 Bird Calls

New ‘Bird Friendly Design’ Birds in Brief Class Approved Second Oldest Alaskan ABC has developed an approved Bald Eagle Killed by American Institute of Architects Power Line (AIA) class entitled Bird Friendly Design – Green Construction’s Next The electrocution death on Kodiak Dimension, which aims to educate Island, Alaska of the second oldest architects and other construction known Bald Eagle in the entire state professionals about bird collisions – and perhaps one of the ten oldest caused by buildings and the archi- ever recorded – highlights the threat tectural techniques that can help large birds face from power lines. reduce them. The class can be taken The risk comes in two forms: elec- to fulfill the annual requirement trocution when a large bird comes for continuing education credits into contact with two lines or a line necessary for architects to remain and a pole simultaneously; and colli- certified. ABC is now a registered sions with the hard-to-see lines. This Lavaty Greg Whooping Crane: provider of this continuing educa- issue is of particular concern as the tion, and is also able to authorize nation looks to increase wind energy the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The old- others in both the U.S. and Canada generation. To meet the 2030 goal est known in the Unites States was a to teach the class. Studies have for increased wind power, the nation 32-year-old Bald Eagle from Maine. shown that in the U.S., up to one will need to produce about 12 times Whooping Cranes Return- billion birds may die each year from more wind energy than in 2009, collisions with buildings. For more which will dramatically increase the ing to Louisiana After 60- information, visit: www.abcbirds.org. number of power lines required to Year Absence bring that electricity to the grid and The Louisiana Department of Wildlife TNR Brochure Available the commensurate threat to birds and Fisheries, working with FWS, ABC is ramping up its Cats Indoors such as the Bald Eagle. the U.S. Geological Survey, the In- campaign to keep up with the ris- ternational Crane Foundation and A band retrieved from the dead eagle ing numbers of both outdoor pet the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and confirmed that it was the second and feral cats. A new brochure Trap, Wildlife Research Unit, has begun a oldest on record in Alaska. It was Neuter, Release: Bad for Cats, Bad for 15-year project to restore the species first captured in 1989 soon after Birds and an updated brochure, Cats, in that state. The first ten cranes ar- Birds, and You, have been created rived in Louisiana this February from to raise public awareness about the the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center impact of feral and outdoor cats on in Laurel, Maryland, where the birds bird populations. were hatched and raised. You can order The initial reintroduction site is the printed copies of White Lake Wetlands Conservation the brochures and Area, where cranes were historically they are also avail- documented nesters. The birds will able to download at live in a protective pen at first, then www.abcbirds.org/ slowly transition to the wild. If all goes cats. well, more cranes will be introduced to the initial flock each year for the next ten years.

This Bald Eagle, which was electrocuted on a power line in Alaska, was the second-oldest known eagle in the state. Electrocution on and collisions with power lines continue to take their toll on eagles and other large bird species. February 2011, FWS

22 JUNE 2011

Second Wave of Pelican deaths, but so far has not determined a Deaths in North Carolina cause. The first dead birds began wash- ing up on shore in November. A second wave of mysterious pelican injuries and deaths occurred at Topsail $5.4 Million Settlement in Beach in North Carolina in May of Wyoming Oil Spill Case this year, following earlier incidents about six months prior in which some The Wyoming Department of Envi- 250 pelicans died as a result of still- ronmental Quality (DEQ) has reached undetermined causes. a $5.4 million settlement agreement with the Sinclair Wyoming Refining Necropsies in the fall of 2010 per- Company after oil from the refin- formed at the University of Georgia ery’s waste water system ended up in on the first group of Brown Pelicans outdoor ponds, killing 147 birds and were inconclusive as to cause of injury coating another 224 birds that needed New storm-petrel species, Chile. Peter Harrison, February 2011 February Harrison, species, Chile. Peter storm-petrel New though there was no evidence of toxi- treatment. cological causes such as poisons. The Birders in Chile Likely newly found birds have also been sent In late April of 2010, DEQ was noti- Discover New Bird Species to the university for analysis. fied of an ongoing release of oil and Based on two years of follow-up associated waste at the Sinclair refinery This recent incident involves about 30 near Rawlins, Wyoming. Migrating research, scientists have concluded pelicans that washed up on the shores that the birds Jeff Gilligan, Gerard birds landed in the contaminated either dead or so badly injured that evaporation ponds and became oiled. Lillie, and four Irish friends saw they had to be euthanized. from the deck of their cruise ship The refinery has a history of DEQ-re- off the coast of Chile are likely A taskforce, including officials from lated violations. In 2009, Sinclair paid members of a new species of storm- the National Oceanic and Atmospher- a fine of $660,000 for another spill of petrel. The men, who are all serious ic Administration, FWS, and state about three million gallons of gasoline. birders, spotted what they thought officials, was formed to investigate the In 2009 and 2010, there were eight were Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. On separate violations that were settled closer inspection, however, they no- or will be settled with fines. This lat- ticed several features not consistent est settlement includes an $850,000 with that species, such as bellies that penalty payment and an additional were too white and distinctive whit- $4,500,000 commitment from Sin- ish wing bars. clair to upgrade equipment and con- In February 2011, a team led by duct waste minimization activities at recognized international seabird the refinery, and to provide wildlife expert Peter Harrison captured 12 rehabilitation training. Brown Pelican: ClipArt.com Pelican: Brown of the birds, and took blood and feather samples and a variety of measurements. Harrison is now working on a peer-reviewed paper Welcome New BCA Members! officially describing the new species. Bald Eagle: Ralph Wright If accepted for publication, it will Conservation Council for Hawai'i mark the first new seabird species in Detroit Audubon Society 55 years, and the first new storm- Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage petrel in nearly 90. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Check out BCA’s updated website and campaign center: www.birdconservationalliance.org

23 Bird Calls JUNE 2011

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 2392 MERRIFIELD, VA

s you have read in this issue led the way in the bird conservation HELP PROTECT of Bird Calls, three more en- community to help reduce bird deaths AMERICA'S BIRdS A dangered California Condors from pesticides from as many as 60 have died from lead poisoning caused million per year to as few as 15 million FROM dEAdLy by ammunition. Trumpeter Swans per year, and to protect the environ- are dying in unusually high numbers ment, birds, farm workers, children, TOxINS! from lead poisoning in the Northwest pets, and wildlife from harmful pesti- U.S. and Southwest Canada. Up to cides. This year, ABC has launched a 10 million birds and other animals, new campaign to promote the use of including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, non-toxic, lead-free hunting ammuni- Loons, and doves, die each year in tion and fishing weights. the United States after consuming We need your help to eliminate these lead bullet fragments, spent lead shot deadly hazards to birds. Donate to pellets, or lost fishing weights. Mean- ABC’s Pesticides and Birds program while, the manufacturer of carbofuran and you will support projects such as went to the U.S. Supreme Court just efforts to ensure that the most dan- this year to fight for the continued gerous pesticides, including carbofu- use of this pesticide, known to be the ran, are banned, and work to replace most toxic to birds since the 1980s. lead hunting ammunition and fishing Toxins in the environment remain gear with safer alternatives. one of the gravest threats to birds, Please use the enclosed envelope to causing them to suffer painful deaths, make your gift, or save a stamp and reduced breeding success, physical give online at www.abcbirds.org. malformations, or impaired ability to migrate or avoid predators. ABC has Bald Eagle suffering the effects of lead poisoning, February 2010. Despite treatment, this bird ultimately perished. Marge Gibson