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Bird identification and art by
David Allen Sibley

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Bird Conservation

To paraphrase E. O. Wilson in The Future of Life :

There is an urgent need not only for land conservation but also a conservation ethic.

This conservation ethic has to encompass not just the identification and preservation of critical habitat, but an entire lifestyle of conservation. Our best weapon in the fight against global warming and other symptoms of overconsumption is simply to consume less.

According to the magazine "Home Power" installing a photovoltaic (solar power) panel is the least cost-effective part of a "green" house. The average consumer will get more bang for the buck by simply screwing in compact fluorescent lightbulbs (widely available and using about 1/3 the electricity of standard incandescent lightbulbs) while advanced high-tech features such as super-insulation and high-efficiency air conditioners will pay for themselves in a few years, even using public utility electricity.

What are the most serious threats to birds today

Birds face a multitude of threats generated by humans, both directly and indirectly. The major threats are summarized here on the Mortality page.

Habitat Loss

The single greatest threat to bird populations throughout the world is habitat loss. A Massachusetts Audubon Society study shows that Massachusetts is losing a conservatively estimated average of over 40 acres of wildlife habitat each day. But habitat loss is a very complex issue with many underlying causes. Ultimately, habitat preservation is much more than just buying land, it requires wise management and stewardship to ensure that the habitat survives. For more information see the USFWS Partners in Flight web page

Habitat change

Forests are being clearcut for wood products, energy development or converstion to agriculture, agricultural lands give way to housing developments. Wetlands are being filled to make way for shopping centers. Habitat change can have profound effects on the bird communities

For National Geographic Radio Expeditions, NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports that large areas of the Boreal are being carved up for logging and oil wells.

 

Sensible development

In many American towns, zoning laws actually promote sprawl. See greenneighborhoods.org for an alternative.

Other Conservation Issues

Global warming