[audubon-news] FW: Audubon Bird Conservation News - Fall 2002
- From: "BIANCHI, John" <JBIANCHI@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "'audubon-news@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'" <audubon-news@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>,"'chapter-communicator@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'" <chapter-communicator@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 10:42:40 -0500
-----Original Message-----
From: CECIL, John [mailto:jcecil@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 3:40 PM
To: BIRD-CONSERVATION-NEWS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Audubon Bird Conservation News - Fall 2002
AUDUBON BIRD CONSERVATION NEWSLETTER
The Audubon Bird Conservation Newsletter is an electronic periodical that
brings you up to date on the accomplishments and work of Audubon's Bird
Conservation Program, the progress of the Important Bird Areas Initiative,
and issues and events in bird conservation. (To Subscribe please see
instructions at the end of this newsletter)
Please visit Audubon online at: www.audubon.org
Bird Conservation Program, Audubon Science Office, 545 Almshouse Road,
Ivyland, PA 18974
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INDEX TO FEATURES VOLUME: 2002, ISSUE: FALL
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**IMPORTANT BIRD AREA UPDATES**
*IBA SCORECARD
*IBA OUTREACH, IBA DATA MANAGEMENT, & IBA FUNDING
*STATE PROGRESS
1. ARKANSAS
2. MAINE
3. NEW HAMPSHIRE
4. NEW YORK
5. OREGON
6. PENNSYLVANIA
7. PUERTO RICO
8. SOUTH CAROLINA
**IBA SUCCESS STORIES**
1. CONNECTICUT - ANNOUNCING IDENTIFIED IBAs
2. IOWA - MAKING STRIDES QUICKLY
3. WASHINGTON - STATE PANEL APPROVES ACQUISITION OF IBA LANDS
**AUDUBON WATCHLIST** **NEW WATCHLIST UNVEILDED**
**BIRD CONSERVATION NEWS AND POLICY UPDATE**
1. GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2. WATERBIRDS FOR THE AMERICAS
3. PUFFINS ON THE RISE IN MAINE
4. CONSERVE ONLINE
5. NATIONS STRIVE TO PROTECT BIRDS FROM POWERLINES TO LONGLINES
6. ANNOUNCING eBird!
7. UNITED STATES SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN WEBSITE
8. CONDOR ARCHIVE
9. USFWS INITIATES STATUS REVIEW OF CERULEAN WARBLER
**UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS**
**SUBSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS**
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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**IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS UPDATE**
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The Important Bird Area (IBA) program is an international effort to
identify, conserve, and monitor a network of sites that provide essential
habitat for bird populations. Birdlife International (www.birdlife.net)
began the IBA program in Europe in 1985. Since that time, Birdlife partners
in more than 100 countries have joined together to build the global IBA
network.
Audubon (BirdLife Partner for the U.S.) has been working since 1995 to
identify and conserve hundreds of IBAs throughout the United States.
Important Bird Areas often support a significant proportion of one or more
species total population. Through the IBA program, we're setting
science-based conservation priorities and engaging local action to safeguard
the most essential sites for America's bird populations. We work with local
communities and stakeholder groups, scientists, local, state and federal
governments, and non-governmental organizations. By cooperating on
essential habitat conservation, we're building a healthier world for birds
and all biodiversity-including our own species.
*IBA SCORECARD
- 46 State Programs Underway
- 97 Staff Members Involved in IBA Program Implementation, Coordination, &
Management
- 39 States With Paid Staff
- 7 States With Volunteer Staff
- 10 States With Documented Inventories - CA, FL, ID, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA,
WA, WY
- 1500 IBAs Identified (State Level)
- 36 Million Acres Encompassed in Identified IBAs
- >6000 Participants Involved
*IBA OUTREACH, IBA DATA MANAGEMENT, & IBA FUNDING
Audubon Magazine, in the December issue, features Audubon Pennsylvania's
successful IBA program as an example of how the IBA program, demonstrating
implementation at the state and local level to achieve conservation. In
addition to the article, a pullout map is included that highlights a number
of IBAs throughout the country, representing a diversity of different
habitats, species, and threats. To read the article and the text of the
pullout map visit http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/
<http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/> and click on the links at the top of the
page.
National Audubon's Science Office will be hosting the 3rd Important Bird
Areas Conference, 23-26 April 2003, in Port Aransas Texas. This event will
bring together IBA program coordinators and bird conservation partners from
throughout the country and the hemisphere. This three day event will focus
on the status of the initiative, as well as strategies and opportunities for
moving forward. If you are interested in attending or would like more
details send an e-mail to jcecil@xxxxxxxxxxx .
To assist with data entry and management of the World Bird Database, the
global IBA database used to manage all information about the sites, the
National Audubon Science Office hired Connie Chen Sanchez in September.
Connie's primary task is to enter information about selected IBAs into the
WBDB and to assist with the preparation of site materials for review by
Audubon's National Technical Committee (NTC). The NTC, composed of eleven
North American bird experts, will be reviewing state level sites to
determine national, continental and global significance.
In the last quarter, June - September 2002, five states have secured
$169,400 in grants for IBA Program activities. Congratulations to Arkansas,
Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Ohio!
*STATE PROGRESS
1. ARKANSAS
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (www.nfwf.org) awarded Audubon
Arkansas a challenge grant of $30,000 in support of the Arkansas Important
Bird Areas project. In addition to bringing together many partners to
identify and conduct conservation activities at IBAs, Audubon Arkansas will
target 15 to 20 Important Bird Areas and begin monitoring and protection
plans on at least seven to ten of these sites. The first IBA in the state
is a 155,000-acre Shortleaf Pine - Bluestem Grass ecosystem management area
near Waldron, AR. It is especially noteworthy because of the three species
of birds found there (all listed on the Audubon WatchList): the Red-Cockaded
Woodpecker (federally listed as an endangered species), the Bachman's
Sparrow, and the Prairie Warbler. To learn more about the Arkansas IBA
program and to obtain an IBA nomination form visit:
http://www.audubon.org/states/ar/ar/birds.htm
<http://www.audubon.org/states/ar/ar/birds.htm> or contact Rob Fisher:
rfisher@xxxxxxxxxxx or 501-244-2229.
2. MAINE
This spring Maine Audubon finalized the goals of their Important Bird Areas
Program: to identify key areas that contribute to bird conservation; to work
cooperatively with land owners and managers to conserve sites through
habitat management, acquisition or easements; to promote public and private
participation in the IBA process; and to provide for public education and
community outreach opportunities. With these goals agreed upon the IBA
program has officially begun. In an effort to advance awareness of the
program Judy Walker, Maine Audubon's staff naturalist and coordinator of the
IBA program, has been presenting slide shows on the project to Audubon
chapters, and other organizations throughout the state. Nominations for IBA
sites are now being accepted. To nominate a site or for more general
information about the IBA program contact Judy Walker:
jwalker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, or 207-781-2330.
3. NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Audubon Society of New Hampshire, under the leadership of Pam Hunt, is
finalizing the criteria by which Important Bird Areas are identified along
with their site nomination form. The New Hampshire IBA program expects to
be accepting nominations shortly. For nomination materials or more
information about the Audubon Society of New Hampshire's IBA program visit
the web site, http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/forestry/documents/NHIBA.htm
<http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/forestry/documents/NHIBA.htm> , or contact Pam
Hunt: phunt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or 603-224-9909.
4. NEW YORK
Audubon New York has announced the opening of a second round of Important
Bird Areas identification. The first such IBA identification effort in New
York was completed in 1997 and resulted in 127 sites being identified as
IBAs. The purpose of repeating this effort is to fine tune the list of IBAs
in New York and to identify any sites that might have been missed during the
first round of nominations.
In 1998 Audubon New York published "Important Bird Areas in New York State",
which included descriptions of all Important Bird Areas identified during
the first round of nominations. This book provided a blueprint for bird
conservation in New York State. For the past five years, Audubon New York
and its partners have been working towards the conservation of those sites
through advocacy, conservation planning, monitoring, and education
initiatives.
Anyone who knows of a potential Important Bird Area can nominate it.
Nominating a site involves filling out a nomination packet and supplying
data on bird use and information on the site's habitat, size, location, and
ownership. IBA nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2003. To
learn more about nominating a site contact Jillian Liner: jliner@xxxxxxxxxxx
or (607)-254-2437. For information on the 127 identified IBAs visit
http://www.audubon.org/chapter/ny/ny/iba/
<http://www.audubon.org/chapter/ny/ny/iba/> .
5. OREGON
The Audubon Society of Portland is working with many individuals and
organizations to actively identify Important Bird Areas. To get the process
rolling they are coordinating with a scientific technical committee to
consider sites that people in local communities believe to be important for
birds. Those familiar with Oregon's birds and bird habitats are asked to
submit site nominations for the scientific technical committee to consider
for inclusion in the IBA network. Nominations will be accepted until
December 15, 2002, with the first list of IBAs to be unveiled in January
2003.
To assist in engaging people in this process the Audubon Society of Portland
has launched new web pages about their IBA program. By visiting
www.audubonportland.org and clicking on the Important Bird Area Link you can
learn more about the program, the specific criteria that are being used in
Oregon to identify sites, who the members of the technical committee are,
and you can also fill out and submit an online form to nominate a site for
consideration as an IBA. For more information about Oregon's IBA program
visit the web site or contact Sybil Ackerman: sackerma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
or (503) 292-6855
6. PENNSYLVANIA
The first state catalog of Important Bird Areas to be published is now
available online along with many other details about Audubon Pennsylvania's
IBA program. By visiting http://pa.audubon.org <http://pa.audubon.org> and
then clicking through to the IBA section you are now able to view an updated
map of all 78 IBAs that have been identified in the state. Also available
is the text from the IBA book, "A guide to Critical Bird Habitat in
Pennsylvania." Each chapter can be viewed or downloaded, and each site
description is available from an indexed list. In addition to site
descriptions and ornithological significance, instructions for conducting
bird monitoring at IBA sites is also available as is an overview of the IBA
program.
IBA site nominations continue to be accepted - for any site that meets one
or more of the five criteria. One site was nominated this spring and
subsequently accepted by the Pennsylvania Ornithological Technical
Committee. The 78th site is the Presque Isle Bay Martin Roost. This
15-acre site is in the western portion of the Presque Isle Bay near Presque
Isle State Park. It is comprised of a cattail marsh that attracts tens of
thousands of Purple Martins and swallows during late summer and fall. Visit
the Audubon PA website for information on site nomination or other
information about Audubon Pennsylvania's IBA program or contact Rob Blye:
rblye@xxxxxxxxxxx or (610) 327-2502.
7. PUERTO RICO
Earlier this year the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society (PROS) began
implementing an Important Bird Areas program in Puerto Rico with support
from the MacArthur Foundation. On August 10, 2002 a workshop was held to
launch the program among local and federal government agencies, like the
Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service
and US Forest Service, as well as interested non-governmental organizations.
Participants provided comments on a preliminary list of important sites for
the island, helped identify data sources, began designing a work plan, and
nominated members for a technical committee. A second meeting was planned
for the fall to discuss the diversity and distribution of the island's
avifauna, the IBA program, and how PROS members and the general public can
contribute. Those interested in learning more about the IBA program in
Puerto Rico or nominating sites to the list of candidate IBAs should visit
www.avesdepuertorico.org, or contact Adrianne G. Tossas:
agtossas@xxxxxxxxxxx
The Puerto Rican IBA program is part of a Caribbean-wide initiative to
identify and conserve the most important sites for the region's birds.
National programs are currently underway in Jamaica (BirdLife Jamaica), Cuba
(five collaborating institutions), Dominican Republic (Grupo Jaragua),
Bahamas (Bahamas National Trust), and the UK Overseas Territories. For more
details on this wider Caribbean program please contact David C. Wege:
david.wege@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or visit www.birdlife.net .
8. SOUTH CAROLINA
To date, Audubon South Carolina has identified 17 IBAs statewide. Recently,
several new members have been added to the technical committee, which is
re-energized to move the program forward. The next meeting of the committee
is planned for January or February 2003, with the hope of having as many as
12 additional IBA nominations to review. During the remainder of 2002, the
goals of the program include increasing public awareness of the program
through press releases, signage at identified IBAs, and publication of a
booklet describing existing IBAs. For more information on Audubon South
Carolina's IBA program contact Paul Koehler: pkoehler@xxxxxxxxxxx or (803)
827-0781.
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**IBA SUCCESS STORIES**
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1. CONNECTICUT - ANNOUNCING IDENTIFIED IBAs
In August, Audubon Connecticut announced the identification of seven new
Important Bird Areas in eight towns throughout the state. These sites
highlight the wide variety of bird habitats found in Connecticut and
include, Connecticut College Arboretum in Waterford and New London, Sandy
Point in West Haven, and Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury.
Thanks to a $60,000 grant from the GE Fund, GE volunteers will support
conservation, education, and access related projects at identified IBA sites
in Connecticut, as well as North Carolina, and Ohio. In Connecticut,
projects in Stamford, South Windsor, and Southbury will expand viewing
facilities, improve trail systems, and enhance educational opportunities.
This announcement of newly identified IBAs was reported on in 11 newspapers,
including a front page article with photos in the Danbury News-Times, and a
feature article on Connecticut's IBA program in the New Haven Register. In
addition, appearances, by the Bird Conservation Director, were made on three
radio programs. In total, through newspaper circulation (approx. 600,000)
and radio audience (approx. 100,000), the IBA announcements reached over
700,000 people.
Audubon Connecticut has also been working hard to map IBAs. All identified
IBAs have had digital boundary maps created. These maps will allow for more
detailed analysis and site-based conservation planning. Bird conservation
staff have already begun overlaying IBA boundaries onto land use/land-cover
maps, aerial photographs, and maps of currently protected open space.
For more information on the identified Audubon Connecticut IBAs or general
information about the program contact Patrick Comins: pcomins@xxxxxxxxxxx or
203-264-5098.
2. IOWA - MAKING STRIDES QUICKLY
Audubon Iowa's IBA Program is off to a strong start in the first nine months
of the program. In this relatively short span of time Audubon Iowa has
established a 16 member technical committee, which will serve to develop the
criteria and general framework for reviewing all site nominations. With the
assistance of an Information Technology consultant, a web site focusing on
the Iowa IBA program has been designed, developed, and implemented. This
site will be the primary avenue for the public to review IBA criteria,
review a list of nominated sites, and will allow for individuals to submit
site nominations. Funding for the IBA program has been secured through a
grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
While building a foundation from which to work, numerous education and
outreach activities have also been conducted. Presentations, by the IBA
Coordinator have been made to two Audubon chapters, the Dubuque Audubon
Chapter and the Upper Iowa Audubon Chapter, along with appearances on two
live radio shows, quarterly articles in IOU News, and frequent notices
regarding the status of the program have been posted to the IA-BIRD
listserve. Outreach activities, in addition to IBA presentations, have
included organizing and hosting the 3-day Iowa Ornithologists' Union Fall
Conference attended by an all-time record 151 persons, and organizing and
hosting a 1-day Workshop for Professional Personnel to prepare them to work
closely with the expanding birding community. Both education and outreach
activities appear to be paying off since Audubon Iowa has received 144 site
nominations for identification as IBAs. To learn more about the program
visit http://www.iowabirds.org/IBA/ <http://www.iowabirds.org/IBA/> or
contact Ric Zarwell: zarxzar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx or (563) 538-4991.
3. WASHINGTON - STATE PANEL APPROVES ACQUISITION OF IBA LANDS
IBA conservation in Washington took a leap forward in late September when
the Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation approved funding
for public acquisition of six high-priority critical habitat parcels. Four
of the six top priorities are in or adjacent to Important Bird Areas. The
funding package contains more than $8.5 million to provide:
* Purchase of 11,000 acres of pristine, native shrub-steppe habitat
adjoining the existing Fitzner-Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve IBA near
Richland;
* Matching funds for a federal grant to acquire nearly 400 acres of riparian
cottonwood and conifer forest in the Lower Dungeness Riparian Corridor IBA
near Sequim. This site is also adjacent to an Audubon Center;
* Acquisition of 1,900 acres of Oregon white oak and ponderosa pine forests
in the Tieton River Corridor east of Yakima;
* Funding to begin the acquisition of approximately 2,000 acres in four
parcels of native prairie and oak woodland, one of which is in the Mima
Prairie IBA south of Olympia.
All sites will be placed in conservation status and managed by the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Before the purchases can occur,
the state Legislature must appropriate sufficient revenue from a fund
designated for these acquisitions. Ensuring full funding of this program
will be the top priority for Audubon Washington's public policy staff in the
upcoming legislative session. To learn more about Audubon Washington's IBA
program visit http://www.audubon.org/chapter/wa/wa/iba.htm
<http://www.audubon.org/chapter/wa/wa/iba.htm> or contact Tim Cullinan:
tcullinan@xxxxxxxxxxx or (360) 683-6257.
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**AUDUBON WATCHLIST** **NEW WATCHLIST UNVEILDED**
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Despite the exciting recovery of Endangered birds like the Bald Eagle and
Peregrine Falcon, more than one-quarter of America's birds are in trouble or
decline. Released in October 2003, the Audubon WatchList (
http://www.audubon.org/bird/watchlist/
<http://www.audubon.org/bird/watchlist/> ) identifies 201 species of birds
in need of conservation. These birds show either significantly decreasing
numbers or restricted range, or are under other threats.
The Audubon WatchList serves to underscore some disturbing trends; since
1970, many songbird species have declined by as much as 50 percent or more.
The California Thrasher and the southeast's Painted Bunting both show
declines in excess of 50 percent, while the Cerulean Warbler of the eastern
U.S. has declined by more than 70 percent and the Henslow's Sparrow from the
Midwest has dangerously dropped by 80 percent. The Hawaiian 'Akikiki from
Kauai has dropped from about 6,800 birds in the early 70's to only 1,000
individuals today.
Audubon's WatchList 2002 aims to highlight U.S. birds of concern to the
general public in order to increase support of and public involvement in
bird conservation efforts of Audubon and other organizations that are part
of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI -
http://www.nabci.org/ <http://www.nabci.org/> ). The constituent groups of
NABCI are working together to develop and implement bird conservation plans
across the continent. Bird conservation initiatives that are part of NABCI
include Partners In Flight ( http://www.partnersinflight.org/
<http://www.partnersinflight.org/> ), the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (
http://shorebirdplan.fws.gov/ <http://shorebirdplan.fws.gov/> ), North
American Waterbird Conservation Plan ( http://www.waterbirdconservation.org/
<http://www.waterbirdconservation.org/> ), North American Waterfowl
Management Plan ( http://northamerican.fws.gov/NAWMP/nawmphp.htm
<http://northamerican.fws.gov/NAWMP/nawmphp.htm> ), and the Northern
Bobwhite Conservation Initiative ( http://www.qu.org/seqsg/nbci/nbci.cfm
<http://www.qu.org/seqsg/nbci/nbci.cfm> ). Audubon's involvement in these
conservation plans is currently focused on the identification and
conservation of Important Bird Areas ( http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/
<http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/> ).
The Audubon WatchList 2002 uses species assessments carried out by some of
the NABCI partners including Partners In Flight, BirdLife International, and
the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan to place species in one of three
categories.
RED - Species in this category of global conservation concern are declining
rapidly, have very small populations or limited ranges, and face major
conservation threats.
YELLOW: Category includes the majority of species identified. Yellow-list
birds are declining, but at slower rates than those in the red category.
These typically are birds of national conservation concern, and those that
can be saved most cost-effectively.
GREEN: species in this category are not declining, have unknown trends, or
have very large population sizes. These species are not included on the
Audubon WatchList.
For the first time in 2002, the Audubon WatchList includes birds of Hawaii
and Puerto Rico, in addition to the birds of mainland North America. To view
the WatchList and species account for all 201 red and yellow-listed species
visit www.audubon.org/bird/watchlist
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**BIRD CONSERVATION NEWS AND POLICY UPDATE**
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1. GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 6th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place from 14-17
February 2003. Submitted entirely on-line, the approximately 50,000
checklists from every state and province provide a winter snapshot of the
status of our birds on that count weekend. A monitoring project that is
designed to allow beginners and experts alike to participate, GBBC aims to
engage and educate families and individuals in the hopes that they will
continue their involvement through other bird monitoring projects. As with
other projects, GBBC data become more and more valuable with each year that
the information is compiled.
For the 2003 GBBC, Audubon Mississippi has joined with ChevronTexaco, Eagle
Optics, and other partners in a pilot project to find ways of significantly
increasing participation in this and other citizen science opportunities
available to bird enthusiasts. Outreach will be conducted through a
broad-based promotional campaign and a series of workshops on beginning
birding and other topics. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful
opportunity to involve communities, schools, and the public in an
outstanding citizen science project. These programs help people learn about
birds and make great contributions to the protection of birds and native
habitats. Audubon has also joined with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency to explore ways of promoting the GBBC in the Memphis, TN area. Many
from the city and nearby have visited Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in
Holly Springs, MS. A recent daylong festival on hummingbirds attracted more
than 1,000 people to the 2,500-acre center.
To learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count, from how to participate
to exploring the results of last years count visit:
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ <http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/> .
2. WATERBIRDS FOR THE AMERICAS
The North American Waterbird Conservation Plan is proud to release
Waterbirds for the Americas - Version 1. This document provides an
overarching continental framework and guide for conserving waterbirds. It
sets forth goals and priorities for waterbirds in all habitats from the
Canadian Arctic to Panama, from Bermuda through the U.S. Pacific Islands, at
nesting sites, during annual migrations, and during nonbreeding periods. It
advocates continent-wide monitoring; provides an impetus for regional
conservation planning; proposes national, state, provincial and other local
conservation planning and action; and gives a larger context for local
habitat protection. Taken together, it is hoped that these activities will
assure healthy populations and habitats for the waterbirds of the Americas.
To download or order a copy visit http://www.waterbirdconservation.org/
<http://www.waterbirdconservation.org/> .
3. PUFFINS ON THE RISE IN MAINE
Twenty-nine years after the first puffin chicks were transplanted from Great
Island, Newfoundland to Eastern Egg Rock, puffins are thriving at
Audubon-managed islands in Maine. A record 52 burrows were confirmed at
Eastern Egg Rock (EER), a record 179 at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge
(SINWR) and more than 200 pairs on Matinicus Rock (MR), which is part of the
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. Reproductive success (a measure of
how many puffin chicks each pair produces in a season) was high at all
Audubon colonies this summer (EER had 0.85 chick per pair; SINWR 1.0 chick
per pair; and MR 0.83 chick per pair).
Puffins were nearly extirpated from the Gulf of Maine at the turn of the
20th century due to excessive hunting for food and feathers; only one pair
survived at Matinicus Rock and about 300 were recorded at Machias Seal
Island in 1902.
The restoration of Maine's puffin colonies is the direct result of hands-on
management by Project Puffin that began in 1973. A total of 1,832
transplanted puffin chicks from Great Island, Newfoundland fledged from
Audubon-managed islands (940 from Eastern Egg Rock and 892 from Seal Island
NWR) between 1973 and 1989. A total of 19% of these transplant fledglings
(339) were later re-sighted with many returning to nest at Eastern Egg Rock
and Seal Island NWR colonies. Five other puffin colonies also occur in the
Gulf of Maine, including Petit Manan Island NWR, ME (20 pairs), Machias Seal
Island, NB (2,800 pairs), Green Rock, NS (90 individuals), Noddy Island, NS
(60 individuals), and several pair on Round Island, NS.
Today, transplants constitute just 9% of Egg Rock and 4% of Seal Island
nesting puffins. By contrast, in 1981 and 1992 (the first years nesting was
confirmed at Egg Rock and Seal Island NWR), transplants accounted for 80%
and 71% respectively of nesting puffins in these colonies. While
transplants fueled the re-colonization of these sites, the current growth at
restored sites is likely due to immigration from the largest colonies
(Machias Seal Island and Matinicus Rock), resulting from high reproductive
success combined with the high adult and juvenile survival at all colonies.
To learn more about the successful Puffin restoration efforts as well as
other seabird restoration activities that Audubon is engaged in visit
www.projectpuffin.org .
4. CONSERVE ONLINE
ConserveOnline is a public library, created and maintained by The Nature
Conservancy in partnership with NatureServe, The Society for Conservation
Biology, US Forest Service, and the American Museum of Natural History. The
library makes conservation tools, techniques, and experience available to a
broad community of conservation practitioners. This site is intended to
provide information and support to anyone making conservation-related
decisions, from the staff of conservation organizations to land managers at
government agencies to local land trusts to private landowners.
ConserveOnline is an open forum for sharing successes and failures, and for
connecting scientific research with field-based conservation practice.
To view and explore the resources of ConserveOnline visit
www.conserveonline.org .
5. NATIONS STRIVE TO PROTECT BIRDS FROM POWERLINES TO LONGLINES
In mid-September parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (a United
Nations Environment Programme linked convention) met in Nairobi Kenya.
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species or CMS work together to
conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection
for the endangered migratory species listed in Appendix I of the Convention;
by concluding multilateral Agreements for the conservation and management of
migratory species listed in Appendix II; and by undertaking co-operative
research activities. The purpose of this meeting, among many, was to
consider the status of a number of species including six species of whales,
the Great White Shark, a camel that may be an entirely new species, and
several groups and species of birds.
Delegates decided to backed plans to protect birds and other migratory
species from power lines and wind turbines following proposals by Germany.
Concern has been increasing that large numbers of birds are being
electrocuted during their annual migrations because many power lines have
been strung and constructed across their flyways. The resolution urges
countries to adopt bird-friendly techniques when constructing medium-voltage
power lines and to investigate installing bird-friendly kits including the
erection of so-called "bird-safe poles" to reduce mortalities. Also, the
growing popularity of wind power presents a new, potential threat, to
migratory birds. Delegates approved a resolution requiring countries to
study the impacts of both offshore and onshore wind farms, which could
benefit not only birds but also migratory marine mammals such as dolphins,
porpoises and whales.
Delegates also supported a campaign, spearheaded by the Prince of Wales and
BirdLife International, to reduce the huge losses of albatrosses and petrels
to long line fisheries. More than 300,000 seabirds, of which 100,000 are
albatrosses, are thought to be dying annually after drowning on baited hooks
set to catch fish such as the Patagonian Toothfish of the Southern seas.
The Prince urged delegates to support the ratification of an Agreement on
Albatrosses and Petrels so that it can come into force as soon as possible.
Arnulf Muller-Helmbrecht, Executive Secretary of the CMS said: "The Prince's
intervention was well received. We will be writing to all countries with
albatross populations and nations with long line fleets urging them to come
on board. I will also be writing to Klaus Toepfer, the Executive Director of
UNEP, asking him to raise the issue when he meets ministers over the coming
months. I am now convinced that we will get the necessary ratifications by
countries for this Agreement to come into force, hopefully, by early next
year. The only real question now, is how many more nations will join this
vital conservation effort".
To learn more about the Convention on Migratory Species or the United
Nations Environment Programme vist them on the web: www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/ and
www.unep.org/
6. ANNOUNCING eBird!
We have a window of opportunity. Today, the vast majority of the species of
birds in North America still exist in viable numbers in some remnant of
suitable habitat. Today, we who love birds and the natural world in general
exist in greater numbers than ever before, and those numbers are growing
rapidly. And today, we have the tools that allow us to know and monitor that
fragile world with depth and breadth that was unimaginable 10 years ago, let
alone 102 years ago when the first Christmas Bird Count
(www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/) was held.
Now you can help us make birds count for conservation. Announcing eBird
(www.birdsource.org/ebird), a new citizen science tool that allows anyone to
report any bird species anywhere anytime. This joint venture of Audubon and
the Cornell Lab of Ornithology opens a new era of citizen science, which
will help our birds in a time of increasing threats from habitat loss to
West Nile virus.
You can participate in eBird (www.birdsource.org/ebird) and other citizen
science projects through BirdSource (www.birdsource.org) at your level of
ability and comfort. Remember, you will double your impact if you take along
a friend; and you will multiply it many times over if you include a scout
troop or a class of kids.
7. UNITED STATES SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN WEBSITE
The United States Shorebird Conservation Plan, a partnership committed to
restoring and maintaining stable and self-sustaining populations of
shorebirds in the U.S. and throughout the Western Hemisphere, has launched a
new website. Hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
http://shorebirdplan.fws.gov <http://shorebirdplan.fws.gov> , makes
publicly available both national and regional shorebird planning documents,
information about current activities of the initiative and related shorebird
programs, as well as information about the broader North American Bird
Conservation Initiative.
8. THE CONDOR - NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The full content of any Condor article appearing in volumes 1 through 102
(years 1899 through 2000) now can be downloaded or displayed for free from a
search-capable archive maintained at the University of New Mexico. To
access this body of literature, visit www.cooper.org, click on The Condor,
and then click on the archive link. The full content of the Societies'
other series Studies in Avian Biology (formerly Pacific Coast Avifauna) will
be available soon.
9. USFWS INITIATES STATUS REVIEW OF CERULEAN WARBLER
An Audubon WatchList species (
http://audubon2.org/webapp/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=64
<http://audubon2.org/webapp/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=64> ), the Cerulean
Warbler is a canopy foraging insectivore that breeds in mature and older
deciduous forests with broken canopies in the eastern U.S. Cerulean
Warblers migrate farther and earlier, and forage and nest higher in the
canopy than many other warbler species. Formerly one of the most abundant
breeding warblers in Ohio and the Mississippi River Valleys, its population
plummeted in the 1900's due to habitat destruction.
Habitat destruction combined with other factors has led the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) to announce it will expand the review of the status
of the Cerulean Warbler. Having recently completed reviewing a petition to
list the warbler as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the FWS
found the petition contained sufficient information indicating there may be
a need to list the species. The FWS' finding initiates a further evaluation
of the status of the Cerulean Warbler. During the evaluation, the FWS will
open a 90-day public comment period to allow the agency to receive
information about the Cerulean Warbler from state, tribal, and other federal
agencies, universities, scientists, and the general public. After reviewing
available information, the Service will make a decision whether to propose
the Cerulean Warbler as a threatened species.
The FWS is seeking additional information from the public on the Cerulean
Warbler and threats to its habitat. Information and comments may be
submitted to Field Supervisor, Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 608 East Cherry Street, Room 200, Columbia, Missouri
65201. They may also be faxed to that office at 314-876-1914. To ensure
their consideration, all comments and other information must be received by
the close of the comment period on January 21. 2003. Information on the
petition to list the Cerulean Warbler and the Service's 2000 status
assessment is available on the Service's website at
http://midwest.fws.gov/endangered/ <http://midwest.fws.gov/endangered/>
*****UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS*****
*AUDUBON'S 103rd CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT, 14 December 2002 - 5 January 2003,
throughout the Western Hemisphere. From beginning birder to seasoned
ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird Count
(CBC). Participants must do their counting within a designated 15-mile CBC
circle on the given count day. Data collected from CBC's help to monitor
the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western
Hemisphere. To learn more about the upcoming count, view results from
previous years, and most importantly to find a count occurring near you
visit: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ <http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/>
.
*QUAIL UNLIMITED SYMPOSIUM - THE NORTHERN BOBWHITE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE,
1 February 2003 in Kansas City, Kansas. This one-day event will focus on
discussing the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative with highlights
including views from some of the experts on Bobwhite Quail. If you want some
insight on what you can be doing to reverse the decline in the Bobwhite
Quail population, this is the meeting you don't want to miss. Visit:
http://www.qu.org/quis2/News_Details.cfm?Chapter_ID=0
<http://www.qu.org/quis2/News_Details.cfm?Chapter_ID=0&State_ID=16&Chapter_N
ews_ID=141> &State_ID=16&Chapter_News_ID=141 for more details.
*PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP 30th ANNUAL MEETING, 19-23 February 2003 in beautiful
Parksville, British Columbia. The meeting will feature a symposium on
Seabird Biogeography and three plenary speakers, Dr. David Cairns, Dr. Helen
James and Dr. Robert Ricklefs. There will be field trips to Mount
Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve, Baynes Sound, Carmanah Rainforest and an Ocean
Tour to the Winchelsea/Ballenas Archipelago. For more details on this event
visit: http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/mtg.html#announcement
<http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/mtg.html#announcement> .
*JOINT MEETING OF THE NORTHEAST & SOUTHEAST PARTNERS IN FLIGHT WORKING
GROUPS will take place from 12-15 March 2003 in Blacksburg, VA. This
workshop is intended to improve coordination, delivery and evaluation of
landbird and all-bird conservation actions already being implemented and
stimulate similar progress in new areas. The workshop will highlight
ongoing planning, delivery and evaluation efforts contributing to landbird
and all-bird conservation goals of Partners in Flight and the North American
Bird Conservation Initiative. The program will feature research and/or
monitoring efforts in the Southeast and Northeast with potential for
evaluating or strengthening the biological foundation of work conducted
through these initiatives. A portion of the program will focus on bird
conservation issues in the Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region.
See http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/www/military/PIF_Blacksburg.htm
<http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/www/military/PIF_Blacksburg.htm> for full details.
*BEYOND BORDERS - LINKING LANDSCAPES, The U.S. Chapter of the International
Association for Landscape Ecology (US-IALE) is hosting its 18th Annual
Symposium on April 2-6, 2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The deadline for
submitting an abstract for oral/poster presentations is December 6, 2002.
Instructions for abstract submission, symposium registration forms, and a
tentative schedule are available on the symposium web site. Please visit
www.zoo.utoronto.ca/US-IALE_2003 for more details.
*AMERICAN WETLANDS CONFERENCE from 1-4 May 2003 in Minneapolis, MN. The
biennial American Wetlands Conference is a national training and networking
opportunity for wetland stewards. The purpose of the conference is to
educate and inspire people to initiate and sustain on-the-ground wetland
conservation and education projects. This year, the conference will include
three tracks: education and outreach, wetland science, and wetland
conservation policy. The conference is targeted to volunteer and
professional wetland stewards interested in learning more about wetlands and
how to conserve them. For more information about the conference and for
details on submitting presentation proposals, please visit
www.iwla.org/sos/awm/conference.
*INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY, 10 May 2003, throughout the Americas.
Set on the second Saturday in May, International Migratory Bird Day or IMBD
is an invitation to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. Like
any day of recognition, IMBD exists to focus attention on a valuable
resource - the nearly 350 species of migratory birds that travel between
nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in South and
Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The theme for this coming years
event is "Birds As Catalysts". Although IMBD is officially a single-day
observance, it is not limiting; events will occur throughout the spring.
For more information and to find an event near you visit:
http://birds.fws.gov/imbd/ <http://birds.fws.gov/imbd/> .
AUDUBON BIRD CONSERVATION NEWSLETTER
The Audubon Bird Conservation Newsletter is an electronic periodical that
brings you up to date on the accomplishments and work of Audubon's Bird
Conservation Program, the progress of the Important Bird Areas Initiative,
and issues and events in bird conservation.
*TO SUBSCRIBE to Audubon's Bird Conservation newsletter send an e-mail to
LISTSERV@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx with the following text in the body of your
e-mail: SUBSCRIBE Bird-Conservation-News
Please visit Audubon online at: www.audubon.org
National Audubon Society
Bird Conservation Program
Audubon Science Office
545 Almshouse Road,
Ivyland, Pa 18974,
PH: 215-355-9588
FX: 215-355-2353
copyright 2000, 2001, 2002 by National Audubon Society, Inc. All rights
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