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Contact: Michael Burger
Audubon New York
(607) 254-2441

Disappearing Common Birds Send Environmental
Wake-up Call
Audubon Analysis Reveals Dramatic Declines for Some of New York’s
Most Familiar Birds

Ithaca, NY, June 14, 2007—Population declines for some of the most recognized and beloved birds in New York echo the disturbing findings of a new analysis by the National Audubon Society that reveals how local and national threats are combining to take a toll on birds, habitat and the environment across the country.

“These are not rare or exotic birds we’re talking about—these are the birds that visit our feeders and congregate at nearby lakes and seashores and yet they are disappearing day by day,” said Audubon Chairperson and former EPA Administrator, Carol Browner. “Their decline tells us we have serious work to do, from protecting local habitats to addressing the huge threats from global warming.”

The national study found that continental populations of some common birds nosedived over the past forty years, with several down nearly 80 percent. In New York, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Ruffed Grouse topped the list, with statewide declines of between 98% and 83%. These figures are steeper than the National rates, indicating that the loss of these types of habitats is accelerated here in New York. These dramatic declines are attributed to the loss of grasslands, healthy forests, and other critical habitats from multiple environmental threats such as sprawl and changes in agricultural practices. The study notes that these threats may now be compounded by new and broader problems including the escalating effects of global warming and demand for corn-based ethanol.

Species especially hard hit in New York include:

• The Grasshopper Sparrow. This species gets its name from its buzzy, insect-like song. Because it requires especially large, open expanses of grasslands, it has suffered steep declines due to encroachment by shrubs, intensive agriculture, and development, all of which cause loss and fragmentation of its habitat. Stewardship of private farmland is imperative to provide the habitat necessary to maintain this species.
• Eastern Meadowlark. This robin-sized, melodic songbird nests directly on the ground in pastures and hayfields. Farm abandonment and sprawl development have resulted in the loss of much of its habitat. Intensification of agriculture on remaining habitat has contributed to the declines. Cooperation with private landowners to help manage grassland habitat is the best opportunity for conserving this bird.
• Ruffed Grouse. Found in young deciduous and mixed forests, the Ruffed Grouse is dependent on successional habitat. Maturation of forests due to lack of forest management and control of natural disturbance factors is a key threat, while over-browsing from deer makes some early-successional forest less suitable for this species.
• Field Sparrow. This small, brown songbird that nests in shrub/scrub habitat is distinguishable by its light rusty cap and bright pink bill. The major threat to this species is habitat loss from sprawl development and old fields reverting to forests. Stabilizing their populations may be possible by maintaining suitable shrub and old field habitats through management and allowing natural disturbances such as floods and fires to occur.
• Common Tern. This slender, black-capped, gray-and-white bird is seen flying low along coasts and diving for fish. Threats include development, human disturbance, predation, and pollution. Continued management of breeding colonies, and the protection of lakes, rivers, and shorelines from development will help to ensure this species’ success.

To address these population declines, Audubon New York is working with individuals across the state to monitor birds in Important Bird Areas and in their own backyards and to promote sound stewardship of public and private lands. “Since many of our declining common birds are found in grasslands that are privately owned, it is essential that we reach out to landowners with guidance and support for managing their lands in bird friendly ways,” said Al Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon NY. “Our collaborative Grassland Bird Program is already making a difference for the species on this list by focusing our conservation efforts on the most significant grasslands areas and working hand in hand with landowners, providing them with habitat recommendations and incentives.”

Audubon continues to advocate for legislation that protects the species most in need, and expand conservation and education programs to target the most threatened areas. “We recently hired a bird conservation coordinator to oversee our conservation efforts on Long Island, focusing on beach nesting birds like the Common Tern,” added Caccese. “Additionally, our centers and sanctuaries serve as models for good habitat management practices, and our naturalists educate thousands of school children annually in an effort to inspire the land stewards and conservation leaders of tomorrow.”

Audubon's Common Birds in Decline list stems from the first-ever analysis combining annual sighting data from Audubon's century-old Christmas Bird Count program with results of the annual Breeding Bird Survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. "This is a powerful example of how tens of thousands of volunteer birders, pooling their observations, can make an enormous difference for the creatures they care the most about," said noted natural history writer Scott Weidensaul. "Thanks to their efforts, we have the information. Now all of us – from birders to policy makers – need to take action to keep these species from declining even further."

Public response will shape the long-term outlook for New York’s Common Birds in Decline. “Many of these population declines were driven by human changes to the landscape, and, fortunately, people have the power to make things better,” says Michael Burger, Director of Bird Conservation, who encourages people to the following things:

• Practice ‘Audubon at Home’ principles in your yard by reducing pesticide use, conserving water, removing invasive species and providing native plants that support birds and their forage insects as an alternative to lawns. Tips at www.audubonathome.org
• Support state and local smart growth planning and open space funding initiatives to help us to identify and protect key habitat.
• Help track bird population trends and identify key habitats by taking part in bird inventory and monitoring projects, like the Great Backyard Bird Count, and using eBird to log bird sightings in your own backyard.
• Combat global warming by reducing your energy use in your home by installing compact flourescent light bulbs, purchasing energy efficient appliances, and making smart transportation choices.
• Support New York legislation like the Community Preservation Act; Bigger, Better Bottle Bill; Wetlands Protection Act; increased funding of the Environmental Protection Fund; and measures to incentivize the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.
• Join your local Audubon Chapter to learn about and help save birds in your community.

More information about Audubon’s Common Birds in Decline analysis is available at www.audubon.org. In addition, journalists may visit Audubon’s online press room.

The attached page lists some important ways that concerned individuals can help ensure that these common birds stay common.

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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