Nearly One-Third of U.S. Bird Species Seen at Risk

[steven johnson]

When the book 'Silent Spring' came out, it highlighted the role of birds as 'canaries in the coal mine.' It is ominous when so many species are threatened. A new report from the Interior Secretary, 'The State of the Birds'. The report reveals troubling declines of bird populations during the past 40 years—a warning signal of the failing health of our ecosystems.

Nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in "significant decline" because of habitat loss, invasive species and other threats, according to a report released Thursday by the Obama administration that could ultimately lay a foundation for more regulation of development in certain areas.

The report cites among the threats to bird species energy development, suburban sprawl and agricultural practices.

Among the more than 800 bird species in the U.S., 67 are listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government, the report says. In addition, more than 184 species are designated as species of "conservation concern," the report says.

The report says the birds of Hawaii -- home to more than a third of all the bird species listed as endangered or threatened in the U.S. -- are in greatest peril. Since humans colonized the islands in 300 A.D., according to the report, 71 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and 10 haven't been seen in as long as 40 years.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123748907329587041.html

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. Very sad. Often a favorite part of our day is watching the feeders.

We have many species that visit us here - losing many of them would be a tragedy. The true joy of life is made up of the small things.

[SnoopDog]

2. I think people who let their cats run outdoors have a big impact...

I have noticed an increased of cats in my neighborhoods and a decrease in birds...

It really is upsetting...

Solution - cat owners - keep your fucking cats indoors or on leases when outdoors...

[semillama]

5. Cats are a problem

but I think the biggest story is definitely habitat loss - mountaintop removal in West Virgina, oil and gas well development in the west, general wetland loss everywhere.

Mosquito fogging is also a problem - kills mosquitos, but also other insect species that birds like swifts, swallows, nightjars and flycatchers depend on.

[defendandprotect]

3. My husband was just saying that the robins are late coming back to northeast . . .

lately they've been early -- last of February?

Thought it might have been the big snow storm we had ---?

The birds and the bees . . . quite a story!

"Americans are really smart about really stupid things" . . . !!1

[TZ]

4. Habitat destruction doesn't help...

Songbird populations have been dropping for years...

[Taitertots]

6. What are you going to give up?

Why is everyone so full of condemnation yet so woefully unwilling to do anything of substance?

[Butch350]

7. I live on a 2 acre wooded lot and I provide habitats for birds and such!

[Taitertots]

8. So you are neutral?

Do you believe a tiny wooded lot is going to offset the unrepairable damage you are doing to the earth?