Your Role in Bird Conservation

Abstract

Birds are critical to the infrastructure of countless ecosystems. They comprise large components of food webs, actively disperse seeds, pollinate, modulate insect populations, etc. Furthermore, they serve as excellent indicator species for the health of ecosystems and effects of climate change. Despite conservation and management efforts, populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. North American avifauna has experienced a net loss of almost one third of its 1970 abundance about three billion birds lost ), including many common habitat generalists. S imple lifestyle changes could prove critical to saving species from extinction. We also need to transform our view of our own private land and gardens as opportunities to protect and restore biodiversity. Focus should be placed upon declining species before they become listed as endangered.