Latest news with #andWildlife-AssociatedRecreation
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists issue urgent warning after alarming collapse of bird populations across the US: 'We have a full-on emergency'
A report from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology shows that bird populations across every U.S. habitat are plummeting, with 229 species in urgent need of help. And the impacts go far beyond bird-watching, pointing to deeper risks for ecosystems, economies, and human health. The 2025 State of the Birds report, released in March by a coalition led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and detailed in a university release on found that bird populations continue to decline. More than one-third of bird species are considered of high or moderate conservation concern, and 112 species are labeled "Tipping Point" birds, meaning they've lost more than half of their populations in the last 50 years. Birds such as Allen's hummingbird and the salt marsh sparrow are barely hanging on. Duck populations, a rare bright spot in past reports, are also beginning to decline. "Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across all habitats," said Marshall Johnson of the National Audubon Society. The data builds on the 2019 finding that North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. Those losses aren't slowing down, and experts say the reasons are clear: habitat destruction, pollution, and extreme weather. Birds pollinate plants, spread seeds, and eat pests. Their decline points to deeper environmental issues that also threaten human health and well-being. "When we see declines like those outlined in the report, we need to remember that if conditions are not healthy for birds, they're unlikely to be healthy for us," said Amanda Rodewald from Cornell's Center for Avian Population Studies, per There's also an economic impact. According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, birding supports 1.4 million jobs and generates $279 billion annually. That's a huge loss if birds — and the people who travel to see them — disappear. And mental health research published in Scientific Reports shows that hearing or seeing birds can help lower anxiety and depression symptoms, especially in urban environments. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Conservation efforts work if they're well funded and wide reaching. The State of the Birds report outlines successful strategies such as wetland restoration, forest renewal, seabird translocation, and coastal habitat protection, all of which have helped some species recover. Private land programs such as Audubon Conservation Ranching and Ducks Unlimited's wetland partnerships show how farmers, hunters, scientists, and communities can work together to rebuild habitats. One of the most effective things you can do is create a bird-friendly home and yard. That includes turning off outdoor lights during migration season, planting native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Apps such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird also help scientists track populations and can make birding more fun and accessible. "Birds unite us across the hemisphere and across the political spectrum — there should be no hesitation as we move to protect them today and in the future," said Johnson. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Get Ready for Takeoff: 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge Now Open
NEW YORK (WWTI) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge, open to birders of all ages and skills, began on March 1, according to DEC. The challenge allows participants to identify and learn about birds, and program winners receive a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding-related gifts. 'No matter where you live or where you come from, birdwatching is a fun, easy, and affordable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds,' DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. 'Now with nearly 400 locations across New York State, the NYS Birding Trail welcomes new and experienced birders to enjoy both migrating and resident birds in a diverse variety of habitats.' Midwest winters are changing. So is the ancient sport of falconry DEC says the many habitat types found in New York State, ranging from the Atlantic Ocean's sandy beaches to the Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, make it a birder's delight, supporting over 450 distinct bird species year-round. The NYS Birding Trail allows both new and seasoned birders to discover the thrill of birding. This unique network of birding hotspots around New York State provides countless opportunities to connect with nature, whether it is watching owls in calm woodlands, monitoring shorebirds along gorgeous coastlines, or getting views of majestic eagles along quiet rivers. The trail is constantly expanding, with new destinations being added on a regular basis through a nomination and verification procedure. DEC also revealed 14 new spots for the NYS Birding Trail. The new locations are Rye Nature Center in the Hudson Valley Birding Trail Region and 13 Nassau County Parks, Recreation, and Museums properties in Long Island Birding Trail Region. Budget Amendment to help tiny fish is tossed by Virginia lawmakers Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreation hobbies in the United States. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife viewers earned $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is an increase from four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion per year in 2016. The I BIRD NY program was started in 2017 to expand the State's efforts to increase access to New York's enormous natural resources while also promoting free and low-cost opportunities to experience the great outdoors and connect with nature. 'North Shore Audubon Society enthusiastically welcomes the Nassau County addition of its excellent public preserves and parks to NY State Birding Trail,' said Peggy Maslow, North Shore Audubon Society. The 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge is available to all ages and closes on November 1, 2025. To complete the Challenge, individuals must identify any ten bird species of their choice and return a challenge form to DEC. In 2024, more than 1,800 birdwatchers completed this challenge, making it the program's highest-ever participation rate. As warming climate hammers coffee crops, this rare bean may someday be your brew Challenge sheets can be submitted online using Survey Monkey, or by email or mail. Entries must be received by November 15, 2025. The entry forms are also accessible in Spanish. All participants will receive a commemorative patch, a completion certificate and an entry into a drawing for birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry if they submit a photo reflecting their challenge experience. Birdwatchers can get this year's challenge sheet at I BIRD NY, where they can also discover information on where and how to view birds, upcoming birding activities, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and other resources. Those interested may also sign up for DEC's monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, which delivers birding tips and tactics, NYS Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more directly to their inbox. DEC also informs the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is still prevalent in wild birds and mammals. The public can assist reduce illness risk and spread by avoiding interaction between household animals and wild birds. The public is encouraged to report sick or dead wildlife here. 'Wildlife corridors' are encouraged to support Kenya's recovering animal populations When field personnel are unavailable to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape and removal is required, utilize appropriate personal safety equipment, such as disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. To avoid direct contact with the carcass or fluids, use a shovel to transfer it to a tripled garbage or contractor bag and deposit it in an outdoor trash receptacle. DEC's Animal Diseases webpage contains additional information regarding HPAI, such as how it spreads and which animals can become affected. As always, participants are invited to Love Our New York Lands throughout the year by following Leave No Trace TM principles and recreating safely and sustainably. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
