Contact: Carolyn Spilman, Long Island Bird Conservation Coordinator, Audubon New York.
Office: (631) 477-6456
Email: cspilman@audubon.org
Contact: Aaron Virgin, Center Director, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, Audubon New York.
Office: (516) 922-3200
Email: avirgin@audubon.org
Some of the U.S.’s Most Imperiled Birds Make their Home on Long Island
New Report Identifies Species at Greatest Risk
SOUTHOLD, New York, DECEMBER 4, 2007 – Forty-seven of the birds that Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) have identified as top-priorities for conservation spend at least part of their year in New York State. They have the dubious distinction of being included on WatchList 2007, the newest and most scientifically sound list of America’s birds at greatest risk. Unlike those on Audubon’s recent survey of Common Birds in Decline, these species are often rare and limited in range; consequently, they face a more imminent threat of extinction. For many of them, conservation efforts in New York as well as nationally will play a critical role in determining their future health and survival.
The continental WatchList is based on a comprehensive analysis of population size and trends, distribution, and environmental threats, and is also informed and improved by extensive scientific review. The new WatchList includes a total of 178 species from the continental U.S. The 59 species on its “red list” are those of greatest concern, while the additional 119 species merit their spots on the “yellow list” due to their rarity along with serious declines in their populations. Species found on either part of the WatchList demand immediate help while there is still time to save them.
“All of us on Long Island have an opportunity and responsibility to help protect our birds at greatest risk – especially our endangered beach-nesting birds such as the Piping Plover.” said Carolyn Spilman, Audubon New York’s Long Island Bird Conservation Coordinator. “But this is more than a list to watch. These species need conservation action now, while there is still time – and this WatchList helps focus that action where we need it most.”
Coastal environments support some of the world’s highest diversities of birds as well as some of its largest migratory and breeding congregations. Many of the species on New York’s list occur on Long Island and are found in few other places in the state, including beach-nesting birds such as the Piping Plover, Black Skimmer, and Least and Roseate Terns. For this reason, the Long Island Bird Conservation Program was launched by Audubon New York this past spring to help raise awareness for the threatened species and habitats that occur here.
Priority WatchList species found on Long Island include:
PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) – Protection and stewardship of this shorebird’s beachfront nesting grounds is improving the outlook for this species. However, development along beaches, increased beach recreation, disturbance by pets, and increased predation require constant vigilance. Conservation efforts supported by the Endangered Species Act are helping stabilize and even increase populations. Audubon New York is working with local Audubon chapters and other partners on Long Island to improve stewardship of Piping Plover breeding habitat in New York.
LEAST TERN (Sterna antillarum) – The protection of beachfront nesting grounds for Piping Plovers is also improving the outlook for this species. Extremely vulnerable to disruption by predators such as fox, raccoon, crows, cats, and dogs at mainland nesting sites, this species prefers to have their breeding colonies on offshore islands to improve their nesting success.
SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW (Ammodramus caudacutus) – A habitat specialist, this tiny bird is restricted to a narrow band of saltmarsh along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. It is threatened on one side by human coastal developments and on the other by rising sea levels. With even one foot of sea-level rise from global warming, this species will need a lot of help to maintain sufficient habitat for its survival.
SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) – Like many species dependent on grasslands or other open lands, the primary threat to the Short-eared Owl is the destruction and degradation of open habitat. Although New York historically hosted many nesting pairs of these owls, they now rarely breed in the state and are found regularly only during the winter. Loss of grassland habitat on Long Island has caused significant declines in their winter populations, making them rare visitors to our area today.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – The Black Skimmer is known for its unusual voice, brightly colored bill, and "skimming" behavior. Commonly seen feeding along the south shore of Long Island, the skimmer is threatened by predation and human disturbance during the breeding season when nesting occurs in colonies on Long Island beaches and islands. Protection of suitable breeding habitat is an ongoing challenge as human populations and their attraction to the beaches both expand.
The new Audubon/ABC WatchList is based on the latest available data from the Christmas Bird Count and the annual Breeding Bird Survey, along with other research and assessment from the bird conservation community. The data were analyzed and weighted according to methods developed through extensive peer review and revision, yielding an improved assessment of actual peril that can be used to determine bird conservation priorities and funding. Listed species may seem unfamiliar to many Americans because of their limited ranges.
For the complete WatchList, and information on how to help, visit http://www.audubon.org/. To learn more about Audubon New York’s work protecting these and other species, visit ny.audubon.org. For high resolution photos of priority WatchList species, B-roll and other press resources, visit www.audubon.org/news/pressroom/WatchList2007/.
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.
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) works to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group, Charity Navigator.