Washington Birds Need Your Help
January 13, 2020
By Tony Hewitt – PAWS Volunteer
Recently the Audubon Society, North America’s preeminent bird conservation and advocacy organization, published a concerning study highlighting the threat of a changing planet on American birds. This report, titled “Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink”, portrays a grim future for birdlife in our state, with over three-quarters of all species in some form of vulnerability (190 vulnerable species vs. 58 stable species that reside here in the summer). Vulnerability was classified by loss of range due to various threats (e.g. drought, fire, urbanization, etc.) measured by empirical census data alongside advanced modeling (see figure 2). Those species in greatest vulnerability include some of our most iconic local birds, such as the Dark-Eyed Junco, Spotted Towhee, American Robin, and Northern Pygmy Owl.
A Northern Pygmy Owl with a fractured clavicle in care at the PAWS Wildlife Center.
Figure 2: Rufous Hummingbird Range Status in Washington State
(Visit the interactive map here)
According to the report, Washington sea levels could rise up to four feet by 2100, threatening coastal communities along Puget Sound and eroding mudflats and wetlands. Temperatures have risen between 1 and 2 degrees Fahrenheit in the last century, increasing the risk of wildfires and disrupting ocean food webs. In the coming decades, climate models predict that Washington will experience hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter falls, winters, and springs. These changes will result in less snowpack, warmer water conditions, and increased threat of wildfires. Fish and wildlife populations that are unable to adapt to these changes will likely suffer.
After being rehabilitated by the PAWS Wildlife Center, the Northern Pygmy Owl perches in a tree after a successful release.
All is not lost however, as big change always starts small!
There are plenty of simple actions you can take to improve the outlook for these wonderful creatures:
- Create a certified habitat for native birds, providing food, water, and shelter.
- Practice responsible cat ownership (consider using a catio!)
- Save energy & reduce carbon emissions
- Consider your dietary choices and their impact on the environment
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle
- Plant a native garden and forego excessive pesticides/herbicides
- Get involved with local birding communities/participate in census activities
- Sponsor a bird at PAWS
- Spread the word!
Source: https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees/state/us/wa