[CT Birds] WatchList 2007

[COMINS, Patrick]

Dear Birders:

Below is a press release related to today's announcement of the new national WatchList 2007, a collaborative effort between Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy.   Below is the Connecticut specific release (hopefully the table formatting will come through), but I'd be happy to forward the national release and other supporting materials to anyone who is interested or to answer any questions that anyone may have:

Patrick Comins, Meriden

Patrick M. Comins
Director of Bird Conservation
Audubon Connecticut
pcomins at audubon.org

http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-CT

Bent of the River Sanctuary
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury,  CT 06488
Phone:  (203)264-5098 x305
or (203)264-5180 x305
Fax: (203)264-6332

Some of the Nation's Most Imperiled Birds Make their Home in Connecticut
New Report Identifies Species at Greatest Risk
SOUTHBURY, cT, November 28, 2007 - Thirty-five birds identified by Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) as needing top-priority conservation attention to ensure their continued survival regularly spend at least part of their year in Connecticut.  These birds 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 the species 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 Connecticut, as well as nationally, will play a critical role in determining their future health and survival.
WatchList 2007, which includes birds from around North America, is based on a comprehensive analysis of population size, trends, distribution, and environmental threats, informed and improved by extensive scientific review.   The 59 species on its "Red List" are those of greatest concern, while an additional 119 species merit a spot on the "Yellow List" due to a combination of rarity and seriously declining numbers.  Species found on either part of the WatchList require immediate help while there is still time to save them.
 "All of us in Connecticut have an opportunity and responsibility to help protect our birds at greatest risk - including Piping Plovers, Least Terns and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows," said Tom Baptist, Executive Director for Audubon Connecticut.  "We need conservation action now while there is still time - and WatchList 2007 will help us focus that action where it is needed most."

The highest priority red list WatchList species found in Connecticut are all coastal species including

 *   Piping Plover: This species resides on beaches and shorelines east of the Rocky Mountains. Intensive management of this shorebird's beachfront nesting grounds has helped to improve the outlook for this species, but its continued survival is heavily dependent upon labor-intensive activities including installing fencing and signage each year.   Human development along beaches, increased beach recreation, disturbance by pets, and increased predation require constant vigilance.  Intensive conservation efforts supported by the Endangered Species Act have helped stabilize populations and allowed populations to increase in some regions of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including small gains here in Connecticut.  Atlantic coastal populations are listed as Federally Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Piping Plovers are also listed as Threatened by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
 *   Least Tern: This species is a resident of beaches and shorelines on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts and the major rivers of the interior United States.  Atlantic coastal populations are not federally listed, but they are listed as Threatened by the Connecticut DEP.  Because of their similar habitat needs, many issues are common to both Piping Plovers and Least Terns.  Least Terns are under pressure primarily because of human actions, including development and recreational activities.  They also nest on the ground on beaches and sand bars, making them particularly sensitive to human disturbance and trampling of their eggs or young.  String fencing and warning signs are often erected around critical breeding sites where Least Terns are present.  Least Terns are a new addition to the 2007 WatchList, jumping directly to the red list.
 *   Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow:  A shy and secretive species with very exacting habitat requirements, the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow is found nesting only in the coastal salt marshes of the eastern U.S from southern Maine to Virginia. Because it is only found in high tidal marshes, i.e. marshes that flood twice a month, its entire global nesting range is smaller than the state of Connecticut. This species has not been adequately surveyed through the Breeding Bird Survey because it occurs in relatively inaccessible salt marsh habitats but the population is thought to have declined because of broad-scale alteration of salt marsh habitats over the last 50 years. These birds are particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level because they nest in high tidal marshes and are among the species most at risk from climate change. Southern New England's tidal marshes are thought to host as much as 50% of the global breeding population of this species, making Connecticut's marshes globally important for the survival of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows.  The Connecticut DEP lists the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow as a Species of Special Concern.
 *   Seaside Sparrow:  The aptly-named Seaside Sparrow is found only along coastal regions of eastern North America from New Hampshire to Florida and along the Gulf Coast to south Texas, and is truly a marsh specialist. It varies geographically, and up to nine subspecies are recognized. Two of these have, at times, been considered separate species. The Dusky Seaside Sparrow (Ammodramus. maritimus nigrescens) is now extinct, and the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (A. m. mirabilis) is federally endangered.  This species is a specialist of low tidal marshes, i.e. marshes that flood twice a day with the incoming tides.  Like the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Seaside Sparrows are vulnerable to sea level changes and are at risk from the effects of climate change.  The Connecticut DEP lists the Seaside Sparrow as a Species of Special Concern and they are a new addition to the red list, being previously listed as yellow.


The Audubon/ABC WatchList 2007 is based on the latest available data from Audubon's Christmas Bird Count and 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 a comprehensive assessment of actual peril that can be used to determine bird conservation priorities and funding.   Listed species may seem unfamiliar to many Americans, including Connecticut residents.  Unlike those on Audubon's recent survey of Common Birds in Decline, WatchList species are often rare and limited in range.  For example, Connecticut's "red list" species - those species that are most at risk - all reside along the coast of Long Island Sound.
A complete list of WatchList species that regularly occur in Connecticut is attached.  For the complete national WatchList, and information on how to help, visit www.audubon.org<http://www.audubon.org/>
To learn more about Audubon Connecticut's work protecting these and other species, visit http://audubonct.org<http://audubonct.org/>
For high resolution photos of priority WatchList species, B-roll and other press resources, visit www.audubon.org/news/pressroom/WatchList2007/<http://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. www.audubon.org<http://www.audubon.org/>.
American Bird Conservancy<http://www.abcbirds.org/> (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.


Species

Connecticut Status

Red WatchList



Piping Plover

Coastal nester, Threatened in Connecticut, Federally  Threatened.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Rare but regular migrant

Least Tern

Coastal nester, Threatened in Connecticut

Bicknell's Thrush

Rare but regular migrant

Golden-winged Warbler

Rare nester and migrant, Endangered in Connecticut

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow

Coastal nester, Species of Special Concern in Connecticut

Seaside Sparrow

Coastal nester, Species of Special Concern in Connecticut

Yellow WatchList



Clapper Rail

Coastal nester.

King Rail

Rare nester, Endangered in Connecticut.

American Golden-Plover

Uncommon but regular migrant.

Hudsonian Godwit

Rare but regular migrant.

Marbled Godwit

Rare but regular migrant.

Red Knot

Migrant.

Sanderling

Migrant and winter resident.

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Migrant.

Western Sandpiper

Uncommon but regular migrant.

White-rumped Sandpiper

Migrant

Stilt Sandpiper

Uncommon but regular migrant

Iceland Gull

Uncommon but regular winter resident.

Roseate Tern

One nesting colony, Endangered in Connecticut, Federally Endangered.

Black Skimmer

Uncommon nester.

Razorbill

Uncommon but regular winter resident.

Short-eared Owl

Uncommon but regular migrant and winter resident.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Rare nester, uncommon but regular migrant, Endangered in Connecticut.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Possible nester, uncommon but regular migrant. Species of Special Concern in Connecticut.

Willow Flycatcher

Nester.

Wood Thrush

Nester.

Blue-winged Warbler

Nester.

Prairie Warbler

Nester.

Bay-breasted Warbler

Migrant.

Cerulean Warbler

Nester.

Kentucky Warbler

Rare nester, uncommon but regular migrant.

Canada Warbler

Nester.

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow

Migrant.

Rusty Blackbird

Migrant and winter resident.