yard bird observations over time
Birders,
We moved into our current house in Mystic in 2001. I grew up there from the 60's until the 80's and though I wasn't a birder then, I do remember bobwhite and grouse being regular. At the time, several square miles of undeveloped woods and field lay behind the house and between Route 1 and I-95. Many roads and houses have been added since that time. There were still undeveloped lots on the street then (where as now, houses are being built behind houses). Many yards that had thickets behind them are now lawn.
In 2001, I was disappointed by the lack of forest birds in the woods behind the house. In the past seven years there has been an increase in forest birds during the breeding season, despite continued clearing and development in the area. I'm not sure why. Our first summer had little of note after migration. The following year we had Great-crested Flycatcher and Wood Thrush throughout the summer. A year or two later, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Eastern Towhee became regular. This year, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak pair is coming to feeders and an Ovenbird has been singing from the woods for the past two weeks.
Somewhat related, a Yellow Warbler made a brief appearance for one day only last week, despite no suitable habitat and yesterday a Blue-winged Warbler sang in the afternoon, though hasn't been heard since. At least once a year, an unexpected bird makes a summer appearance - the most unusual being an Acadian Flycatcher two summers ago singing at dawn.
Does anyone have an idea why there is an increase in birds despite the continued clearing and development in the area? I assume that the area is a breeding bird "sink" in that there is no real breeding success because of cowbirds and suburban predators, but it is interesting that the number of species is increasing in summer.
Glenn Williams
Mystic
Hi Glenn:
As you alluded to, presence doesn't necessarily indicate successful breeding, or breeding at all for that matter. Perhaps these new birds could be birds that have been displaced by habitat loss on areas where they used to nest and are scouting the area in hopes that it might be suitable for nesting?
So far, we haven't seen any hard evidence of declines in most species of forest birds, with Wood Thrush and continentally Cerulean Warblers as notable exceptions. It is the shrub/scrub species suite that is showing the most notable long-term declines.
I expect that the declines in forest birds will follow if loss of habitat is any predictor though, as we have made a turning point and are now losing more forest acreage to development than we are gaining from succession. When it comes to forest interior habitat, the declines are quite steep, UCONN's Center for Landuse Education and Research estimates that we have lost over 150,000 acres of forest interior habitat in just the 1985-2002 timeframe. I can't see how this amount of habitat loss won't eventually be reflected by ensuing population changes for species dependent upon forest interior habitat.
For more info on this, please see:
http://clear.uconn.edu/projects/landscape/forestfrag/ff_results.htm
Patrick M. Comins
Director of Bird Conservation
Audubon Connecticut
pcomins@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
Sorry for the multiple posts today, but I just came across this article talking about the State wanting to hear from users of our State Parks and State Forests and it looked like a good opportunity for birders to make our voices heard:
CT residents and visitors to complete new state park and forest survey
By Governor Rell's Office
Font size: Small Big
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Share this article:
Governor Rell announced today that visitors to Connecticut's state parks and forests can now easily provide instant feedback about their experience through an on-line survey.
The state parks and forest survey form can be found on the homepage of the Web site for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), at www.ct.gov/dep or accessed directly at www.ct.gov/dep/stateparks .
"We encourage everyone who visits our parks and forests to take part in this important survey," Governor Rell said. "The public's feedback will have a real impact on the future of Connecticut state parks and forests. We look forward to your comments on ways state parks and forests can be improved for all visitors, including families and their children.
"As part of Connecticut's No Child Left Inside initiative, we encourage families to visit state parks and forests found in the great state of Connecticut," the Governor said. "There is a great state park or forest within just 10 or 20 minutes of everyone's home. So get outdoors to hike, bike, fish, swim or picnic. When you return, complete the on-line survey so that we can see how to make these wonderful resources even better places to visit."
As an incentive for completing the survey, the DEP will award 2009 season park passes to 10 randomly chosen individuals who complete the survey and provide their e-mail addresses.
"There truly is something for everyone at Connecticut state parks and forests and we encourage visitors to use the on-line survey to share their experiences with us," Governor Rell said.
Background on Connecticut's State Parks and Forests
Connecticut has many recreational opportunities throughout the state. With its 106 state parks and 32 state forests, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether your family likes the beach or inland waters, you can swim in the summer at 19 swimming areas. If hiking is your preference, Connecticut parks and forests are home to 800 miles of hiking trails.
For the history buff, Connecticut has nine historic sites. Anglers will enjoy our 230 lakes and ponds or its 2,000 miles of rivers and streams. For a home away from home, Connecticut has 1,300 campsites at 14 state parks for both tent and RV camping. Boaters will enjoy more than 100 boat launches statewide.
(c) Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar.
Patrick M. Comins
Director of Bird Conservation
Audubon Connecticut
pcomins@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
This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut.
For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org