The document discusses several human-caused environmental impacts that have negatively affected bird populations, including overharvesting, loss of food sources, habitat destruction, introduced species, climate change, and chemical pesticide use. Specific examples are provided for each impact, such as DDT affecting bald eagle and peregrine falcon populations by weakening eggshells. The importance of environmental laws in regulating activities like pesticide use is also mentioned.
In migration, their numbers used to blot out the sky. 1808 - Kentucky: 2 billion in flock Completely decimated within 40 years (1850-1890)
Loss of habitat and encroachment exterminated species by 1940 Range extended up to southern Minnesota riverine ecosystems
Happily Ever After? Probably removed from ESL
Removed from ESL in 1999
Extinct or not? Never abundant, very specific species. Is there still hope? Other species in question Ivory-billed Woodpecker Bachman’s Warbler
Passenger Pigeon Labrador Duck Great Auk Red Knot Great Egret Whooping Crane
Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis was first reported in 1994. The causative agent Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a nonzoonotic pathogen of poultry that had not been associated with disease in wild songbirds. Since the initial observations in the mid-Atlantic region, the disease has become widespread By late 1995, mycoplasmal conjunctivitis had spread to an additional species, the American goldfinch ( Carduelis tristis ). This new disease exemplifies the rapid spread of a pathogen following introduction into a mobile wildlife population
Some general information on climate change and birds Species returning to N. Michigan breeding grounds 21 days earlier in previous decade Recent regional changes in climate, particularly increases in temperature, have already affected terrestrial and marine ecosystems in many parts of the world. [Source: IPCC Synthesis Report 2001] For example: Between 1971 and 1995 the laying date for many species of British birds has shifted earlier by an average of nine days. [Source: Nature 388: 526] Adelie penguin breeding numbers have declined over the last 40 years. This decline is thought to be tied to a reduction in the frequency of years with extensive heavy winter sea ice in the Antarctic making suitable feeding sites too scarce or distant. At the same time, Chin-strap Penguin numbers have increased. [Source: Polar Biology 11: 525-531] Meta-analyses on 143 previously published studies reveal a consistent temperature-related shift, or 'fingerprint' in a number of species from around the globe. More than 80% of the 1,400 plant and animal species studied show changes in the direction expected on the basis of known physiological constraints of species. Of those species showing a change in spring phenology (earlier arrival, for example), the average rate of change has been approximately 5 days earlier per decade with an average study length of three decades. One of the biggest changes was in the breeding of the Common Murre which has advanced by 24 days per decade. [Source: Nature 421: 57-60]. Biodiversity will be affected by climate change and sea-level rise, with an increased risk of extinction of some species. Significant disruptions to ecosystems from disturbances (e.g., fire, insect outbreaks) are expected to increase and changes in climate could also increase the probability of abrupt, non-linear changes in many ecosystems. [Source: IPCC Synthesis Report 2001] For example: In the Prairie Pothole region of the United States, increasing temperatures will likely result in increased drought conditions and loss of wetlands. This could lead to an almost 50% reduction in breeding waterfowl numbers. While these ducks may be able to move farther north to breed, wetlands in those areas may also be adversely affected by climate change. [Source: Climatic Change 40: 343-369] The ranges of most North American grassland birds will likely shift northward into areas currently containing forests. Unless all species (birds and plants) shift at the same rate, an unlikely prospect, then habitat may be limiting for these species in the future. Models suggest that at least two grassland birds (Sprague's Pipit and McCown's Longspur) may face extinction. [Source: Price, J.T. In press. Potential impacts of climate change on North American grassland birds. U.S.G.S. Tech. Publication]. Current research is looking at how much habitat may be available for these species to move into. Parts of northern Minnesota and southwestern Ontario may end up with 14 fewer species of warblers than are currently found there. This could lead to increased outbreaks of some forest pests like spruce budworms. [Source: Transactions of the 66th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference 371-379; Managing for Healthy Ecosystems 465-469] The range of the Baltimore Oriole may shift north until it is no longer found around Baltimore. [Source: The Birdwatcher's Guide to Global Warming]
Example: They tear down your house -> just move Tear down a city, compete for housing
Imagine yourself road-tripping to Florida for Spring break and the only place to eat is in Tennesee. ...Long lines Explain annual/seasonal water level variations
Forest ecosystem cross section Cowbird parasitism “ scapegoat” for other problems (fragmentation) female cowbird capable of 30-40 eggs per season eggs hatch 11-13 days, while host eggs 12-14 day
The Problem Since the Second World War, pesticides have become a ubiquitous fact of life. It is now almost impossible to find a place anywhere on earth where pesticide residues are not detectable. The complex effect of these often highly toxic chemicals is still poorly recognized, particularly on wildlife and their ecosystems. Of the five billion pounds of pesticides that are applied worldwide each year, 20% are used in the United States (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA], 2004). Our assumption that because these pesticides are licensed by the federal government their use is automatically safe, is unfounded. One well known estimate (Pimentel & Acquay, 1992) suggested that more than 670 million birds are directly exposed to pesticides each year on U.S. farms alone, 10% of which - or 67 million birds - die as a result. Repeated exposure to some pesticides can also lead to sub-lethal effects such as decreased breeding success. These effects are hard to detect but nevertheless can produce dramatic species declines over time. Such was the case with DDT, which nearly wiped out several bird species in the U.S., including the Peregrine Falcon and Brown Pelican, by thinning the shells of their eggs to the point where they broke before hatching. But the story goes far beyond DDT. Approximately 40 pesticides still used in the U.S. are documented to have caused bird die-offs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the government agency responsible for regulating pesticides) has recorded more than 1,700 incidents of bird kills - many including hundreds of individual birds - attributable to pesticide use. Studies have shown that predators remove most dead birds within a short period (Vyas, 1999), and because of their small size, many pesticide-killed birds are likely never found.
80 Years of Hunting before Eagle Protection Act Golden Eagle Not Afftected, Why? Habitat of Golden not problem mosquito areas Food Source not affected by DDT
Malathion Uses Diazinon uses
Malathion Uses Diazinon uses
1 Hectare = 2.4 acres
“ Carbofuran (circa 1980s) has been the greatest chemical threat to wild birds since the pesticides DDT and dieldrin were banned in the early 1970s. 2005 - ecological risk assessment for carbofuran, EPA stated that there were no legal uses of carbofuran that did not kill wild birds. If mallard flock were to feed in a carbofuran treated alfalfa field, EPA predicted that 92% of the birds in the flock would quickly die,” Carbofuran finally had registration cancelled by EPA “ Furadan” by FMC Corporation
Insecticide application coincides with nesting and rearing of young - at peak insect population presence
What You Can Do to Minimize the Threat to Birds from Pesticides Buy organic food While pesticide residues on food are carefully monitored to reduce exposure to humans, monitoring of the effects of food crop pesticides on birds and other wildlife remains inadequate and poorly understood. Purchasing organically-grown food ensures that your consumption will not lead to bird deaths from these chemicals. Asking your supermarket to stock more organic produce where their selection is inadequate is a further step you can take. Avoid using pesticides in and around your home Before using pesticides, try other alternatives such as sealing access points to your home, or rat or mouse traps in the case of rodent problems. If you must buy pesticides, follow label instruction carefully. Only dispose of pesticides or pesticide containers at hazardous waste collection sites. You may have old pesticides in your house (i.e. diazinon in Spectracide, Gardentox etc.) which are no longer sold because of their harmful effects on humans and birds. Disposing carefully of unused pesticide is an important step to protect your family and wildlife in your neighborhood. If you hire a pest control officer, ask about your alternatives and express your concern over possible bird impacts. Prevent mosquitoes breeding in your back yard Each year local authorities aerially spray millions of gallons of insecticides to kill mosquitoes due to pressure from their residents and misguided notions that such chemicals can prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. These chemicals can be particularly hazardous to birds as well as household pets. Try to avoid having any standing water in your back yard that attracts breeding mosquitoes. This includes even small amounts of water trapped in old tires, plant pots, buckets, etc. If you have bird baths, these must be emptied daily to prevent mosquito eggs hatching. Fish ponds can be treated with biological agents that stop mosquitoes laying eggs. Report a pesticide poisoning incident If you find a live bird which you think might be suffering from pesticide exposure, contact a federally permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) can help you find one in your area. If you find a dead bird that you suspect is a victim of pesticide poisoning, contact the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement office.
Thailand, 2004 : An investigation concluded that probable human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother. Transmission did not continue beyond one person. Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, however, one atypical fatal case of encephalitis in a child in southern Vietnam was identified retrospectively as H5N1 influenza through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings. Vietnam, 2005 : Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to at least two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood. Azerbaijan, 2006 : Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in children.The children were involved in removing feathers from the birds. Indonesia, 2006 : WHO reported evidence of human-to-human spread. In this situation, 8 people in one family were infected. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.
Thailand, 2004 : An investigation concluded that probable human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother. Transmission did not continue beyond one person. Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, however, one atypical fatal case of encephalitis in a child in southern Vietnam was identified retrospectively as H5N1 influenza through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings. Vietnam, 2005 : Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to at least two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood. Azerbaijan, 2006 : Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in children.The children were involved in removing feathers from the birds. Indonesia, 2006 : WHO reported evidence of human-to-human spread. In this situation, 8 people in one family were infected. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.
Thailand, 2004 : An investigation concluded that probable human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother. Transmission did not continue beyond one person. Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, however, one atypical fatal case of encephalitis in a child in southern Vietnam was identified retrospectively as H5N1 influenza through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings. Vietnam, 2005 : Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to at least two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood. Azerbaijan, 2006 : Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in children.The children were involved in removing feathers from the birds. Indonesia, 2006 : WHO reported evidence of human-to-human spread. In this situation, 8 people in one family were infected. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.
Thailand, 2004 : An investigation concluded that probable human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother. Transmission did not continue beyond one person. Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, however, one atypical fatal case of encephalitis in a child in southern Vietnam was identified retrospectively as H5N1 influenza through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings. Vietnam, 2005 : Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to at least two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood. Azerbaijan, 2006 : Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in children.The children were involved in removing feathers from the birds. Indonesia, 2006 : WHO reported evidence of human-to-human spread. In this situation, 8 people in one family were infected. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.