North American bird populations have fallen 30 percent over the past 50 years, and one in five Wisconsin birds at risk of extinction.
With that as a backdrop, a state bird conservation coalition is rebooting to stem declines and enhance critical habitat statewide for birds.
The new name is The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership - formerly the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative with several different partners. Karen Etter Hale, is chair of the Partnership.
She says birding enthusiasts have been working for the past 20 years, but a recent study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology shows there's nearly 3 billion fewer birds than in 1970 across North America...
"We've lost almost 3 billion birds. It's so discouraging that we decided we decided to ramp up our efforts and really work on this and everybody can help out..."
She says many common birds like robins or any species in your yard have fewer numbers than 50 years ago. She says there have been success stories including bald eagles, ospreys and geese. She says there are more than 100 Wisconsin Bird Cities, including Three Lakes, that make it policy to improve bird habitat.
Karen Etter Hale says the Cornell Lab put out a pamphlet noting things anyone can do to help birds...
"..stop using pesticides, plant native species that provide food for the birds, drink shade-grown coffee, protect your windows from birds crashing into them, there's a lot of things you can do to your windows, that's a big concern and keep your cats indoors. Better for the cats, better for the birds..."
We have links to the study and more information.
