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NORTH CAROLINA PARTNERS IN FLIGHT
CITIZEN’S GUIDE
TO MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION
A Project of NC Partners in Flight
Edited by
Mark Johns
Marshall Brooks
Laura White
Emily Page
David Bailey
2
This guide was developed by the NC Partners in Flight is a cooperative effort
Partners in Flight Communications Working to maintain populations of migratory birds in
Group using the Partners in Flight Citizen’s the Americas. Its tools are habitat
Guide to Migratory Bird Conservation as a conservation, wildlife management, and
model and for much written material. All word professional training. Partners in Flight
processing for this guide was by Emily Page involves 15 federal government agencies, over
and David Bailey of the Stevens Nature Center 60 state and provincial agencies, 16 companies
at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary, NC. representing the forest products industry,
NC Partners in Flight encourages reproduction numerous universities and over 30 non-
of this Citizen’s Guide or any part thereof. governmental conservation organizations.
Professional biologists, educators and
policymakers from all these groups are working
Contact Information for NC Partners in Flight: together to develop and implement land
Mark Johns management strategies that will restore and
Partners in Flight Biologist enhance migratory bird populations and their
NC Wildlife Resources Commission habitats.
E-mail: johnsme@mindspring.com
Website: http://faculty.ncwc.edu/mbrooks/pif/
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Table of Contents
Why Care About Birds? 3 Return the Gift: 14
Support NC Partners in Flight
The Solution: 4
Partners in Flight Write Letters – 14
Problems in the Neotropics 5 Contact Elected Officials
Problems Along Migration Routes 5 Tips for Writing Elected Officials 15
Problems in Temperate North America 6 Some Things Not To Do 15
Guidelines for Management of 7 Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor 15
Migratory Bird Habitat Action in Your Backyard 16
Guidelines for Backyard Habitat 7 Food 16
Conservation Projects Tips for Providing Food for Birds 16
Guidelines for Conservation of Migratory 8 Suggested Plant Species 17
Birds on Grasslands
Water 18
Guidelines for Conservation of Migratory 8
Birds in Hardwood and/or Mixed Cover 18
Hardwood-Conifer Forested Areas Nesting Habitat 18
Guidelines for Conservation of Migratory 9 Backyard Problems 19
Birds on Farmlands Cats 19
Farmland Structure 9
Windows 19
Guidelines for Conservation-Oriented 10
Land-Use Planning Animal Issues 19
Pesticides 19
How to Take Action From Your Desk 11
Bird Conservation Field 20
National Conservation Organizations 11 Volunteer Opportunities
Local Conservation Organizations 13 North Carolina Volunteer Opportunities 20
Provide Financial Support 14 Appendix: Reading Materials 22
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Why Care About Birds? Introduction
Birds are important for many reasons. The tools and techniques for bird
From an ecological point of view they are a vital conservation described in this booklet can be
component of the web of life. For example, they applied to just about any kind of bird. The impetus
help keep insect numbers in check, serve as food for this booklet, however, came from the concern
for other predators, and disperse pollen and seed. about a particular group of birds known as
“neotropical migrants.” Concern for these birds is
Birds also occupy an important place in our so great that an entire conservation program
everyday lives. They hold us enchanted as objects (Partners in Flight) was initiated in 1990.
of beauty; watching a bird fly can inspire us, in our
minds, to spread our own wings. Birds are also What is a neotropical migrant? Quite
important for moral reasons. As humans we are simply, neotropical migrants are birds that spend
endowed with a conscience that asks us to address their summers in Canada and the United States and
the needs of species other than our own. their winters in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central
America, and South America (the region known as
Most ecological processes cannot be altered the New World tropics, or neotropics). Although,
without serious consequences. All components of the name “neotropical migrant” sounds exotic,
natural communities exist for some purpose-some we’re actually talking about common birds. Nearly
may be vital to the community’s survival. Often, one-third of the birds that breed in North America
however, we do not know what the true function is are neotropical migrants. These include many
or how important a given component or process familiar birds such as warblers, tanagers, vireos,
may be. Therefore, the prudent course is to thrushes, and orioles.
assume that all components are important and
strive to conserve them all. Why should we be concerned about
neotropical migrants? In recent years, some
How do we do this? It’s actually simple: to species have declined in numbers. To understand
ensure the future of migratory birds, the human why, it helps to know a little about the birds’
planning process must provide for their needs. We complex life cycles. First, migratory birds require
must learn their requirements for suitable habitat the appropriate summer habitat in temperate North
and then maintain it for them. America where they can nest and raise their young.
Then, during spring and fall, they need stopover
This North Carolina Partners in Flight habitats on their migration routes-places that are
Citizen’s Guide to Migratory Bird Conservation can safe to rest and have adequate food to fuel their
get you started as a partner in this endeavor. It long-distance flights. Migration routes run for
provides a variety of tips on things that you can do hundreds or even thousands of miles, often
to make a difference. It also describes the roles of crossing numerous political boundaries. On the
various agencies and other organizations in the wintering grounds, they must identify food sources
effort to conserve birds. and compete for food with year-round tropical
residents.
It’s a complicated scenario that can be
easily disrupted by human activities. Indeed, some
species of neotropical migrants have shown
significant declines. Consider the Breeding Bird
Survey (BBS), a volunteer bird-counting effort
conducted by about 2,000 birders each June. In
eastern North America, where some of the best
5
information is available, the BBS suggests that 75 in Flight is all about better communication and
percent of populations of forest-dwelling cooperation among all those concerned about
neotropical migrant species declined between 1978 migratory bird conservation.
and 1987. More recently, several of these species
Already great strides have been made in
increased in number, but some, such as the
identifying the bird species needing the most help.
Cerulean Warbler, have not recovered. Woodland
A species prioritization scheme, available from the
birds are not the only species experiencing
Colorado Bird Observatory, details which species
declines. Grassland birds such as the Grasshopper
are at greatest risk in every part of North America.
Sparrow, which declined 4.5 percent each year
This complex scheme takes into account many
between 1966 and 1994, are also in trouble.
factors, including global abundance, breeding and
winter distributions, and threats to habitats on
Further concern arises from the work of
wintering and breeding grounds. Identifying
Sidney Gauthreaux, an ornithologist who studies
species that are most vulnerable shows
bird migration with radar. His research suggests
conservationists which habitats most need
that the number of birds migrating over the Gulf of
protection or restoration. North Carolina Partners
Mexico in spring has decreased by half since the
in Flight has also developed species and habitat
mid-1960s.
priority lists for the entire state.
Clearly these problems should concern us all. Excellent progress has also been made
toward developing regional and national migratory
bird habitat conservation plans. These plans are
The Solution: based on the concept of management at the
Partners in Flight landscape level. In this context, “landscape” refers
to a large area such as you might see while flying
Now for the good news. Most species of in an airplane, an area with a mosaic of habitat
neotropical migrants are still common, and very patches. Each of these habitats predictably
few species are endangered or even threatened. harbors certain bird species, and individual birds of
We are concerned about declining species because each species use habitat not just within their own
we want to avoid reaching a crisis situation-we breeding territory, but also in neighboring habitat
want to maintain populations while they are still patches. So the spatial arrangement of habitat
healthy. We therefore have the opportunity to patches, as well as the quality of the habitats, is
conserve bird diversity in North America without important to birds. There are now Bird
putting an additional strain on our economic and Conservation Plans for all three physiographic
social institutions. regions of the state.
Recognizing that conserving neotropical Because landscape-level management
migratory birds is too big of a problem for any one crosses political and economic boundaries, the
agency, organization, state, or even country, the plans call for public, private, and intergovernmental
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation launched a cooperation. Partners in Flight is a model of
new program in 1990 called Partners in Flight. This partnerships for conservation. Participants in North
massive program is not an organization. It has no Carolina include federal agencies, state agencies,
single address or employees. Rather, it is a local government agencies, the forest products
cooperative effort among numerous state and industry, private conservation groups, and
federal government agencies, non-governmental universities. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources
conservation organizations, and private industry. Commission has coordinated and provided funding
The goal of Partners in Flight is to improve our for the Partners in Flight program in North Carolina
understanding of neotropical migrants, identify since 1993.
species most at risk, and develop and carry out
cooperative plans to protect their habitat. Partners
6
There is one more important partner: YOU. organizations in North America
As someone concerned about birds and their and some neotropical countries
habitat, you can make a big difference. This to expand communication,
booklet details how you can become involved in develop conservation stra-
Partners in Flight because every activity described tegies and conduct research
can lead toward improved migratory bird relating to birds and their
conservation. habitats.
Problems in the Neotropics Problems Along Migration Routes
In parts of the neotropics, forests are During migration, birds use an astonishing
rapidly being converted to cropland and open array of habitats, from boreal coniferous forests
grazing by slash-and-burn agricultural techniques. and temperate-zone deciduous forests to
Sun Coffee plantations are also rapidly expanding. grasslands, scrublands, and tropical rainforest. All
Such forest destruction obviously creates problems these habitats must support the birds’ needs for
for migrant birds that depend on forests for winter food and protection from weather and predators.
habitat. Another problem is geographical. The Clearly, the presence of suitable habitat along
landmass inhabited by migrants in winter is much migratory routes is crucial to the birds’ ability to
smaller than the vast breeding area-all of North survive and reproduce successfully each year. The
America. This means that wintering areas are longer a bird must search for a satisfactory
often packed with many more birds as are found in stopover area, the less time and energy it has to
the same area on the breeding grounds. complete migration, set up and defend a territory,
Therefore, the destruction of just a small amount and raise young.
of tropical habitat can have a huge effect on some
bird populations. Species restricted to a small During spring and fall, neotropical migrants
wintering range, such as the Cerulean Warbler, are funnel through small areas where they rest and
at the greatest risk. And areas with the greatest feed before beginning nonstop flights over land or
concentrations of migrants – Mexico, Central water. Many species make 20, 40, and even 80-
America, the Greater Antilles, and portions of the hour nonstop flights over water, so coastal habitats
Andean mountain range in South America – also are particularly important stopover zones.
have some of the highest rates of deforestation. Unfortunately, these areas are disappearing under
a sea of development. Other prime stopover sites,
Neotropical migrants wintering near such as those along river and stream corridors, are
cropland are also threatened by pesticides and being destroyed or altered as well.
other chemicals used in agriculture because the
toxins concentrate in the birds’ fat reserves or kill The Partners in Flight “Migration
them outright. Some pesticides, including Monitoring” project was initiated in 1996 in the
chlorinated hydrocarbons such as DDT, have been Southeast to begin to accumulate data on
outlawed for use in the United States but are still migrants. Information on numbers of birds passing
being used legally in Latin American and Caribbean through specific areas, species using specific areas,
countries. In some cases, U.S. companies are timing of migration by specific species and
supplying these pesticides. locations of concentrations of migrants can be
easily and quickly collected by qualified birders.
Little funding exists for study of migratory Routes can be run anywhere about once a week for
or resident birds in the neotropics. Partnerships between 1-4 hours during the spring and/or fall
between North American partners and neotropical count periods. The NC Partners in Flight biologist
countries is vital for bird conservation efforts. Such can give you information on how you can
partnerships exist between several states and participate in this program.
7
Problems in Temperate North At the time of European settlement, Brown-
headed Cowbirds lived in the Great Plains of North
America America. In the past 150 years, however, as forest
has been cleared for agriculture, cowbirds have
Migrant birds face many threats on their expanded their range eastward dramatically. The
breeding grounds. Only 250 years ago, the forests number of cowbirds has skyrocketed, and so has
of North America provided ideal habitat for many the number of bird species they are known to
migrants. By 1920 much of the landscape had parasitize-now over 220. In central Illinois, where
been deforested. In recent decades, many of the very little forest remains, cowbirds parasitize 75
forests cut in the 19th and early 20th centuries have percent of the nests of some species of migratory
regrown or been replanted, especially in the birds, such as the Wood Thrush. Cowbirds are
mountains of North Carolina. But problems for throughout NC, except the higher elevations of the
many forest-dwelling birds remain. forested mountains.
Why? Much of the forest that does remain As in the East, habitat degradation is a key
is fragmented, or parceled into small blocks by factor in the declines of some western species. For
urbanization, agriculture, and other human example, disruption of riparian habitat along
activities. This is especially a problem in the waterways by cattle grazing and agriculture has
Piedmont of North Carolina. Unlike large forest enabled cowbirds to take advantage of several
tracts, small, scattered woodlands present species of migrants that nest in these areas. In
numerous edges, with boundaries created by addition, as much as 95 percent of the riparian
roads, fields, housing developments, and possible habitat has been lost in many western states.
clearcuts. These edges can allow open-land Riparian habitat is of great value for North Carolina
predators such as jays and crows, which feed on neotropical migrants like Prothonotary Warbler.
songbirds and their nestlings, to intrude into the
forest. Urbanization has also allowed increases in
Declines of grassland species, such as
predators that live and thrive around humans, such
Grasshopper and Lark Sparrows, are also cause for
as raccoons, opossums, and cats.
concern. According to Breeding Bird Survey data,
grassland bird species are showing steeper and
Habitat fragmentation is a problem for more consistent declines over the past 25 years
neotropical migrants because of their nesting than other birds. While these trends are not
habits. Most neotropical migrants build open, cup- entirely understood, biologists suspect that loss of
shaped nests that are relatively easy for predators quality habitat and mowing during the breeding
to spot. They also tend to lay only a few eggs each season in hayfields are factors in the declines. In
year. Some nest on or near the ground, making many states grassland habitat has nearly vanished.
them susceptible to predation. In others, grasslands have become fragmented, a
process analogous to forest fragmentation, so bird
Edge habitat and open-cup nests also cause species that require large areas of this habitat are
birds to be susceptible to cowbird parasitism. unable to nest successfully. The growing body of
Unlike most other birds, Brown-headed Cowbirds scientific research will shed
do not build their own nests. They lay their eggs in more light on grassland birds
the nest of other birds, sometimes destroying the and their population changes in
eggs of the host. And even if the host eggs are not the years to come.
destroyed, the cowbird eggs generally hatch first
and the large, aggressive cowbird young crowd out
the host young, killing them directly, or killing them
indirectly by eating all of the food brought by the
parents.
8
As you go about your migratory bird
Guidelines for Management conservation projects-whether in your own
of Migratory Bird Habitat backyard or in a wider community-review these
principles from time to time. They should help
To survive, birds need the correct type of keep your project on track.
habitat. Exactly what type and how much depends
on each species’ food preferences, foraging Guidelines for Backyard Habitat
strategies, and nest site requirements. Some kinds Conservation Projects
of birds do fine in suburban and even urban areas.
However, species whose habitat requirements are 1. Grow and/or plant native plants that provide
specific-in particular, birds that require large tracts fruit or seeds. Avoid non-native species. Non-
of woodland, shrub-scrub or grassland-are having natives are usually more expensive to maintain
more difficulty. For example, the Swainson’s anyway.
Warbler, requires about 25 acres of habitat per
breeding pair. And a single pair usually will not
2. Woodlots with fallen limbs and leaves, dead
nest unless other pairs inhabit the area, too.
plant material, and other woodland debris
Maintaining a viable population of these birds
harbor the insects that migratory birds thrive
requires a forested tract of perhaps 5,000 acres or
on. Leave as much dead plant material as
more.
possible on the land (without endangering your
home).
For species with specific habitat
requirements, we must maintain suitable habitat in
3. Seek alternatives to chemical pesticides or
the face of human activity. And the challenge is
herbicides whenever possible. Consider using
heightened by the fact that unlike humans, birds do
biological controls for unwanted insects and
not pay attention to land ownership. Because their
vegetation.
habitats cross legal boundaries, habitat protection
plans must too.
4. Reduce the risk of bird predation by keeping
pet cats indoors. Refrain from putting out table
Is maintaining habitat for migratory birds a
scraps, which attract predators such as
realistic goal for the 21st century? Absolutely!
raccoons and foxes.
Many amateur birders, conservationists, agency
personnel, and private landowners support
conservation of bird populations and their habitats 5. Invite neighboring landowners to join in your
BEFORE species reach critically low levels when backyard effort. Plan cooperatively!
intervention becomes expensive and controversial.
This is what Partners in Flight is all about-keeping
common birds common. Maintaining habitat can
and does occur on the local, state, regional,
national, and even international levels.
To be successful, habitat maintenance
should follow several guiding principles that can be
applied to the conservation of breeding range,
wintering grounds, and migratory corridors. All
land managers, public and private, large and small,
should find these principles helpful in guiding their
thinking about how to enhance habitat.
9
Guidelines for Conservation of Guidelines for Conservation of
Migratory Birds on Grasslands Migratory Birds in Hardwood
and/or Mixed Hardwood-Conifer
1. Avoid fragmenting
existing grassland tracts. The
Forested Areas
larger the grassland the greater 1. Avoid fragmenting forested areas on a large
the number of area-sensitive scale.
species, such as Grasshopper
Sparrow, will be able to nest 2. Maintain a well-developed understory whenever
successfully in the area. possible, including woody and herbaceous
vegetation, to provide resources to a diverse
2. When restoring grasslands, minimize the set of woodland bird species and other wildlife.
amount of edge habitat by designing roughly 3. Minimize the amount of edge habitat by
circular or square plots. Such programs should managing generally circular- or square-shaped
use native grasses and local seed sources. forests.
Establishment of native warm-season grasses
should be a major goal. Determining the 4. If timber harvests occur, keep the harvest units
species that should occur at a given site may circular or square shaped and avoid cutting
require research or consultation with certified during the breeding season. Group harvest
wildlife biologists. units close together if more than one occurs at
a time. This allows quality habitat for area-
3. To benefit area-sensitive birds, plots should be sensitive early successional birds within the
no smaller than 125 acres, and preferably 250 forested landscape.
acres or more. The larger the better. Fifty
5. Protect or restore forests along streams, wide
acres or less will benefit birds that are the least
stream bottoms and ravines. Consider leaving
sensitive to area size (such as Dickcissel, Red-
buffers of at least 100 feet along permanent
winged Blackbird, or Eastern Meadowlark).
larger streams and even larger buffers (200
feet as a minimum) along rivers if timber
4. If plots smaller than 50 acres are the only harvests occur. The larger the buffer the better.
option, they should be as numerous as possible
and no farther apart than one mile. 6. Remove non-native plant species whenever
possible. If planting, use native species.
5. Monitor grass height. Eliminate excessive
7. Leave large diameter snags (standing dead
woody vegetation that grows higher than the
trees), as much woody debris as possible
native grasses.
without creating fire hazards and consider
leaving “green trees” (future snags) if timber
6. Grasslands evolved with regular burning. Learn
harvests will occur.
about prescribed burns and evaluate the
possibility of instituting this practice by 8. If you have pine production areas on your
consulting with certified wildlife biologists and property consult a certified wildlife biologist and
foresters. forester to help plan management activities that
benefit birds and other wildlife. Consider
7. Avoid mowing during the breeding season of longleaf pine restoration and the appropriate
April-July, or at least stagger mowing in management whenever possible within the
different plots over the breeding season. range of this species.
10
Guidelines for Conservation of Farmland Structure
Migratory Birds on Farmlands
1. Preserve uncultivated areas and allow them to
1. After harvest, leave crop residue on the soil develop into a variety of vegetative types.
surface. “No-till” farming benefits feeding or Areas between crop fields are helpful to
migratory birds. This residue supports insects migratory birds. Also, they can help reduce soil
that are crucial to the diets of migrants and erosion. Even vegetated ditch banks can be
provides cover during inclement weather. valuable for wildlife.
2. Use biological (or non-toxic) controls on pests 2. Use farmland in a wide variety of ways.
whenever possible. Integrated pest
management systems that achieve this end 3. Maintain vegetated strips within cultivated
include establishing permanent vegetative cover fields or field borders adjacent to fields to
on steep hillsides, reducing the frequency and provide nesting and feeding areas for some
intensity of tillage, and rotating crops over birds.
several years. These techniques reduce the
need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers and 4. Preserve wetlands by buffering them with wide
help ensure that only the target pest insects are zones of natural vegetation.
destroyed.
3. Postpone spring/early summer mowing (avoid
April-July if possible), avoid mowing at night,
and make intervals between mowings as long
as possible to give birds the best chance for
successful nesting.
4. Use inorganic fertilizers sparingly; base use on
accurate soil requirements. Consult soil and
water conservation professionals.
5. Do not mow fencerows and other uncultivated
areas or spray them with pesticides. Try to
carry out field operations in these areas only
before or after nesting season.
6. Leave feathered edges of shrubs or herbs along
borders where fields meet woodlands.
7. Leave vegetated buffers between fields of at
least 25 feet, but control woody plants as
needed. Allow some vegetation to establish
along ditchbanks.
11
Guidelines for Conservation-Oriented Land-Use Planning
1. Don’t overlook small habitat patches – even 5. When building along a known flight path,
small plots of trees, shrubs, or grasses are used consider the orientation of the structure. If
by migrating birds, and maintenance of these possible, places houses so that large windows
areas should be encouraged. do not sit perpendicular to the flight path (in
most places, north and south). Elevated
2. Development should take into account the telephone lines and towers can also cause
needs of migratory birds during construction problems along flight paths.
and destroy as little natural habitat as possible.
(Not only is this helpful for birds, it often 6. Community plans should include tracts of forest
increases the value of homes.) habitat. Cluster housing, that is localizing
homes within large tracts of land, can
3. Avoid placing structures on ridge tops. Birds sometimes help in achieving this goal.
tend to follow ridges during migration.
Structures built along these routes pose serious 7. Tell your local elected officials about your
threats – every year, millions of birds are killed concerns relating to conservation of wildlife
when they strike windows, power lines, and habitat. Keep informed about zoning laws and
towers. planning/growth issues in your community.
Your voice and educated opinions can make a
4. Avoid placing structures within or adjacent to difference.
wetlands. Wetlands are particularly important
to migrating birds because of the abundance of
food and cover.
12
American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
How to Take Action From
1250 24th Street NW
Your Desk Suite 400
Washington, DC 20037
Educate Yourself (202) 778-9666
(202) 778-9778 (fax)
Citizens can influence local, regional and national E-mail: ABC@ABCBIRDS.ORG
policy to conserve migratory and resident birds in
many ways, but the first important step is to ABC is heavily involved in bird conservation efforts
educate yourself. The more you know about birds, throughout the Americas. They publish the
their habitats and the various things that can affect quarterly magazine of Partners in Flight: Bird
both, the better you will be able to make positive Conservation. Through it, you can keep up with
changes. In order to make changes good for birds, current bird conservation issues and get up-to-date
you must be well informed with correct facts to information on Partners in Flight activities
help you make your decisions, as well as spread throughout the Americas.
information to others. Read as much current
information as you can and join conservation Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO)
organizations. You will receive publications that PO Box 3
keep you informed of current environmental issues Cape May Point NJ 08212
and explain how you can influence pending (609) 884-2436
legislation on pertinent conservation issues. Website: www.njaudubon.org
National Conservation Organizations For two centuries, CMBO has been a favored
location for observing birds. CMBO conducts
American Birding Association (ABA) research on songbirds, raptors, shorebirds,
PO Box 6599 seabirds and butterflies.. They offer field trips,
Colorado Springs, CO 80934 birding lessons and internships.
(800) 850-2473
Website: www.americanbirding.org Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO)
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
The goals of ABA are to promote recreational Ithaca, NY 14850
birding, contribute to the development of bird (607) 254-2473 or (800) 843-2473
identification and population studies and help foster Website: http://birds.cornell.edu
public appreciation of birds and their role in the
environment. ABA strongly supports and CLO is an international center for the study,
encourages efforts to conserve and protect wild appreciation and conservation of birds. The lab
birds and their habitats. Membership includes supplies up-to-date ornithological information to
several publications: Birding magazine, Winging It scientists, conservationists and the media. It
newsletter, and the Directory of Volunteer specializes in citizen science programs enlisting
Opportunities for Birders. large numbers of volunteers to collect data about
birds. The lab’s Library of Nature Sounds contains
the world’s largest collection of natural sounds
including more than 5,000 bird species.
Membership includes several publications: Living
Bird magazine and Birdscope newsletter.
13
Defenders of Wildlife (DOW) Manomet Observatory for Conservation
Sciences (MO)
1101 Fourteenth Street NW
Suite 1400 PO Box 1770
Washington, DC 20005 Manomet, MA 02345
(202) 682-9400 ext.220 (508) 224-6521
Website: http://www.defenders.org/ Website: http://www.manomet.org/
DOW promotes conservation through its National To improve the conservation of natural resources,
Watchable Wildlife Program, a continent-wide MO collaborates with government agencies,
system of wildlife viewing areas. DOW has also conservation organizations, colleges, and
been a leader in curbing imports of wild-caught universities on research and conservation projects
birds for the pet trade. Other programs strive to across the Western Hemisphere. Publications:
preserve, enhance and protect biodiversity of Conservation Sciences Quarterly magazine.
natural systems. Publications include Defenders
magazine and Wildlife Advocate newspaper. National Audubon Society (NAS)
700 Broadway
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO)
New York, NY 10003-9501
103 West Highway 332 (212) 979-3000
Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Website: http://www.audubon.org
(409) 480-0999
NAS uses science, policy research, lobbying,
Website: http://www.gcbo.org
litigation, citizen science programs and education
GCBO is involved in bird conservation throughout as tools for conserving and restoring natural
the Gulf Coast region, one of the key migration ecosystems and for focusing on birds and other
stopover sites for many neotropical migratory birds. wildlife. Publications: Audubon magazine, Audubon
One of their main objectives is to increase Activist newsletter, National Audubon Society Field
awareness of the conservation issues surrounding Notes.
birds and their habitats in the Gulf of Mexico
region. GCBO is also the site of the Partners in National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
Flight “migration monitoring” program’s database.
1400 Sixteenth Street NW
Membership includes Gulf Crossings newsletter.
Washington, DC 20036-2266
(800) 822-9919
Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO)
(202) 797-6655 (Legislative Hotline)
PO Box 160 Website: http://www.nwf.org/
Port Rowan, ON NOE 1MO CANADA
NWF aims to educate, inspire and assist individuals
(519) 586-3531
and groups to conserve wildlife and other natural
Website: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/Lpbo.html
resources. The Backyard Habitat Program teaches
LPBO advances and encourages the understanding, people how to make backyards more hospitable to
appreciation and conservation of wild birds and birds and other wildlife, and also offers citizens the
their habitats through studies using volunteers, chance to certify their backyards for wildlife.
members and staff. LPBO operates one of the Publications: EnviroAction newsletter, National
longest-running migration-monitoring stations in Wildlife and International Wildlife magazines,
North America. Publications: Long Point Bird Conservation Directory, Backyard Habitat Program.
Observatory Newsletter.
14
The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) Conservation Trust for
North Carolina (CTNC)
PO Box 1346
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 PO Box 33333
(415) 663-2052 Raleigh, NC 27636
website: www.birdpop.org (919) 828-4199
(919) 828-4508 (fax)
IBP created and coordinates the MAPS (Monitoring
Website: http://www.ctnc.org/
Avian Productivity and Survivorship) program, the
E-mail: ctnc@mindspring.com
world’s largest landbird demographic monitoring
effort (500+ stations). IBP offers training courses CTNC has as a mission trying to enrich and
in bird banding throughout the continent for both preserve the natural and cultural heritage of NC by
beginners and advanced banders. helping communities, land trusts, landowners and
public agencies conserve and protect lands
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) important for their natural, scenic, historic and
recreational values. Publications: Conserve
1815 North Lynn Street
Carolina newsletter.
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 841-5300
NC Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS)
Website: http://nature.org/
11 W. Jones Street
TNC is committed to preserving biological diversity
Raleigh, NC 27601-1029
by protecting natural lands and the life they harbor.
(919) 733-7450
TNC cooperates with educational institutions and
Website: http://www.naturalsciences.org
public and private conservation agencies and works
with states through “natural heritage programs” to NCMNS was founded in 1879 and has a facility of
identify ecologically significant natural areas. 200,000 square feet opened in late 1999. It is a
Publications: Nature Conservancy magazine. center for natural sciences outreach for teachers
and students across the state, providing space for
Local Conservation Organizations primary research in natural sciences and houses
zoological collections of the state of North Carolina.
Carolina Bird Club (CBC) Staff members provide statewide leadership in
environmental studies and offer educational
PO Box 29555 services to citizens in all 100 counties, as well as
Raleigh, NC 27626 conduct region-wide and internationally.
Website: http://www.carolinabirdclub.org Publications: various newsletters and publications
CBC is the ornithological society of North and South available for members plus publications for sale to
Carolina, with its headquarters in Raleigh, NC. It is public.
a nonprofit corporation founded in 1937 with
membership open to anyone interested in birds,
natural history and conservation. There are winter,
spring and fall meetings with guided field trips,
informative programs and business sessions.
Publications: CBC newsletter, The Chat quarterly
ornithological journal with field notes and scientific
papers.
15
conservation. Your financial assistance to
organizations listed in the publication supports their
ability to publish information about bird
conservation issues, to initiate and conduct
North Carolina Audubon (NCA) valuable research projects and to offer governing
officials and organizations the information they
410 Airport Road need to make decisions about land-use planning
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 and practices.
(919) 929-3899
Website: http://www.ncaudubon.org/ Many state natural resource agencies need
financial support. Traditionally these agencies have
NCA is the state presence of the National Audubon
received funding primarily for managing game
Society. The Audubon Council of NC represents all
species. Recently the North Carolina Wildlife
current Audubon chapters in the state and
Resources Commission (NCWRC) started funding
sponsors the annual state conference while
the Partners in Flight Program in the state, but
working with the state office to further bird
more funding is needed to support additional
conservation in North Carolina. By joining the
research, conservation and educational work. The
National Audubon Society members can receive
Partners in Flight coordinator works in the Non-
benefits from their local chapter. State office
game and Endangered Wildlife Program of the
publications: Audubon newsletter.
NCWRC. To help support the Partners in Flight
program in North Carolina:
North Carolina Nature Conservancy (NCNC)
4011 University Drive Return the Gift:
Suite 201 Support NC Partners in Flight
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 403-8558 The Nongame and Endangered Wildlife
Website: http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/ Program is dedicated to conserving native wildlife
states/northcarolina/ of North Carolina. Please lend your support to this
NCNC is the state chapter of The Nature effort through a tax-deductible contribution to:
Conservancy offering educational trips throughout NC Wildlife Resources Commission
the state to ecologically important sites and
Division of Wildlife Management
numerous volunteer opportunities.
1722 Mail Service Center
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF)
Raleigh, NC 27699-1722
PO Box 10626 Check should be made out to:
Raleigh, NC 27605 Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund
(919) 833-1923
Website: http://www.ncwf.org/ Write Letters –
NCWF is the state chapter of the National Wildlife Contact Elected Officials
Federation dedicated to the conservation of the
state’s natural resources-soil, air, water, forest and Once you have learned about issues that
wildlife. Publications: Friend of Wildlife newsletter. affect migratory birds and have identified some
that interest you, you can start making a difference
by writing letters to the editors of local newspapers
Provide Financial Support and to local, state, and federal officials. You can
Making donations is crucial to conservation also multiply your efforts by establishing letter-
groups or agencies actively working on bird writing (or e-mailing) networks and telephone trees
among your friends.
16
Tips for Writing Elected Officials Give your reasons for taking a stand
Writing to elected officials, including the Be broad-minded and show an awareness of
president, is one of the simplest and most effective how the proposed legislation will affect the
ways to influence public policy on behalf of the environment, community and people’s health
environment or pertinent conservation issues. and jobs
During the typical two-year term of a
congressperson, the House clerk will record your Be constructive and offer an alternative if you
representative’s vote on more than 250 issues. In believe the bill takes the wrong approach
a real sense, these will be your votes too. Ask for specific action, such as co-sponsoring a
Writing letters is not difficult. Here are tips specific bill or support an amendment
to help you write effective letters to public officials: Share expert knowledge with your elected
Make sure you are contacting the correct officials
person by consulting some of the groups Use a personal or business letterhead whenever
mentioned earlier in this publication, contacting possible. Include a complete return address on
local conservation activists or asking for the letter and envelope. Sign your name over a
assistance at the reference desk of public typed or printed signature
libraries.
Say “well-done” or “good job” when deserved.
Address letters properly to ensure they get to
the right person (similar format will work for
Some Things Not To Do
state and local officials also)
Don’t make threats or promises
President
The White House Don’t berate your representative
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Don’t pretend to wield vast political influence
Washington, DC 20500
Don’t write on every issue that comes up
The Honorable
US House of Representatives Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor
Washington, DC 20510
The letters-to-the-editor section of your
The Honorable local newspaper presents an ideal forum for getting
US Senate your message to its readers. More people read the
Washington, DC 20515 letters-to-the-editor section than any other part of
the paper (except comics and classified ads). Here
Identify the bill or issue. Give the bill number if are some guidelines:
possible or describe it by a popular title
Keep your letter short and to the point (250
Make the letter timely by writing while time still words maximum)
exists for officials to take action
Writing on behalf of an organization gives your
Focus on your own delegation at whatever level letter more weight
of public office you address
Avoid long, rambling sentences and big words
Be brief and keep your letter concise. Stick to
one issue Type the letter and double-space it
Write your own views; a personal letter means Limit the number of points you make and stay
more than a form letter or a signature on a on the same subject
petition Be as factual as you can without being dull
17
Localize your letter-explain how the issue will Food
affect your area
The types of foods that migratory birds
Accentuate the positive-if you criticize, propose
require vary according to the seasonal energy
alternatives or solutions to the problem
demands of migration, raising young and molting.
Most migrants begin to arrive in North America just
Your letter stands the best chance of being printed
as the first generation of spring caterpillars begins
when it responds to something recently printed in a
to feed on newly unfurled tree leaves. This tiny
certain publication. You can use the reference to
insect larva is full of protein and water and become
the first item as a springboard for stating your
a major food source for migrating and breeding
case. Ask for action if appropriate and get elected
birds. Soft fruits, like berries and drupes, are an
officials’ attention by putting their names in the
important source of carbohydrates and fats for
letter.
migratory birds. Migrants rely on this “soft mast”
most heavily in late summer and early fall. Some
Action in Your Backyard of these fruits even persist on certain shrubs into
the winter for other birds.
Almost three-quarters of the land in the
United States are controlled by private landowners. Tips for Providing Food for Birds
The future of migratory bird populations depends
on their actions. While most private landowners do Provide fruiting plants throughout the spring,
not have large tracts of undisturbed forest, many summer and fall by choosing plants that flower
have small groves of trees or shrubs in their and fruit at different times. Provide a variety of
backyard. These areas can be important to the structures and types of trees, shrubs and
survival of migratory birds, especially in urbanized herbaceous plants.
areas, which usually lack the minimal habitat that
birds require for migratory stopovers to rest and Reduce the amount of lawn on your property
refuel. by replacing it with plants good for wildlife.
Lawns are of limited value for wildlife and are
With considerate landscaping, foraging large consumers of water, fertilizers, pesticides
habitat for migratory birds can be created in even and herbicides; try to reduce or eliminate your
small backyards. Following are some ideas for use of these chemicals.
providing backyard habitat for migratory (and
Grow only native plants (North Carolina) if at all
residents at all times of the year) birds. Exactly
possible since they are best adapted for local
what you do will depend on
soils and climates and require less fertilizer,
the size of your property, your
water and pest control. Obtain native plants
budget and personal
through local nurseries and plant catalogs.
preferences. Keep in mind
that the widest variety of Plant trees and shrubs that attract an array
natural elements will attract of insects. Native insects do not usually
and provide resources for the damage plants to the degree of imported
greatest number and variety of pests such as Japanese beetles. Also, insects
birds and other wildlife. To are important food sources for birds.
attract and provide for all the
needs of birds you must Design clusters of plantings, layering your
provide food, water, cover, yard to also allow for maximum viewing
and nesting opportunities enjoyment
free from backyard dangers.
18
Take into account light and moisture amounts Other trees with wildlife value: (produces seed,
required by each plant species, the size it gets flowers or fruits that birds eat)
at maturity and how long it takes to produce Liquidambar styraciflua sweetgum
flowers or fruits when planning your backyard. Liriodendron tulipifera tulip tree
Platanus occidentalis sycamore
Finally, before doing anything, make a plan Betula nigra river birch
for your yard that focuses on what your yard Ulmus alata winged elm
needs and what your desired results are in Ostrya virginiana hop hornbeam
terms of species of birds and other wildlife you Carpinus caroliniana ironwood
want to attract. Design a budget! Salix spp. willow
Fraxinus spp. ash
Suggested Plant Species:
Vines for attracting hummingbirds: (food sources)
(If these already exist on your property leave to Campsis radicans trumpet creeper
provide food/cover/nesting opportunities for Bignonia capreolata crossvine
wildlife.) If buying plants, check to make sure they Gelsemium sempervirens yellow jessamine
are native to your area of NC. Lonicera sempervirens coral honeysuckle
Ipomoea spp. morning glory
Plants: (for hard mast, like acorns or hickory nuts)
Other plants for attracting hummingbirds: (food
Oaks: sources)
Quercus nigra water oak Monarda spp. bee balm
Quercus phellos willow oak Asclepias tuberosa butterfly weed
Quercus alba white oak Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower
Aquilegia canadensis columbine
Hickories: Impatiens spp. jewelweed
Dicentra spectabilis bleeding heart
Carya glabra pignut hickory Penstemon spp. penstemon
Carya ovata shagbark hickory Phlox spp. phlox
Juglans nigra black walnut Aesculus pavia red buckeye
Rhododendron nudiflorum wild azalea, pinxter
Plants: (for soft mast, like berries, drupes, etc.) flower (+ other species)
Crataegus spp. hawthorn
Ilex spp. hollies
Morus rubra red mulberry
Juniperus virginiana red cedar
Lindera benzoin spicebush
Cornus florida flowering dogwood
Diospyros virginiana persimmon
Viburnum spp. viburnums
Sassafras albidum sassafras
Vaccinium spp. blueberries
Prunus serotina black cherry
Vitis spp. grapes
Gaylussacia spp. huckleberries
Nyssa sylvatica blackgum
Celtis laevigata sugar berry
Myrica cerifera wax myrtle
Magnolia spp. magnolias
Aralia spinosa hercules club
Rubus spp. blackberries
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper
19
Water Nesting Habitat
Water is often even more important for birds Finding adequate habitat to raise young is
than food. They need to drink and bathe; becoming increasingly difficult for all birds in
therefore, the water needs to be clean. If you do urban/suburban areas. Migratory birds vary greatly
not have a constant supply of water nearby or on in the type of habitat needed for nesting. Most of
your property, you need to provide it. the species that seem to be declining require large
Commercial birdbaths are available in numerous tracts of forest, shrub-scrub or grassland to
styles, or you can make one by placing a successfully breed. Still, backyard habitat remains
shallow (less than 2 inches deep) dish filled important and some migratory birds may nest in or
with water on a stump or pedestal in a sturdy near appropriately managed backyards. Certainly
location. Provide a ground water source for the needs of many familiar songbirds can be met
birds that do not like to perch and keep the like: American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Eastern
birdbaths clean. Provide a few rocks in the Towhee, Brown Thrasher, American Goldfinch and
birdbaths to give access to smaller birds. Keep Eastern Bluebird.
water clean.
One of the most valuable contributions a
Create a small pool using fiberglass shells private landowner can make is the protection and
(found in garden supply stores) or digging and management of larger trees. Trees are a major
lining the hole with plastic liners. Provide source of insect prey for all birds and can provide
native aquatic plants in potted containers and nesting opportunities for cup-nesting birds and
rocks along the edges for access. even for cavity nesters. Older trees tend to
Birds like running water. Inexpensive develop natural cavities that birds and other wildlife
circulation systems with pumps can be set up to can use and dead limbs can be used by
attract birds. Consider a water mister. woodpeckers and other cavity excavators to create
Migrating birds, in particular, need water and “ready made homes.” If possible leave standing
species not typically seen in backyards can be dead trees (snags), as they are havens for many
attracted by water sources. cavity-nesting species of birds. You can augment
natural cavities by providing bird boxes for use by
If you have the space and are willing to invest species such as Carolina Chickadee, Tufted
more money, consider hiring professionals to Titmouse, Eastern Bluebird and
add a pond to your property. Plan a budget! nuthatches. Always mount
boxes on a pole and with a
Cover predator guard to prevent
losing eggs or young to rat
Birds need shelter to escape predators such
snakes, raccoons and other
as hawks, foxes and cats, as well as to survive
climbing predators. Many
harsh weather. Cover near feeders is a good idea
backyard wildlife books provide
to provide fast escape cover. Brushpiles can also
the proper dimensions and
be established in edges of the property, depending
locations for bird boxes for
on aesthetic preferences of the landowner and local
various bird species.
health and/or appearance ordinances. Shrubs and
evergreen trees can be planted to provide cover,
nesting opportunities, food, as well as windbreaks.
Dispersing cover throughout the property is better
than allocating it all in one spot in your backyard.
Use plants native to your region in your
landscaping. Good examples include: red cedar,
wax myrtle and American holly.
20
image. Something as simple as post-it notes can
Backyard Problems do the same thing for a short-term solution and
When you invite birds and other wildlife into cost much less.
your yard, you have a responsibility to protect them
from hazards associated with the human Animal Issues
community.
In fragmented suburban neighborhoods many
animals besides the non-native house cat can
Cats cause problems. All feeders should be mounted to
There have been numerous studies to show that prevent or at least discourage access by squirrels
cats (both feral and free-ranging) kill songbirds and or raccoons. In the long run, a feeder mounted
other wildlife. Some research correctly with a baffle underneath
suggests a high percentage of rural will save you money on seed.
cats’ diets are birds. The safest Squirrel-proof feeders are sold, but
(and healthiest) place for a cat to most usually work because of how
be if you are trying to make your they are placed in the yard more
backyard into an oasis for wildlife is than how well the guard works. It is
indoors. Many people believe that a a must to have properly sized and
collar bell will alert birds to danger mounted predator guards under bird
from cats, but research shows that boxes to prevent predator access to
cats usually sit and wait for their eggs, young and even adult birds.
prey or stalk very slowly. By the The biggest nest box predator in the
time a bell rings, it is too late. south seems to be rat snakes, with
Research has also shown that problems also coming from squirrels
declawing a cat does not prevent it and raccoons. Help discourage
Darryl Wheye
from killing wildlife. For more raccoons and opossums from
information check out the American Bird hanging around in your yards by not leaving pet
Conservancy’s Cats Indoors! Program at: food in your yard after dark, and secure garbage
www.abcbirds.org or call (202) 778-9619. cans. Take in feeders if bears begin to tear them
up to get at seed or suet.
Windows
Project Feeder Watch, run by the Cornell Pesticides
Laboratory of Ornithology, has collected data
Millions of birds die each year from direct contact
suggesting millions of birds die each year in
with landscape and agriculture chemicals (from
collisions with windows. If birds are colliding with
eating pesticide granules or being sprayed) or
your windows, break up the reflective qualities of
indirect contact (eating poisoned prey). In your
the glass by rubbing soap over the outside surface
yard, reduce your dependence on chemical
to create a dull appearance. Other options include
fertilizers and pesticides by cultivating native plants
installing screens, or hanging streamers or other
and reducing lawn area. Non-species specific
objects on the window to break up the outline.
pesticides often kill many natural insect predators
Mounting plastic garden protection netting on a
of insects as well as harm other natural predators
frame installed about one foot from the glass
like toads and birds. Use leaf and compost mulch
surface allows birds to hit the screen and bounce
to add nutrients to the soil and save water. Refer
off unharmed. Bird of prey silhouettes do not seem
to information sources on natural organic
to work unless a number of them are used
gardening.
together. Actually they work because the pattern
of images breaks up the reflection on the glass, not
because the birds are scared by the hawk/falcon
21
Bird Conservation Field North Carolina
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Breeding Bird Survey
The history of ornithology is replete with many
great contributions of amateurs and volunteers. Data from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS),
For evidence, look through any bird field guide and compiled since 1966, were among the first to
check out the range maps. In many cases, these validate the concerns of many birders and
were compiled from thousands of bird sightings ornithologists that some migratory bird populations
made by bird watchers and reported in bird club were declining. These data gave birth to Partners
newsletters or local bird journals. in Flight.
A direct way to become involved in migratory bird The Breeding Bird Survey now covers more than
conservation is being active in programs designed 50,000 miles of secondary roads and involves
to monitor bird populations. Efforts to protect nearly 2,000 volunteers across North America.
migrant and resident bird populations and their Starting before dawn on one day during the
habitats must be based on up-to-date data. breeding season, observers stop every half mile
Accurate data can help detect trends in bird along a 24.5 mile route to count for three minutes
populations and be critical to identifying the factors all birds heard and seen within a quarter-mile
affecting populations in both temperate and radius. BBS sample sizes have been sufficient to
tropical habitats. analyze population trends for about 377 species.
Many bird clubs, state ornithological societies, The BBS is coordinated at the state level in North
National Audubon chapters and concerned Carolina by an employee of the North Carolina
individuals conduct vital monitoring activities that Wildlife Resources Commission. Participants must
produce valuable information. Volunteers can be able to identify ALL birds of their region of the
assist with or conduct bird banding, state atlasing, state by sight and sound. As a participant the
summer, spring and winter bird counts, and other national BBS lab will send you a start-up packet
programs. Volunteers should choose one containing directions, route maps, bird lists for your
appropriate to their level of skill and time available region, the BBS annual report of the previous year,
to work. and the Breeding Bird Survey newsletter. In North
Carolina contact:
An excellent guide to find volunteer projects in is
“The Directory of Volunteer Opportunities for Mark Johns
Birders” put out each year by the American Birding NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Association. NC Coordinator
Partners in Flight
American Birding Association PO Box 564
PO Box 6599 Cary, NC 27512
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80934. (919) 852-5124
Website: http://www.americanbirding.org/ johnsme@mindspring.com
Call at (800) 850-2473 for information on how to
get a copy of this guide.
22
Monitoring Avian Productivity and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Citizen
Survivorship Science Opportunities
The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Various projects sponsored by the Cornell Lab of
(MAPS) project is an effort to coordinate banding Ornithology investigate aspects of breeding or
programs across the continent to learn more about feeding migratory and resident birds. Projects
nesting success and survival of small land birds. include:
This program started in 1989 and is run by the
Project Feeder Watch – observers count the
Institute for Bird Populations. For information on
kinds and numbers of birds at feeders between
MAPS stations in North Carolina contact:
November and April one or two days every 2
weeks. Information is recorded on computerized
The Institute for Bird Populations forms and sent to the lab to be analyzed.
PO Box 1346,
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. Cornell Nest Box Network – monitor nest boxes
Call (415) 663-2052 for more information or visit: and report results. Learn important information to
Website: http://www.birdpop.org/ help native cavity nesting birds.
Birds in Forested Landscapes – collect critical
Migration Monitoring information on forest species in North Carolina.
This project takes advantage of those experienced Free research hat, instructions and tape or CD of
birders already in the field during spring and fall forest bird vocalizations included.
watching birds and provides a standardized method
for collecting quantitative information with regards NC Partners in Flight Hummingbird
to bird migration. The goal of the project is to Survey
obtain data on first landfall in spring, area dispersal This simple survey is an attempt to gain
for migrants, identify species-specific migration information on the breeding biology of
pathways, density comparisons at multiple sites hummingbirds in urban, suburban and rural
and between years, identification of “hot-spots” settings. To participate, contact Mark Johns.
and their motility between years and habitats used
for stopover and for corridors between coastal and
NC Backyard Bird Survey
interior breeding sites. Volunteers bird the same
route once per week during spring and fall This survey attempts to add to the information
migrations for no more than 4 hours. For contained in the NC Breeding Bird Atlas by
information contact Mark Johns. documenting bird use of neighborhoods. To
participate, contact Mark Johns.
NC Audubon Chapter Bird Counts
Counts are held during spring and winter by some
local Audubon chapters. Contact the NC State
Audubon Office for information on local chapters at
(919) 929-3899.
23
North American Migration Count An Audubon Handbook: Eastern Birds
Started in 1992, this project allows birders the A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names
chance to enjoy a day’s birding during spring by James Jobling
migration and collect information that will help The Audubon Society Master Guide to Birding
reveal the status of bird migration. There is no fee. (set of 3)
Contact:
Peterson Field Guides: Advanced Birding
NAMC Coordinator
PO Box 71 The Birders Handbook
North Beach, MD, 20714 by Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye
Website: http://www.gos.org/namc.html Peterson Field Guides: Birds’ Nests
International Migratory Bird Day Guide to Owl Watching in North America
by Heintzelman
Volunteer at or help organize an IMBD event to
help create awareness about migratory birds. This Peterson Field Guides: Hawks
event is celebrated throughout North Carolina and American Warblers
abroad the 2nd weekend each May. This is one of by Morse
the signature educational efforts sponsored by
Partners in Flight. For information on IMBD in Neotropical Migratory Birds: Natural History,
North Carolina, contact Mark Johns. Distribution and Population Change
by DeGraaf and Rappole
Appendix: Where Have All the Birds Gone?
by Terborgh
Reading Materials
The Ecology of Migrant Birds: A Neotropical
Field Guides: for help in bird identification Perspective
by Rappole
Peterson Field Guides: Eastern Birds
Neotropical Birds: Ecology and Conservation
Audubon Field Guide to North American Birds:
by Stotz, Fitzpatrick, Parker and Moskovitis
Eastern Region
Ecology and Management of Neotropical
Golden Guide: Eastern Birds
Migratory Birds: A Synthesis and Review of
Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Region Critical Issues
National Geographic: Birds of North America edited by Martin and Finch
Sibley Guide to Birds Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical
Migrant Land Birds
Birds of North America edited by Hagan and Johnston
Other Useful References The Birder’s Bug Book
by Waldbauer
All the Birds of North America: American Bird
Conservancy Field Guide Catesby’s Birds of Colonial America
by Jack L. Griggs edited by Feduccia
Birds of the Carolinas
by Potter, Parnell and Tuelings
Lives of North American Birds
by Kenn Kaufman
Peterson Field Guides: Warblers
24
Suggested Reading for Improving Your Backyard for Birds
General Bird feeding
Landscaping for Wildlife National Audubon Society: North American
by Carol Henderson 1987 Birdfeeder Handbook
(~$10.00) by Robert Burton 1992
(~$22.00)
The Backyard Naturalist
by Craig Tufts 1988 A Complete Guide to Bird feeding
(~$7.00) by John Dennis 1994
Songbirds in Your Garden Feeding and Sheltering Backyard Birds
by JK Terres 1994 by M. Vriends 1990
(~$15.00)
The Wildlife Gardener Bird boxes/nests
by John Dennis 1985 30 Birds That Will Nest in Birdhouses
How to Attract Birds (Ortho books) by Layton 1977
by M. Mckinley 1983 A Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of
Trees, Shrubs and Vines for Attracting Birds North American Birds
by R. DeGraff and G. Wit 1979 by Colin Harrison 1984
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers Peterson Field Guides: Bird Nests
by Harry Phillips 1985 1975
(~$17.00)
Hummingbirds
The Natural History of Wild Shrubs and Vines
by Stokes 1989 Enjoy Hummingbirds More
(~$13.00) Bird Watcher’s Digest Press
(~$3.00)
Growing and Propagating Showy Native Woody
Plants The Hummingbird Book, The Complete Guide to
by Richard Bir 1992 Attracting, Identifying and Enjoying Hummingbirds
(~$19.00) by D. and L. Stokes
(~$13.00)
Backyard Composting
by Harmonious Technologies 1992 Hummingbirds Up Close
call (800) 247-6553 (National Audubon Society Video)
$29.95
Hosting the Birds
by J. Mahnken 1989 Hummingbirds of North America: Attracting,
(~$21.00) Feeding and Photography
by True
Natural Landscaping: (~$25.00)
Designing with Native Plant Communities
How to Attract Hummingbirds
by Diekelmann 1982
(Ortho Books)
$9.95
25
Other Information on Birds and Bird Conservation
Carolina Bird Club American Bird Conservancy
(The Birding Club of North and South Carolina) (202) 778-9666
Website: http://www.carolinabirdclub.org E-mail: abc@abcbirds.org
Website: http://www.abcbirds.org
Office of Migratory Bird Management
US Fish & Wildlife Service Wild Birds Unlimited
(For migratory songbird conservation information) (Backyard Bird Equipment)
E-mail: IMBD@FWS.gov Website: http://www.wbu.com
Website: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov
Chimney Swift Information
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/birding/
(For citizen science volunteer opportunities like: chimneyswift/chimneyswift-index.htm
Project Feeder Watch, Cornell Nest Box Network, North America Chimney Swift Nest Site Research
Birds in Forested landscapes) Project
E-mail: cornellbirds@cornell.edu Website: http://www.concentric.net/~dwa
Website: http://birds.cornell.edu
Hummer/Bird Study Group Inc.
National Audubon Society (Information on hummingbirds)
Website: http://www.audubon.org/ E-mail: HummerBSG@aol.com
Audubon “Bird Links” Website: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/
Website: http://www.audubon.org/bird/link/ Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA)
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Bird (Information on Purple martins)
conservation) E-mail: pmca@edinboro.edu
Website: http://www.nfwf.org/ Website: http://www.purplemartin.org
NC Partners in Flight Home Page
Website: http://www.faculty.ncwc.edu/mbrooks/
pif/index.html
Partners in Flight Home Page
Website: http://www.partnersinflight.org
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Website: http://www.si.edu/smbc/
Counter Culture Coffee (Bird friendly coffee)
(888) 238-JAVA
Website: http://www.counterculturecoffee.com/
26
