A newly released State of the Birds report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people – but data show birds in the United States are declining overall in every other habitat. It also identifies 70 Tipping Point species that have already declined by 50% or more and stand to lose half of their remaining numbers during the next 50 years if nothing changes – including Great Lakes wetland species like the King Rail and Yellow Rail, beach-dwelling species like the Least Tern, and grassland species like the Bobolink.
“Great Lakes birds are facing significant threats. While waterbirds have greatly benefited from decades of wetland conservation, steep bird declines are still occurring in Great Lakes coastal wetlands and beaches – and in every other habitat including our forests and grasslands,” said Nat Miller, Senior Director of Conservation, Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway. “The 2022 State of the Birds Report outlines the urgent need to conserve and restore bird habitat before tipping points species like King Rail and Least Tern become endangered."
Without our help, these birds are on a trajectory to losing another 50% of their populations in the next 50 years – but we have a plan to help reverse that trend!
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