The first annual State of the Birds Report 2009 was released yesterday, March 19, 2009.

The official web site, www.stateofthebirds.org, offers a video description of the report's findings (6 minutes & 21 seconds), along with a .pdf of the report for download.

Basically, while conservation efforts have proven to help revive species, strong concern abounds about the almost one-third of avian species among 800 identified in the U.S. that are in danger of extinction. Habitat loss and invasive species are some reasons for this. In particular, grasslands habitat and coastal regions appear in danger. Birds in Hawaii are in serious jeopardy. The State of the Birds report is the combined work of scientists, conservation organizations, private land owners and hunters, and the U.S. government.

Locally, the Point Reyes Bird Observatory (www.prbo.org) located on the edge of Shollenberger Park, the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (www.petalumawetlands.org) restoring habitat and conducting education about avian species at Shollenberger Park and Alman Marsh (near the Sheraton), the Madrone Audubon Society watching over avian populations and providing educational and birding experiences throughout Sonoma County (www.audubon.sonoma.net), the Redwood Ornothiological Society, and others are dedicating time, energy and, for some, their lives, to monitoring, scientific research, community outreach, species enhancement, and links to education. I always learn something new when accompanying these experienced conservationists on outings or doing work with them. Dr. John Shribbs at Casa Grande High School is strongly supporting local habitat restoration and enhancement at Shollenberger Park and in other locations in the County through his Native Plant Nursery.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Robert Salazar, when introducing the report, said, "Just as they were when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring nearly 50 years ago, birds today are a bellwether of the health of land, water and ecosystems." ... "From shorebirds in New England to warblers in Michigan to songbirds in Hawaii, we are seeing disturbing downward population trends that should set off environmental alarm bells. We must work together now to ensure we never hear the deafening silence in our forests, fields and backyards that Rachel Carson warned us about."