Birds are declining in population … some faster than others… thus we need to be aware of the issue. Google “state of the birds” or click here or here for two different websites to learn more about the action we should be taking. I appreciated the awareness with an artist who made me aware of the various organizations compiling the information. I continued on with 2 more art pieces for the art project and here they are: Rufous hummingbird is a beauty:

I was on a roll and added more birds!

Before I get on the road and do some traveling, I decide to look for a few of my favorite birds and see what their status is. I traipsed all over California to find an American oystercatcher. Here is learn it is at the “yellow” alert. This means a large loss of over 50%, but now stable as population has increased over the last 3 generations. It still does require conservation efforts.

The pyrrhuloxia can be seen on few occasions in our backyard, but it is “orange” alert. Apparently there has been a loss of over 75% and still over the next 3 generations. We need to be concerned.

Finally, I love loons. So I checked in on the yellow-billed loon. This is a bird I spent hours looking for while in California. I caught a glimpse and a photo of it while it spent time diving. Unfortunately, this bird is “red” alert. Low population, high vulnerability and population is steeply declining. I surely dd not want to read that information, but now I know!

Bird habitats must be protected. Appreciate the farmers and ranchers who keep their lands open and available for birds to land, reseat and then fly on; greenways are important. We need to not use lead bullets, a cause for California condor and other bird deaths. During bird migration, turn your outdoor lights off so birds are not confused by the light. Add window treatments to your windows so birds do not fly into your windows at home or work.

I am sure there are many more things we can be doing, along with supporting the agencies that are doing the conservation work day in and day out. When I am in a place and I hear not one single bird, it is almost eerie … and then a bird flies in … yes, we haven’t lost the birds! When you think about it … birds need air and land, just as you and I … let’s protect it all for the living things on this earth!