Bird population has declined dramatically in the last 50 years. Fifty percent of the bird population has been lost in that time period. The birds need a road to recovery!
Scientists for the Road to Recovery have categorized 112 birds, labelled as “tipping birds”. The “tipping birds” are those most in need of swift conservation efforts or we’ll be losing them forever.
When you think about the facts: birds breathe the same air, occupy the same ecosystems, and use many of the same resources as us … especially water and food. So, it may be best to realize, if birds don’t thrive, in time neither will we!
I am participating in an April art project where others will make art however one wishes to celebrate the birds we love. Click here for the list of “tipping birds” from the Scientists for the Road to Recovery. During the month, I will draw/paint a bird from the list and post on my personal Instagram and also at the hashtag #stateofthebirdsart2025 If you are interested, join in! Some people are posting once a week; however, do what you wish to celebrate the birds you love and not want to see gone forever.
Here are my first 2 birds to be posted:
Mountain plover: it is near threatened on the “tipping bird” list. My painting is a male with his breeding plumage. Poorly named bird as he is never seen in the mountains. Instead, he’s in short prairie grass in the southwest USA and central Mexico.
Evening grosbeak: on the “tipping bird” list as vulnerable with its population declining dramatically. It’s a large finch and I drew an adult male. He has a bright yellow and black body, whereas females are a drab gray. They have a strong thick bill and love sunflower seeds if you happen to have them in your feeder.
Think about how you can help birds and especially those on the “tipping bird” list. Which birds are in your neighborhood or nearby? What can you to do help them? Plenty of resources are available for help. Let’s support agencies that also are focused on scientific action in helping these bird populations! Thanks!