The breeding birds of New York: Gains and losses

Written by Jack Sanders
Thursday, 22 January 2009 14:09

A new atlas on the birds of New York reports that during the past two decades, more than half of that state’s bird populations have seen dramatic changes in their distributions — mostly for the better.

A total of 70 species had significant increases, 58 species experienced serious declines, and 125 species maintained relative stability.

Among the birds showing the largest increases are Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Common Raven, Turkey Vulture, and Merlin.

Those showing the largest decreases are Henslow’s Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown Thrasher, Common Nighthawk, Purple Martin, and Canada Warbler. Resident woodland birds showed the greatest increases as a group, and grassland birds showed the greatest declines — a situation that has also been observed “next door” by Connecticut Audubon. Grasslands have been disappearing as they turn into forests or are developed.

Cornell University Press has just published in The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State, the result of over 140,000 hours in the field by nearly 1,200 volunteers across the state — including our longtime nature columnist, Ed Kanze.

The atlas was edited by two prominent figures in the field, ornithologist Kevin J. McGowan of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and wildlife biologist Kimberley Corwin of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, who will appear on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Audubon Greenwich.

The clothbound atlas is more than a book, it’s a tome, weighing more than five pounds and costing $60. Its nearly 700, nine-by-11 inch pages are printed on fine stock, and there are many color maps and paintings of birds in their typical environments. If you are seriously interested in birds of the Northeast, how they are faring, and why, The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds contains the latest, most extensive data available.

Each of 244 species that breed in New York (most in Connecticut, too) receives at least two pages of coverage that include its population history and range, what changes if any have been found, and why those changes may be occurring. Excellently executed drawings accompany each species, along with full-color maps, reflecting their changes in population.

Westchester County — and consequently, nearby Fairfield County — are in an “ecozone” known as the “Manhattan Highlands.”  What has been observed in the New York Manhattan Highlands should also apply to western Fairfield County.

And the picture in our neighborhood has not been great. In general, the number of breeding species has been declining — from around 67 to 63 species — since last survey was undertaken in the early 1980s. On the other hand, in many parts of New York, the number of species has been on the increase — by more than 15%.

However, one problem with the data from Westchester County may have been the lack of volunteer counter hours, which in many areas of Westchester, was down significantly from the survey undertaken 20 years earlier.

The program will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the Presentation at 7  at Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road.  The event is free (donations will be “gladly accepted”). Call  203-869-5272 x221 to reserve a spot or email Jeff at jcordulack @audubon.org

 Coming Up

Birds of Prey demonstration, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 to 2:45 p.m., $13 (family maximum $39), Connecticut Audubon, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, registration required at 203-259-6305 ext. 109, ctaudubon.org.

Birding Sachuest Point and Rhode Island Coast,  with Andrew Griswold, Harlequins and other winter ducks, etc,  Wednesday, Jan. 28, all day, $55/$65, Connecticut Audubon, 860-767-0660, pwood @ ctaudubon.org.

The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State, presentation and book signing with Co-editor Kimberley Corwin, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.,  free,  Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, reservations 203-869-5272 x221 or jcordulack @audubon.org

Bird walks with Luke Tiller, mostly Saturdays at 8 a.m., $10 each; to register, www. sunrisebirding. com/ walks.htm;  203-981-9924, luke.tiller @ gmail.com.

First Sundays, birding at Greenwich Point with Meredith Sampson of Wild Wings, and other guides,  Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, meet at the second concession stand, 203-637-9822.

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