The National Audubon Society has released a report documenting the major decline of many common birds.

The report uses data collected by volunteers taking part in Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count over the last forty years. The decline is especially marked in the Sunshine State, but is not necessarily irreversible. Julie Wraithmell is Wildlife Policy Coordinator for Audubon of Florida.

“Individuals can consider their personal use of fertilizers which we know has a direct impact on the quality of wetlands in their communities, they can consider their use of exotic plants in their landscapes – we understand exotic invasives cause significant challenges to our public wildlands, things like keeping cats indoors – they can be a significant source of mortality to native wildlife.”

Here’s some numbers – Florida’s Bobwhite population has dropped 96 percent in the last forty years – black skimmers are down 73 percent – Clapper Rails have declined by 81 percent – 53 percent fewer American Bitterns inhabit the sunshine state’s marshes – and Kestral’s – our smallest falcon – have declined 60 percent.
The state’s land acquisition program – Florida Forever – is about to Sunset. Wraithmell says another way to help struggling bird populations is to let lawmakers know they want Florida Forever replaced or extended.