global warming information

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Information:
- Birds and Climate (for "State of the Birds" click HERE)
  -- Feb 2009 -- Ecological Disruption in Motion
  -- Stories about Montana birds
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birds & climate change: ecological disruption in motion - February 2009

National Audubon Society's Birds and Climate Report:

Analysis of four decades of Christmas Bird Count observations reveal that birds seen in North America during the first weeks of winter have moved dramatically northward—toward colder latitudes—over the past four decades. More than 60 bird species moved in excess of 100 miles north.... The analysis found these trends among nearly every type of species; their sheer numbers and variety pointing to a powerful common force contributing to the movements.

For the National Birds and Climate report and associated information go HERE >>.
There you can download the report and learn more about individual species on the move.

Click on this map produced by the Associated Press, for a larger view. It's a great visual!

You can view Audubon's interactive Birds & Climate WEBINAR in which report author Dr Greg Butcher discusses findings and implications. To view click HERE >>.

For MONTANA specific information, keep reading:

Montana Birds in Motion Press Release (PDF)

Montana Birds in Motion FACT SHEET (PDF)
Specific Montana bird species on the move
PHOTOS and SOUNDS
To learn more about Montana's Christmas Bird Count - where they occur and those involved - go HERE >>
Questions, ideas, concerns? Contact Amy Cilimburg, MT Audubon's Director of Bird Conservation and Global Warming Organizer. 406-465-1141. amy@mtaudubon.org.

MOntana birds on the move

The following five bird species are relatively common (in the right habitats) during our annual Christmas Bird Count. According to analysis by the National Aubudon Societies lead scientists, their "center of abundances" has shifted north as described below. (scroll down for photos).

SPRUCE GROUSE
This forest bird has moved ~316 miles north. Based on Christmas Bird Count surveys, its population in Montana has decreased ~90% in 40 years, though it has not declined precipitously across the continent. Forest birds show the most northward movement, and forest birds have been able to winter farther north with the warmer winters. However, as these birds move north, they may be at increased risk from unusually cold winters or harsh storms.

NORTHERN PINTAIL
This duck has shifted ~90 miles north in the last four decades. Although it is now more commonly found during Montana’s winter, its population overall has significantly decreased. Climate change brings warmer summers, drying our crucial potholes and wetlands for breeding waterfowl.
CEDAR WAXWING
This forest and feeder bird has moved almost 190 miles north, and appears to be increasing both in Montana and across the continental US over the last 40 years. Flocks of waxwings are commonly found across Montana, feeding on mountain ash berries or crab apple fruits.
RED-TAILED HAWK
The center of abundance for this raptor has shifted 82 miles to the north, increasing in the winter both in Montana and nationally. Again sudden harsh winter spells could make winter feeding and survival challenging. Will this raptor out-compete other raptors, resulting in their decline?
NORTHERN FLICKER
This forest woodpecker, often seen around towns, has shifted ~192 miles north. Montana Christmas Bird Counts have noticed this trend , and we are clearly part of the shift. Although apparently increasing in Montana, populations appear to be either stable or slightly decreasing nationally. Efforts to preserve nesting snags for these and other woodpeckers are helpful.
The FULL LIST of Montana species that this study has documented northward movement include: American Crow, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Brewer's Blackbird, Cedar Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Pine Grosbeak, Redhead, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-necked Duck, Rough-legged Hawk, Ruddy Duck, Spruce Grouse, Townsend's Solitaire, Wood Duck.