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By CHRISIE MASTRIC
For mining newspaper
HAWTON – More than half of America’s 836 migratory bird species are in decline. Since 1970, American songbirds have declined by 30%, which means that 3 billion birds have disappeared.
Seventy-eight species are currently considered threatened and 14 are listed as endangered.
These troubling data, provided by Forest Service Gary Willis of the Michigan Natural Resources Customer Service Center in Baraga, indicate that more action is needed.
A bird migration forum is scheduled for May 9 from 6 to 9 pm in 135 Fisher Hall at Michigan Technological University. Providing opening and closing remarks will be DNR Wildlife Biologist John Depuy. Research associate Joseph Youngman says “Waterfowl, Raptors, and Passerines Migration on the Keweenaw Peninsula.” Jennifer Owen, associate professor at Michigan State University “Birds and Berries: The Importance of Native Fruit-bearing Shrubs to Migrating Landbirds and the Challenges Migratory Birds Face as They Move to Altered Landscapes.”
This event is the latest in a series of spectacular ‘Wildlife in the Forest’ forums that have been held in the western Upper Peninsula since 2017, said John Pepin, DNR Deputy Chief of Public Information.
“These sessions will link wildlife topics to the many ways you can develop habitat for birds and animals, and for a variety of species on private lands.” Pepin said in a press release.
The biggest threat to birds — and all wildlife — continues to be habitat loss and/or destruction due to human development and disturbance, the DNR says. For migratory birds and other species that require many areas for wintering, breeding, and staging areas, the effects of habitat loss can be complex and far-reaching.
Active habitat improvement on the landscape creates a healthier environment for animals and people, the DNR says, and researchers are determining those that are important to the survival of migratory birds.
The purpose of the Migratory Bird Forum is to raise awareness of the plight of migratory bird populations and provide direct guidance from researchers so landowners can take critical steps to improve habitat on their land, the DNR said. The platform also includes a summary of bird migration and population density on the Kewenau Peninsula.
“Scientists show that waterfowl and waterfowl recovery are at the same time as research and resulting conservation efforts to restore and protect wetlands.” Willis said. “Rapid conservation action can bring birds back from the brink of extinction.”
Speaker backgrounds
Owen studied bird diseases and their transmission extensively. She conducts research on the comparative impact of invasive plant and native plant communities on migratory birds, and leads a Michigan State University research team that develops bio-monitoring plans for the US Department of Defense in collaboration with colleagues in the US and other countries. Monitoring and prevention of infectious diseases transmitted by migratory birds.
Beginning in 1955, Youngman studied bird migration to the western Upper Peninsula and collected field data for several ornithological studies on the Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale.
Michigan Tech professor David Flaspohler, interim dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences, will also speak at the forum. His research and teaching focuses on understanding how human activities affect animal and plant populations. He has studied migratory birds in the upper Midwest as well as in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil.
The forum is free and open to the public.
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