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Audubon Releases New Book on Important Bird Areas in New York State
Event at Constitution Marsh highlighted local gem
by Ellyn Rosenthal
A recent gathering of local environmentalists at Constitution Marsh Sanctuary in Garrison marked the release of a significant work published by Audubon New York. The book, entitled Important Bird Areas of New York, is a compilation of sites that provide critical habitat for birds in the state and is an update of the first New York study completed in 1998.
Important Bird Areas of New York takes as its premise that habitat is the key to conservation. "To thrive, all species need the right kinds of places to carry out the business of living and reproducing. Without adequate and appropriate places to nest, forage, rest during migration, and over-winter, bird populations decline," said Dr. Michael Burger, the book’s co-author and Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon New York. Habitat loss and degradation are the leading threats to vulnerable bird species in North America.
The concept of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is that some habitat is more critical than others for conservation as we strategize about where to allow growth or development locally and regionally. The IBA book provides scientific information based on consistent criteria for local planning and environmental advocacy; it tells us which sites we should prioritize for preservation as natural areas. By extension, we can then determine which places can tolerate development without major detrimental effects on birds and other wildlife.
The IBA concept has been very effective in New York. The State Program and the first publication of the IBA data sparked the enactment of the State Bird Conservation Area Law, which was modeled after IBA criteria. New York’s Bird Conservation Area law was the first in the nation and since its enactment Governor Pataki has designated 28 sites on state owned lands, allowing NY to put forth management plans on state lands so that future activities would respect the needs of bird habitat present.
According to Dave Miller, Executive Director Audubon NY, "This book couldn’t come at a better time. Important Bird Areas of New York will serve as a reliable, scientific blueprint for the next century of conservation, offering recommendations for the state’s priority bird conservation habitats."
Additionally, the second edition provides individual readers with ideas about getting involved in bird conservation at many levels. For example, our personal choices can be informed by best conservation practices by making our yards safe havens for migrating birds, avoiding planting invasive, non-native species, and following good stewardship practices on personal property - large or small. The authors give the reader information about purchasing consumer goods that have been grown or harvested with birds in mind. The book advocates participating in bird monitoring activities, as well as encouraging involvement with political action on the Federal, state and local levels through environmental organizations or by communicating with elected officials directly.
"Whether you are the local town planner, a backyard bird watcher, a school teacher, or a budding scientist, Important Bird Areas of New York will serve as a rich tool for focusing conservation efforts and community action. The future of New York’s birds will depend in large part on the protection and proper management of the critical habitats found at these sites," concludes Jillian Liner, IBA Program Coordinator and the book’s other co-author.
Over the upcoming year Audubon New York will be working on disseminating information on the revised list IBAs. The publishing of the second edition Important Bird Areas of New York is the first step. The second step is for the public, elected and appointed officials and conservationists to use the information provided by Important Bird Areas of New York - including the new site descriptions specifying why a site has been identified, and maps showing site locations - to preserve the most important habitat for birds in the State.
There are two Important Bird Areas in Putnam County alone, comprising 15,750 acres of critical bird habitat, namely Constitution Marsh Sanctuary and Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands State Parks. According to the study, these sites provide significant reserves of deciduous woods with some mixed woods, riverine and tidal wetland habitat that are critical for many bird and animal species. "IBAs are not just important for birds, but for all the animals and plants that live there. They work together to create a healthy habitat," said Rich Anderson, Assistant Director at Constitution Marsh, as he guided attendees at the May 16th event along the board walk. Anderson shared that recently a bobcat was sighted walking across the lawn at the Sanctuary – driving home the notion that IBAs provide important habitat for communities of plants and animal life that must be sheltered from human disturbance.
Some of the "state-listed" species that are supported by our important and beautiful local treasures are: Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Pied-Billed Grebes, Least Bitterns, Northern Harriers, Ospreys, Northern Goshawks, Red Shouldered Hawks, Cerulean Warblers.
Not surprisingly, the conservation threats in our area are development, pollution, and invasive species, generally. For example, in Hudson Highlands State Park, mountain bike and ATV activity has been increasing and needs to be monitored. Heavy hiking "traffic" during the warm months may also disturb nesting Peregrine Falcons and should be watched.
A full description with the details for each site and sites in surrounding counties is offered in the second edition of Important Bird Areas of New York, which is available by calling Audubon at 518-869-9731 or online at www.ny.audubon.org.
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