From: Paul J. Baicich [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 4:20 PM
To: Paul J. Baicich
Cc: Wayne Petersen
Subject: Birding Community E-bulletin - January 2009

 


THE BIRDING COMMUNITY E-BULLETIN
            January 2009
 
 
This Birding Community E-bulletin is being distributed to active and
concerned birders, those dedicated to the joys of birding and the protection
of birds and their habitats. You can access an archive of past E-bulletins
on the website of the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA):
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html
 
                        
RARITY FOCUS
 
Several Mexican rarities found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas
attracted attention in December. Among them were a Blue Bunting and a
Crimson-collared Grosbeak, both females and both found at the Frontera
Audubon thicket in Weslaco. These vagrants were present for most of the
month starting from 9 December and 14 December, respectively. 
 
Our rarity of the month choice, however, is a different species discovered
in South Texas. 
 
Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) often unearth local rarities, sometimes at
locations not regularly covered on routine birding routes. The La Sal Vieja
CBC in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas provided just such a surprise
species. This count is held in the Valley Salt Lake area around the Lower
Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. Much of the count area is made up of a
combination of Federal and private lands consisting of grassland, salt
lakes, and arid brush country comprised of sandy soils and extensive ranch
land.
 
On 14 December, during the La Sal Vieja CBC five Masked Ducks were
discovered on ponds located on private property near the East Lake unit of
the Lower Rio Grande NWR, but visible from an adjacent public road.
 
Masked Ducks are small tropical, stiff-tailed ducks that are closely related
to Ruddy Ducks. They are something of an enigma in the U.S., appearing and
even breeding irregularly in Texas and very rarely appearing elsewhere in
the U.S. Somewhat shy and difficult to see, Masked Ducks often remain hidden
in dense aquatic vegetation during the daytime. Masked Ducks appearing in
Texas probably originate in Mexico, and they are most likely to be found
during especially wet years. What amounts to small invasions have occurred
in the 1930s, the late 1960s, the early 1970s, and the 1990s.
 
After the 14 December CBC, birders found different numbers of the secretive
Masked Ducks through the rest of the month: for example, four on 20 and 21
December, six on 22 December, two on 24 December, four on 29 December, and
three on 31 December. 
 
For photos by Dan Jones see here (and search for the post for 21 December):
http://antshrike.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html
 
 
GRAND CANYON CALIFORNIA CONDOR CHICKS FLEDGE
 
Two California Condor chicks that hatched in May fledged from their nests in
the Grand Canyon in December. This brings the world's population of
California Condors now flying free in the wild to 169. This includes 67 in
Arizona, 83 in California, and 19 in Mexico.
 
This is a significant milestone since it is the first year in the condor
recovery program where there are more condors flying free than there are in
captivity. The goal for the condor recovery plan is to produce at least 150
members in each of the U.S. populations, including at least 15 breeding
pairs
 
December's fledglings also make a total of nine wild chicks hatched in the
Grand Canyon since 1996. Eight of these birds are still alive, and all of
these birds are part of an "experimental population" under the Endangered
Species Act - section 10(j).
 
The most serious challenge continuing to face all free-flying California
Condors is lead poisoning from the remains of unretrieved animals shot with
lead ammunition. On-site researchers in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon,
the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and local hunting groups have
cooperated on a campaign that has produced an increase in the number of
hunters who have voluntarily switched to copper bullets or other non-lead
alternatives when hunting in condor country. This campaign has resulted in a
corresponding drop in condor deaths ascribed to lead poisoning.
 
"We are grateful to all the hunters who are valued partners in restoring
California Condors to their historic range," Bill Heinrich of The Peregrine
Fund said. But he warned that "until we significantly reduce the amount of
lead they are exposed to, we will never have a self-sustaining population of
condors."
 
We recently reported on related condor developments in California in the
June, August, and September 2008 E-bulletins:
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/junSBC08.html#TOC04
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/augSBC08.html#TOC06
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/sepSBC08.html#TOC03
 
 
RED KNOT ASSESSMENT
 
In mid-December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the list of
candidate species awaiting listing decisions under the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). The Red Knot - specifically, the Western Atlantic "rufa"
subspecies - was among them.
 
In a Federal Register Notice, the Service upgraded the priority of the Red
Knot, but the agency is still refusing to list the species as Threatened or
Endangered. Conservation groups have to date filed four petitions to have
the Service list the Red Knot on an emergency basis, but so far all
petitions have been rejected.
 
The Service ranks species in categories ranging from 1 through 12, based on
the magnitude and immediacy of threats, with rankings 1 through 3 indicating
immediate danger. The Service's current priority upgrade for Red Knot from 6
to 3 was based on the continued decline in the population (i.e., a 15%
decline since last year and almost a 75% decline from 1985 to 2007). A
priority number of 3 is the highest a subspecific population can attain.
 
Shorebird researchers blame the decline in Red Knot numbers on a shortage of
horseshoe crab eggs, due in large part to overharvesting during previous
seasons. 
 
In its current review, the Service acknowledges that the threats to the
"rufa" subspecies, are "severe enough that it puts the viability of the knot
at substantial risk and is therefore of a high magnitude."
 
Yet, all the candidate species with a priority of a 1 or a 2 would have to
be listed before a 3 would be considered, putting the Red Knot in a classic
"Catch 22" situation. The bird is admittedly in serious trouble, but the
Service won't act because the bird's subspecific status will not allow it to
get a higher rating and the attention it deserves.
 
You can see the Federal Register Notice here:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-28986.pdf
 
You can also find a very good summary of the recent history of Red Knot
conservation from the New Jersey Audubon Society here: 
http://www.njaudubon.org/Conservation/Burdenofproof.html
 
 
PARTING SHOT AT ESA
 
Also in the area of the Endangered Species Act, Secretary of the Interior,
Dirk Kempthorne, announced last month a final rule change that weakens
implementation of the Endangered Species Act.
 
At issue are Section 7 consultations with endangered species experts at the
Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. There have
traditionally been mandatory consultations for any federal agency where
actions (e.g., dams, towers, mining, logging, and road-building) may affect
endangered species, even if no negative impacts are likely.
 
The new Bush Administration rule will allow agencies to determine on their
own (i.e., without consultation with outside experts) what effect their
actions will have on endangered species. This could potentially create huge
holes in the safety net that currently protects birds and other animals and
plants in danger of extinction.
 
The Bush Administration's last minute rulemaking has drawn heavy criticism
from the public, lawmakers, conservation groups, and newspaper editorialists
from across the country. Indeed, over 250,000 comments opposing the rule
changes - including comments from respected scientific and professional
organizations - were submitted to the Interior Department in the 60-day
comment period prior to the announced changes. Regrettably the weighty
public stir seems not to have generated any positive response from the Bush
Administration.
 
Both President-elect Obama and key Congressional leaders have signaled that
they will oppose the ESA rule change. In addition, a number of conservation
organizations intend to take legal action to stop these regulations, and at
least four lawsuits have already been filed, including one from the state of
California.
 
It is possible that a federal district court could issue an injunction
against implementation of the new regulation on the basis that no
environmental impact statement was prepared. A new Administration might opt
not to appeal the proposed regulatory changes, which could result in the new
rule dying a quiet death. Alternatively, a new Administration may still have
to restart the lengthy rule-making process to undo the change. As the script
unfolds, expect press releases (pro and con) and fund-raising to continue
apace.
 
 
BOOK NOTES: ALEUTIAN BIRDS
 
For many E-bulletin readers, the Aleutian Islands no doubt represent little
more than barren islands distantly adjacent to the coast of western Alaska.
For others, the Aleutians symbolize a birding Mecca accessible to none but
the hardiest of birders, where rare Siberian vagrants and myriads of
seabirds annually occur in foggy isolation. Regardless, with the release of
BIRDS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA by D. D. Gibson and G. V. Byrd, all
readers for the first time have a marvelous and scientifically produced
compendium of information about this remarkable island chain. 
 
The extensive collective experience of the authors makes them uniquely
qualified to have written this outstanding ornithological contribution - a
precise, detailed history and taxonomic review of the birds of this
remarkable and relatively unknown region. Though perhaps not for the lay
birder, for anyone with a serious interest in North American ornithology and
an affection for far away and remote areas, this is a book to read. Belated
congratulations to the Nuttall Ornithological Club and the American
Ornithologists' Union for publishing this outstanding and useful volume in
2007.
 
 
MORE KEY SCIENTISTS SUPPORT THE BOREAL
 
In case you missed this in late November, an interdisciplinary combination
of 14 of North America's top scientists have volunteered to form an advisory
body to work with the Pew Environment Group's campaign to protect Canada's
Boreal forest.
 
This region is one of the largest, intact forest/wetland ecosystems left on
the planet and is home to billions of nesting and migratory birds -
waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds.
 
Although many conservation initiatives currently focus on relatively small
"hotspots" of species diversity or heavily impacted habitats where
endangered birds and other species cling to existence, unfortunately these
efforts often overlook the equally important need to preserve the healthiest
remaining extensive regions of biodiversity, like Canada's Boreal. The
scientists engaged in this campaign believe that a comprehensive approach to
conserving the entire Boreal ecosystem as outlined in the Boreal Framework
is the most appropriate way to preserve Canada's Boreal region.
 
For more information on the efforts, visit:
http://www.interboreal.org/resources/pressrelease-sciencepanel.doc
 
 
TAR SANDS IN CANADA CONTINUE TO THREATEN BIRDS
 
Also from Canada comes a new report by the Boreal Songbird Initiative,
Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Pembina Institute that considers
how birds are affected by the Alberta Tar Sands. These tar sands are a
mixture of soil and bituminous oil now being extracted in open pits and
upgraded in Alberta and elsewhere. 
 
The report projects a cumulative impact over the next 30 to 50 years ranging
from a low of about 6 million birds lost to as many as 166 million birds
lost as a result of this extractive system.
 
More information, including the full 33-page report with related maps and
graphics, can be found by visiting the Boreal Songbird Initiative website: 
http://www.borealbirds.org/birdstarsands.shtml
 
Also, you can revisit our June E-bulletin 2008 report on birds and tar sands
in Alberta at: 
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/junSBC08.html#TOC08
 
 
COG & WHEEL REPORT RELEASED
 
Nine organizations - including the Aldo Leopold Foundation, American Bird
Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Refuge Association,
and Trust for Public Land - released a report in December on reforming and
improving the National Wildlife Refuge System. For more than a year, the
involved organizations were in consultation to develop the report. 
 
The report, titled "Keeping Every Cog and Wheel," presents an assessment of
the state of the Refuge System and a vision and recommendations for
improvements about what should and can be done.
 
This isn't a traditional "transition" report for a new Administration. This
report is intended to have a much longer shelf-life than typical transition
reports, which sometimes only include a hopeful 100-day agenda.
 
There are some significant sections in Cog & Wheel on funding, on increased
habitat protection, on climate change, on encouraging appreciation and
education (with birding a key element), on science-based decision making,
and on mineral extraction. We highly recommend this thoughtful report.
 
You can download the 28-page report here:
www.defenders.org/refuges/transition
 
 
ANOTHER PLUS FOR BIRD-COMPATIBLE COFFEE
 
Our regular readers understand how important shade-grown, bird-compatible
coffee can be for birds in the Neotropics. Now there is an additional way to
look at coffee.
 
Researchers at the University of Nevada have uncovered a potential
coffee-based fuel. Spent coffee grounds contain between 11% and 20% oil by
weight (about as much as canola, palm, and soybean oil). 
 
The investigators collected the grounds from a multinational coffeehouse
chain. They then separated the oil from the grounds, and using an
inexpensive method, converted it into biodiesel fuel. (Of course biodiesel
fuel can also be made from a variety of plant oils, animal fat, and cooking
oils recycled from restaurant deep-fryers.) Even after this coffee-ground
oil-extraction process, the remaining coffee residue can be used for compost
or even fuel pellets.
 
While initial results are promising and the process inexpensive, a
large-volume source for coffee grounds will be necessary to make this
process practical. In any case, bird advocates have another reason to
promote responsible coffee growing, drinking, and, now, disposal!
 
More details on the study can be found here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171900.htm
 
 
SPRUCE GROUSE PLAN RELEASED
 
After more than three years of cooperative work, a Continental Conservation
Plan for Spruce Grouse has been published. The plan emerged from the joint
efforts of Spruce Grouse researchers and managers, the Association of Fish
and Wildlife Agencies (i.e., Resident Game Bird Working Group), the Wildlife
Management Institute, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
 
Spruce Grouse occupy short-needled conifer forests from Alaska to Labrador
and south into New England, the Upper Great Lakes states, and the northern
tier of states of the western U.S.
 
Although widely distributed and secure throughout much of its range, the
species is declining or is already rare in most of the southern parts of its
range, particularly in the East. The bird's exact status varies from place
to place; it is a game bird in some areas but is a "listed species" in
others.
 
The Continental Conservation Plan for Spruce Grouse can be found here:
www.foolhen.org <http://www.foolhen.org/> 
 
 
TIP OF THE MONTH: MAKE TWO NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
 
It's time for those classic New Year's resolutions:  We will exercise more.
We will eat less, or else in a more healthy way. We will be nicer to that
annoying neighbor despite his ability to get under our skin. And we will try
to phone Aunt Louise and Cousin Fred more frequently this year. These are
all perfectly good ideas.
 
In addition, let us suggest a pair of resolutions you might also wish to
consider:
            1.   I will try to enjoy birds more this year by engaging in
relaxing, healthy, outdoor appreciation with others.
            2.   I will regularly engage in activity to save birds,
specifically by making a difference, locally or regionally, with others of
like mind.
 
Although these suggestions sound simple enough, they may require occasional
reminders as the year goes by. We pledge to provide some of those reminders
from time to time!
 
- - - - - - - - -
You can access past E-bulletins on the National Wildlife Refuge Association
(NWRA) website:
http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html
                                    
If you wish to distribute all or parts of any of the monthly Birding
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If you have any friends or co-workers who want to get onto the monthly
E-bulletin mailing list, have them contact either:
            
            Wayne R. Petersen, Director
            Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program
            Mass Audubon
            718/259-2178
             
                        or
            Paul J. Baicich            
            410/992-9736
             
                                                            
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