A Sad Follow-up To My Poem,
A Heavenly Sight
“Birds are excellent indicators of the health of our environment,
And right now, they are telling us an important story.
Many species will now face heightened threats,
Which should give us an increased sense of urgency,
To protect and conserve their vital natural habitat.”
Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg,
Director of Conservation Science,
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
My heart filled with sadness
As I read this year’s declaration
The 2010 State Of The Birds Report
Doesn’t bode well for them in our nation
Last year’s detailed report showed that one third
Of our nation’s 800 bird species, already in decline
This year’s report states that things are getting worse
Despite many critics who proclaim ‘Everything is Fine’
Our nation’s birds are under dire stress, from loss of habitat
Increasing deforestation, pesticides, and drainage of wetlands
Introduction of invasive species, our never ending human sprawl
And now, increasing climate change, which is effecting bird and man
Oceanic birds are the most vulnerable, since they don’t have many offspring
And, they rely on our now rapidly changing and declining marine environment
Migratory birds, such as the cranes mentioned in my poem, need their wetlands
And increasing drought, polluting toxins, and modern development, will not end
Yet, most people don’t seem very concerned about our natural world
Or, about the grave plight of our endangered birds and wildlife, today
It would take a truly concerted effort, by all of mankind, to improve things
But I sadly don’t see that happening; in ‘Man’s Awakening,’ I have little faith
“The dangers to these birds reflect risks to everything we value:
Our health, our finances, our quality of life,
And, the stability of our natural world.”
Glenn Olson,
The National Audubon Society
This annual report is the product of a collaborative effort as part of the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, between federal and state wildlife agencies, and scientific and conservation organizations including partners from the American Bird Conservancy, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Anna
Georg
Take care,
Sherry
Or, about the grave plight of our endangered birds and wildlife, today"
We may have made some improvement compared to the sixties on ridding chemicals like DDT BUT for every advance we have squandered or released a new burden on our feathered friends. Stolen the richest of their habitats, poured new toxins into the enviroment and weakened the Birds' ability to cope with their migratory stuggle. Not all of them make it so easily.
The "nay-sayers" want to say and show how "good" global warming is going to be for animals, especially birds. Fundamentally WRONG. A "cool" with abundant oxygen and not one that has become a CO2 sink is a nutrient rich planet. Any gains are purely temporary in these early stages of "Climate Change" which is already unfolding...
Anyway: You wouldn't know where I could write and get a copy of this report you show in the picture? You know of all things I am a Bird (and Fish) lover...
PS: The "yellow-rump warblers" passed thru my yard yesterday, chasing the new hatch of insects. Their were about 3 dozen in the flock. They are on their way NORTH!
fee
Blessings, Holly
Well brought to everyone's attention.
Gerry
Newfie Hugs, Rose