Vermont bird conservation priorities supported by federal report

Eastern Meadowlark Photo: Melissa James/Audubon Photography Awards

VFWD, VCE, and Audubon Vermont are already actively working to monitor and protect these species, and many others. VCE’s New England Grassland Ambassadors Program and Mountain Birdwatch Programs, and Audubon Vermont’s Chimney Swift Recovery Program are examples of programs that rely on volunteer community scientists to track and recover populations of priority species within the state. Similarly, Audubon Vermont’s Champlain Valley Bird Initiative seeks to conserve Golden-winged Warblers and other declining grassland and shrubland species through the use of habitat protection and restoration, another important strategy done in partnership with VFWD. The three organizations share USFWS’s goal to ensure that populations of these vulnerable birds, several of which are already listed as Endangered or Threatened in Vermont, do not decline to levels that require protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.

“Vermont has a long, rich history of science-based, community-driven bird conservation programs. We must continue those efforts, engage ever more community members, and collaboratively influence statewide conservation policy,” says VCE’s Executive Director Chris Rimmer. “Vermont’s strong conservation ethic and deeply caring public give us a decided edge.”

“We have successfully recovered species in peril, including Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and Common Loon when we have identified and addressed the threats facing them and protected their habitats,” explained Doug Morin, Bird Project Leader at VFWD. One such program is the Vermont Loon Conservation Program, a joint VCE-VFWD statewide program that engages volunteers and community stakeholders in Common Loon monitoring, management, and outreach. Another is Audubon Vermont’s Peregrine Falcon Monitoring and Management Project, also supported by VFWD as well as private and public landowners and community scientists. The dramatic recovery of Vermont’s Common Loon and Peregrine Falcon populations demonstrates the successful application of these efforts. VCE, VFWD, and Audubon Vermont are committed to developing thoughtful and science-based conservation plans for other at-risk bird species in the state.

Adult Peregrine Falcon hands prey off to a fledgling in mid-air. Photo: Charles Cox

Conserving the priority birds on this list also supports Vermont’s culture and economy. Vermont leads the United States in the per capita number of residents who participate in birding. Many out-of-state birders visit Vermont to experience the state’s world-class opportunities to encounter birds, such as at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area or the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. By protecting and thoughtfully managing forests and farms, Vermont can continue to support a rural, working lands economy while ensuring that birds have the places they need for shelter, food, and safe breeding. Audubon Vermont’s Bird Friendly Maple Program, and work to advance bird and pollinator-friendly farming are examples of programs seeking to advance both goals at once.

Finally, protecting habitat for birds is also an important approach to respond to our warming climate. A recent Natural Climate Solutions Report by the National Audubon Society demonstrates that restoring and protecting bird habitat also has significant benefits for people. Audubon Vermont Executive Director David Mears emphasizes, “The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s report is a reminder of the need to pay attention to birds—unfortunately, those birds are telling us that they are in trouble.” He concludes on a more hopeful note that “the good news is, by working together to protect our fields and forests, we can help both birds and Vermont communities.”