State of the Birds 2009

Peregrine falcon soars across Morro Rock in Morro Bay, California. Photo by kevincole on Flickr: click for big.

A beautiful video and an impressive, informative web site - check both out here: State of the Birds - the 2009 Report.

From the Foreword:

Birds are bellwethers of our natural and cultural health as a nation—they are indicators of the integrity of the environments that provide us with clean air and water, fertile soils, abundant wildlife, and the natural resources on which our economic development depends. In the past 40 years, major public, private, and government initiatives have made strides for conservation. Has it been enough? How are birds faring?

In an unprecedented partnership, government wildlife agencies and conservation groups have come together to produce this first comprehensive analysis of the state of our nation’s birds.

Thanks to:

North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Committee

American Bird Conservancy

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Klamath Bird Observatory

National Audubon Society

The Nature Conservancy

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Geological Survey

I should add that hunters' groups like the most excellent Ducks Unlimited have done an extraordinary job of preserving, restoring and protecting habitat. Falconer, author and blogger Rebecca K. O'Connor just joined DU's Sacramento team -- you can read her fine blog here.