Bird Crisis: Nearly 3 Billion Birds Gone Since 1970
The first-ever comprehensive assessment of net population changes in the U.S. and Canada reveals a bird crisis. Across-the-board, declines in the bird population are being called “staggering” by scientists. The North American bird population is down by 2.9 billion breeding adults. In reality, there are devastating losses among birds everywhere. Forests alone have lost 1 billion birds. Grassland bird populations collectively have declined by 53%, or another 720 million birds.
The alarming drop in bird populations is creating a bird crisis. The low numbers can be linked to industrialization, commercial agriculture, air pollution, and other detrimental factors.
Birds, Our Spiritual Messengers
I am a devoted, passionate bird lover. Birds play a very important role in all spiritual and religious texts, such as the Torah and the Bible. For instance, birds symbolize life, hope, enlightenment, protection, and freedom.
Birds are cherished among many cultures worldwide. The presence and well-being of birds reflects the health of the environment. For example, birds share every ecosystem with us, playing the role of hunter and prey, pollinators, scavengers, and dispersers of seeds. Feeding the spirit, they signify strength, courage and freedom. As our companions—birds inspire us to think beyond our own confinement and limitations. Among the best adapted animals on Earth, birds date back to the time of the dinosaurs. They are over 10,000 different species of birds.
Can You Spare 15 Minutes for Our Beloved Birds This Weekend?
Now is the time for our annual 4 day Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by National Audubon Society. Let’s save our magnificent birds and aid in the bird crisis efforts by helping count them in our neighborhood.
What to do to help the bird crisis:
- Pick only one day, or more days if you have time. Invest 15 minutes counting every bird you see in those 15 minutes.
- Then go to website birdcount.org/participate/ to report your count results via smart phone or computer.
The website also provides instructions for counting the birds, as well as links to apps to help you with your count!
Our tiny feathered soul sisters and brothers will thank you.
I thank you!
You rock!
Love!
Kathleen & the Mindful Living Network team