Flathead bird populations falling

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

Many of Montana's common birds that depend on wetland habitat are in steep decline according to studies by the National Audubon Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We're not at dire straits yet, but we're close," Steve Hoffman, executive director of Montana Audubon said.

The annual counts by Audubon volunteers show that since 1967, great blue herons have declined 81 percent; the blue-winged teal has declined 72 percent; the killdeer, a common shorebird, has declined 80 percent; the belted kingfisher is down 88 percent; and the American redstart is down 88 percent.

The numbers are startling and may be open to greater interpretation. According to Rick Northrup, statewide bird coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, research he has indicates the blue-winged teal has actually increased.

Northrup did say that the killdeer has experienced a substantial decline over the last 20 years due to the draining of wetlands in Canada and the United States.

Audubon bird counts are not rigorously scientific, but Northrup did say the counts usually follow consistent trends in bird populations, meaning the Audubon numbers are generally credible.

Hoffman specifically pointed to the Flathead Valley as critical habitat for a large number of bird species.

"The Flathead River corridor is one of the most important in Montana," he said. "The north shore of Flathead Lake is an extremely important area for wetlands."

Wetlands are vital because about 88 percent of all Montana's birds breed in, nest or use wetlands and streamside areas at some time during their annual cycle.

"As Montana grows and develops, we see more and more pressure on our rare wetland and streamside habitat," Hoffman said. "We need to protect the remaining wetlands in the Flathead Valley. If they all get developed, we won't have any birds left."

Hoffman stated that the cause for the decline in bird populations over the past 40 years is partially unknown. Outside forces such as wintering grounds in other states could play a large role.

"We don't know all the causes to the problems," Hoffman said. "We do know that we are losing wetlands due to development and irrigation."

One way the Audubon is trying to protect wetlands and streamside areas is through legislation. A bill in this year's legislative session called for streamside setbacks of 225 feet from the high-water mark. The bill failed.

"If we want to keep Montana wild and beautiful, we need to support streamside setbacks," Hoffman said. "It's a common sense solution. We need to say no to poorly planned developments.

Wetlands aren't the only habitat of concern for Montana birds. Grassland, forest and shrubland habitat are also important. Hoffman noted that 29 bird species in Montana have declined by more than 50 percent in 40 years. Nine of them are wetland, seven are grassland species, nine are mountain forest species and four are shrubland species.

Hoffman believes that the time to begin helping Montana birds is now, and the effort will have to come from every-day citizens.

"Fish, Wildlife and Parks doesn't have the resources," Hoffman said. "We don't have the money, either. The time to save a species is when it's common, not when it's on the brink. We have to ask if society cares enough about these species."

Hoffman said that conservation does work. He pointed to the bald eagle recovery as an example of what can happen through conservation efforts. And, he said, birds are what help make Montana wild and beautiful.

"Birds are very good bioindicators," he said. "Birds and people need healthy habitats. By studying birds we can use that information to make sure we take care of our own quality of life in the future."