Date: 2/27/26 7:22 am From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: [nature-net] the Decline
Thanks Scott.
The "canary in the coal mine". I've watched the decline of
birds and bird species throughout the Colorado region for 48 years. My
observations are not strictly scientific I admit, but yearly and monthly
trips to favored areas have led me to see and believe that many species are
in decline. Pawnee Grasslands, Rocky Mt. National Park, Boulder Mt. Park,
Indian Peaks Wilderness, Boulder County Open Space, among many other places
all are showing some species rapidly decreasing, including the following:
Flycatchers - all
Vireos - all
Black Headed Grosbeaks
Lazuli Buntings
Tanagers
Green Tailed Towhees
Bluebirds
Western Meadowlarks
Yellow Breasted Chats
Cassin's Finches
Woodpecker species - especially Williamson's Sapsuckers and Red Napped
Sapsuckers
and many other species.
In my observations, habitat is being lost at a rapid rate, both north and
south along end-point migratory routes. Some species though, are adapting
to these changes by nesting in suburban-urban areas. Not because they
want to, but because they are forced to. Examples include:
Say's Phoebes
Great Horned Owls
Coopers Hawks
Red Tailed Hawks
Swainson's Hawks
etc, etc.
48 years ago, you would almost NOT see any of these species' nesting
near human habitats.
And note that this isn't just birds - its many species of wildlife and
plant life.
Just my two cents.
John T (Tumasonis)
On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:39:12 AM UTC-7 Linda wrote:
> Scott, thanks so much for sharing this article (and research links). It
> confirms what we have all been saying with increasing dread.
>
> I think daily of Carson's Silent Spring as my yard becomes more and more
> bereft of its former soundscape and busy creatures of all kinds. I imagine
> that city folk have no clue about all this, unless they are
> critter-watchers. We and those intrepid science scholars have become the
> iconic canaries, shrieking into the wind about what is happening.
>
> Heaven help us all.
>
> It sure feels alarmingly like spring, far too early this year. Our little
> orchard crop is certainly doomed!
>
> Go outside, everyone, and be grateful for all you see at present. Explain
> and apologize to your grandkids, if you have any!
>
> Linda
>
>
>
> On Feb 26, 2026, at 18:40, Scott E. Severs <scotte......> wrote:
>
> Common factors: intensive agriculture, pesticides, loss of insects,
> climate change, unnatural predation.
>
>
> https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/climate/bird-declines.html?<unlocked_article_code...>&smid=nytcore-ios-share >
>
> Scott E Severs Longmont <ScottE......> (Note the "E" in the address
> above) Sent from Gmail Mobile
>
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