Bird Ecology and Conservation and Urbanization

Bird ecology and conservation is the study of threatened birds in relation to their environment. Human beings have been responsible for many bird populations being on the endangered list. Bird ecology and conservation workers are recording the significance of over-hunting and other causes of avian mortality. Since historical times when human beings started colonizing the earth more than 1800 species of birds have become extinct, and many more avian populations are declining.

Bird ecology and conservation is concerned with avian habitats and the patterns that are significant to avian mortality, and where the birds are in the food chain. Birds have a myriad of habitats; some live in swamps and wetlands, while others live in forests and rain forests, while some live on mountain ledges and rock formations. As human beings invade upon the habitats of the avian population birds such as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is on the endangered list. The Dusky Seaside Sparrow, a native bird of Florida is now extinct.

Just as we humans build homes and decorate them, birds do the same. They pick up twigs, leaves, and anything that peaks their interest; the birds don't know if what they are picking up has been polluted by human hands. We humans go about our business planting our lawns, fertilizing them, and using pesticides, not knowing that what we do affects all of nature. Bird ecology and conservation studies shows us that what we do and how we do it has an impact on the bird population, and with all of nature. With urbanization the bird population suffers unless measures are taken to promote bird ecology and conservation.

Bird ecology and conservation is also concerned with the loss of bird populations due to urban sprawl. As cities grow past their boundaries construction starts cutting into the undeveloped land and forests. Birds, such as pigeons and doves are normally seen as pests in the cities, because they hang out on ledges of buildings and power lines and their droppings fall everywhere. We, as humans keep trudging forward and claiming the land and the birds have to deal with struggling to survive in the city or trying to find other habitats.

To help preserve the health of the avian population and the entire ecosystem the bird ecology and conservation officials have worked out treaties encouraging schools, businesses and individuals to provide bird friendly habitats on their properties so that bird populations have a place to go when they migrate. Birds have an important place in our ecosystem, because they eat the bugs and mosquitoes that would otherwise make our existence unlivable. Rather than viewing birds as a nuisance, we should enjoy the beauty they bring our way. It is time for us to give back to nature. If we must take away from the environment, we should be good stewards and give something back to prevent the loss of more avian populations. The bird ecology and conservation organizations in your city can give you ideas how to make an avian habitat on your property.