Audubon and Climate Change

Climate change is shifting populations of plants and animals worldwide.  Thanks to a report by Audubon, we have some insight as to how birds in the U.S. and Canada will react to climate change.

 

Audubon's Bird & Climate Change Report

Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change Report, published in September 2014, confirmed that climate change is the single greatest threat to North American birds, and warns that 314 North American bird species could lose more than half of their current ranges by 2080 due to rising temperatures.  This report is based on extensive citizen science (like the annual Christmas Bird Count) and climate data.  The Audubon Report at a Glance contains information on the report (and a link to the report itself), as well as how to use animated "climatic range" maps for the 314 bird species; these maps are guides to where particular bird species may find the climate conditions they need to survive in three future time periods (2020, 2050, and 2080).  One can view all 314 species and these maps, or search by geographical location or by a specific bird.

Buena Vista Lagoon area birds at risk from climate change

Local Bird Species in the Buena Vista Lagoon Area at risk from climate change (this spreadsheet is from CA Audubon SoCal Regional Climate Summit, Winter, 2016).

Explanation Guide for " Local Bird Species in the Buena Vista Lagoon Area at risk from climate change" spreadsheet.

Canvasback Mammoth Lakes  2013 12 16-3.CR2
Brown Pelican   San Diego waters   11 13 10-1-1

California Birds Predicted To Be Impacted By Climate Change

This spreadsheet (obtained from the from CA Audubon SoCal Regional Climate Summit, Winter, 2016) shows birds throughout California that are at risk from climate change. Click on the CA Bird List tab to see the list of these birds, and for instructions on reading the list, click on the Instructions on Reading List tab.

What is Buena Vista Audubon doing about climate change?

In early 2015, BVAS completed several projects to improve energy efficiency at the Nature Center, earning “green” certification from the City of Oceanside.  In 2016, we purchased a piece of rare coastal habitat, now named the BVAS Wetlands Reserve, which will now be permanently protected for bird species at risk from climate change.  More land acquisition is hopefully on the way in 2017, as BVAS seeks funding to acquire a parcel of land that would provide contiguous habitat between Camp Pendleton and the San Luis Rey River.  Stay tuned!

WHAT YOU CAN DO

While these results are shocking, they provide a roadmap for action. By identifying which birds are most at risk, and the areas they may inhabit in the future, we can prioritize protections for critical habitat.  We can also make personal choices that reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and we can support legislation and policies that support clean energy, Community Choice Aggregation, public transportation options such as light rail, and preserving open space.

This short article adapted from a NYT piece has helpful information on what people can do about climate change.

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Your donation will help us further our mission of providing nature-based education to local children, offering birding classes and other programs, protecting and restoring North County wildlife habitats, and more!

Our Mission

Conservation Through Education, Advocacy, Land Management, and Monitoring

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Buena Vista Audubon
PO Box 480
Oceanside, CA 92049

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2202 S. Coast Highway
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