This article originally appeared on Field and Stream.
Wetland conservation pays off, new study shows. The 2022 State of Birds in the United States Report is a joint research project that was undertaken by 33 science and conservation organizations and wildlife management agencies. This is the first comprehensive look at the country’s bird populations since 2019. Researchers have looked at long-term population trends for different types of bird species since the 1970s.
Waterfowl populations have increased by 18% since 1970, while populations of dabbling and diving ducks have increased by 34%, the largest increase of any bird type. In fact, freshwater waterfowl was the only bright spot in the study, with all other bird types showing declines. Sea ducks fell 33%. Both eastern and western forest birds have declined. Grassland birds fell 34% and “tipping point,” or threatened, species fell 67%.
“While the majority of bird species are in decline, many waterfowl populations remain healthy, thanks to decades of collaborative investments by hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies and businesses,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, chief conservation officer at Ducks Unlimited. “This is good news not only for birds, but also for the thousands of other species that depend on wetlands and the communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and protection from floods.”
“The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, federal duck stamp program, North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants, and regional joint venture partnerships are all part of a proven framework for restoration and protection of wetland-dependent species,” added Martha Williams, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “We now want to use this precedent to work with our partners to restore bird populations, conserve habitat and lay the foundation for our response to the loss of other bird groups.” A d
The report highlights the need to proactively protect the habitats of other types of birds to prevent further declines and to step up conservation efforts at all levels. The report used five data sources to track populations, including the United States Geological Survey’s North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, which relies on volunteer bird watchers and hunters to count the birds they see from December 14 to January 5. every year.