Experts Meet to Discuss Shorebird Conservation

Audubon Newswire

Shorebirds are one of the most migratory groups of animals on the planet. Of 51 species that breed in northern North America, 78% winter in countries other than the U.S. or Canada. Many of these international globetrotters travel over 5,000 miles each year on their round-trip journey to and from the nesting grounds. During these twice-annual migrations, shorebirds can congregate in flocks that number in the millions. On February 22–25, shorebird experts nationwide will be migrating to Galveston, Texas, to share their knowledge and experience in implementing the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (Shorebird Plan).

The Shorebird Plan is a partnership effort that strives to maintain stable and self-sustaining shorebird populations by enhancing environmental stewardship on public, private, and tribal lands. It is a scientific framework that identifies shorebird species populations, key habitats and sites, and communication strategies to enhance cooperative conservation through diverse partnerships. Given the variety of wetland, grassland, and beach habitats that shorebirds use, the Shorebird Plan brings everyone to the table.

Over the last five years, shorebird conservationists have been working with federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners to improve the conservation status of shorebirds. Progress on habitat management, monitoring, outreach, and international partnership building will be presented at the meeting, and discussion groups will focus on developing future conservation strategies. All perspectives are welcomed in outlining a shorebird conservation agenda for the next five years.

A variety of information, including regional conservation plans, lists of priority species, monitoring strategies, and habitat management guidelines, can be accessed on the Shorebird Plan’s Web site at http://shorebirdplan.fws.gov.