6.3 Conservation Opportunities and Incentives
while many birds are on their wintering grounds. Participants can count birds for as few as 15 minutes and record species they observe in the international eBird database. Te event began in 1998 as a way to collect data and display citizen science results in real time through digital reporting. During spring and fall migration, millions of birds pass through North Carolina, often fying at night. Because they are attracted to the lights of tall buildings, birds like the Wood Trush are at risk of becoming fatigued and sufering window collisions. Te Lights Out North Carolina initiative provides citizen science opportunities in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Raleigh that include monitoring for injured birds or working with local of- cials and building owners to turn of lights during peak migration times. 6.3.3.3 Connecting with Wildlife Although promoting some outdoor activities, such as birding or canoeing, may not directly result in species delisting or reverse habitat loss trends, these types of activities can create strong supporters for broader conservation goals. Tese initiatives are often the only oppor- tunity for members of an urbanized area to make a personal connection with the natural environment. Some species have adapted to coexist with humans and even prosper in their presence while others need additional assistance as their natural habitat is altered. Loss of natural habitats can result in wildlife adapting to use human structures, such as Chimney Swifts roosting in smokestacks and chimneys, bats roosting in house attics, Barn Owls nesting in sheds and barns, or Purple Martins using hanging gourds for nests. Local populations can be impacted as man-made structures are removed or wildlife viewed by residents as a nuisance is removed. Conservation organizations such as the Chimney Swift Conservation Association and Bat Conservation International encourage construction of artifcial roost habitats. Other activ- ities to beneft wildlife species using man-made and urban structures include preserving old chimneys for Chimney Swifts; identifying buildings used by Peregrine Falcons for nesting and foraging and protecting these areas from disturbance; identifying, enhancing and protecting structures used for bat roosts; and promoting installation of bird boxes of various sizes and shapes for Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels, Wood Ducks, Purple Martins, Barn Owls, and other cavity nesters. Wildlife conservation in urban areas necessarily relates to managing human–wildlife inter- actions. Wildlife disturbance by people can cause wildlife to abandon habitats and is more common in developed and developing areas.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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