Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) held each February 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. Information about these opportunities is available online https://www.audubon.org/community-science. • The NC Bird Atlas project is an online portal that collects systematic survey information from volunteers working statewide. The project is linked to eBird, one of the world’s largest biodiversity-related science projects with bird sightings contributed annually by birdwatchers from around the world. Details about the NC Bird Atlas are available online https://ebird.org/atlasnc/about/why-an-atlas. During spring and fall migration, millions of birds pass through North Carolina, often flying at night. Because they are attracted to the lights of tall buildings, birds like the Wood Thrush are at risk of becoming fatigued and suffering window collisions. The 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 officials and building owners to turn off lights during peak migration times. 6.3.4.3 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. These initiatives are often the only opportunity 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 the construction of artificial roost habitats. Other activities to benefit 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.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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