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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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How Rising Temperatures are Affecting Birds and their Songs

This is a recording of a program with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society that took place on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Elm Park United Methodist Church, in Oneonta, NY with Special Guest, Dr. Casey Coomes. Casey presented a slideshow about how rising temperatures are affecting birds all over the world. Climate change poses a huge threat to the persistence of songbirds in North America—in fact, we have already lost almost 30% of our birds in the last 50 years. During her presentation, Casey discusses how heat can influence bird survival, reproduction, and even the songs they sing! 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER, Dr. Casey Coomes 

Casey’s work with birds began when she attended college at Transylvania University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then went on to receive a PhD from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she focused her research on the effects of high temperatures on communication in zebra finches. She is currently a Visiting Instructor and PRODiG Fellow at SUNY Oneonta, where she teaches Avian Physiology and Behavior.

 

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President
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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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