Bird Conservation
Continental and local declines in numerous bird populations are the cause of much concern, not only over the future of migratory and resident bird species, but over the future of many other plant and animal species as well because birds are indicators of larger issues.
Reasons for bird declines are complex and point to factors such as the modification and fragmentation of habitat, brood parasitism, and the loss of wintering and migration habitat. In response to these declines, scientists and the concerned public began to recognize the need for coordinated and cooperative conservation efforts focusing on birds as indicators of various issues. A goal of the Avian Science Center is to work with our partners to shed some light on those larger issues through learning more about birds.
Fostering strong partnerships among diverse groups is key to achieving a vision of integrated bird conservation. The Avian Science Center works with communities of conservationists, recreationists, land managers, scientists and administrators to help protect and restore North America’s ecological systems (and the birds they sustain) for present and future generations. Only through these joint efforts will we succeed in protecting and restoring the habitats and landscapes upon which all life depends.
This section of our website highlights some of these broader efforts.
Montana Partners in Flight
Montana PIF is a partnership of government and nongovernment agencies, organizations and individuals committed to the conservation of long- and short-distance migrant and resident landbirds and their habitats through inventory and monitoring, research, management and education efforts across the state of Montana.
This group first met in 1990, and soon thereafter began to develop the first Montana Bird Conservation Plan. By identifying priority species and habitats, and by providing a number of conservation objectives and strategies for each, we hope to empower agencies, landowners, conservation groups, and local decision makers to take the steps necessary to ensure a sound future for Montana's avifauna. Download this Plan (Version 1.1, April 2000) HERE.
Montana Bird Conservation Partnership
Montana PIF has since expanded into the MT Bird Conservation Partnership (MBCP), which was created to bring together Montana PIF, the Joint Ventures, and people with interest in shorebirds and waterbirds. It includes experts from agencies, universities, and the private sector. MBCP seeks to coordinate the planning and implementation efforts in Montana for all four of the national Bird Conservation Initiatives.
The MBCP has its own web page that we keep updated with news and events. You can also join the MBCP listserve. Bookmark that page as the MBCP active site.
National Bird Conservation Initiatives
Partners in Flight (PIF) is a voluntary, international coalition of government agencies, conservation groups, academic institutions, private businesses, and citizens dedicated to "keeping common birds common" and reversing the downward trends of declining species. PIF's primary goal is to direct resources to the conservation of all birds and their habitats through cooperative efforts in the areas of monitoring, research, management, education, and international cooperation.
Web Resources
The following are bird conservation resources that we have found useful:
American Bird Conservancy
EPA and Bird Conservation
Montana Audubon
NBII Bird Conservation Node
North American Bird Conservation Initiative
PRBO Conservation Science
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center