AUTHORS: Abigail Derby Lewis, Field Museum; Doug Stotz, Field Museum
ABSTRACT: We will discuss impacts of climate change on migratory birds in urban landscapes, and share examples of actions that can be taken to help birds not only survive, but also thrive, in cities. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns and extreme climatic events impact migratory birds in a multitude of ways, including the ability for individuals to find food, shelter, and nesting sites. Additionally, many of the bird species in the habitat groups most vulnerable to climate change are frequent as passage migrants or breed in urban areas. As a result, migratory birds now face the challenges that have arisen due to urbanization– including heat island effects, green spaces dominated by non-native vegetation, small habitat patches, phenological shifts, greater exposure to extreme climatic events, light pollution and building collisions– in an environment compounded by climate change. As daunting as these challenges may be, there are coalitions of committed and highly engaged people across U.S. cities tackling these issues head on. Increasingly, there is a focus to identify opportunities where alignment can exist between community interests and urban bird conservation goals, allowing engagement with a wider cross-section of urban residents to take up actions that increase both environmental and human health. We will share examples of how seeking out diverse partnerships that center and uplift community needs can lead to greater conservation impact for people and nature.
