American Bird Conservancy has compiled a list of all the bird species in the United States of conservation concern. The startling revelation of the United States Bird Conservation Watch List is that the total of 168 birds represents approximately one fifth of all the birds in the United States. Populations of some of these birds are declining, with continued threats perceived. Others may be stable, but their small population size and/or range indicate a need to at least keep a close eye on their status. For some species on the Watch List, we know so little that basic monitoring and research are necessary before we can focus on conservation actions.
Here are some digiscoped photographs of Watch List birds I've taken over the years:
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Dickcissel
Solitary Sandpiper
Marbled Godwit
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Sanderling image © 2005 Michael Allen McDowell