Documenting Conservation Through the Lens

Some of the Earth's greatest landscapes are threatened by increased human development into natural areas. My aim is to document the species loss, their causes and, help in environmental restoration and conservation. In order to do this, I combine my training and expertise as an engineer/scientist working in the area of environmental chemodynamics and my hobby as a bird/wildlife/landscape photographer.

Migratory Bird Decline and Habitat Loss

A very important set of data for the US Gulf Coast area was recently presented by Dr. Erik Johnson, Director of Conservation Science, Audubon Delta at a recent meeting of the Orleans Audubon Society on Sept 25, 2021.  The gist of his presentation entitled “Migratory Birds and the Mississippi River” with respect to bird and habitat loss were:

• Approximately 2.5 billion migratory birds have been unaccounted for since 1970. That is equivalent to a 28% decrease in migratory birds.
• 40% decrease in Baltimore Oriole migrations and Prothonotary Warblers have been reported since 1970.
• Much of the loss were attributed to bottomland, forest loss and, mangrove loss which are prime habitats for these migratory species.
• The above is well documented through the loss of lower Mississippi valley alluvial soils and forest mainly as a result of economic growth and agricultural uses.
• There is no doubt that a healthy land-water-air ecosystem is good for both humans and birds, but the requirement is considered development rather than uncontrolled growth.
• There is, however, some silver lining in all of this such as the recent Louisiana Coastal Master Plan that does consider significant coastal habitats restoration plans which bode well for all of us.