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Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker. Photo by Paul J. Fusco
Clapper
Rail. Photo by Paul J. Fusco
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Photo: Least tern family at Sandy Point in
West Haven. Photo by Julian Hough |
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A primary reason Connecticut is a good place to live
is its diverse and attractive landscapes and habitats
that provide both visual enjoyment and places for recreation.
While much of the state is urban and suburban, and growing
more so, there are still shoreline beaches and tidal
marshes, major rivers with accompanying grasslands,
rolling farmland and forested hills.
Conserving these habitats and the
biodiversity they support is critical to the future
of the state as an attractive place to live and work.
One of the best indicators of the health and conservation
of these habitats is the state’s large number
of bird species that live in them.
Connecticut Audubon Society, founded
in Fairfield in 1898 as the state’s own independent
bird conservation organization, is dedicated to protecting
the state’s habitats and biodiversity through
integrated programs in research, education and advocacy.
As part of this mission Connecticut Audubon Society
is launching an annual report: Connecticut State of
the Birds.
This first report, organized and
published by Connecticut Audubon Society, is a joint
effort with authors from national conservation groups,
statewide organizations, Connecticut colleges and universities
and state government. It is hoped that it will provide
useful information and insight for both the public and
its elected representatives.
Using data on bird populations to
gauge environmental health is not a perfect fit. There
is always the need for more data and what is available
is subject to interpretation. Furthermore, in most conservation
related issues there are tradeoffs to be considered
and balances struck. The purpose of Connecticut State
of the Birds is to provide the best scientific data
that is currently available as well as to identify where
more work is needed and use this information to make
sound habitat conservation decisions and investments.
To ensure that this report is both
scientifically valid and impartial we have established
a scientific advisory board headed by the State Ornithologist,
Dr. Margaret Rubega of the University of Connecticut.
However, the publication, its articles and recommendations
are the responsibility of the authors and Connecticut
Audubon Society, and do not necessarily imply the endorsement
of the other organizations or individuals involved.
Robert Martinez, President
Connecticut Audubon Society
Fairfield, Connecticut
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