Nearly 3 billion birds have simply disappeared since 1970. While it's hard to wrap your head around that number, the loss is certainly noticeable in my lifetime. Birds and their songs were once everywhere-- so taken for granted-- until they weren't. Like the canary in the mine, experts say bird loss suggests "the very fabric of North America's ecosystem is unraveling."
I have my old birder's life list, used to record the variety of species just in our backyard. Thirty years ago, that was everything from colorful Grosbeaks to Warblers to Finches. These days, the seed feeder attracts mostly House Sparrows. Nothing but obnoxious crows in the background. Habitat loss is the main culprit in Seattle, as suburban yards and open spaces disappear under dense developments. I hope things are different wherever you live.
Guess what? After a mellow December, we're getting some winter in the Northwest. Below freezing next week in Seattle, possibly lowland snow, and below zero on the other side of the mountains. I'd like to get over to Twisp again, but it depends on the driving conditions.
Have a good weekend.
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