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Show Page 14 The Ogden Valley news Volume XIV Issue XVIII July 1, 2007 AUDUBON cont. from page 1 conservation practices to assure a continued viable population for our beloved birds.” Species especially hard hit in Utah include the following: • Sage Thrashers have declined in Utah by 66% over the last 40 years and the decline has accelerated in recent years. This decline parallels declines in other Sagebrush habitat species like the Brewer’s Sparrow and the Vesper Sparrow. Sagebrush range lands in Utah are being eliminated by agriculture, energy development, and urban sprawl. • Western Scrub-Jays have declined by 55% on summer counts, but have maintained numbers on winter counts. The Western Scrub-Jay has adapted well to urban habitats and is a favorite bird of our backyards. Utah conservationists need to concentrate on breeding habitat for these birds to assure long-term viability of this species. • Loggerhead Shrikes have declined by 51% during summer counts and by 56% during winter counts. The specific habitat impacts are not well understood, but it is clear that the quality and quantity of shrike habitat is declining in Utah. • Horned Larks have declined by 27% on summer counts and by 91% on winter counts. The large declines during the winter are of high concern. The winter decline might be due to global warming and the birds spending more time in the north. However, declines are nation-wide, so our grasslands suitable for Horned Lark habitat are important to manage. In addition to urban sprawl, the notable increase in invasive exotic weeds may be decreasing the quality of Horned Lark habitats. • Rough-legged Hawks have declined by 78% during the last 40 years on winter counts in Utah. This decline is especially alarming as these hawks breed in the far north in remote areas not covered by the traditional Breeding Bird Survey. A sharp decline on their winter range could alert us to problems on their breeding range. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources “all” species efforts, the efforts of the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, the Important Bird Areas program, bird projects sponsored by the local chapters of the National Audubon Society, the designation of Bird Habitat Conservation Areas by the Intermountain West Joint Venture and many other programs are contributing significantly to the needs of Utah birds. However, it is important that all citizens contribute by following common sense and advertised practices to conserve our natural heritage. Humans leave a huge “footprint” on the world, but we do have the intelligence to reduce our global impact by adopting a land ethic life style. Audubon's Common Birds in Decline list stems from the first-ever analysis combining annual sighting data from Audubon's century-old Christmas Bird Count program with results of the annual Breeding Bird Survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. "This is a powerful example of how tens of thousands of volunteer birders, pooling their observations, can make an enormous difference for the creatures they care the most about," said noted natural history writer Scott Weidensaul. "Thanks to their efforts, we have the information. Now all of us—from birders to policy makers—need to take action to keep these species from declining even further." More information about Audubon’s Common Birds in Decline analysis is available at <www. audubon.org> Ways You Can Help There are many ways that community members can help ensure that common bird species stay common. Protect Local Habitat Join local Audubon Chapters and other groups to protect and restore habitats close to home. Audubon’s Important Bird Areas program offers opportunities to save critical bird habitat, from small land parcels to broad ecosystems. Learn more at <www.audubon.org/bird/iba/index.html> Promote Sound Agricultural Policy Promoting strong conservation provisions in the federal Farm Bill and Conservation Reserve Program can help to protect millions of acres of vital habitat. Support Sustainable Forests The Boreal Forest in the Northern U.S. and Canada is essential breeding territory for many species of birds, including Evening Grosbeaks. Federal and state legislations promoting sustainable forest management will help fight habitat loss from inappropriate logging, mining, and drilling. Protect Wetlands Support for local, state and federal wetlands conservation programs is essential to protect a wide array of species. Learn more at <http://www.audubon.org/campaign/cleanWater2.html> Fight Global Warming The decline of common birds is just one impact of global warming’s mounting threat to people and wildlife around the world. Individual energy conservation along with strong federal, state, and local legislation to cap greenhouse emissions can help to curb its worst consequences. Learn more at <http://www.audubon.org/globalWarming/> Combat Invasive Species Invasive non-native species disrupt the deli- BALLOON cont. from page 1 experience our whole Valley,” commented Festival Chair Larry McBride. The Festival is free to the public. The Media Launch will be held Friday morning, August 17 at 7:00 a.m. at Wolf Creek Resort’s south field on Wolf Creek Resort Drive in Eden. Folks are welcome to come view this launch and enjoy a pancake breakfast afterwards. Festival activities officially open on Friday, August 18 in Huntsville Park starting at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until 6:00. Saturday’s activities will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Huntsville Park with The Kap Brothers performing Friday evening from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Jeff Lowe and “316” will open Friday evening’s performance at 6:00 p.m. at the festival field in Eden at Wolf Creek Resort, followed by an evening balloon launch. Saturday’s entertainment will include Full Circle beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by Shades of Grey from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. The evening balloon launches will be held at approximately 7:00 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights, and Saturday night will include the ever popular balloon glow and evening launch. Sunday hours will be from 7:00 ‘till 11:00 a.m. The traditional pancake breakfast will be offered each morning, with the Ogden Rescue Mission pitching in to help, cooking as a fundraiser for their worthy cause. There will be food available for purchase both Friday and Saturday evenings. cate ecological balance that sustains birds and other wildlife. Federal, regional, state, and local regulations are needed to combat this growing environmental threat. Learn more at <http://www. audubon.org/campaign/invasives/index.shtm> The Audubon At Home program offers tips for supporting birds with native plants at <http:// www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/index.html> Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. All launches are weather permitting. In conjunction with the Fine Arts show in Huntsville Square, Wilkerson Fine Art will be sponsoring a “Plein Air” art competition. Literally translated, the French word “plein” means “full.” This outdoor competition will start Saturday morning, August 18. Artists will begin painting at 8:00 a.m. The goal of the artwork is to capture the essence of the balloon festival on an 11 X 14 canvas. At 4:00 p.m., artists will stop painting and bring their creation to the Huntsville Park for judging with the awards being given out at 6:00 p.m. Prizes range from $200 to $1,500, and all pieces will be offered to the general public for purchase. For more information, please contact Kris Wilkerson at (801) 745-9557 or <kris@ogdenvalleyballoonfestival.com> The site for the Ogden Valley Balloon launch is 3201 N. Wolf Creek Drive in Eden, approximately 1 mile north of the 4-way stop in Eden on the west side of the street. In Huntsville, activities will be held in the historic town square at Huntsville Park. Please be aware that there will be NO DOGS allowed at any of the venues during the Festival so please plan accordingly. For more detailed information, directions, schedules, maps, and much more, please visit our website at www.ogdenvalleyballoonfestival. com or call the Balloon Fest hotline at (800) 4138312. |
