GOING SOUTH
WINGS OVER AMERICA
During migration , many shorebirds opt to hug the United States ’ Atlantic coastline , which is rich with productive ecosystems , but densely-populated with humans . Others prefer a direct oceanic crossing , from Labrador and Nova Scotia to South America via the eastern Caribbean islands . Neither route comes without peril ...
UNITED STATES
WHERE 3 The Florida Everglades BIRDLIFE PARTNER 3 Audubon Society
Photo Jayne Romrodphoto / Shutterstock
WHAT ’ S HAPPENING ? These vast tropical wetlands are an important refuelling spot for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds , who arrive in huge numbers to feast on the Everglades ’ invertebrates . But this once-plentiful food supply is gradually drying up as drainage and development is , to paraphrase a popular line from US politics , “ draining the swamp ”.
WHAT ARE WE DOING ? Our US Partner Audubon is the only conservation organisation working throughout the Everglades . Through tireless policy and advocacy work , Audubon of Florida was instrumental in the formation of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area . They have also helped shape federal and state policies for projects that have improved freshwater flow to Everglades National Park , and restore 20 miles of the Kissimmee River — and birds , such as Wood Stork Mycteria americana , have shown evidence of rebounding accordingly .
BAHAMAS
WHERE 3 Coastal areas across the Bahamas BIRDLIFE PARTNER 3 Bahamas National Trust
Photo Dennis Tokarzewski / Shutterstock
WHAT ’ S HAPPENING ? These heavenly islands have become hell for migratory birds : entire beaches are being lost to development and invasive plants are taking over entire habitats , transforming the landscape and reducing the food available for arriving shorebirds . While many areas are protected on paper , many are being left unmanaged and become unsuitable as stopover sites .
WHAT ARE WE DOING ? The Bahamas National Trust safeguards the country ’ s National Parks , identifies vital areas for migratory birds , gets them protected and manages any threats . They back the removal of invasive plants , such as the Australian pine tree , which colonise beach habitats , shading out natural vegetation and changing the soil chemistry .