New York State's Environmental Leadership

Earth Day 2016

The Earth is our mother, we must take care of her...

National Aviary

In the world of bird rehabilitation, conservation, and education, there are places that really stand out. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is one of those places.  Their residents are birds that were rescued and are considered to be "unreleasable" due to handicaps that would prevent them from surviving in the wild.  Other resident birds at the aviary were rescued from the exotic pet trade and would also be unable to survive in the wild at this point in their precious lives. These magnificent creatures are used to educate the public and bring awareness to the plight of birds from all over the world due to pollution, hunting, poaching and habitat loss.  On a visit to the National Aviary yesterday, I was able to photograph several of their beautiful ambassadors.  Some of my favorite shots are posted below.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon (New Guinea)

Steller's Sea Eagle (Russia)

Northern Bobwhite (United States and the Caribbean)

African Penguin

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

American Flamingo

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (United States and Central America)

Wattled Curassow (South America) - It is believed that less than 10,000 of these birds still exist in the world today.

"As human population grows, more plants and animals are becoming extinct.  Today, more than 1,300 bird species are under threat of extinction.  That amounts to 13% of all birds now living on Earth. Let's work together to share our planet -- with each other and with all living things around the world." ~ excerpt from a plaque in the National Aviary

International Migratory Bird Day

Today is International Migratory Bird Day.  Spread the word!

National Bird Day

In the 19th Century, so many people caught and kept Northern Mockingbirds in cages that they nearly vanished from the entire east coast of the United States.  Even to this day, they are not very abundant in Western New York State.

Why National Bird Day?

• The beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of human inspiration.

• Today, nearly 12 percent of the world's 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world's 330 parrot species.

• Birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as a barometer of ecosystem health and an alert system for detecting global environmental ills.
• Many of the world's parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss.
• Public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity.
• The survival and well-being of the world's birds depends upon public education and support for conservation.

This is the reason for National Bird Day.  Click here for more info.