Image copyright of Audubon.orgA new study by the Audubon Society indicates that many bird species are living further to the north than before. The study cites global warming as the main factor in causing the preferred habitats of as many as 177 of the 305 species recorded by the Society to shift an average of 35 miles further north. More than 60 species moved 100 or more miles further north. This could be due to a milder climate in northern regions which means that birds don’t have to fly as far south to live in their preferred climate, or it could be due to the higher abundance of food supplies in the north as a result of warmer temperatures.
Either way the findings show a strong correlation between winter temperatures and bird distributions. And so the Audubon Society is calling for immediate action to mitigate global warming. Their suggestions include:
Reduce Global Warming Pollution
- Reduce our Dependence on Oil
- Invest in the Clean Energy Economy of Tomorrow
- Repower America with Clean and Efficient Electricity
Read the full report here.
-Daria Khramtsova, Research & Communications Intern, UNC Sustainability Office
