The 2010 State of the Birds report has been released. This year's study of more than 800 bird species in the United States focused on the effects of climate change on bird populations, with alarming results. While it is acknowledged that climate change affected by human activities will impact every environment and bird habitat, birds in coastal and island areas will be the most vulnerable. Already endangered species, such as the golden-cheeked warbler, may prove too delicate to recover as the environment continues to change. The report also highlights species that may become of greater concern if conservation measures aren't initiated.

The report is a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and multiple conservation organizations. It is hoped that these detailed annual reports can raise awareness of the critical issues facing wild birds and lead to stronger protection and conservation measures. The report even recommends certain approaches, such as land management and restoration techniques.

To read the entire report, visit StateoftheBirds.org.

Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Photo © U.S. Army Environmental Command

This week's featured bird, the yellow-rumped warbler, is the most common winter warbler in North America, and its bright colors and cheery song often remind us of spring even when snow is still falling. The latest warbler to migrate in the fall and the first to return in the spring, these "butter-butts" are long term visitors to many suburban and rural habitats, and they can frequently be found in gardens and parks.

Have you spotted your first yellow-rumped warblers of spring? Share your sightings in the comments!

Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Photo © Joan Gellatly

Volunteers in Riverview, Florida were shelling out to create a new habitat for birds during a recent volunteer day. According to Tampa Bay Online, Audubon of Florida Gulf Coast Ecosystem and Tampa Bay Watch have teamed up to rebuild 200 feet of reef near Green Key in Tampa Bay, and volunteers have been filling mesh bags with oyster shells to form an "oyster bar" as the base of the reef.

The area under reconstruction is critical for nesting birds, but much of the suitable habitat has been lost to erosion. Birds such as the roseate spoonbill, reddish egret and American oystercatcher were forced to relocate for nesting, but it is hoped that rebuilding the reef will provide a new foraging area. The project is funded by Restore America's Estuaries, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Restoration Center and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, but it is the volunteers who are doing the heavy labor to make the new reef a reality.

For more information or to learn how to get involved in similar projects, visit Tampa Bay Watch.

Reddish Egret
Photo © New Jersey Birds

Birders may not run along trails for fear of missing that next new lifer, but runners can have some feathered fun with the Running of the Birds 5K Run and Waddle on March 20 in Point Breeze, New York, part of a spring migration celebration. According to the Daily News Online, participants are encouraged to dress up in bird costumes and prizes will be awarded not only for the runners, but also for the best costume. Registration is $10 until March 13 and $15 up to the morning of the race. Proceeds will go to benefit the People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans.

Whether this benefit race would be your first or your fiftieth, visit About.com Running and Jogging for tips on how to safely prepare for a great run.

Runners
Photo © Erik Abderhalden