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 * About
   * About Us
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     * For more than 50 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a
       leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the
       water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.
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MENU
×
 * About
   * About Us
     * History
     * Board
     * Vision 2025
     * Staff
     * Work Here
     * Financials
     * News & Blogs
   * Right Side
     
     * For more than 50 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a
       leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the
       water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.
 * Our Work
   * What We Do
     * Science
       
       * SCIENCE
         
            Mangrove Research
          * Invasive Species
          * Sea Turtle Research
          * Science Blog
         
         
     * Policy
       
       * POLICY
         
            Eastern Collier County
          * Water Quality
          * Habitat Protection
          * Everglades Restoration
          * Policy Resource Center
          * Policy Blog
         
         
     * Wildlife Rehabilitation
       
       * WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
         
            von Arx Wildlife Hospital Q&A
          * Animal Acceptance Policy
          * Wildlife Injury Prevention
          * Pelican Protection
          * Wishlist
          * Wildlife Blog
         
         
     * Education
       
       * EDUCATION
         
            E-Learning Hub
          * Request a Speaker
          * School Resources
          * Education Blog
         
         
     * Climate Change
   * Right Side
     
     * Featured Project:
       Since 2013, the Conservancy and research partners have been conducting
       radio telemetry fieldwork to document python biology and behavior in
       Collier County. To date, 75 adult Burmese pythons have been radio-tagged
       and tracked across Southwest Florida.
 * Nature Center & Programs
   * Plan Your Adventure
     * Nature Center
     * Request a Speaker
     * Kayaks
     * Rookery Bay Eco-Cruise
     * Nature Walks
   * Right side
     
     * At the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, we believe the more we can
       connect people with nature, the more willing they are to protect it. Our
       Nature Center and programs help us to do just that!
 * Support Us
   * Support Us
     * Membership
     * Donate
     * Volunteer
     * Leadership Circle
     * Take Action
     * Events
   * Right Side
     
     * Our work is only possible because of generous donors like you that care
       about Southwest Florida’s precious natural resources and quality of life.
 * Donate

EDUCATION


HOW LAND DEVELOPMENT IS AFFECTING BIRDS

May 6, 2022

> By Andrew Robey, Education Intern

The state of Florida lies along the southern end of the Atlantic Flyway which is
a highly used bird migratory route that extends from northeast Canada south to
the Caribbean. In the southern portion of the flyway, a major stopping point for
many species during their migration is in South Florida.

Many of these migratory bird species remain here for the winter and rely on the
unique diversity of wildlife and habitats in order to survive. Many other
migratory birds that don’t reside in South Florida for the winter also rely on
Florida’s tropical ecosystems as a rest and refueling stop before continuing on
to the Caribbean or across the Gulf of Mexico. These birds will spend the winter
in Central or South America. 

> Although South Florida’s tropical climate makes it a perfect rest stop for
> many migratory birds escaping the northern cold winters, it also has become a
> popular destination for many people wanting to do the very same thing.

However, this has caused an unfortunate conflict between people and the avian
species that reside here.


THE CONFLICTS

One major conflict is land development that results in the disturbance,
fragmentation, and destruction of vital habitat for many species of migratory
birds that can be found in south Florida throughout the year. This can also lead
to the creation of an ecological trap. 

An ecological trap occurs when an animal prefers an unsuitable habitat over a
suitable one.

For many birds in South Florida, ecological traps are caused by an overabundance
of invasive plants. Many of these invasive plants are generalists and can easily
establish large populations in habitats that may not be suitable for many native
plant species. These invasives can also out-compete many of the native plants
for space and resources. The result is that invasive plants can create an area
that is visually enticing to a bird through the presence of possible food or
shelter, even though the number or quality of resources necessary for the bird
to thrive and reproduce successfully may not be present. 

An example of an ecological trap is the invasive Brazilian pepper plant.



Brazilian pepper was brought into Florida in the mid-1800’s as an ornamental
plant, but soon established itself as an invasive plant by the 1950’s. This
invasive provides shelter for migratory birds, but its berries lack the
necessary nutrients for birds to survive. Species that often fall victim to
these traps are the many different small songbirds that either spend the winter
in South Florida or use it as a stopping point before journeying further south.
Many of these small songbirds rely on heavily wooded areas and feed on insects,
small fruits, and seeds that are being depleted due to increased human
developments. 

Another effect of land development in south Florida on migratory bird species is
the increase in habitat fragmentation.

Habitat fragmentation is when large expanses of habitat are divided by
impassible or unsuitable habitat.

This increase in habitat fragmentation can have a major effect on migratory
birds by not providing them places to rest during their migrations. One solution
that can be used to prevent habitat fragmentation is through the development and
protection of wildlife corridors.

A wildlife corridor is a piece of land that allows animals to move freely and
safely from one area of suitable habitat to another. However, a wildlife
corridor for a migratory bird is going to appear very different than one for a
terrestrial mammal. Often times for migratory birds, what is needed are small
areas of protected land and native plants that will provide shelter, food, and
rest along their migration route before they continue on to their final
destinations.


WHAT CAN WE DO?

There are many things that can be done to reduce threats to the many migratory
birds that stop in South Florida during the spring, fall, and winter months.

Removing non-native and invasive plants and replanting with native ones is one
such initiative.  By planting native gardens, you can provide safe resting areas
and nutritional food sources for migratory birds.

> This can not only help prevent birds from falling into an ecological trap, but
> it also helps create wildlife corridors.

Another thing that can be done to help our birds is installing a nesting box.
This provides both temporary shelter for migrating birds as well as a safe place
for birds to raise their young.

> Done alongside planting a native garden, nesting boxes can help provide
> everything migrating birds need to survive.

Nesting box installed by the wildlife hospital to shelter eastern screech owls
Native buttonbush flowers attract insects that power migrant birds like this
northern parula Eastern screech owls often use nest boxes to keep their young
safe


CONTRIBUTE TO SCIENCE

Another fun and helpful activity that can be done is contributing to community
science programs such as eBird, the Great Backyard Bird Count, or a winter bird
count. This helps provide biologists with valuable information regarding where
and when birds are migrating, as well as how land development and the
introduction of invasive species may be affecting bird populations. 

Andrew Robey preparing to participate in the 2021 Great Backyard Bird Count in
Grand Canyon National Park

South Florida and the many species that call it home have all felt the impacts
of continued land development and human population growth.

> Although it may seem like there is little people can do to help on a large
> scale, even little things can help when it pertains to conservation.

Learning about what the various threats are to native wildlife and what can be
done to help is the first step to take. A great way to learn more is by
exploring our interactive exhibits at the newly renovated Dalton Discovery
Center and John and Carol Walter Discovery Wing! Located in Naples, Florida.

If interested in our internship program and taking the leap to live and work in
Southwest Florida for a few months, head to our internship opportunities. The
experiences you gain and the knowledge you learn here at the Conservancy is
simply rewarding.


CITATIONS

Blewett, C. M., & Marzluff, J. M. (2005). Effects Of Urban Sprawl On Snags And
The Abundance And Productivity Of Cavity-Nesting Birds. The Condor, 107(3), 678.
doi: 10.1650/0010-5422(2005)107[0678:eousos]2.0.co;2

ABC Birds

VtechWorks

Krams, Ronalds et al. “Ecological traps: evidence of a fitness cost in a
cavity-nesting bird.” Oecologia vol. 196,3 (2021): 735-745.
doi:10.1007/s00442-021-04969-w

The Conservation Foundation




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