Hi Jack,

Actually I do not spend a lot of time in South Florida. More towards the middle of the state bird populations seem relatively stable. Seasonal variations in water levels can influence our perception of wading bird numbers. With some species, like Wood Stork, breeding populations have been moving northward for the past few decades, possibly because of global warming. If populations are indeed declining, the problems associated with our trashing of the planet–water pollution and shortages, air pollution, introduced chemicals, habitat destruction, human over-population, over-fishing, and the rest are surely root causes. artie

ps: I’ve heard that there are very few GBHs at the Venice Rookery this year….

I am wondering if this has been your experience too? And if so, do you have any idea why the populations might be declining?

Jack