Hudsonian Godwits are now listed by COSEWIC as Threatened

Male Hudsonian Godwit in breeding plumage in Delta - Photo: Melissa Hafting

I saw this male Hudsonian Godwit in breeding plumage on Saturday. It was a stunning bird first found by Liz and Alan Stewart. Sadly, The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) just listed this bird as “threatened” in Canada. There has been an overall 44% decline in numbers on its wintering grounds over the last 3 generations. There are only 41,000 adultbirds left. Climate change, overgrazing by geese in the arctic, loss of wetlands on their staging grounds in South and North America and human development on their wintering grounds are dramatically affecting these birds. These birds are likely to become endangered if nothing is done to prevent its extirpation or extinction. The planned Deltaport expansion that I recently blogged about will affect shorebirds like this leading more to their decline. We need to do all we can in our day to day lives to help slow the effects of climate change and speak up to government through our votes, by attending community hearings and writing them; so that they take climate change and conservation initiatives seriously. Most importantly we need to do this so that we don't lose vital birds like this and so that future generations can see these beautiful creatures. The first shorebird to be listed as climate endangered was the Red Knot now there are many more including the Hudwit. If nothing is done the list of climate endangered birds will just continue to surmount.

 To read more on COSEWIC's listing of the Hudsonian Godwit click HERE

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