For the birds

Of course, any Fox-watcher knows that the whole climate change thing is just another hoax enacted on an unsuspecting public by us scientific types. But, if you're interested... a new report documents the impacts that coming climate changes will have on the nation's bird populations. The study, a collaboration between a number of state and federal agencies, along with organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society stresses that climate change will have "an increasingly disruptive effect on bird species in all habitats." You can see the report here in its entirety, or read ScientificAmerican.com's summary.

Particularly impacted will be seabirds, island-dwellers, and birds dependent on coastal habitats. Warming climates will also reduce available habitat for artic and alpine species such as ptarmigan. No habitats, however, will be unaffected.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, announcing the report, recalls Rachel Carson in pointing out that "our migratory birds are sending us a message about the health of our planet."