Global Warming: Not For The Birds (NAPSA)—Songbirds that millions of American birdwatchers treasure will likely shift their ranges due to global warming, according to new research from the National Wildlife Federation and the American Bird Conservancy. The American Goldfinch, the Purple Finch and even state birds such as the Baltimore Oriole and the California Quail will be hard hit by this serious environmental threat. he a Global warming may mean that the Baltimore oriole may move out of Maryland. “Left unchecked, global warming could cause the birds we love to watch and even celebrate on our state emblems to disappear from the places they’ve lived for eons,” said Mark Van Putten, president of the National Wildlife Federation. The new research shows that global warmingis already shifting songbird ranges, altering their migration behavior and habitat, and perhaps diminishing some species’ ability to survive. Thetoll of global warming not only threatens the birds themselves, but also the other wildlife that shares the birds’ habitat. Many migratory songbirds play a critical role in their ecosystem as predator, prey or pollinator. “This trend will likely worsen if emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming are not reduced,” continued Van Put- ten. “While global warming is a serious challenge, each of us can becomepartof a solution that protects people and wildlife.” By limiting emissions of carbon dioxide from the nation’s power plants, promoting more fuel efficient cars, and providing incentives for greater investment in energy efficient and renewable energy technologies, we can help slow global warming and protect the environment upon which people and wildlife depend.
