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Arizona Gardening

Where are all the birds?

10 years ago

Has anybody noticed a local decline in birds?

My mom and I were discussing this the other day. She has lived near 56th St. & Greenway for about 30 years and she seems to think that every year there's fewer birds and less variety. For example, it's been years since she's seen or heard an Inca dove.

The general area has stayed pretty stable - no new developments nearby, no big changes in the neighborhood as far as trees dying off, etc.

After my mom mentioned that, it dawned on me that my older neighborhood in Tucson seems to have fewer birds too. I rarely see or hear quail, thrashers, mockingbirds, cactus wrens, or woodpeckers, which were common when we moved in 10 years ago. Even doves, house finches, and sparrows are getting thin.

What could it be - drought, pesticides, climate change?

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Comments (8)

MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
10 years ago
I can sincerely attest to the proliferation of mockingbirds in my 'hood. They having been singing up a storm in my carob tree - right outside the bedroom window and it's a good season for leaving windows open - beginning at 2am for the last few weeks. Crikey but they are LOUD!

I also have lots of finches (golden), woodpeckers and dove. I'm at 42 Ave and Peoria - the heart of urban-ite.
v8vega
10 years ago
I've heard Brian Whitfill comment several times on his radio show (Whitfill Garden Show) that Phoenix is getting overrun by Woodpeckers.
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User
10 years ago
I live about a mile from your mom, and have not noticed any decline.

We have all three dove species, quail, towhees, thrashers and flickers and woodpeckers showing up every day, and hummingbirds, sparrows and occasionally other ones.

Maybe she has changed her habits and isn't out when the birds are most active, or is outside less.
Juttah
Original Author
10 years ago
Good to know - her hearing has gotten worse, which may explain why she doesn't hear them anymore.

(Come to think of it, my hearing isn't that great either...)

A breeding pair of Cooper's hawks moved into our neighborhood about 2 years ago - we never had those before - and lately I keep seeing this huge owl flying around at dusk. Wonder if our birds are there, just keeping a low profile.
grant_in_arizona
10 years ago
I definitely haven't noticed either. My little garden here in N Scottsdale is always teaming with them, and has for quite a few years. I hope there's not a general decline going on. One thing I HAVE noticed in the last 10 years or so is how many more adorable, loud, fun African lovebirds are all over the area--a fun development if you ask me. When I first moved here in 2000 it was pretty rare to see/hear them, and mostly in central Phoenix, now I see them most days, in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and so on, even in the outer areas. I'd find their "song", hah, annoying as a caged bird, but when they're flying around making it, I sort of like it.

Happy gardening all!
Grant
newtoucan
10 years ago
I have birds and I don't use pesticides. I see birds feeding on areas I know have been sprayed with tons of chemicals and that it's terrible for those birds. I bet if you don't see a decline now, we will in the future.
fabaceae_native
10 years ago
You could look at local bird counts over the years, as well as consult experts at the Audubon Society and such, but I highly doubt that what you are seeing is real and significant. Yes, certain bird species are declining in all or parts of their ranges, but not really the 'average' backyard species you mention. Any change is likely to be very local due to food/water/nesting preferences, or have to do with evading predators and/or finding appropriate cover. Provide for them and they will come!
agility_mom
10 years ago
I seem to have lots of birds in my area when I have ripe fruit on my trees :) However, I do seem to see less birds overall. I think in our case, it's because my neighbors decided to give their sons a pellet gun. I hear them out there almost daily shooting birds which I am not happy about.

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