The facts are in: bird populations are in peril. According to researchers, in the past 50 years we have suffered a net loss of nearly 3 million birds in North America alone. 'Extinction begins with loss in abundance of individuals that can result in compositional and functional changes of ecosystems' (3). This shows the critical nature of the work to conserve bird species and protect individuals, even species not yet considered threatened or endangered.

This is not work that we can do alone. We must get public buy-in and support to help slow and hopefully prevent the disappearance of bird species. Avian-focused researchers and conservationists can sometimes struggle to win and maintain public understanding and support for their work. Many bird species are not as charismatic or widely-loved as other animals like pandas or marine mammals. Building a connection between people and wild birds can also be difficult because it's difficult to get up close and personal with them.

Including a live cam as part of their work will help wildlife professionals connect the public to the birds that they work with. Anecdotal evidence from conservation and wildlife rehabilitation organizations suggests that there is great benefit to live cams, and further research is needed to quantify and qualify the potential impact.

Does your bird conservation work have a live cam you would like to share? Send us the info through the form below and tell us a bit about your experience:

Journal Resources:

1. Dixon, T. (2015, Spring). Critter Cams - Capturing Wild Moments. Connections, 35(1), 10-11.

2. Raine, A. F., Gjerdrum, C., Pratte, I., Madeiros, J., Felis, J. J., & Adams, J. (2021). Marine distribution and foraging habitat highlight potential threats at sea for the Endangered Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow. Endangered Species Research, 45, 337–356.

3. Rosenberg, K. V., Dokter, A. M., Blancher, P. J., Sauer, J. R., Smith, A. C., Smith, P. A., Stanton, J. C., Panjabi, A., Helft, L., Parr, M., & Marra, P. P. (2019, September 19). Decline of the North American Avifauna. Science, 366(6461), 120-124.