Urban trees 'help migrating birds'

[Ed Barrow]

Even a small urban forest can help migrating birds, a study has said. US researchers found that birds used the patches of greenery to rest and refuel in the middle of their journey between winter and breeding sites. The scientists gathered the data by fitting tiny tags to thrushes, which recorded the birds' movements.

Writing in the journal Landscape Ecology, they added the findings were important because the world was becoming increasingly urbanised.

"With the expansion of urban areas worldwide, migrating songbirds increasingly encounter fragmented landscapes where habitat patches are embedded in an urban matrix," wrote co-authors Stephen Matthews and Paul Rodewald, landscape ecologists at Ohio State University in the US.

"Yet, how migrating birds respond to urbanisation is poorly understood."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10130458.stm

[slackmaster]

1. In my area they take advantage of our lavish use of water as well

Here's an interesting story about a popular birdwatching spot in San Diego.

It's a little outdated - The park worked out something so the drip can continue in a more controlled manner.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/mar/18/1n18drip235134-bird-enthusiasts-lose-their-marvelo/

[tech9413]

2. I'm pretty sure that urban trees do much more than help

migrating birds. Urban green space mitigates urban heat buildup, decrease the storm water runoff requirements, and the most direct effect is to provide a more comfortable and satisfying place to live.

Not that migrating birds are unimportant, it's just one aspect of using nature to provide a more livable environment. I've lived in cities with no green space and it can be totally depressing and brutal in the summer.

Given that the end of cheap energy is upon us, we all have to consider that suburban and rural living may not be practical. If that's the case we can't afford uninformed and rapacious development in urban areas.

The Bioneers have addressed the issue more than a few times on their shows. Check out their website and find a station and time to listen to the shows or choose from their archives. http://www.bioneers.org/radio

[dgibby]

3. Even better if the trees are things like"

dogwoods, alleghany service berry, fruit trees,etc. I try to plant things that proived food and shelter for them. Shrubs are good, too, providing food, as well nesting sites for those birds who have arrived at their destination. I love hydrangas, but viburnams are just as pretty, and provide food for the birds. I planted enough blueberries for me and the birds, so it's all good!

[depakid]

4. Along with helping wildlife, planting urban trees also captures carbon more effectively

See, e.g.

An Australian National University report has found street trees are more effective than native forests at capturing carbon because of their relative youth.

The study was commissioned by the ACT Government as part of refining its climate change strategy.

It is the first time carbon stocks and carbon storage rates have been measured for an entire state or territory. ACT Environment Minister Simon Corbell says the findings will influence the Government's tree-planting plans.

"The report concludes that the urban trees are better sequesterers than native trees in places such as Namadgi," he said.

More: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/26/2609143.htm