By Kirsten Vernin, Senior Research Assistant in Watershed Quality
With increasing urbanization and habitat loss, it’s important for sustainable organizations like HARC to support wildlife, including birds, in our local environment. A bird-friendly space not only offers birds a refuge but also brings life, color, and sound to our surroundings, making our campus more enjoyable for visitors and the people who work there as well. Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony, or an expansive corporate campus, you can create a place that supports the natural world.
Birds play a crucial role in ecosystems yet are disappearing at alarming rates with nearly 3 billion birds lost since 1970 according to this 2019 report published in Science. Birds help control insect populations, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. Furthermore, native plants also support other pollinators such as insects including bats, bees, and butterflies, which are also in decline. Being surrounded by nature also helps people foster a greater sense of well-being and creativity.
In the Houston Gulf Coast area, HARC has identified notable population declines in several bird species critical to the region’s ecosystems. According to the 2023 Houston Gulf Coast Area State of the Birds report, species such as the Eastern Meadowlark, Great Egret, and Wilson’s Plover are facing significant declines due to habitat loss, human disturbances, and climate change. For example, the Eastern Meadowlark population has dropped by 63% in the last 15 years, while Great Egrets have declined by 43%, and Wilson’s Plovers have seen a decline ranging from 15% to 55%. These declines underscore the urgency of habitat preservation and the need for conservation efforts to support these species and protect the health of local ecosystems.
By creating a bird-friendly space, HARC is contributing to conservation efforts, ensuring local bird populations can thrive in an increasingly human-dominated landscape.
Houston Audubon created the Bird-Friendly Spaces program to recognize people and organizations that are taking actions to support birds and other wildlife in their personal spaces. The goals of this program include supporting the creation of habitat corridors, limiting the threats that bird face in urban environments, and connecting people with the wonder and beauty of nature. To have your space recognized, you must first complete at least 3 actions within 2 categories that include Creating Inviting Habitat, Connecting With Others, and Limiting Threats to Birds.
Yes! Since bird monitoring began at HARC in December 2023, we’ve seen 27 different species, including a Painted Bunting in our newly replanted bioswale.
Here on the HARC sustainable campus, we are supporting bird habitat through the planting of native plants, removing invasive plants, and providing natural food and nesting locations for birds. We are also limiting threats to migrating birds by ensuring that all nonessential lights are off between 11 pm and 6 am during spring and fall migration and limiting our office’s plastic use.
