Forestry for Minnesota birds

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

Saw-whet owl. Photo: Ryan Pennesi

A groundbreaking study documenting the widespread decline of bird populations across almost all species and habitats in North America revealed that since 1970, 2.9 billion birds — approximately 29% of all birds — have disappeared.

There are many reasons for this, including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, climate change, collisions, and pesticides. As an indicator of overall ecosystem health, declining bird populations almost certainly point to similar losses of biodiversity across our native ecosystems.

This sharp decline alarmed the conservation community and sparked conversations about how to work together to halt these losses, especially in forested areas. In response, multiple natural resource agencies and organizations created the Forestry for Minnesota Birds (FMNB) working group to identify actionable conservation strategies to restore and enhance habitats for forest birds, while also promoting forest health, ecosystem resilience, and the needs of other forest-dependent wildlife. 

New resource for woodland stewards

Ruffed grouse. Photo: Ryan Pennesi

FMNB’s mission is to “promote sustainable forestry practices to benefit native bird species across Minnesota’s forest landscape by designing and sharing a conservation toolkit for landowners and natural resource professionals.” For the last few years, the group has used the best available science to identify key management information to support priority bird species.

This cooperative effort led to the creation of the Forestry for Minnesota Birds Conservation Guide. The guide is a helpful resource for woodland owners and natural resource professionals that integrates habitat-focused silvicultural practices into woodland planning and forest management strategies.

The guide identifies key habitat features within four common forest types for 18 priority bird species. These species represent the range of Minnesota’s forest habitats and include game and non-game species, year-round residents, short-distance migrants, and long-distance neotropical migrants.

Each species description includes information on preferred forest type, nest location, habitat needs, conservation status, climate change vulnerability, and other bird species that may share the same habitat.

The management recommendations also explain how to retain or increase forest features that benefit a range of forest-dependent wildlife. These include increasing tree retention, keeping more large trees, adding or maintaining conifers for winter cover, protecting standing snags and cavity trees, avoiding damage to fallen trees, and protecting water features like vernal pools. 

The guide also includes an incredible wealth of information about habitat features, forest management “tweaks” to benefit birds, and assistance programs for woodland owners. It really has something for everyone, and you’ll learn something new every time you open it.

7 simple ways to help birds

We all want to do what we can to help birds and protect native habitats. Even if you don’t own forest land, there are many simple ways to make a difference.

1. Make windows safe
   • Birds have a hard time seeing glass. They may try to fly through it or mistake reflections for a safe flight path. In the U.S., window collisions kill over 1 billion birds each year. Adding window treatments and decals can make your windows safe for birds.
2. Use native plants
   • Even our yards can be important habitat for birds. By limiting the size of our lawns and instead planting native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, we can provide food and shelter for a wide range of bird species.
3. Keep cats indoors
   • Cats make wonderful pets, but they have a very negative impact on local wildlife populations. Cats kill an estimated 1.3 to 4 billion birds each year in the U.S. Keeping your cat indoors is a simple way to protect a wide range of wildlife.
4. Avoid pesticides
   • Pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, can be extremely harmful to birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. When possible, avoid using pesticides on your property.
5. Drink shade-grown coffee
   • Many of Minnesota’s birds migrate to Central and South America each year. Buying bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee is a great way to protect critical habitats while supporting local economies in those regions.
6. Reduce plastic use
   • The U.S. uses more plastic per person than any other country, and microplastics can now be found in most of Minnesota’s waterways and ecosystems. Using fewer plastics and recycling or disposing of them properly helps protect wildlife and water.
7. Join participatory science programs
   • There are many easy ways to participate in data-collection programs that support bird research and monitoring, such as local Christmas Bird Counts and eBird.