For many, the Kirtland's Warbler is a rare sight, as it has specific habitat requirements and one of the smallest breeding ranges of any North American bird. It was one of the first species to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) after its passage in 1973. By 1987, the number of singing males had dropped to a low of 167.
Thanks to decades of conservation work by numerous partners, including habitat management programs, continued monitoring, and control of nestparasitizing cowbirds, the number of singing males rebounded to over 2,300 by 2015.
How did the Kirtland's Warbler recover? How is it faring? What conservation work is still needed to keep the population thriving?
You'll hear from experts directly involved in efforts to save the species from extinction and ensure continued population growth, working in the warbler's breeding grounds in midwestern Jack Pine forests and wintering scrubby habitat in the Bahamas.
• Dave Ewert, Senior Conservation Scientist, ABC
• Giselle Deane, Senior Science Officer, Bahamas National Trust
• Steve Roels, Kirtland's Warbler Program Director & Conservation Team Coordinator, ABC