Several species of songbirds that breed in North America appear to be declining in number, causing serious concern among scientists, conservationists, birders, and forest managers. There are many factors potentially implicated in the decline, including changing land-use practices in the U.S. and in the tropics of Central and South America, where many of these birds overwinter. SEI has a major program under way to study songbirds, identify causes of the decline, and find ways to avert future losses.

Dr. Rex Sallabanks is studying how management of Pacific Northwest forests affects bird communities. Particular emphasis has been placed on the response of neotropical migrant species to forest management. Different bird species are found in different forest conditions and respond differently to forest management practices, making blanket prescriptions problematic. Currently, this program has 5 main projects (listed to the right), the results of which can be used to predict the conservation value of different management strategies.

The Forest Songbirds Project is a cooperative program involving many interest groups. Partners include Boise Cascade Corporation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NCASI, the US Forest Service, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Opportunities for volunteers/training/education are significant. Contact Dr. Sallabanks at SEI Idaho (1543 N Mansfield Place, Eagle, ID 83616) for more information.

Habitat Restoration
Effects of Wildfire
Birds and Forestry
Landscape Composition
Silviculture and Birds

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