Epilogue

Our impact on the earth’s ecosystems and ourselves has reached such a level that we risk committing not only species suicide but also pushing thousands of other species towards extinction.

What is causing this? Climate change, wildfires, cutting down forests, draining wetlands, paving over grasslands as cities and towns expand, damaging river systems and coastlines—all play a role.

Add plastic pollution, periodic massive oil and chemical spills, and now the dreaded Avian influenza! It appears as if the risk is unmanageable!

We understand that the crisis is escalating worldwide. Statistics tell us that we should be frightened and alarmed!

Stuart Butchart and co-workers at BirdLife International [56]* point to this impending ecocide:

Nearly half of the world’s bird species are experiencing population declines, with agriculture affecting 73% of them. Other significant threats include logging, invasive species, resource exploitation, and climate change. Currently, 49% of bird species are declining, one in eight is at risk of extinction, and at least 187 species have become extinct since 1500.

The ‘Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey’, an independent annual survey by experts at the University of New South Wales, shows that waterbird populations have declined by up to 90% over the last 40 years in eastern Australia, and that an average of 320,000 ducks were shot and killed each hunting season in Victoria alone.

The Green family has seen such devastation firsthand. Their experience:

We were shocked to witness many hundreds of dead Shearwater Birds (mutton birds) in Port Fairy, near Griffiths Island, their breeding ground. When making enquiries with the local council, we were told that there were many potential causes of the birds’ deaths: migration stress, starvation, severe weather, climate change impacts on food resources, ocean temperatures, and predators such as foxes.

There was no mention of microplastics. They delved deeper and were shocked and alarmed to learn about the impact of microplastics on birds’ digestive systems—scientists now suggest that microplastics [57]* in food sources are the cause:

A 2023 study formally identified plasticosis as a fibrotic disease caused by plastic ingestion, distinguishing it from general physical damage by detailing the chronic tissue remodelling and inflammation it induces in the digestive systems of seabirds.

Television images now frequently show dead bird bodies on a daily basis on the Australian southern coastline, having succumbed to the Avian Influenza epidemic.

Is this the beginning of the end? Is ‘Nero fiddling while Rome is burning?’

The Federal Government’s ‘Threatened Species Action Plan’ focuses on 22 bird species that need help to survive. Research shows that many plant and animal species are declining in number due to multiple factors:

Land clearing for agriculture and development is a significant driver of the decline in avian biodiversity in Australia, particularly affecting woodland birds. Habitat fragmentation reduces breeding success and increases exposure to predators, with feral cats and foxes posing major threats to ground-nesting species. Additionally, feral herbivores and invasive weeds degrade habitats.

Fire patterns have also changed, with increased fire frequency in southern regions diminishing crucial unburnt habitats that provide essential resources like tree hollows. Prolonged fire absence can harm fire-adapted species.

Rising temperatures and extreme weather further exacerbate these challenges, particularly for vulnerable species like alpine birds and migratory shorebirds. As bird populations decline and fragment, genetic diversity decreases, heightening the risk of extinction.

Australia is not doing well!

Research [58]* shows that at-risk bird populations in Australia continue to fall at an alarming rate. In Australia, the ‘Threatened Species Index’ shows a decline of more than 60% in many threatened bird populations since 1985—a clear indication that current efforts are not effective.

This trajectory contrasts sharply with recovery trends observed in other countries, such as the USA, where threatened bird populations increased by an average of 624% between 1967 and 2014.

Are our environmental controls effective? We believe they are not. We believe that the Australian government can do better!

Surely, we can do better by copying approaches that do work? The scale of recovery in the USA reflects approaches that do work. They have put in place good measures under the ‘Endangered Species Act’. They have committed to long-term funding, to coordinating recovery plans, and to supporting large-scale habitat restoration.

The consensus among ecologists and conservation organisations (such as BirdLife Australia) is that current environmental laws in Australia are insufficient to prevent major destruction and fragmentation of avian and other wildlife habitats.

This is what they have reported: [59]*

Australia is grappling with a severe biodiversity crisis, with one in six bird species now threatened. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has proven ineffective, particularly in regulating land clearing—a major threat to woodland birds.

Millions of hectares of critical habitat have been lost due to inadequate federal oversight, with current laws focusing primarily on large projects and granting exemptions to industries such as native forestry. Additionally, the Act neglects the impact of climate change, which intensifies habitat destruction through droughts and bushfires.

Many endangered bird species lack robust recovery plans, prompting the federal government to establish the National EPA for better compliance. However, concerns remain among conservation groups about the effectiveness of these new laws, as habitat loss continues to outpace restoration efforts, further jeopardising native bird populations.

Is there hope? Can we reverse the trend?

There are some glimmers of hope. Evidence has shown that the trend toward extermination can be reversed—with well-managed, large-scale commitment and action, bird populations can recover.

These are the actions required:

To protect and restore critical habitats, we must identify key areas, manage fire risks, and control invasive predators. Effective management systems and fully funded recovery plans are essential for long-term success and are backed by adaptive monitoring.

The eradication of invasive species has already led to remarkable recoveries in seabird populations, demonstrating that deliberate, science-based interventions work.

This is a call for us to be ‘mindfully’ proactive and so have a positive influence on legislation. If we practice ‘mindfully,’ we may not require much persuasion—according to the Ecopsychology Journal: [60]*

Imagine transforming your birdwatching experience into a meaningful journey of ecological stewardship. When you engage with deep attention, patience, and a meditative curiosity for local ecosystems, this casual pastime blooms into something truly impactful.

Birdwatching is not just about spotting a particular species; it’s an invitation to slow down and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the natural world. Tune in to the gentle rustle of leaves, the buzz of insects, and the intricate structure of the canopy overhead. In fact, birds serve as the “diplomats” of nature, connecting us to broader environmental issues.

By understanding the daily challenges birds face—such as finding clean water, safe nesting sites, or suitable forests—you begin to grasp the broader problems of habitat destruction and climate change. It’s a powerful shift in perspective that fosters deeper appreciation and responsibility.

As you observe, consider jotting down your findings (though it’s not a requirement!). This practice could even spark your interest in citizen science. Initiatives like BirdLife Australia, with projects such as the Aussie Bird Count and data collection through Birdata, thrive on the insights contributed by passionate individuals like you. The observations made by everyday birders help map the decline of species, track invasive populations, and monitor changing migration patterns, thereby shaping effective conservation strategies.

So grab your binoculars and let your birdwatching journey open your eyes to the wonders of the environment and your role in protecting it.

We can advocate against:

Local deforestation, harm to wetlands and botanical gardens, pollution of creeks, and disruptive urban expansion that threatens fragile ecosystems in outer suburbs, as well as products that harm ecosystems, such as plastics that endanger land and marine birds.

We have demonstrated that mindful visits to bird habitats show us their artfulness, intelligence, beauty, and, indeed, the peril they face. In becoming aware of this, the health of the entire environment has become personal and worth defending for us—we hope that this will be the case for all who have read the stories about our avian friends!