Audubon Society: Many Conn. Bird Species Declining In Population

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- The Connecticut Audubon Society has issued its annual report on the state of birds in the Northeast – specifically Connecticut.

As WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported the Audubon Society's findings this year about the state of birds in Connecticut is not good.

"This whole group of birds, swallows, swifts, et cetera, are declining and we don't know why," said Milan Bull of the Audubon Society.

Bull said there has been a precipitous drop, largely in the population of birds that feed on flying insects. Bull said other birds disappearing include eastern kingbirds, purple martins, whippoorwills, and nighthawks.

Eighteen species in all, he said, are declining in population.

Some bird species are disappearing rapidly, while others have been on a slow decline since the 1960s.

The society hopes to encourage scientists to investigate.

Bull said earlier this month that the society is looking to kids to save birds. He said the problem is that kids today aren't being encouraged to get outdoors, and tune into nature.

The Audubon Society is working with Connecticut schools and the Boy Scouts to stress the importance of enlightening the next generation about our creatures in the wild.

What do you think should be done about the declining bird populations? Please leave your comments below...