Birds
A total of 216 species of birds have been identified at BNL since 1948; at least 85 species are known to nest on site. Some of these nesting birds have shown declines in their populations nationwide over the past 30 years. The Laboratory conducts routine monitoring of songbirds along seven permanent bird survey routes in various habitats on site.
A total of 132 bird species have been identified in surveys in the past 14 years; 59 of these species were present in each of the past 15 years. Variations in the number and species identified during each survey may reflect the time of observation, variations in weather patterns between years, and possible changes in the environment.
The eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) has been identified as a declining species of migratory birds in North America. This is due to loss of habitat and nest site competition from European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus). BNL’s Natural Resource Managment includes habitat enhancement for the eastern bluebird. Since 2000, the Laboratory has installed and maintained nest boxes around open grassland areas and the Long Island Solar Farm to enhance their population.
Migratory birds occasionally cause safety and health concerns, particularly Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and several species of migratory birds that occasionally nest on buildings or in construction areas on site. Over the past several years, the resident Canada goose population at BNL began increasing, with the potential to reach large enough numbers that could result in health and safety issues. In 2007, under a permit from FWS, the Laboratory began managing the resident goose population by limiting the number of eggs that could hatch and has successfully limited the growth of the goose population.
Birds NY State Threatened, Endangered, of Special Concern, or of Greatest Conservation Need (nesting, transient, or potentially present)
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| American kestrel | Falco sparverius | SGCN |
| American woodcock | Scolopax minor | SGCN |
| Black-billed cuckoo | Coccyzus erythropthalmus | SGCN |
| Black-crowned night heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | SGCN |
| Blue-winged warbler | Vermivora cyanoptera | SGCN |
| Brown thrasher | Toxostoma rufum | SGCN |
| Common Nighthawk | Chordeiles minor | SGCN |
| Cooper's hawk | Accipiter cooperii | SC |
| Glossy ibis | Plegadis falcinellus | SGCN |
| Great egret | Ardea alba | SGCN |
| Greater yellowlegs | Tringa melanoleuca | SGCN |
| Northern Bobwhite | Colinus virginianus | SGCN |
| Osprey | Circus cyaneus | T |
| Northern harrier | Pandion haliaetus | SC |
| Prairie warbler | Dendroica discolor | SGCN |
| Red-headed woodpecker | Melanerpes erythrocephalus | SC |
| Scarlet tanager | Piranga olivacea | SGCN |
| Sharp-shinned hawk | Accipiter striatus | SC |
| Whip-poor-will | Caprimulgus vociferus | SC |
| Wood thrush | Hylocichla mustelina | SGCN |
| Worm-eating warbler | Helmitheros vermivorum | SGCN |
