Page 13 - BRN April 2021
P. 13

  Although there are some small areas of range extension in Colorado, northeastern Utah, and western Wyoming, these increases pale in comparison with the range losses. This species has a significant problem.
Toggling the filter to the winter season shows a different story. The species would experience a general increase in its range in the western United States, extending northward several hundred miles.
But if you die in the summer, it doesn’t matter what your winter range is.
Another example indicates the complexity of the issue. Using the summer filter set at an increase of 2.0° C, the program indicates that the Broad-tailed Hummingbird loses 55% of its current range (while gaining 19% elsewhere) - bottom image. Not only does the species lose most of its summer range, the geographic shape of that range changes. In the area of the Black Range most of the lower elevations lose this species - except that in areas with a bit more moisture there is some range expansion. Because of their dependence on the flowers growing at higher elevations they are most abundant high in the the mountains, where their “bicycle chain sound” is a constant reminder of their presence. Their ability to migrate long distances helps, but they lose or barely maintain range. This pattern is typical of the western U. S., image right.
 The loss of range is due to two (interrelated) factors: changes in native flora and the changes in the fauna which has associations with it. If a plant can no longer survive at a locale, under normal circumstances, the insects which are associated with it are affected, as are the birds which eat the insects. Much to-do has been made over the idea of a web of life over the years and with good reason.
Planting strategies are best informed by some idea of the bird species that will be affected. Planting native nectar species, for instance, may help mitigate the range shrinkage of the Broad- tailed Hummingbird by ensuring that its food remains available within its native range.
Audubon also has a tool to identify, broadly speaking, what species of plant may be useful for the purposes discussed here. The “Native Plants Database” which Audubon maintains will generate a listing of plant species suitable for your zip code. For zip code 88042, it generates a listing of 59 plant species which it indicates are “best results” and 385 for “full results”.
These tools will “get you in the ballpark”; they in themselves provide enough information for you to use to make a positive difference. And remember, small bits add up. Your efforts can be part of a larger global effort.
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