80 likes | 204 Views
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK Accipiter striatus. Endangered in Connecticut What can we do?. The questions I focused on:. What is their natural habitat? Where and when are they usually seen in Connecticut? In what ways are they a benefit to us in the state? Why are they endangered?
E N D
SHARP-SHINNED HAWKAccipiter striatus Endangered in Connecticut What can we do?
The questions I focused on: • What is their natural habitat? • Where and when are they usually seen in Connecticut? • In what ways are they a benefit to us in the state? • Why are they endangered? • What can we do to help?
What is their natural habitat? • Sharp-shinned Hawks live in coniferous or mixed woodlands. • During winter, they are often found in woodlots, towns, and parks. • Sharp-shinned hawks are found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south to the Gulf States.
Where and when are they usually seen in Connecticut? • The sharp-shinned hawk migrates through Connecticut from the end of the summer until early November. • Some birds stay in Connecticut over the winter. • Connecticut range map (where they are most often sighted in the state)
In what ways are they a benefit to us in the state? • They reduce smaller pest species such as European starlings and House Sparrows. • They also occasionally eat mice, shrews, bats, frogs and insects. • They are an important food source for their predators and an important member of their ecosystem.
Why are they endangered? • Sharp-shinned hawk populations declined in the 1970s because of eggshell thinning caused by pesticide contaminating their prey. • Conservation concerns today include declines in prey species, environmental contaminants and the reduction of their forest habitat. • Collisions with plate glass doors and picture windows
What can we do to help? • Support conservation of larger wooded areas in the state so they are not developed. • Don’t use any pesticides, and discourage others from using pesticides, that can cause thinning of eggshells. • Draw shades or curtains to help minimize bird/glass impacts. • Report nest sightings to the CT Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP).