Notes in the Margin: Moonbird

By Carol Feltes

moonbirdFor the birders among us…..

Here is a good read suitable for the layman.  Moonbird  by Phillip Hoose is the story of the rufa red knot. Regional birders know that, for many migratory birds traveling the eastern flyway, areas of the New Jersey shore are important stopping places.  The red knot (subspecies rufa), a medium sized shorebird, is eagerly watched for in the spring by New Jersey birders.

The Red Knot is facing severe challenges from human impacts on the environment as well as reduced food availability.  Since 1995, populations have fallen by 80%.  Moonbird examines the challenges the red knot faces around the hemisphere, and introduces us to the group of scientists and conservationists working to ameliorate the problems, and assures the future of shore birds.

 

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