Re “An Ecological ‘Crisis’ as 2.9 Billion Birds Vanish” (front page, Sept. 20):
One of my great small joys each spring is sleeping with the bedroom windows ajar so that each morning I will awaken to the sound of birds chirping, calling, singing their hearts out to the dawn. What better reminder of the wonders of this planet and my good fortune to be alive with it all.
This year it never reached the joyous, melodious and raucous cacophony I have been used to. I wondered if I could be imagining this or if something in my backyard environment had changed and discouraged the birds from finding a home there this spring. Yes, there was birdsong, yes, I saw some lovely birds nesting and having babies. I was worried though.
I see I was right to be worried. Now, I am heartbroken.
Pamela Rosenblum Clinton Corners, N.Y.
To the Editor:
As a wildlife biologist who studies birds as indicators of forest health, I was devastated, but not surprised, to read the recent research published in Science about the dramatic decline in bird abundance. The most startling piece of information is the consistency in the declines across habitats and families of birds.
Birds are an important indicator of ecosystem health, and this study is a powerful signal about the current status of our environment. Other studies show similar trends in insect populations, amphibians and aquatic systems.
We must rally together to identify what we can and should do to reverse these trends. It is time to take action. Conservation and restoration across habitats must be a priority by implementing land use and land management practices that prioritize the conservation of biodiversity.
Alexis Grinde Duluth, Minn.
To the Editor:
If this report isn’t — almost quite literally — the canary in the coal mine, I don’t know what is.
Jeffrey Heyman Lafayette, Calif.
The Young Activists
To the Editor:
Re “Climate Kids and Right-Wing Media,” by Charlie Warzel (Opinion, Sept. 27):
One marvels at the relentless courage and knowledgeable, impassioned commitment of serious young activists like Greta Thunberg; also David Hogg, Emma González and their Parkland cohort; and the Nobel Prize recipients Malala Yousafzai and Nadia Murad.
Several of these young people have personally experienced or witnessed violence, tragedy and profound loss. All of them (and all of us) have experienced the deleterious effects of climate change and pollution.
The tireless advocacy and work of these young activists inspires countless people throughout the world; they have effected positive, lifesaving change and will continue to do so.
Apathy is not an option. Hatred is often synonymous with ignorance. Those who cynically and cruelly dismiss, disparage and spread disinformation about these young leaders are the poorer for it.
Ilene Starger Brooklyn
Our Diplomats Are an Asset
To the Editor:
Re “A Love Letter to the State Department,” by Elizabeth Fitzsimmons (Op-Ed, nytimes.com, Sept. 18):
My wife and sons and I have lived overseas in a variety of places and positions, including as Peace Corps volunteers and as the head of country health programs funded by USAID. We have been privileged to personally know ambassadors and diplomats who represent our interests abroad.
In Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Jordan, we have been welcomed into their homes for Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas singalongs and other occasions.
The State Department career Foreign Service officers are the best our country has to offer, demonstrating in their everyday personal and professional lives what the United States stands for. Be it wearing a sari to official functions, sitting with the tribes or drinking tea in remote desert areas, they connect with the local people.
They learn and speak the language and understand the culture while maintaining their American perspective.
In today’s world these professionals put their lives and their families’ on the line every day with grace and compassion. They are our most important asset for peace, understanding and security in the world.
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Home » Analysis & Comment » Opinion | Heartbroken Over the Vanishing Birds
Opinion | Heartbroken Over the Vanishing Birds
More from our inbox:
To the Editor:
Re “An Ecological ‘Crisis’ as 2.9 Billion Birds Vanish” (front page, Sept. 20):
One of my great small joys each spring is sleeping with the bedroom windows ajar so that each morning I will awaken to the sound of birds chirping, calling, singing their hearts out to the dawn. What better reminder of the wonders of this planet and my good fortune to be alive with it all.
This year it never reached the joyous, melodious and raucous cacophony I have been used to. I wondered if I could be imagining this or if something in my backyard environment had changed and discouraged the birds from finding a home there this spring. Yes, there was birdsong, yes, I saw some lovely birds nesting and having babies. I was worried though.
I see I was right to be worried. Now, I am heartbroken.
Pamela Rosenblum
Clinton Corners, N.Y.
To the Editor:
As a wildlife biologist who studies birds as indicators of forest health, I was devastated, but not surprised, to read the recent research published in Science about the dramatic decline in bird abundance. The most startling piece of information is the consistency in the declines across habitats and families of birds.
Birds are an important indicator of ecosystem health, and this study is a powerful signal about the current status of our environment. Other studies show similar trends in insect populations, amphibians and aquatic systems.
We must rally together to identify what we can and should do to reverse these trends. It is time to take action. Conservation and restoration across habitats must be a priority by implementing land use and land management practices that prioritize the conservation of biodiversity.
Alexis Grinde
Duluth, Minn.
To the Editor:
If this report isn’t — almost quite literally — the canary in the coal mine, I don’t know what is.
Jeffrey Heyman
Lafayette, Calif.
The Young Activists
To the Editor:
Re “Climate Kids and Right-Wing Media,” by Charlie Warzel (Opinion, Sept. 27):
One marvels at the relentless courage and knowledgeable, impassioned commitment of serious young activists like Greta Thunberg; also David Hogg, Emma González and their Parkland cohort; and the Nobel Prize recipients Malala Yousafzai and Nadia Murad.
Several of these young people have personally experienced or witnessed violence, tragedy and profound loss. All of them (and all of us) have experienced the deleterious effects of climate change and pollution.
The tireless advocacy and work of these young activists inspires countless people throughout the world; they have effected positive, lifesaving change and will continue to do so.
Apathy is not an option. Hatred is often synonymous with ignorance. Those who cynically and cruelly dismiss, disparage and spread disinformation about these young leaders are the poorer for it.
Ilene Starger
Brooklyn
Our Diplomats Are an Asset
To the Editor:
Re “A Love Letter to the State Department,” by Elizabeth Fitzsimmons (Op-Ed, nytimes.com, Sept. 18):
My wife and sons and I have lived overseas in a variety of places and positions, including as Peace Corps volunteers and as the head of country health programs funded by USAID. We have been privileged to personally know ambassadors and diplomats who represent our interests abroad.
In Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Jordan, we have been welcomed into their homes for Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas singalongs and other occasions.
The State Department career Foreign Service officers are the best our country has to offer, demonstrating in their everyday personal and professional lives what the United States stands for. Be it wearing a sari to official functions, sitting with the tribes or drinking tea in remote desert areas, they connect with the local people.
They learn and speak the language and understand the culture while maintaining their American perspective.
In today’s world these professionals put their lives and their families’ on the line every day with grace and compassion. They are our most important asset for peace, understanding and security in the world.
Edson Whitney
Shohola, Pa.
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