Hartford Urban Bird Treaty
Check out the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty homepage for more information and resources!
In 2011, the City of Hartford was designated the eighth U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Urban Bird Treaty city within a national network that is now expanding beyond the thirty cities originally selected. The Urban Bird Treaty is a unique program that brings together partners from a spectrum of federal, state, municipal, non-profit, and educational organizations to create bird-friendly habitats that connect citizens to nature through birding and conservation in cities.
Trinity College Professor of Biology, Dr. Morrison (now Emerita), initiated, encouraged, and fostered partnerships between Park Watershed, Friends of Keney Park and Pope Park as well as the City of Hartford Department of Public Works and the City Office of Sustainability. With local community groups our team planted native shrubs around Keney and Pope Park ponds. We also designed a “Plant Palette” that was distributed as brochures, posters, and park signage. Dr. Morrison studied bird collisions with buildings in downtown Hartford near the Connecticut River flyway.
Our work informed a series of recommendations to remedy hazards and improve urban bird habitat in city parklands that are detailed in this Municipal Conservation Reference, “Hartford’s Birds: Park Habitat Revitalization and Conservation”.
2023 Update:
Connecticut Audubon Society, Park Watershed, and Friends of Keney Park worked together to update Hartford’s Urban Bird Treaty by further developing implementation strategies that increase public education and engagement. This work depends upon expanding collaborations with City of Hartford Department of Public Works and Hartford Public Library, various park friends groups, as well as area nonprofits, such as Hartford Audubon Society. We are grateful to the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for supporting evolution of the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty.
In reviewing the original documents and speaking with local environmental groups and stakeholders, we have found the original recommendations outlined in 2013 to still be relevant and necessary to continue today, with the added emphasis on community access to local natural area.
- Expand Conservation Learning
Many organizations throughout the city of Hartford and surrounding areas offer high quality, hands on, conservation education programs for both children and adults. With funding, these programs could be established as a regular occurrence in city parks as a way to engage our local community and encourage the use of urban green spaces.
- Strengthen Environmental Health
City of Hartford Department of Public Works staff has been expanding low mow areas throughout the Hartford City Park system, and so cultivating pollinator habitat. Minimizing mowing is a cost-effective management strategy that reduces energy consumption and air pollution while also increasing meadow habitat diversity. Interest and involvement of park friends, neighborhood civic organizations, and teachers has supported the work of city staff, as well as foregrounded the appeal of bird habitat within city parks. The pandemic revealed how healthy local natural resources are essential for healthy communities, physically and mentally. The addition of new pollinator garden beds, native plantings and the continuation and expansion of the low mow/no mow areas will help maintain our healthy communities. These spaces will- allow for greater education opportunities as well with interpretive signage and spaces for conservation education programs to take place.
- Minimize Hazardous Conditions
Advocating for the passage of several important bills is also important to the health of the birds and habitats in urban areas.
An Act Concerning Neonicotinoids for Nonagricultural Use
Neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) are generally systemic in nature, infusing all parts of a treated plant, from the roots to the pollen and nectar. They are very effective against pests. However they are non-specific, which is to say that they kill beneficial insects as well as pests. The decline of native pollinators has been linked with the use of neonic pesticides in several studies such as the following: American Bird Conservancy. The Xerces Society. And NRDC.
Neonics can affect birds in multiple ways. Most birds are insectivorous and thus the loss of beneficial insects affects their prey base, but studies have also shown that neonics are directly toxic to birds. See here and here.
An Act Concerning the Use of Certain Rodenticides
Poisons that target rats and mice are especially insidious when it comes to birds. These poisons are known as second generation rodenticides because they were developed after rodents built up resistance to earlier rodenticides. The second generation rodenticides don’t kill rats and mice immediately. The animals survive for a while and become easy prey for hawks, owls, eagles and other birds. This can be detrimental to our urban raptor population because as the birds eat the poisoned rodents, they themselves become poisoned.
We are thankful for the passage of the “Lights Out Bill” to protect our migrating birds. Under the bill known as Lights Out, state-owned buildings or buildings that the state leases will be required to turn out non-essential lights from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., year-round.
Originally the bill (HB 6607) limited the Lights Out period to migration seasons — April through May, and mid-August through mid-November. But it was changed late in the process and now applies year-round. Non-essential lights are those not needed for safety or functionality. The state Capitol is exempt from the law
Minimizing bird strikes in the city is another continued recommendation moving forward. Utilizing the latest studies, creative solutions should be formed to protect our birds, especially during migration periods, from structures and glass that prove hazardous.
Rededication of Hartford Urban Bird Treaty creates a new agenda for conservation of the city’s birds
Two pairs of Eastern Bluebirds are nesting at Keney Park in Hartford. The Urban Bird Treaty will help bring Hartford residents closer to the city’s wildlife and natural areas. Photo by Brian Bennett.
May 19, 2023 — A coalition of federal and city officials along with statewide and local conservation groups renewed their commitment today to improving Hartford as a place for birds to thrive and for people to enjoy them.
Coalition members joined with city residents at Keney Park in Hartford to officially rededicate the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty.
A program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Urban Bird Treaty is a national network that works to improve bird habitat in urban areas, and to help city residents experience and learn about birds and the natural world. The program has grown since its start in 1999 to include 30 cities.
The rededicated plan updates the original 2011 Hartford Urban Bird Treaty. It sets the stage for a new “bird agenda” for the city, following Service guidelines. The agenda will make recommendations that align with the three main goals of the Urban Bird Treaty program.
- Protect, restore, and enhance urban habitats for birds.
- Reduce urban hazards to birds.
- Educate and engage urban communities in caring about and conserving birds and their habitats
Service Acting Deputy Regional Director Scott Kahan said: “Working in cities to conserve migratory birds is critical in so many ways; by restoring habitat and reducing hazards we are not only benefitting birds and other wildlife, but also improving the health and well-being of families and children that live there. The City of Hartford is a shining example of how the Urban Bird Treaty program helps people recognize, enjoy, appreciate, and protect migratory birds and other wildlife right in their community.”
Connecticut Audubon Executive Director Patrick Comins said: “In a state like Connecticut with large urban areas, cities are especially important for birds. Cities have pockets of high-quality habitat and other places where habitat can be improved or created. We set a goal in our 2018 Connecticut State of the Birds report to work toward improving urban bird habitat. We are thrilled to be able to do that here in Hartford, in this important Urban Bird Treaty partnership.”
Henry Hester, co-chair of Friends of Keney Park, said: We are thrilled to announce the renewal of Hartford’s Urban Bird Treaty and proud to be partners with the next generation, putting youth at the forefront of our efforts. At Friends of Keney Park, we believe in building upon the present success of the Urban Bird Treaty and working together to protect our city’s wildlife. With this renewed commitment, we look forward to continuing our work to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Keney Park and the greater Hartford community.”
Community First School Principal and Co-Founder Timothy Goodwin, who’s students hike in the park weekly said, “Our students have been monitoring birds and wildlife in the park for over two years and recently established a bluebird trail attracting two nesting pairs. Hands-on nature-centered learning out of doors in our own backyard helps our students connect to academic learning while establishing a sense of self. Our students and staff are ecstatic to attend the Urban Bird Treaty ceremony, and look forward to experiencing and learning more about the birds in our natural Hartford environment.”
Connecticut Public, the parent organization of WNPR Public Radio, is Connecticut Audubon’s official media sponsor of the Urban Bird Treaty rededication and of a series of events planned for summer. The renewal ceremony helped kick off Connecticut Audubon’s Annual Migration Madness weekend bird celebration and helped mark the organization’s 125th anniversary.
The updating and rededication of the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty is made possible by a generous gift from The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
The event at Keney Park was held during the peak of spring songbird migration. Connecticut Audubon’s 2018 Connecticut State of the Birds report, called “In Cities and Suburbs: A Fresh Look at How Birds Are Surviving in Connecticut,” noted that urban areas are extremely important for migrating birds, which need high quality habitat for resting and feeding as they build up energy to continue migrating and then breed.
The report identified Hartford as a prime location for the creation of more high-quality bird habitat.
As an example of the abundance and diversity of birds, observers within the last few weeks have seen Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, and Savannah Sparrows among many other species at Keney Park. In fall, the park attracts migrating warblers, vireos, and other songbirds.
As part of the Urban Bird Treaty, Connecticut Audubon will hold at least four free programs in Hartford over the summer, at Keney Park, Colt Park, and elsewhere. Connecticut Audubon naturalists will lead bird walks and teach participants how to use binoculars and identify birds. Participants will also learn about the general natural history of the area and observe other wildlife and plants within the city parks.
Following each walk, there will be educational materials and activities available that will highlight the birds of Hartford as well as ways to access nature within the city.
Re-dedication of Hartford Urban Bird Treaty set for Friday, May 19, at Keney Park
May 12, 2023 — Join us at Keney Park in Hartford on Friday, May 19, for the official 2023 rededication of Hartford’s Urban Bird Treaty — a multi-organization plan to improve bird habitat in the city and offer more opportunities for city residents to learn about and enjoy birds.
The rededicated plan updates the original 2011 Hartford Urban Bird Treaty with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It will help neighborhoods learn from, collaborate with, and care for the benefits of nature in city parks and along stream corridors.
The re-dedication ceremony is set for 10 a.m. at the Keney Park Pond House, 323 Edgewood Steet, Hartford.
Hartford Councilwoman Shirley Surgeon are scheduled to participate, along with officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Park Watershed, Friends of Keney Park, and the Connecticut Audubon Society.
Bird walks and other activities will follow, from 11 until noon. The day starts with an 8:30 a.m. bird walk led by the Hartford Audubon Society. Horizon Wings, a raptor rehabilitation center in Ashford, will be there with live birds starting around 10 a.m..
The ceremony and the activities are all free and the public is welcome.
Connecticut Public, the parent organization of WNPR Public Radio, is Connecticut Audubon’s official media sponsor of the Bird Treaty events on May 19 and later in the summer. The renewal ceremony kicks off Connecticut Audubon’s Annual Migration Madness weekend bird celebration and helps mark the organization’s 125th anniversary.
A program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Urban Bird Treaty is a national network whose goal is to improve bird habitat in urban areas, and help city residents experience and learn about birds and the natural world.
Federal, state, and municipal agencies, along with non-profit and educational organizations, work together to create bird-friendly habitats and connect people with nature through birding and conservation.
The program has since grown to include 30 cities.
Renewing Hartford’s Urban Bird Treaty
Cities like Hartford encompass many areas that are important to birds. The renewal of the Urban Bird Treaty will improve local parks and also help city residents to learn about and enjoy the local bird life.
Connecticut’s bird lovers were electrified in 2020 when a Townsend’s Warbler showed up in Hartford. A western U.S. species, it had never been seen in Connecticut before and scores of birders convened in Hartford to look for it.
The Townsend’s Warbler highlighted just how important cities are for birds — not just rarities from the west but common species as well. Connecticut Audubon is now working with local partners in Hartford to help make sure the city’s parks continue to be great places for birds.
Hartford was designated an Urban Bird Treaty city in 2011. The designation is up for renewal and the Connecticut Audubon Society, Friends of Keney Park, and Park Watershed are collaborating on an update.
The result will be better habitat for birds throughout the city’s parks, and more chances for city residents to learn about and enjoy them.
The Urban Bird Treaty is a national network whose goal is to improve bird habitat in urban areas, and help city residents experience and learn about birds and the natural world.
It’s a program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Federal, state, and municipal agencies, along with non-profit and educational organizations, work together to create bird-friendly habitats and connect people with nature through birding and conservation.
The program now includes 30 cities, and after more than a decade, Hartford’s agreement is up for renewal.
This Townsend’s Warbler in Hartford was the first state record for the species. Frank Mantlik photographed it on April 17, 2020. © Frank Mantlik
Goals
Hartford’s project got off to a great start in 2011. Its goals were to improve migratory bird habitat in city parks, cultivate public awareness and citizen science, and reduce migratory bird hazards.
Native shrubs were planted throughout Keney and Pope Park ponds. A “Plant Palette” brochure was created. Signs were erected to educate the community about native vegetation beneficial to migratory birds.
Trinity College Professor of Biology Dr. Joan Morrison (now emerita) studied how urban buildings are hazardous to migratory birds. She made recommendations to remedy these hazards, such as using reflective window film to reduce bird collisions, and minimizing both light pollution and the use of rodenticides.
The 2023 renewal is called Strengthening Connections: Hartford Urban Bird Treaty. Its goal is to help neighborhoods learn from, collaborate with, and care for the benefits of nature in city parks and along stream corridors.
Following 2020 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidelines, the next “Bird Agenda” for the city will make recommendations that align with the three main goals of the Urban Bird Treaty program.
- Protect, restore, and enhance urban habitats for birds.
- Reduce urban hazards to birds.
- Educate and engage urban communities in caring about and conserving birds and their habitats
The official Urban Bird Treaty renewal will be held at a public event, tentatively set for May 19 at 10 a.m.
It will be a family event, with educational activities and bird walks along with the presentation and adoption of the new “Bird Agenda.” We anticipate participation from federal, state, and local officials.
Connecticut Audubon Society is also planning at least four free bird walks and programs in Keney Park, Colt Park and two others still to be determined.
A Connecticut Audubon naturalist will teach participants how to use binoculars and identify birds, and will lead a walk through the park. Participants will learn about birds, and also about the general natural history of the area, and observe other wildlife and plants within the city parks.
Educational materials and activities will be available about the birds of Hartford and where to find them.
