But projections for the future show that number will certainly increase. I think it s significant that many ecologists are recognizing urbanization as a major threat to wildlife diversity, and they re developing research programs to address that issue. One example is the National Science Foundation s Long-Term Ecological Research Program, which added urban sites to its roster a few years back. At one of these sites, in Phoenix, researchers are examining how landscape design affects birds. Under this program, FWS awards grants to cities for protecting migratory bird habitat, or for educating the public about birds.
Public education is important because some people aren t happy to have raptors as neighbors.
She didn t like the idea that peregrines kill the pigeons she feeds. Caged bird owners also get upset if their pets escape and the peregrines pick them off. And building managers don t like to change their window-washing schedules to avoid disturbing nesting birds. But most people like raptors, says Mannan. Most homeowners I talk to are delighted to have them around.