[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”11.8px” custom_margin=”-2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Barn Swallow | Pauliina Saarinen | Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Swallows, swifts, flycatchers, and nightjars are aerial insectivores\u2014birds that hunt insects on the wing. These birds have been identified as species of concern due to steeply declining populations across North America in recent decades. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Our local aerial insectivores appear to be declining, too. Thanks to the data collected by hundreds of Birds Connect Seattle community volunteers from 2005 to 2023, we’ve been able to analyze trends from the Neighborhood Bird Project<\/a> counts for 115 species. Among landbirds, counts of aerial insectivores declined fastest, at an average rate of 7.3% per year, with nine out of ten species showing negative trends.<\/span><\/p>\n Cliff Swallows<\/a> fared the worst. Counts fell by 20% annually, for a cumulative decline of 98% since 2005. Barn Swallow<\/a> and Vaux\u2019s Swift<\/a> also declined precipitously at 95% and 91%, respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare.png”<\/a>; title_text=”neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare_legend.png”<\/a>; title_text=”neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare_legend” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”375px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n OSFL = Olive-sided Flycatcher; [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”20px|||||”]<\/p>\n Pesticide use may be driving declines, either through direct ingestion or by depleting the insect prey base. Reducing pesticide use at homes, gardens, and greenspaces is an important way to help these species. Pet owners should be aware that many topical flea and tick medications are neonicotinoid-based and can enter the environment when animals go outside or are washed. Choosing food grown without pesticides also makes a difference. This extends to birdseed, much of which is grown with intensive pesticide use.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Habitat loss, including loss of nesting sites, is another driver. Modern buildings are often designed without eaves, with bird exclusion purposely in mind. This can reduce local nesting opportunities for species like Barn Swallows. If aerial insectivores are nesting on your building, consider yourself lucky and do what you can to protect them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The one bright spot is the Western Flycatcher<\/a>, counts of which have grown exponentially along nearly every forested NBP survey loop in recent years, with overall counts up 572%. Why this species booms while close relatives like Western Wood-pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher bust isn\u2019t entirely clear. Western Flycatchers make a shorter migration and favor shaded interior forests, so fewer threats along the way, maturing forest at NBP sites, or both may help explain their success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wefl_trajectory_earthcare.png”<\/a>; title_text=”wefl_trajectory_earthcare” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n WEFL = Western Flycatcher<\/p>\n The only aerial insectivore species analyzed that had upward population trends. Photo by Jason C Scoggins, Audubon Photo Awards<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web-size.jpeg”<\/a>; title_text=”Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web size” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”249px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”17px|||||”]<\/p>\n Local, long-term community science like the Neighborhood Bird Project turns observations into insight. By comparing our regional trends with broader North American datasets, we can see where Seattle\u2019s birds mirror national declines, and where they diverge. This clarity is essential for scientists and conservationists to understand which species are in trouble so we can prioritize habitat protection, reduce harmful practices, or mobilize community action in time. Neighborhood Bird Project data ensures we\u2019re not guessing\u2014it gives us the evidence needed to protect vulnerable species before declines become irreversible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381,1369″ excerpt_length=”50″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” offset_number=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #NBPPop” module_id=”NBPPop” module_class=”popup on-exit close-alt single” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” max_width=”82%” display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiJiMDA4ZDk3ZS0wN2Y4LTRlZjktYjZhYy02ZWFhM2UwNDc4MzciLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwb3N0VmlzaXQiLCJjb25kaXRpb25TZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJkaXNwbGF5UnVsZSI6Imhhc1Zpc2l0ZWRTcGVjaWZpY1BhZ2UiLCJwYWdlcyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJTYWhpbHkncyBKb3VybmV5IHRvIEZpbmQgSGVyIEJpcmRpbmcgQ29tbXVuaXR5IiwidmFsdWUiOiIyNjM2NyJ9XSwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBvc3QgVmlzaXQiLCJlbmFibGVDb25kaXRpb24iOiJvbiJ9LCJvcGVyYXRvciI6Ik9SIn1d” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”NBPPop” da_is_singular=”on” da_exit_intent=”on” da_alt_close=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_has_close=”on” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-32px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” content_width=”85%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”Collect data with Neighborhood Bird Project” button_text=”Volunteer” button_link=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/get-involved\/volunteer\/”<\/a>; use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0A3C23″ background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-social-bird-walk-2022.png”<\/a>; background_enable_image=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#0A3C23″ button_bg_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_border_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_alignment=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our skies are changing. New analysis of 18 years of Neighborhood Bird Project data shows aerial insect-eating birds, like swallows and swifts, are declining locally, with some species down more than 90%.<\/p>\n What\u2019s driving the drop, and what can we do to help? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787274,"featured_media":32656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[1381,1369,1379],"tags":[1855,1368,1440,1441,1851,1853,1854,1866,1852,1867,1392],"class_list":["post-32654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-conservation","category-science","tag-bugs","tag-conservation","tag-earthcare-northwest","tag-ecnw","tag-flycatchers","tag-insectivores","tag-insects","tag-pesticides","tag-swallows","tag-swifts","tag-urban-conservation"],"yoast_head":"\nby Joshua Morris, Conservation Director<\/em><\/h4>\n
Tough data to swallow<\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/span>WEWP = Western Wood-pewee;
NRWS = Northern Rough-winged Swallow;
WIFL = Willow Flycatcher;
TRES = Tree Swallow;
VGSW = Violet-green Swallow;
VASW = Vaux’s Swift;
BARS = Barn Swallow;
CLSW = Cliff Swallow<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is behind the sharp declines?<\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/h4>\n
One species is bucking the trend<\/h4>\n
<\/em><\/p>\nWhy this matters<\/span><\/h4>\n
Related Articles<\/h3>\n
![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare.png”<\/a>; title_text=”neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”](\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare.png”\"){kind=link}
![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare_legend.png”<\/a>; title_text=”neg_ai_trajectories_earthcare_legend” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”375px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOSFL = Olive-sided Flycatcher;<\/span>WEWP = Western Wood-pewee;NRWS = Northern Rough-winged Swallow;WIFL = Willow Flycatcher;TRES = Tree Swallow; VGSW = Violet-green Swallow; VASW = Vaux’s Swift; BARS = Barn Swallow; CLSW = Cliff Swallow<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”20px|||||”]<\/p>\nWhat is behind the sharp declines?<\/span><\/h4>\nPesticide use may be driving declines, either through direct ingestion or by depleting the insect prey base. Reducing pesticide use at homes, gardens, and greenspaces is an important way to help these species. Pet owners should be aware that many topical flea and tick medications are neonicotinoid-based and can enter the environment when animals go outside or are washed. Choosing food grown without pesticides also makes a difference. This extends to birdseed, much of which is grown with intensive pesticide use.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHabitat loss, including loss of nesting sites, is another driver. Modern buildings are often designed without eaves, with bird exclusion purposely in mind. This can reduce local nesting opportunities for species like Barn Swallows. If aerial insectivores are nesting on your building, consider yourself lucky and do what you can to protect them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h4>\nOne species is bucking the trend<\/h4>\nThe one bright spot is the Western Flycatcher<\/a>, counts of which have grown exponentially along nearly every forested NBP survey loop in recent years, with overall counts up 572%. Why this species booms while close relatives like Western Wood-pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher bust isn\u2019t entirely clear. Western Flycatchers make a shorter migration and favor shaded interior forests, so fewer threats along the way, maturing forest at NBP sites, or both may help explain their success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wefl_trajectory_earthcare.png”<\/a>; title_text=”wefl_trajectory_earthcare” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWEFL = Western Flycatcher<\/p>\nThe only aerial insectivore species analyzed that had upward population trends.<\/em><\/p>\nPhoto by Jason C Scoggins, Audubon Photo Awards<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web-size.jpeg”<\/a>; title_text=”Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web size” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”249px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”17px|||||”]<\/p>\nWhy this matters<\/span><\/h4>\nLocal, long-term community science like the Neighborhood Bird Project turns observations into insight. By comparing our regional trends with broader North American datasets, we can see where Seattle\u2019s birds mirror national declines, and where they diverge. This clarity is essential for scientists and conservationists to understand which species are in trouble so we can prioritize habitat protection, reduce harmful practices, or mobilize community action in time. Neighborhood Bird Project data ensures we\u2019re not guessing\u2014it gives us the evidence needed to protect vulnerable species before declines become irreversible.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381,1369″ excerpt_length=”50″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” offset_number=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #NBPPop” module_id=”NBPPop” module_class=”popup on-exit close-alt single” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” max_width=”82%” display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiJiMDA4ZDk3ZS0wN2Y4LTRlZjktYjZhYy02ZWFhM2UwNDc4MzciLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwb3N0VmlzaXQiLCJjb25kaXRpb25TZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJkaXNwbGF5UnVsZSI6Imhhc1Zpc2l0ZWRTcGVjaWZpY1BhZ2UiLCJwYWdlcyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJTYWhpbHkncyBKb3VybmV5IHRvIEZpbmQgSGVyIEJpcmRpbmcgQ29tbXVuaXR5IiwidmFsdWUiOiIyNjM2NyJ9XSwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBvc3QgVmlzaXQiLCJlbmFibGVDb25kaXRpb24iOiJvbiJ9LCJvcGVyYXRvciI6Ik9SIn1d” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”NBPPop” da_is_singular=”on” da_exit_intent=”on” da_alt_close=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_has_close=”on” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-32px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” content_width=”85%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”Collect data with Neighborhood Bird Project” button_text=”Volunteer” button_link=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/get-involved\/volunteer\/”<\/a>; use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0A3C23″ background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-social-bird-walk-2022.png”<\/a>; background_enable_image=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#0A3C23″ button_bg_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_border_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_alignment=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our skies are changing. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wefl_trajectory_earthcare.png”<\/a>; title_text=”wefl_trajectory_earthcare” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWEFL = Western Flycatcher<\/p>\nThe only aerial insectivore species analyzed that had upward population trends.<\/em><\/p>\nPhoto by Jason C Scoggins, Audubon Photo Awards<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web-size.jpeg”<\/a>; title_text=”Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web size” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”249px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”17px|||||”]<\/p>\nWhy this matters<\/span><\/h4>\nLocal, long-term community science like the Neighborhood Bird Project turns observations into insight. By comparing our regional trends with broader North American datasets, we can see where Seattle\u2019s birds mirror national declines, and where they diverge. This clarity is essential for scientists and conservationists to understand which species are in trouble so we can prioritize habitat protection, reduce harmful practices, or mobilize community action in time. Neighborhood Bird Project data ensures we\u2019re not guessing\u2014it gives us the evidence needed to protect vulnerable species before declines become irreversible.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381,1369″ excerpt_length=”50″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” offset_number=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #NBPPop” module_id=”NBPPop” module_class=”popup on-exit close-alt single” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” max_width=”82%” display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiJiMDA4ZDk3ZS0wN2Y4LTRlZjktYjZhYy02ZWFhM2UwNDc4MzciLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwb3N0VmlzaXQiLCJjb25kaXRpb25TZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJkaXNwbGF5UnVsZSI6Imhhc1Zpc2l0ZWRTcGVjaWZpY1BhZ2UiLCJwYWdlcyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJTYWhpbHkncyBKb3VybmV5IHRvIEZpbmQgSGVyIEJpcmRpbmcgQ29tbXVuaXR5IiwidmFsdWUiOiIyNjM2NyJ9XSwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBvc3QgVmlzaXQiLCJlbmFibGVDb25kaXRpb24iOiJvbiJ9LCJvcGVyYXRvciI6Ik9SIn1d” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”NBPPop” da_is_singular=”on” da_exit_intent=”on” da_alt_close=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_has_close=”on” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-32px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” content_width=”85%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”Collect data with Neighborhood Bird Project” button_text=”Volunteer” button_link=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/get-involved\/volunteer\/”<\/a>; use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0A3C23″ background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-social-bird-walk-2022.png”<\/a>; background_enable_image=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#0A3C23″ button_bg_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_border_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_alignment=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our skies are changing. New analysis of 18 years of Neighborhood Bird Project data shows aerial insect-eating birds, like swallows and swifts, are declining locally, with some species down more than 90%.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s driving the drop, and what can we do to help? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787274,"featured_media":32656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[1381,1369,1379],"tags":[1855,1368,1440,1441,1851,1853,1854,1866,1852,1867,1392],"class_list":["post-32654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-conservation","category-science","tag-bugs","tag-conservation","tag-earthcare-northwest","tag-ecnw","tag-flycatchers","tag-insectivores","tag-insects","tag-pesticides","tag-swallows","tag-swifts","tag-urban-conservation"],"yoast_head":"\nAerial Insectivores in Decline: What 18 Years of Neighborhood Bird Project Data Reveals - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our skies are changing. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web-size.jpeg”<\/a>; title_text=”Aud_APA-2022_Western-Flycatcher_A1_17610-4_Photo-Jason-C-Scoggins-Web size” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”249px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”17px|||||”]<\/p>\nWhy this matters<\/span><\/h4>\nLocal, long-term community science like the Neighborhood Bird Project turns observations into insight. By comparing our regional trends with broader North American datasets, we can see where Seattle\u2019s birds mirror national declines, and where they diverge. This clarity is essential for scientists and conservationists to understand which species are in trouble so we can prioritize habitat protection, reduce harmful practices, or mobilize community action in time. Neighborhood Bird Project data ensures we\u2019re not guessing\u2014it gives us the evidence needed to protect vulnerable species before declines become irreversible.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381,1369″ excerpt_length=”50″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” offset_number=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #NBPPop” module_id=”NBPPop” module_class=”popup on-exit close-alt single” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” max_width=”82%” display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiJiMDA4ZDk3ZS0wN2Y4LTRlZjktYjZhYy02ZWFhM2UwNDc4MzciLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwb3N0VmlzaXQiLCJjb25kaXRpb25TZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJkaXNwbGF5UnVsZSI6Imhhc1Zpc2l0ZWRTcGVjaWZpY1BhZ2UiLCJwYWdlcyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJTYWhpbHkncyBKb3VybmV5IHRvIEZpbmQgSGVyIEJpcmRpbmcgQ29tbXVuaXR5IiwidmFsdWUiOiIyNjM2NyJ9XSwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBvc3QgVmlzaXQiLCJlbmFibGVDb25kaXRpb24iOiJvbiJ9LCJvcGVyYXRvciI6Ik9SIn1d” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”NBPPop” da_is_singular=”on” da_exit_intent=”on” da_alt_close=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_has_close=”on” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-32px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” content_width=”85%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”Collect data with Neighborhood Bird Project” button_text=”Volunteer” button_link=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/get-involved\/volunteer\/”<\/a>; use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0A3C23″ background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-social-bird-walk-2022.png”<\/a>; background_enable_image=”on” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#0A3C23″ button_bg_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_border_color=”#FAF5F0″ button_alignment=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our skies are changing. 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