Habitat loss is a primary driver for the decline in the diversity of species and in many cases, animals are hit by the losses twice – with breeding grounds and wintering grounds impacted. It’s important for us to be aware of the status of different species as well as the state of their habitats so that we can change our activities and behaviors. The choice of what we save and what we destroy is ours.
The photo here is of a Loggerhead Shrike that has been seen in Loudoun for the last few years. The Loggerhead Shrike is a threatened species and this bird is the only individual we have come across in Loudoun. If you know of locations in Loudoun where they are (or if you identify other animals or plants in Loudoun that are on the threatened/endangered species list) please do let us know.
For those interested in finding out which species in our area are threatened or endangered, there’s a great list compiled by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries called Virginia Species of Concern. To see the list, click here.