A Tiny Seabird Faces Growing Threats in the Forest

The article discusses the challenges faced by the marbled murrelet, a small seabird that nests in the canopy of old-growth redwood forests. Despite its unique habitat, the murrelet is facing growing threats from various sources. One of the primary concerns is the loss of suitable nesting sites due to logging and development. As the old-growth forests are cleared, the murrelet's nesting grounds are diminishing, making it harder for the birds to find suitable breeding locations. Additionally, the murrelet faces threats from predators, such as corvids (crows and jays), which have been increasing in number due to human activity. These predators can disrupt the murrelet's nesting and feeding habits, further endangering the species. The article also mentions the murrelet's vulnerability to oil spills and other environmental disasters, which can have devastating impacts on the birds' populations. Overall, the article highlights the plight of the marbled murrelet, a unique seabird whose survival is closely linked to the preservation of old-growth redwood forests. Addressing these threats will require a concerted effort to protect the murrelet's habitat and mitigate the various risks it faces.