ROCKINGHAM-With his recognition as a fellow by the American Ornithological Society (AOS), Stephen Brown joins an elite group of 581 current AOS fellows, the highest level of achievement in ornithology.
Brown has a doctorate in natural resources from Cornell University, an master's degree in natural resources from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Hampshire College.
He serves as vice president of science at Manomet Conservation Sciences, headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Manomet spokesperson Dorie Klissas explained that Brown's prestigious award is given "to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of ornithology and demonstrated leadership in advancing bird conservation."
Though Manomet studies the effect of environmental changes on all shorebirds such as plovers and sandpipers, Brown was recognized in particular for his work in helping to increase the population of American oystercatchers.
Oystercatcher numbers are making a strong comeback following years of decline in the shorebird's numbers.
Klissas said that Brown spearheaded Manomet's efforts to "increase the population of the American oystercatcher by 45% after dramatic declines of all shorebirds." She noted that "Manomet made a concerted effort to focus on this bird with remarkably positive results."
Studying shore birds on two continents
Brown explained that geographically, studying shorebirds is a massive undertaking, as their summer and winter ranges may be as far apart as Alaska and Chile.
"It takes all of us working together to get this done," he said, referring to his 22 fellow scientists at Manomet. In addition, he said, Manomet cultivates relationships with similar organizations around the world.
"People ask me how important it is to study something like shorebirds," Brown said, noting that the birds' well-being is considered a leading indicator of the effects of global warming.
At Manomet, Brown has led numerous projects that align with the organization's mission to apply science-based solutions to conserve ecosystems and protect bird species. He said that most of his shorebird research has been carried out in Alaska.
For over two decades, Brown has led annual fieldwork expeditions across the Arctic, spearheading critical research on bird migration, habitat preservation, and the effects of climate change on bird populations.
While some people deny global climate change, Brown remarked that "science is true whether you believe it or not." His work in the Arctic has shown him the effect of climate change on a massive scale.
"Climate change in the Arctic is happening really fast," he explained. "As the ice melts, the water absorbs more heat, and the whole process speeds up."
"The ice has been dramatically reduced," he said, noting that from the time that he and his colleagues began their work with the American oystercatcher in the Arctic in 2006, the edge of the ice fields had melted back 225 miles by 2012.
The effect on the shorebird populations has been just as dramatic.
"The shore bird migration is now out of sync with their food sources," Brown said.
He explained that massive amounts of insects hatch at the same time in the Arctic, providing a major food source for the birds in an area with limited predators, which means they can nest and raise their young in relative safety.
But with the Arctic now getting warmer earlier in the year, the insects are hatching earlier, while the shorebirds still base their migration patterns on the length of the day, which is unaffected by climate change.
So shorebirds are arriving after most of the insects have hatched, which limits their food source and is a major factor in the declining bird populations.
"Shorebirds are a major indicator of environmental health," Brown said. "They are showing us there are some serious environmental problems. Some bird populations have declined as much as 50% since the 1980s."
Brown and his colleagues' research focuses on determining what limits shorebird populations and on developing methods for tracking their populations at a hemispheric scale.
His work has helped shape national conservation strategies and policies, ensuring the protection of numerous bird species across North America. His efforts at Manomet have also extended to mentoring young scientists and fostering the next generation of ornithologists.
Brown said that their efforts at habitat maintenance and protecting the eggs of nesting birds were among the major reasons for their success in helping restore the oystercatcher population.
Founded in 1969, Manomet Conservation Sciences is a nonprofit organization "dedicated to using science and partnerships to address pressing environmental challenges," according to the group's website.
It states that Manomet "works to protect vital ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and create sustainable solutions for communities and industries," with a special emphasis on bird conservation.
The organization's work spans the Americas, from conducting research on migratory bird species to restoring habitats critical for their survival.
Brown, who has spent the last 20 years working at Manomet, grew up in Shaftsbury, and returned in 2014 to live in Rockingham, where his parents were originally from.
He said he and his wife, Metta McGarvey, have built a carbon neutral homestead, motivated by his understanding of climate issues.
"That was a big goal for us, to have a home heated with sustainably harvested wood and to have all our electric from solar energy," he said.
Elizabeth Schueler, president of Manomet Conservation Sciences, talked about Brown's dedication, stating that "Stephen's contributions to bird conservation and research have had a profound impact in our field."
Manomet uses science to drive real-world conservation efforts, Schueler said, and "this recognition from the American Ornithological Society is a testament to Brown's exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to understanding and protecting our shorebird species."
AOS, the organization honoring Brown, is "dedicated to advancing the scientific study and conservation of birds" throughout North America, and as such it "supports ornithological research and education, promoting the preservation of bird species and their habitats."
The AOS is comprised of ornithologists, researchers, and bird enthusiasts from around the world.
While Brown said that he is "deeply honored to be recognized as a fellow by the American Ornithological Society," he made it quite clear that "this recognition is not just for me but also for all my colleagues at Manomet who are dedicated to using science to conserve bird populations."
"Birds are vital to our ecosystems, and I'm motivated to continue this work alongside the incredible team at Manomet," he said.
This News item by Robert F. Smith was written for The Commons.