The recent news published in the journal Science stating that we have lost 3 billion birds since 1970 is alarming.

N.H. Audubon has been focused on bird populations for 105 years, regularly monitoring both the declines and recovery of New Hampshire’s birds. Despite being one of the most heavily forested states in the country, with abundant habitats, high-quality wetlands and clean water, many of our birds are imperiled.

Here are some facts about New Hampshire’s bird populations: 78 out of 187 species of native nesting birds in New Hampshire are in decline; 35 species are declining rapidly. One entire group of birds, the “aerial insectivores,” are particularly in trouble. These include the iconic common nighthawk that used be a regular sight over downtown Concord on summer evenings, the chimney swifts that still twitter in acrobatic flight over the city and the swallows that spend the winter south of the United States.

The reasons for bird declines are complex and likely tied to human activities. In New Hampshire, habitat loss, cats and collisions add to the list of threats to birds.

Migratory birds in particular face complex and often unknown threats across their annual cycle as they move beyond the state.

N.H. Audubon tracks the populations of all of our birds. From the rare saltmarsh sparrow to the increasing bald eagle and to our common feeder birds like the black-capped chickadee. What we see on a daily basis or even year to year isn’t always the same as these reported long-term trends.

For example, we know that northern cardinals have increased in New Hampshire over the past 30 years, as shown on N.H. Audubon’s annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey. But right now they are secretive and quiet (and not visiting feeders) as they molt and take advantage of currently abundant natural food supplies.

Luckily there are many things we can do as individuals to help birds.

Our State of the Birds Conservation Guiderecommendations align closely with recent recommendations from 3billionbirds.org. Top among these include keeping cats indoors, reducing risks of bird strikes on buildings from lights and windows, and making purchasing decisions that protect birds, such as choosing low-pesticide products and bird-friendly coffee brands. In your yard and on your land, plant native tree and shrub species, since native plants provide many times more food and nesting areas. Work with local land trusts to protect the habitat already on your property and support land protection in the tropics.

And, as always, make your voice and choice heard at the ballot box when you vote.

We are lucky in New Hampshire, where habitats and birds are comparatively abundant. Let’s make sure we keep it that way.

(Doug Bechtel is president of N.H. Audubon.)