Red Knot feeding in early morning lightRed Knot feeding in early morning light – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

I have written before on how Red Knots are a species on the edge because of plummeting populations declines and today they still need our help.

Red Knot populations are in serious decline partly due to the over-harvesting of Horseshoe Crabs along the Atlantic coast of the United States, the eggs of which are an important food source for this species. Red Knots fatten up on the crab eggs during their long migration north and without the stored energy those eggs provide many breeding adults do not have enough body mass to make the journey to the Arctic tundra to successfully breed. Some states have helped by regulating the harvest of Horseshoe Crabs but these shorebirds still need our help.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed protecting the Red Knot under the Endangered Species Act, and is accepting public comments through May 19, 2014.

Please consider raising your voice and send a message to the FWS that imperiled Red Knots need our support now. We have just three days left in the commenting period.  You can easily send a letter of support to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Audubon by clicking here. (Link is no longer valid)

Thank you in advance for your help.

Mia