Editors' Page

As you scan between the covers of this issue of Birdscapes, you might come to the conclusion that the magazine has been mistitled. You might even conclude that this rag should have been called Herpandfinscapes.

I think Joe La Tourette, in his article on page 31, provides the best explanation as to what happened with this issue: ". . .habitat joint ventures across North America, are no longer just about waterfowl or even migratory birds. The joint ventures are creating partnerships to protect and restore critical habitat for all wetland-dependent species. . . ."

And so it is. This issue's lead story relates how a partnership in Virginia was able to connect-the-dots in the relationship among the only known state population of the eastern glass lizard, the State-listed canebrake rattlesnake, and the northern parula and other neotropical migrants—this is biodiversity conservation at work. In the Furthermore department you will read about how the habitat work being done by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's Pacific Coast Joint Venture not only contributes to conserving birds but also salmon and anadromous trout populations.

In the Species at Risk section, you'll find a story about how a partnership in Oregon created new habitat to save a population of the rare, tiny Oregon spotted frog that was being ousted from its home—birds and other wildlife benefitted as well. You also will discover how partners are making a difference for the rare, 3-inch vermilion darter and the disappearing, 10-foot alligator gar.

In the Partners department, you'll be inspired by two Arizona ranchers who took it upon themselves to maintain habitat for two populations of Chihuahuan leopard frogs residing on their ranch during an extended drought; the other wildlife using the ponds and the troubled teens who became involved in the project also were grateful for their efforts.

We hope that this issue of Birdscapes causes you to consider one more element in your bird-habitat-conservation plans: How do we manage for the other wildlife that need this habitat?

An apology: In Birdscapes Winter 2002 issue, we ran an uplifting story about the solace that nature can bring to a troubled heart in a time of crisis: The Patience of Stones by Richard Nelson. The credit for the beautiful image of Roaring Fork in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that accompanied the article was inadvertently omitted. Richard and Susan Day are the photographers who captured the scene. We apologize for the oversight.