Global warming likely to dramatically affect birds

WILDLIFE WATCHING — Bald eagles and loons will take a big hit while blue jays are among the species that could prosper as the earth’s climate heats up.  But overall, the outlook is grim.

Half of all bird species in North America — including the bald eagle — are at risk of severe population decline by 2080 if the swift pace of global warming continues, the National Audubon Society concluded in a study released Monday.

• See the report: 314 Species on the Brink .

“ The scale of the disruption we’re projecting is a real punch in the gut, ” said Gary Langham, chief Audubon scientist.

• See a story from the L.A. Times .