POWERGRAMS

6 From a tiny, rare woodpecker, to soaring raptors, including the symbol of the nation, to delicate shorebirds along the Gulf Coast, Alabama Power and its employees are working to protect the state's important native bird species and those that journey through on their annual migrations. The company is also supporting and contributing to efforts to protect the world's only winged mammals: bats. "A lot of birds, and bats, are facing challenges," said Chad Fitch, an Alabama Power biologist involved in several of the ongoing efforts to support birds. "We are working with multiple partners on a variety of projects to help them both." One of the company's most prominent initiatives, with partner support, is focused on expanding the population of rare red-cockaded woodpeckers, which saw dramatic reductions over the past century but are now showing signs of recovery. In fact, federal officials last year proposed "down-listing" the species, from endangered to threatened. "Due to the conservation efforts of diverse stakeholders across its range, it is no longer in danger of extinction," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) stated in proposing the woodpecker down-listing. "Due to these efforts, habitat conditions and population numbers are improving, a vast majority of populations are stable and growing, and threats to the red-cockaded woodpecker have been successfully managed to the point that it has met recovery benchmarks." Alabama Power's contribution to the woodpeckers' recovery is centered at a remote, EMPLOYEES MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR SPECIES ACROSS ALABAMA By Michael Sznajderman Birds of a feather ENVIRONMENT

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