The National Audubon Society highlights the global observance that, twice a year, marks the migration of birds around the world, and the need to conserve their habitats.
Twice a year, a global observance takes place to mark the spring and fall migration of birds around the world, and emphasize their importance to our communities and to the environment at large.
World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys undertaken by migratory birds each year, and raises awareness about the need to conserve their habitats and protect them from threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.
Events held worldwide include birdwatching activities, educational programs, and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these vital species and their ecosystems. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding our birds and the environments they live in. This May, ICCF and the National Audubon Society hosted an event on Capitol Hill honoring Congressional champions for bird conservation, and calling for continued investment in the habitats and landscapes that both people and birds need to survive.
The attention could not come at a more urgent time. North America’s bird population has declined by 3 billion birds since 1970 -- a loss of more than one in four birds. Successful recovery will require efforts across the full ranges of migratory birds. All throughout the hemisphere, communities are connected by migratory species like the Osprey, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallow, and Western Tanager. The sweeping scope of some of these migratory routes is detailed in Audubon’s Bird Migration Explorer, showing how interconnected all of these habitats are.
Birds’ migratory routes transcend borders. So must our conservation efforts. This spring, Congress passed the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act – a law that will help support funding for bird conservation throughout the Americas, the Caribbean and along the entire migratory paths for hundreds of our beloved bird species. But we must do more. In addition to ensuring that critical programs receive the funding they are promised, we have many opportunities to make a difference.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, for example, was passed in 1918 and is one of the nation’s oldest conservation laws. It must be strengthened to reflect the challenges that birds face today from climate change and habitat loss. At particular issue is boosting incentives for industries to avoid harming or killing birds – known as “incidental take” – by employing measures to avoid, minimize, or meaningfully compensate for any harm done to birds.
The much-anticipated Farm Bill also presents an opportunity to provide vital resources for migratory birds. Currently, critical provisions from the 2021 Climate Bill that would support farmers, ranchers, and other producers in making their working lands climate- and conservation-friendly are at risk of being omitted from this sweeping legislation. Audubon and our partners will continue to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle to preserve this funding.
While federal policy is absolutely necessary to conserving the migratory birds that we love, there are plenty of things anyone can do in their own homes and communities. Many migratory birds depend on specific insects and plants to nourish them on their journeys.
If you are able to maintain a garden, planting native plants will ensure that your migratory visitors get the right nutrients, and won’t have to search elsewhere or go without.
You can also ask your town or city to plant native plants, or support your local park. No matter where you live, you can help make your community more bird-friendly.
As if you needed another incentive to help conserve migratory birds, birding also happens to be big business! A survey by the Fish and Wildlife Service found that 96 million Americans engage in birdwatching each year, and consumers spend nearly $100 million on traveling, equipment, and other resources to view birds and wildlife. So birds provide an economic benefit in addition to the key ecosystem services they provide through pest control, seed dispersal, pollination, and more.
By Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government, Affairs, National Audubon Society
Jesse Walls is the Senior Director, Government Affairs at the National Audubon Society. Walls is a native Ohioan who came to Audubon with 13 years of experience on Capitol Hill, most recently as Director of Member Services for Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH) during his time as the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Before that, Walls was Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Stivers and previously worked for the late Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and the Ohio State Senate. Walls received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University in 2005.
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