The Migratory Bird Treaty Act: 100 years of Protection? by Nancy Howell

We need to update and strengthen The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to address 21st century threats, such as oil pits, power lines, communications towers, and other deadly hazards, to save the lives of millions of birds. ~ National Audubon Society

​Ask President Obama to Strengthen the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

This year marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The Act was signed between The U.S. and Canada initially, and later between the U.S. and Mexico, Japan and the Soviet Union.

When hearing the title, MBTA, one would probably say, “that’s a good thing.”

​In this day and age most of us would be horrified if species were hunted out of season and sold in marketplaces, killed for their plumage, or their eggs and nests collected…that is so early 1900’s.

​Yet, presently, millions of migratory birds are being killed. How? We thought they were protected?

Consider that birds collide with man-made structures - buildings, electrical towers and lines, and poorly placed wind turbines to name a few.

​Structures that invade the air space and more structures with lights or reflective windows are doing birds in.

How many birds have struck  windows at your home and have been killed, and your home is just one of millions. Do the math, it adds up.

​Birds are “collateral damage”, poisoned as they accidentally feed in an agricultural area, get caught in fishing nets and drown, or are killed by cats, feral or roaming pets, as humans bring their companion animals into suburban or rural areas.

But probably one of the most significant aspects is habitat destruction.

​Birds need places to breed in the spring and summer, to spend the winter, most often in Central or South America, and just as importantly, the migratory routes in between so they can to rest, feed and refuel.

We have all seen it, another housing development tears away at a woodlot, a shopping area engulfs a shrubland or an old field turned into sterile cropland. All had provided habitat, even if it were stopover habitat for migrants, now it is gone.

Migratory birds are declining despite the MBTA and we can all do something about it. Updating and strengthening the MBTA is exactly what The National Audubon Society is working toward.

Western Cuyahoga Audubon, other Audubon chapters and other conservation and birding organizations need to get the word out to our neighbors, our educators, our legislators…anyone who can make a difference…
which is all of us.

---

Time is running out for President Obama to act. 

It only takes a minute to ensure habitat conservation for generations to come. Click/tap the button below to send your letter now. On the next page you can send the National Audubon Society sample letter or edit with your own words for even greater impact. ​

SEND YOUR COMMENTS

---

Make A Donation to Western Cuyahoga Audubon. Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.

---