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
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.