Media Tip Sheet: May 5, 2008

Contact: 202-234-7181 ext. 204
: 202-234-7181 ext. 216

Spring Songbird Migration Peaking Across North America

Photos: Blackburnian Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting: by Barth Schorre

*Top experts, high quality video, and stunning photos available*

* Mid-May marks the height of spring songbird migration when billions of birds arrive on their breeding grounds from their winter quarters in Central and South America and the Caribbean: one of the greatest natural phenomena on Earth.

* Migratory birds are in decline and face multiple threats. Click here for details.

* New legislation has just been introduced to protect songbirds. Click here for details.

* According to a government survey, there are 47 million birdwatchers in the U.S., and wildlife-viewing contributed $45.7 billion to the economy in 2006. Click here for the full report.

* Birds and birdwatchers are out in every state; migratory birds are arriving in every city, neighborhood and yard in America; May 10 is International Migratory Bird Day, and the 25th annual World Series of Birding takes place in New Jersey the same day. For a map of regional bird festivals, dates and contact details click here.

* Climate change will affect migration patterns: no more Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore? See state by state report here.

* For top birding and bird conservation sites in each state click here.

For rights-free photos to use with related stories click here.

QUOTE

“Bird migration is one of the World’s great natural wonders, but action is needed now to ensure that it continues. Birds face significant human-caused threats as they fly thousands of miles to and from their breeding and wintering grounds. Millions of people and a multi-billion dollar industry also depend on Congress making the right choice to support legislation to increase successful conservation programs to protect these birds.” Michael J. Parr, Vice President, American Bird Conservancy.

MORE…

Peak of 2008 Spring Songbird Migration Expected Mid-May across U.S.

The migration of billions of birds to and from South and Central America and the Caribbean to the United States is a natural wonder marking each spring and fall. The spring migration is now underway and will reach its peak during the middle of May. Populations of many migratory bird species are in decline, indicating serious problems for the broader environment – see next.

Migratory Songbirds in Decline

Of the 178 continental bird species included on the American Bird Conservancy/Audubon WatchList of birds of highest conservation concern, over one-third: 69 species, are Neotropical migrants. At least 29 species of these migratory birds are experiencing significant population declines. Surveys indicate that several species, such as the Cerulean Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatcher, have declined by as much as 70% since the 1960s.

Legislation Introduced to Conserve Rapidly Disappearing Migratory Birds

Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) have introduced legislation to fund efforts to help protect migratory birds. The act, H.R. 5756, reauthorizes the existing Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, but at significantly higher levels, to meet the growing needs of our migrants, many of which are in rapid decline. “The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies for the broad range of neotropical birds that populate America and the western hemisphere,” Rep. Kind said. Click here for more information.

Government Says: 47 Million Americans Enjoy Birdwatching - Notables Include Laura Bush, Jimmy Carter

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication reports that 47 million Americans watched birds in 2006, and expenditures related to wildlife watching (primarily birdwatching) amounted to $45.7 billion, making birdwatching one of the most popular outdoor activities, and a major contributor to the U.S. economy. Click here for a full report on wildlife-related recreation.

Birdwatching Events Underway in Many States - International Migratory Bird Day is May 10, 2008

“Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitat and People,” is the theme for 2008’s International Migratory Bird Day, which will explore the birds that make these fantastic journeys, the habitats on which they depend, and the people who are important to the conservation of birds and their habitats along the way. Visit www.birdday.org to learn more about this year’s theme. While most events will take place on May 10, 2008, programs, events, and festivals will be taking place all month.

For more related stories click here.