I am a conservationist first and a photographer second. The birds and landscapes I photograph are facing one of the biggest challenges in years as legal protections are being eroded. I believe it is vital to actively work to preserve our environment — to be good stewards of the treasures God has given us. Of course, selfishly, I would like to continue to share my photos with you, but more importantly I would like to see future generations, my grandkids included, enjoying a little bit of the nature I grew up with. At this point it will take years, maybe even decades, to restore what we have lost in recent years. But if we don’t act now, we could lose even more before we have a chance to get started.
The latest blow is to the century old Migratory Bird Treaty Act that has protected most of America’s wild bird species. More than 1,000 species are covered under the law. The changes have drawn backlash from organizations representing an estimated 46 million U.S. birdwatchers. There’s no telling how many species could decline as a result of the changes, but there is a real fear that more birds will be listed under the endangered species act and could face extinction if protections are not kept in place.
Migratory bird protections were one of the country’s first major federal environmental laws, enacted just after the conservation movement embodied by President Teddy Roosevelt emerged. At the time many U.S. bird populations had been decimated by hunting and poaching — much of it for feathers for women’s hats.
The new proposal would end the government’s decades-long practice of treating accidental bird deaths caused by industry as potential criminal violations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They were put in place to force industry to prevent bird deaths where possible, such as covering toxic waste pits. Industry sources kill an estimated 450 million to 1.1 billion birds annually, out of an overall 7.2 billion birds in North America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and recent studies.
After an initial rebound in bird populations after protections were enacted, we are now seeing declines in bird populations because of loss of habitat and climate change. Just last fall devastating reports showed we have lost 3 billion birds in North America since 1970. If we all work to protect birds, waterways, lands and other wildlife, we can make a difference. We have to become aware and then actively involved in protecting our environment in order to protect the treasures God has bestowed on us. The Cornell Lab of Ornitholoy came up with a list of ten ways we can make a difference. They also came up with a chart of really simple solutions everyone can do to help the bird population.
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful birds around, and even more of the gorgeous creatures visit the state in the winter during migration. If we all want to continue enjoying these populations and the benefits they bring to the environment then we have to do what we can to help protect them, whether it’s writing to your representative in congress, sitting on a board that promotes environmental protections or making your own backyard bird friendly.
I am sharing photos of just a few of the many bird species that recovered thanks to the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
American Bald Eagle, Painted Bunting, Caracara, Snowy Egret, Florida Burrowing Owls, Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Roseate Spoonbill, Stilts, While Pelican and Black Skimmers.
