Each year the legs of more than half a million birds in North America are banded by scientists. Each band carries a unique serial number and other tracking information. Ornithologists have greatly increased their understanding of migration routes, the timing of migration and wintering areas used by birds. The value of the data that is gathered is very important in telling us things about what a birds needs are in order for the species to survive. This information leads to sound conservation policy.
Climate change is a part of nature.
It takes place as a cycle over a period of centuries and even millennia. But in the last century the cycle of climate change seems to have accelerated. When the Earth's temperature rises it can have profound effects on weather patterns worldwide. Even wind patterns and ocean currents can change. Droughts may occur in some regions while record-breaking high rainfalls may occur elsewhere.