Fewer chicks are surviving to replace adults killed by natural causes, including the perilous winter and spring migrations. Although public land such as National Wildlife Refuges and National Parks are extremely important for wildlife, especially migrating birds, we cannot depend upon the small amount of federal land to provide all of the food and habitat birds need. In the eastern United States that figure is closer to 90 percent. To maintain the glorious diversity of songbirds, shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl, private landowners and state and local governments are needed to provide habitat. All of these lands can be managed to increase their value for wildlife while maintaining their current use.
Landowners can restore, enhance or protect habitat beneficial to birds and wildlife.
Planting native vegetation provides wildlife with badly needed food and cover. For information, contact federal and state wildlife agencies for programs or information to assist with habitat enhancement and wetland restoration projects. Winter habitats in Central and South America are also being altered and are disappearing, in some cases, faster than breeding habitats. If you're a coffee lover, consider buying shade-grown coffee. Coffee grown on clearcut plantations not only destroys rainforest, but also critical winter habitat for migratory birds.