During the past 30 years, populations of dozens of Neotropical migratory birds and other birds have declined at rates exceeding two percent per year. Recognizing the need to take cooperative action to protect migratory birds, Partners in Flight, an international coalition that includes the Colorado Division of Wildlife and other state and federal wildlife agencies, conservation groups, academic institutions and corporations, has dedicated itself to reversing declines in migratory bird populations. International Migratory Bird Day is the hallmark event of Partners in Flight. International Migratory Bird Day recognizes conservation partnerships like those that made the peregrine s recovery possible. No one agency, group or individual can reverse the decline of a migratory bird species alone, which is why efforts like Partners in Flight are so important, Giesen said.
Individual actions are crucial to migratory bird conservation.
For example, homeowners can make their property safer and more attractive for birds by reducing and carefully monitoring the pesticides they apply to lawns and shrubs, by planting trees and bushes that provide habitat and natural food, by keeping cats indoors whenever possible and by locating bird feeders away from heavy cover so that cats cannot surprise unsuspecting birds. Aside from their environmental importance, bird-related activities are also some of America s most popular pastimes. In fact, bird watching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the U.S., outpacing golf and rivaling gardening in terms of the number of participants. In 1996, more than 63 million people went bird watching in their local communities, fed birds or took wildlife watching trips. Here is a recap of some of the events planned around Colorado for International Migratory Bird Day.