It's the Year of the Bird

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty (MBT), signed between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) on August 16, 1916.  The MBT paved the way for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which together form the foundation of nearly every important domestic bird conservation activity since then, as well as many international efforts that allow us to successfully conserve migratory birds wherever their travels may take them.  The MBT is truly a cornerstone in American conservation!

Throughout 2016, the Service is uniting with its partners to commemorate the MBT Centennial and promote migratory bird conservation at international through local levels.  Together, our mantra is to  Give the World Wings! Here’s what you need to know to get involved and help celebrate.

What's Happening

Events and promotions in the United States and Canada are being planned and hosted under the banner of the MBT Centennial.  We've created a regional website publishing bird events and MBT Centennial information at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/events/bird-treaty-centennial/.

The four primary goals of the MBT Centennial activities are to increase awareness, facilitate key actions, leverage support, and expand engagement regarding the MBT and the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.  The Southeast Region is in the process of planning family-friendly bird-themed special events in partnership with regional zoos.  We will provide more information on these events as they develop.  

We are also still considering ways to best promote and support the MBT Centennial externally with partners, and internally as One Service among our respective Program areas.  We welcome your interest and suggestions!

Why Celebrate the MBT Centennial?

Birds are an integral part of our mission.  Every Service Program contributes to the conservation of migratory birds!  This celebration of birds also extends beyond the Service to all federal, state, private, tribal, non-governmental, corporate, and international partners, as well as to individual citizens that conduct every day actions to conserve birds.  Birds are part of America's rich natural and cultural heritage!

How You Can Help

I encourage you to consider getting involved in MBT Centennial activities.  Here are some suggestions: 

·       Visit a National Wildlife Refuge to see, hear and learn about the migratory birds in that area.

·       Participate in a bird walk at your local state park, national park, nature center or with your neighborhood Audubon, Nature Conservancy or Sierra Club chapter.

·       Submit your bird observations to eBird throughout the year.

·       Promote and participate in citizen science programs like the Great Backyard Bird Count, North American Breeding Bird Survey, or Christmas Bird Count.

·       If you’re a Twitter user, follow @USFWSSoutheast and @USFWSBirds and use the hashtag #BirdYear to join the conversation online.

·       Visit a local wildlife rehabilitation center and learn how they care for injured and orphaned migratory birds.  Better yet, volunteer to help!

·       Add an MBT Centennial link to your email signature block by copying and pasting the image and text below:

Celebrating 100 years of Migratory Bird Conservation 1916-2016
#BirdYear

MBT Centennial Resources

·       Visit the National MBT Centennial Page and the MBT Centennial Nestbox:  Learn how you can help save birds, all day every day!

·        Check out our YouTube video “Migratory Birds: A Brief Conservation History.”

·        Go to our Regional MBT Centennial Page.

·        Sign up for fun and informative bird facts here offered by the Service's Midwest  Region.  Many of these species can also be found in our region!

·        Access free outreach materials, presentations and more to help you plan your  2016 International Migratory  Bird (IMBD) Day event at                  http://www.migratorybirdday.org/.  This year's IMBD theme, Spread Your  Wings for Bird  Conservation, is closely aligned with the goals of the MBT  Centennial.   

MBT Centennial Points of Contact

Discuss your interests and ideas with your supervisors, colleagues or any of the key MBT Centennial contacts listed below:

R4 Team Leads
Troy Wilson, Migratory Birds, 404/679-7227, [log in to unmask]

Resee Collins, Migratory Birds, 404/679-4163, [log in to unmask]

Program Support
Nadine Siak, Gulf Restoration/External Affairs, 404/679-7290,     [log in to unmask]

Jennifer Strickland, External Affairs, 404/679-7299,      [log in to unmask]

Kevin Lowry, National Wildlife Refuge System, 404/679-7110, [log in to unmask]

Andreas Moshogianis, Ecological Services, 404/679-7119, [log in to unmask]

Best - 

Did you know that a hummingbird can fly backwards, its egg is the size of a pea, and only the Ruby-throated hummingbird breeds east of the Mississippi River?