Migratory Birds
State-of-the-art waterfowl management is being practiced on many refuges. The Service strategically located many refuges and all of its waterfowl production areas along the north-south flyways used by waterfowl on their annual fall migration (Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, Pacific). Migratory bird management also includes 700 non-game species of colonial waterbirds, birds of prey, shorebirds, seabirds and songbirds. Refuges also participate in the development of broad conservation strategies through flyway plans, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, the National Shorebird Plan and the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network. National Wildlife Refuges are also ideal destinations for birders. Many of the almost 40 million annual visits to refuges are from casual or avid birders. Refuges often host birding festivals, special events and educational programs for beginning and advanced birders. In 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to promote birding, habitat conservation and citizen science. Numerous refuges have also been designated Important Birding Areas by the Audubon Society. |
Last updated:
March 13, 2012