Q. With so many problems confronting America, why should taxpayers support spending to protect birds?

A. Birds are sending us a wake-up call that habitat destruction is taking a serious toll on the environment that sustains us all. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies. It’s a smart investment.

Q. What kind of return can we expect on this investment?

A. This program heavily leverages private investment in bird conservation. The federal government has invested $30 million in the protection of bird habitat through this program, which in turn has leveraged $135 million in matching partner contributions. For every $1 spent by the government, $5 is spent on conservation. That is a good deal for the American taxpayer, and of course, great for birds. Birds also provide a return on our investment by helping our economy in many ways. They contribute by performing as pollinators, helping control insects and rodents, and dispersing seeds. They also attract birdwatchers, and inspire backyard feeding, the buying of binoculars and other equipment, and birding trips. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bird watching and other wildlife-related recreation generates $122 billion in spending every year.

Q. Your testimony is to support the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Why “Neotropical” birds?

A. Neotropical is a biological realm that includes South and Central America, the West Indies, and tropical Mexico. Simply put, it’s where many of our birds prefer to go when they cross the border (and the Tropic of Cancer) in the fall. Neotropical birds represent more than half of the breeding birds of the United States, and they are spending eight months of every year south of the border, where they are being exposed to significant and serious threats. If we want to conserve these birds, we have to invest not only in conservation in the United States but also in protecting the areas they need as they migrate south and return.

Q. You testified about this in 2005; why again now?

A. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate have proposed an early reauthorization of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) that would triple funding for this critically important program. This is such a wonderful opportunity for the Congress to expand and build upon successful, cost-effective efforts to conserve migratory birds.

Q. What can people do to help these birds?

A. First, write your Senators and Representatives to support this important legislation to protect migratory birds.

Consider taking the time to help your Audubon state office or local chapter apply for a grant through the program, to protect habitat for neotropical birds here at home, and build partnerships with bird organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Follow the tips from our Audubon At Home program for making your own backyard friendly to neotropical migrants.