Just like the Short-eared Owl on the habitat sign that accompanies this article, many birds are alive today simply because Stamp-purchased habitats exist. Birds don’t give a hoot about who receives credit for buying the stamps or making the habitat acquisitions.
Despite providing so much of the habitat that bird-watchers value dearly, (and will value even more in the future), few birders and other nature-oriented citizens know that the Stamp program even exists.
The story is an amazing one. A full 98%, or $14.70 of every $15 spent on an annual Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (duck) Stamp, goes straight to fee-title acquisition and perpetual easements. These wetland and associated upland properties are often threatened, but can be protected and managed as National Wildlife Refuges or Waterfowl Production Areas.
Refuge visitation is now approaching 40 million people per year, and according to recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service figures, almost two-thirds of these visitors engage in some level of birdwatching. These visitors are part of the millions of Americans increasingly interested in wild birds and birding. These people, along with birds and other wildlife will require more, not less, habitat in the future.
A recent report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service put the number of birdwatchers in this nation at 46 million people, and steadily growing. Research by an academic team that has made three national studies, each a decade apart, has published data that put the number at approximately 70 million. Whatever the true number of birders is — from backyard feeder watchers, to the very avid birders who trek to the South Pole to view penguins — we know that bird-watchers are not as closely organized as are many bird-hunters are.
My personal hope is that bird-watchers will accomplish as much protection, restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat in the new century — as bird-hunters accomplished during the last 70 years of the old century. The Stamp is not just for ducks, and no one should think that it’s just for hunters!
Buying a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (duck) Stamp is easy, quick and inexpensive. Most of the larger Post Offices will have the Stamp beginning on June 30, 2006. The cost is just $15 (the cost of one semi-fancy meal). Each one of us can help provide living space for wildlife in a world filled with threats to natural habitats. Buy stamps for your spouse, children, or grandchildren. Start a collection. Leave a legacy.
