Protection of Birds

Today, many people realize that birds should be protected from harmful human activities. There are many clubs of bird lovers dedicated to the protection of birds. Principal among these is the National Audubon Society, founded in 1905.

More than 300 areas in North America have been set aside as national wildlife refuges. No hunting or farming is permitted in these areas. National wildlife refuges were set up in 1929 by Congress. Private bird sanctuaries are maintained by organizations such as the Audubon Society. Cities and states also set aside areas where birds can breed without being disturbed by humans. Some famous bird sanctuaries are located at Pelican Island, Florida; Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania; and Rainey Wild Life Sanctuary, Louisiana.

Another means of protection involves breeding individuals of an endangered species in captivity to build up its population. Once the group of captive birds has become well established and their wild habitat well protected, some individuals are released into the wild. This practice has helped certain species, such as the peregrine falcon, increase in numbers.

The Migratory Bird Treaty, signed in 1918 by the United States and Canada, is designed to protect game birds and songbirds by regulating hunting. A similar agreement between the United States and Mexico was signed in 1936. Birds that spend most of their time within a relatively small area are protected by state and local laws that prohibit or restrict hunting or trapping. The U.S. Department of the Interior sets up hunting seasons and bag limits on species that may be killed. All Canadian provinces have similar hunting laws. In addition, both the United States and Canada prohibit the importing of skins of exotic birds, thus giving protection to species that were formerly killed to provide ornaments for hats and clothing.