American Avocets

From USFWS Migratory Birds:

We're kicking off #birdyear! Help celebrate 100 years of bird conservation and be a part of something big.

A century ago – when unregulated shooting of birds and the use of feathers for fashion were the norm - something unprecedented happened. In response to popular pressure from many corners, in 1916 the U.S. government signed a treaty with Great Britain (on behalf of Canada) to protect birds that spend time in both countries. It was the first time two nations had acted to protect birds across borders. The Migratory Bird Treaty and the resulting Migratory Bird Treaty Act--which allowed the treaty to function under domestic law--established the first system of comprehensive wildlife management on a national level. This laid the foundation for wildlife protection over the last century, from the continued development of the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System to passage of the Endangered Species Act, and further treaties with Mexico, Japan and Russia.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service marks this conservation milestone in the company of the many partners who work to conserve birds and their habitats every day. Our goals are to create awareness, promote key actions, increase support, and expand opportunities for people to engage in the conservation of migratory birds.

You can be part of the celebration! Attend a Centennial event, use bird-friendly practices around your home or office, participate in citizen science initiatives – and more. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the web and use the hashtag #birdyear.

Being social is about sharing, so share your great bird photos with us on Facebook, or in our Flickr group -http://www.flickr.com/groups/birdyear. Sign up for Centennial updates at http://www.fws.gov/lists/migratorybirdtreatycentennial. Find educational materials, bird conservation timelines and much more at http://www.fws.gov/birds/mbtreaty100/

Let’s join together and make this a true “Year of the Birds”!

American Avocets, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge/USFWS