Wildlife Welfare

Conservation of Migratory Bird Welfare

Migratory birds face threats across their entire flyway including habitat loss, hunting, window strikes, and climate disruption. Welfare consideration for migratory species requires international cooperation.

Key Facts

An estimated 5 billion birds migrate between breeding and wintering grounds in North America annually
Migratory birds encounter threats at every stopover site, not just breeding and wintering grounds
Illegal hunting of migratory birds across the Mediterranean kills tens of millions of birds annually
Light pollution causes disorientation during nocturnal migration and increases collision mortality
Climate change is disrupting the timing of migration relative to food availability at stopover sites

Welfare Considerations

Migratory birds face welfare threats across international boundaries that no single nation can address alone. Exhausted migrants that arrive at stopover sites only to find degraded habitat, hunting pressure, or illuminated buildings face compounding welfare harms. The Lights Out programs in major US cities demonstrably reduce collision mortality during migration. International agreements like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act address legal frameworks but need strengthening.

What You Can Do

Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights during spring and fall migration seasons
Support Lights Out programs in your city during peak migration weeks
Advocate for stricter enforcement of Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections
Donate to organizations protecting critical migratory bird stopover habitat globally