[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 71 (Monday, May 11, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2756-S2757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               OBSERVING INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today, I rise to speak in 
celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. Every spring, 
waterfowl such as canvasback ducks, northern pintails and goldeneyes, 
raptors such as sharp shinned hawks, broad winged hawks and kestrels, 
warblers, buntings, and of course orioles like Maryland's State bird, 
the Baltimore oriole, return north for the summer to breed, raise 
hatchlings, and brighten the United States' wildlife spectrum during 
the months of spring and summer. It is an exciting time of year for 
birders and naturalists who enjoy witnessing the annual return of these 
species from the tropics and who contribute billions of dollars to the 
outdoor recreation economy on travel and gear to support their passion 
and interests in the very special bird species who return to the United 
States every year.
  In support of conserving these important migratory bird species, in 
March I reintroduced legislation to reauthorize the Neotropical 
Migratory Bird Conservation Act. This bill promotes international 
cooperation for long-term conservation, education, research, 
monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 350 species of 
neotropical migratory birds, such as the Baltimore oriole. Through its 
successful competitive, matching grant program, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service supports public-private partnerships in countries 
mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Up to one-quarter of the 
funds may be awarded for domestic projects.
  More than half of the bird species found in the U.S. migrate across 
our borders, and many of these spend winter in Central and South 
America. This legislation aims to sustain healthy populations of 
migratory birds that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also help 
our farmers through consumption of billions of harmful insects and 
rodent pests each year, providing pollination services, and dispersing 
seeds. Migratory birds face threats from pesticide pollution, 
deforestation, sprawl, and invasive species that degrade their habitats 
in addition to the natural risks of their extended flights. As birds 
are excellent indicators of an ecosystem's health, it is troubling 
that--according to the National Audubon Society--half of all coastal 
migrating shorebirds, like the common tern and piping plover, are 
experiencing dramatic population declines.
  The Baltimore oriole is a neotropical migratory bird whose song and 
bright orange and black plumage brightens all of the Northeastern and 
Midwestern United States each spring and summer. Sadly, Baltimore 
oriole populations have steadily declined despite legal protections 
under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the State of Maryland's 
Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Likewise, the iconic 
red knot, whose legendary 9,000-mile migration centers on a stopover in 
the Mid-Atlantic States, is decreasing in population quickly. Threats 
to these beloved Maryland birds are mainly due to habitat destruction 
and deforestation, particularly in Central and South America, where the 
birds winter. In addition, international use of toxic pesticides 
ingested by insects, which are then eaten by the birds, is 
significantly contributing to their decline. Conservation efforts in 
our country is essential, but investment in programs throughout the 
migratory route of these and hundreds of other migratory bird species 
is critical.
  The goal of International Migratory Bird Day is to raise awareness 
about the plight of these birds during this special time of year when 
these birds are returning to the United States, and my legislation is 
critical to the conservation of these species.
  The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track 
record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies 
for the broad range of neotropical birds that populate the United 
States and the rest of the Western hemisphere. Since 2002, more than 
$50.1 million in grants have been awarded, supporting 451 projects in 
36 countries. Partners have contributed an additional $190.6 million, 
and more than 3.7 million acres of habitat have been affected. In 2014, 
the grants totaled $3.6 million, with $12 million in matching funds 
across 20 countries.
  On International Migratory Bird Day 2015, I am working with the 
sponsors of the bipartisan sportsmen's package, S. 659, and the 
leadership of the Environment and Public Works Committee to incorporate 
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act into this legislation 
as it moves through committee. While sportsmen do not hunt songbirds, 
the financial assistance this program provides for habitat conservation 
provides cobenefits for games domestic species like wild turkey, deer, 
pheasant, elk, and quail, and the international investments benefit the 
conservation of sandhill cranes and migratory waterfowl that are 
popular game species. The resources of this program also help conserve 
critical wetland habitat which is incredibly important coastal and 
freshwater fish species like bass, perch, and sturgeon, as well as both 
migratory and resident duck and geese species. Incorporation of the

[[Page S2757]]

Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act into the bipartisan 
sportsmen's package would add a new element of game species 
conservation that will help ensure the presence of important game and 
fish species for generations of hunters and anglers and outdoor 
enthusiasts alike.
  I urge my colleagues to support this simple reauthorization of this 
cost-effective, budget-friendly program that has been highly 
successful.

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