[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 19757-19758]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATING JANUARY 5TH AS NATIONAL BIRD DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
designating January 5th as ``National Bird Day.'' I also wish for my 
colleagues to consider the following:
  That the beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of 
inspiration, and that nearly 12 percent of the world's 9,800 bird 
species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly 
one-third of the world's 330 parrot species;
  That birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as a barometer of 
ecosystem health and an alert system for detecting global environmental 
ills;
  That many of the world's parrots and songbirds are threatened with 
extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and 
habitat loss;
  That public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral 
needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of 
birds kept in captivity, and that the survival and well-being of the 
world's birds depends upon ending the illegal pet trade and supporting 
public education and conservation;
  Finally, that the United States Congress has enacted specific laws to 
protect birds, including the Wild Bird Conservation Act and Migratory 
Bird Treaty Act, and that January 5, 2012 is being celebrated by Born 
Free USA as National Bird Day with the intent to raise awareness about 
bird conservation and protection.
  I urge my colleagues to stand with me to support the designation of 
January 5th as National Bird Day and to encourage their State and local 
governments to observe the day with appropriate activities that promote 
bird awareness. Furthermore, I encourage all avian experts and 
professionals working with birds to

[[Page 19758]]

use this day to create greater public awareness and appreciation of 
birds, leading to further protection of bird species. Finally, I 
encourage individuals across the Nation to become more aware of their 
local avian community so they can be more effective stewards of bird 
conservation.

                          ____________________