Fiscal Note
No City appropriation is required.
Title
Proclaiming Sunday, June 28, 2020 as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our communities; and,
WHEREAS, many citizens recognize and welcome migratory songbirds as symbolic harbingers of spring; and,
WHEREAS, these migrant species also play an important economic role in our community, controlling insect pests and generating millions in recreational dollars statewide; and,
WHEREAS, migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas, facing a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer and winter homes; and,
WHEREAS, public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation; and,
WHEREAS, citizens enthusiastic about birds, informed about the threats they face, and empowered to help address those threats can directly contribute to maintaining health bird populations; and,
WHEREAS, since 1993 World Migratory Bird Day (formerly International Migratory Bird Day) has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S.; and,
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of people will observe WMBD, gathering in town squares, community centers, schools, parks, nature centers, and wildlife refuges to learn about birds, take action to conserve them, and simply to have fun; and,
WHEREAS, while WMBD officially is held each year on the second Saturday in May, its observance is not limited to a single day, and planners are encouraged to schedule activities on the dates best suited to the presence of both migrants and celebrants; and ,
WHEREAS, on Sunday, June 28, 2020 Madison Parks and community partners will hold the 8th Annual Bird & Nature Festival at Warner Park, to celebrate and educate the public about birds, their habitat, and the wider ecosystem of which they are a part,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that June 28, 2020 be proclaimed as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Madison, to urge all citizens to celebrate this observance and to support efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in our community and the world at large; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That WMBD is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation, but also a call to action to protect their habitat.