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Board of Park Commissioners World Migratory Bird Day Proclamation
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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.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Park Commissioners declare that April 25, 2021 be proclaimed as World Migratory Bird Day in Madison Parks and 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.