World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice a year during the second Saturday in May and again on the second Saturday in October – two days to raise awareness of issues affecting migratory birds and ways you can take action for their conservation. In celebration, we are taking at look at some of the beautiful birds that visit Idaho throughout the year and discussing ways you can help them on their journeys.
A haven for birds
Idaho’s variety of landscapes and ecosystems make it a great place to live both for birds and birders alike. The majority of the birds we see in the Gem State are just passing through for a short time and do not live here year round.
Waterfowl, from Canada geese and wood ducks to trumpeter swans and snow geese, are all migratory birds that move into Idaho for some portion of the year. Raptors such as bald eagles and even snowy owls come down to visit when the time or conditions are right. Shorebirds like the Long-billed Curlew and American Avocet use Idaho’s grasslands for nesting grounds. Songbirds, from the bright and colorful Western Tanager to the black and white Loggerhead Shrike, appear in Idaho as well. Even tiny hummingbirds pass through on their long migratory paths!
Threats to migratory birds
The annual journeys these birds take, which are inspiring to observe, are under threat. Like most wildlife, migratory birds are often negatively impacted by human behaviors. Habitat loss is a major issue, especially the loss of wetlands and riparian habitats.
Many migratory raptors are also susceptible to lead poisoning from lost game injured by lead bullets and fishing tackle. Wildlife can unintentionally ingest lead left in the field by hunters, and scavengers can ingest it by eating carcasses or prey that contains lead. These issues have led many hunters and anglers across the country to sport lead-free, as more people are working to reduce the inadvertent lead consumption by wildlife.
What humans are putting on and into the ground is also impacting birds. Some pesticides can impact the hardness of eggshells, which can result in a decline in bird populations. The impacts of pesticides on bird populations inspired legendary environmentalist Rachel Carson to write her book Silent Spring, which documented the full extent of harmful impacts from pesticides and helped start the modern environmental movement.
Like many other wildlife species, migratory birds are also seeing declines in populations due to poaching. In the Treasure Valley region, shooters are illegally killing Long-billed Curlews at an alarming rate. Population growth and increased urban development is also presenting threats to these birds. Awareness of all of these issues is essential in protecting Idaho’s iconic migratory birds.
World Migratory Bird Day 2024: A Focus on Insects
The importance of insects to migratory birds is the theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. Insects are essential sources of food and energy for many migratory bird species. Insects can greatly affect the timing, length of, and success of migration for many birds; some actively seek out specific habitats during stops along their journey to source insects before continuing on.
Since many migratory birds rely on insects, it shouldn’t come as a shock that a decrease in insect numbers also results in a decrease in bird populations. Habitat destruction, intensive agriculture, urban development, and the use of pesticides and herbicides have led to a loss and disturbance of insect populations. Reducing your use of pesticides and fertilizers on your yard, gardens, and land can help, as can maintaining areas of natural, native plants to provide food and shelter for birds and other species.
Other Ways to Help
Luckily, there are many things we can do to help out feathered friends who visit our state!
- Dimming or turning off our lights at night helps preserve the integrity of Idaho’s dark night skies. For essential outdoor lights, aim them down and shield them well or install motion sensors to reduce their use. You can even buy DarkSky Approved lights. Close blinds to reduce light from windows.
- Anglers and hunters can choose to sport lead-free.
- Keeping our cats indoors can help reduce the number of birds predated by housecats.
- Planting native plants in our yards helps provide biodiversity, food, and shelter for visiting songbirds.
- If you provide a bird feeder in your yard, make sure to clean it regularly to reduce disease spread.
To stay up to date with how you can take action for Idaho’s migratory birds and other wildlife, sign up for our wildlife campaign emails here!