[BCNnet] FW: [BCAlist] FW: [fws-news] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Teams with Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to Support Bird Watching

[Donnie Dann]

Here's some good national news that should be of interest to birders and
bird conservationists.

Donnie Dann
Highland Park/Lake County
donniebird at yahoo.com 




Contacts:Contact: David Eisenhauer  703-358-2220 david_eisenhauer
               Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 607-254-2137

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology outlining
efforts to work together to promote birding, habitat conservation and
citizen science to a broad audience across the country.  The Cornell
Laboratory of Ornithology leads the nation in involving the public in
bird watching, science, and conservation.

The partnership with the Cornell Lab is yet another step forward in the
Service's National Wildlife Refuge System Birding Initiative.  The
initiative was launched by Service Director H. Dale Hall in 2006 to
raise awareness among birders of opportunities and conservation programs
on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and help them fully
appreciate the importance of refuges in the lives of their favorite
wildlife.

"Joining forces with the world-renowned Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology in support of birding, bird conservation and citizen science
is a natural fit for both organizations," said Director Hall.

The initiative will help birders make the link between the birds they
love to watch and the important habitats protected in the National
Wildlife Refuge System.  The Birding Initiative's 14-member Birding Team
is exploring new ways to enhance birding on national wildlife refuges.
The team is working on identifying how refuges can improve the quality
of bird watching experiences, as well as making information about the
latest sightings more easily available to avid bird watchers.  The
Refuge System already has more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails
that are often perfect places to see birds.  Other outstanding viewing
experiences are available from the scores of observation decks, viewing
blinds and boardwalks built on national wildlife refuges.

"National wildlife refuges represent America's premier network of
habitats where birds and other wildlife are being protected and
nurtured," said John Fitzpatrick, Director of the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology. "These are also remarkable spots for enjoying the global
spectacles provided by our nation's bird populations. The Cornell Lab of
Ornithology is thrilled to be partnering with the Fish and Wildlife
Service to enhance opportunities for citizens of all ages to interact
with birds at these magnificent places and to participate actively in
their appreciation, study, and protection."

Discussions are already underway regarding nest watch programs, urban
bird celebrations, opportunities for refuge visitors to participate in
citizen science projects, and the broader availability of eBird
Tracker-an online, interactive network of computer kiosks where birders
can record sightings, consult video field guides and check seasonal
lists of birds.

Nearly 48 million Americans enjoy watching birds, according to the 2006
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

"Bird watching has never been more popular.  With so many people across
the country enjoying the wonders of birds, we are committed to providing
them with great wildlife viewing opportunities at national wildlife
refuges across the country," Hall said, noting that wildlife observation
is one of the six priority public uses of the Refuge System.

More than half of all federal lands designated by the American Bird
Conservancy as globally significant Important Bird Areas are on national
wildlife refuges.  Birding is big business, too.  Birders spent roughly
$31 billion in 2006 on all their wildlife watching experiences,
including money for binoculars, field guides, bird food, bird houses,
camping gear and such big-ticket items as boats, according to
interpretation of figures in the
2006 National Survey.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both
a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known
for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural
resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For
more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
<www.fws.gov>

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit membership institution
whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth's biological
diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on
birds.
ists.abcbirds.org