Designates the week of May 9 through May 18, 2025, as "National American Birding Week" to recognize the importance of birding and bird conservation efforts.
Marcy Kaptur
Representative
OH-9
This bill supports designating a "National American Birding Week" to recognize the importance of bird migration and birdwatching in the U.S. It highlights the economic benefits of birding, the threats to migratory bird populations, and the need for collaborative conservation efforts. The bill encourages participation in birding events to promote awareness and support for bird conservation.
Resolution Backs 'National American Birding Week' for May 2025, Highlighting $107B Economic Impact
This resolution throws official support behind designating May 9th through May 18th, 2025, as "National American Birding Week." It's essentially a big thumbs-up from Congress, recognizing the massive scale of spring bird migration – we're talking around 3.5 billion birds across 350 species heading north through the U.S. – and the growing community of people who love to watch them.
Why the Spotlight on Birds?
The resolution points out a crucial reality: many of these migratory bird populations are facing serious challenges. Think habitat loss, increased predation, and even collisions with buildings and infrastructure. It's not just about appreciating nature; it's acknowledging that these populations need support. At the same time, the resolution highlights the surprising economic power of birdwatching. Apparently, the roughly 96 million American birders spend nearly $107 billion each year on their hobby. That spending supports about 1.4 million jobs and generates significant tax revenue, making birding a notable economic driver.
Connecting Conservation and Cash
What this resolution really does is connect the dots between conservation and economic activity. It acknowledges the work already being done by federal, state, and local governments, alongside conservation groups and businesses, to protect migrating birds. It also gives a nod to events like Ohio's "Biggest Week in American Birding" as examples of how birding tourism can boost local economies while promoting research and education. By encouraging the designation of this week, the resolution aims to raise public awareness, support conservation efforts, and celebrate an activity that benefits both the environment and the economy. It's an invitation for everyone to maybe grab some binoculars next May, learn a bit more about the birds passing through, and appreciate the ongoing efforts to protect them.