Iowa Audubon

In 2019, a study was published in the journal Science, with an alarm showing a net loss of 3 billion birds in North America isince the 1970s. The new 2025 State of the Birds report shows those losses are continuing, with declines among several bird trend indicators.  Still more grassland birds are declining, and perhaps even more notable is that duck populations, which had strong increases since 1970, have begun trending downward in recent years.  Both Mallards and Northern Pintails have decreased in numbers since 2019, with pintails now in the most serious decline.

But science is now showing that private lands conservation programs, and voluntary conservation partnerships for working lands, hold some of the best opportunities for sparking immediate turnarounds for birds.  It is up to all of us who enjoy our nation's natural resources to work with landowners, government agencies, and everyone possible, plus make monetary donations, to expand turnaround populations of birds on private lands in the coming years. Go to the following website to read the entire new State of the Birds report: 

 https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/

In October, Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced legislation to support a program conserving birds that live in and migrate through urban areas. The Urban Bird Treaty Act would authorize $1 million each year for a program currently administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).  North America has lost 3 billion birds over the past 50 years due to habitat loss and other threats. Dedicated funding to conserve habitat in cities and towns and create bird-friendly communities is an essential part of reducing this decline and bending the bird curve.

The Urban Bird Treaty program, currently managed by FWS, supports partnerships of local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and local communities. It also provides funding for the Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. In addition to community education and conservation, the program supports efforts to reduce hazards to birds in urban environments, including collisions with buildings, invasive species, toxins, and more.  It is important for us to contact our Iowa representatives and ask their support for this legislation.