More federal money for migratory birds?

Birders have another chance to tell legislators about their passion for and concern about migratory birds. A timely, concise message can show that birders want their elected officials to support the Senate bill recently introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) with cosponsors Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.).

Senate bill S.690 aims to reauthorize the current Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act but with more funding. Recent reports -- such as "The State of the Birds" -- show declines in bird populations, hence the need for increased funding.

The senators' hyperlinked names above allow birders to send messages to those officials. Check here for the snail-mail addresses, phone numbers and online contact forms for your state's senators.