A Look Inside the Nest: Male Birds and Parenting
Male bird parents run the gamut, too, and sometimes defy expectations. In the bird world, some male parents contribute only genetics to the next generation, as is the case with male hummingbirds.
Oregon will soon have a new, dedicated source of conservation funding to support the recovery of struggling bird and wildlife species across the state. House Bill 4134, dubbed 1.25% for Wildlife Bill, passed the Oregon State Senate in February and has now been signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek. American Bird Conservancy (ABC) strongly supported the 1.25% for Wildlife Bill, a proactive measure expected to raise up to $30 million annually for wildlife conservation in the state.
“This is monumental: Oregon has chosen to invest in its wildlife and its future with the passage of this historic law. Habitat restoration, recovery programs, and anti-poaching efforts are just a few of the programs that will be funded by this landmark legislation,” said Hardy Kern, ABC’s Director of Government Relations.
The Act will create a sustainable funding source dedicated to conserving imperiled species like the Marbled Murrelet, a seabird that nests in mature and old-growth forests in the state. Nest predation by jays and ravens contributes to the species’ declining population. Actions that could boost nesting success, such as campground cleanup efforts to reduce jay and raven numbers near sensitive nesting sites, are currently unfunded, but could benefit from the revenue generated by the newly signed law.
The 1.25% for Wildlife Act generates new revenue for wildlife conservation projects across Oregon by increasing the state’s Transient Lodging Tax by 1.25 percent. The tax applies to short-term lodging such as hotel and cabin rentals, and will be primarily paid by out-of-state visitors. The modest increase is unlikely to affect tourism in the Beaver State, whose towering old-growth forests, lush temperate rainforests, and dramatic rocky coastlines draw thousands of visitors each year.
The spectacular natural beauty of the state is matched by its incredible biodiversity. Nearly 400 bird species can be found in Oregon throughout the year, 63 of which are on the state’s list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Among those listed is the Western Meadowlark, the official state bird. The need for conservation action is great, and funding can be scarce, making the 1.25% for Wildlife Act an important measure for biodiversity conservation in Oregon.
“Conservation funding from regular government sources has become increasingly competitive, and birds are being edged out,” said Lindsay Adrean, ABC’s Pacific Northwest Program Officer. “Now, we can close that funding gap thanks to 1.25% for Wildlife!”
ABC provided testimony in support of the bill and joined Oregon Wild, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Western Environmental Law Center, Bird Alliance Oregon, and other partners in urging its passage. ABC members and supporters in Oregon also took action for birds, sending more than 600 messages to their representatives in favor of the measure throughout the legislative session.
“Marbled Murrelets, Western Meadowlarks, and even California Condors will have more funding available, and efforts to conserve, study, and restore them across Oregon will benefit,” said Kern. “ABC is elated to have played a small part in passing this major bill.”
