Important Bird Areas

I went to an interesting fund raiser for the Massachusetts Audubon Society last evening. It was held to highlight the important bird area program (in Massachusetts and globally). The important bird area program, or IBA -- even birders aren't immune to the three-letter anagram disease -- puts forth a simple proposistion: there are certain places more critical to the survival of birds than others and those should be prioritized for conservation.

What I liked most about this event was that there was no glitz, no society photograhers, no air kisses. The people there wanted to be there, cared about birds and the environment, and were having a good time. There were many generous donations of items for the silent auction and raffle prizes (thanks to Blackstone's of Beacon Hill for organizing the evening).

Ray Brown, host of Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds on WATD-FM (and streaming on-line) hosted a panel Q&A session but that was about as serious as the content got. But there was plenty of talk of osprey and finches and even robins.

I like, too, the idea of designating areas as important. Development deals trade open space parcels as if all land has equal value as habitat (or with no concern about its value as habitat). Towns preserve land the land that is available (and lots of preservation is at this micro level). Our ecosystems are vast and complex, and we've only scratched the surface in understanding the interdependencies. Migratory species like birds cross continents, time zones, and political boundaries without a second thought -- their survival depends upon it.

A recent NY Times Op-Ed pointed out that many of our everyday shopping choices can have an impact on the health of migratory bird species.

We need to look at habitat and species preservation at the scale and scope at which they function. The designation of important bird areas will help different counties, states, and countries coordinate efforts and focus on the most critical projects. They may also help raise the awareness that we are but one part of the web of life and that we, too, require healthy, vibrant, varied habitat for our own survival.