Bill critical to protecting wetlands, birds

World Migratory Bird Day is this weekend, where those of us in the Midwest and around the world enjoy and celebrate the sight of birds who migrate through our area. Some birds that pass through our area come from as far away as Brazil or Argentina. These mighty fliers need to rest and replenish their bodies in order to continue their flight or to breed and nest here.

Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out insects in fields, forests, wetlands, and various habitats during stopovers. The loss of natural habitat, open areas, and decline in insect population has seriously stressed birds and estimates suggest that there has been a decline of as many as three billion birds over the last 10 years. Birds are further stressed by buildings with reflecting glass and too many night lights as evidenced by almost 1,000 birds dying last October in one night after they crashed into McCormick Place during migration.

Migratory birds bring multiple benefits to humans as insect eaters, providing pest control for mosquitoes, and other insects that damage crops and spread disease, in addition to being beautiful. Stresses on birds have increased due to the U.S. Supreme Court decision last May 2023 to weaken wetlands protection. The decision removed the federal protections for wetlands and now wetland protections have moved to each state. Illinois currently lacks comprehensive protections for wetlands.

Wetlands offer multiple benefits by improving water quality, protecting and filtering groundwater, and preserving endangered habitats that support multiple creatures, including our birds. Wetlands act as sponges to capture excess water for flood control in addition to storing water during times of drought. Wetlands are vital to the health of our environment.

Illinois has already lost around 90% of its wetland acreage. Without protections, wetlands in Illinois could be buried, built over and lost. Some wetlands are clearly visible, while others are evident during increased rain. There are many kinds of wetlands, such as bogs, swamps and marshes, that each perform their own unique and vital function.

Illinois has an opportunity to protect our remaining wetlands through passage of the Protect Illinois Wetlands Act (SB0771/HB5386). It is critical to pass this bill now so during bird migration and throughout the year our feathered friends have a place to rest and restore their energy, while allowing us to enjoy and benefit from their presence.

Laura Davis

Inverness