Originally published by Rochester Democrat and Chroncile
By Erin M. Crotty, May 15, 2016

As the seasons change, we delight in the longer days and seek the sun as if recharging an internal battery. We pause in our rush from place to place and see and smell the sights and scents. And for those listening, consciously or not, this cherished time of year is when birdsong begins before the sun is up and rises to a happy cacophony of birds lending their voices to ours urging spring to stop teasing and to settle in.

This birdsong signals the migratory season for 200 of the 450 species of birds found in New York that are making their way from their winter habitats and returning to their breeding habitats. Some species migrate within the state or find suitable habitat in the same general location year round. Others, such as the Golden-winged Warbler have longer journeys and are returning from their winter in Central and South America to summer in the St. Lawrence Valley area.

This year, May 14 marks International Migratory Bird Day. In addition to focusing on the important ways that birds have inspired many of the most important environmental conservation movements in the Americas, 2016 marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a landmark agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico to protect shared migratory birds.

For more than one hundred years, Audubon and our partners have understood and have been spreading the message that birds matter. Birds are indicator species — sentinels of the overall health and balance of our ecosystems. When that balance is challenged, birds are often the first to show the effects.

Birds need:

A healthy environment – By protecting birds, we’re also safeguarding New York's great natural heritage, preserving our shared quality of life and fostering a healthier environment for us all.

Safe passage and places to nest – Natural habitat and open spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate. We need to raise our voices and call for the protection of natural places and clean air and water.

Rich biodiversity – Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth and is what keeps ecosystems functioning properly. We have a shared responsibility to protect, conserve and restore ecosystems for the benefit of our and future generations.

Sound familiar? What’s good for birds is good for people, what’s good for people is good birds. Our fates are intertwined.

Erin M. Crotty is executive director of Audubon New York and vice president of National Audubon Society.