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Special recognition of May 9, 2026, as World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD).
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that we share our planet with; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is part of an important migratory bird route, the Mississippi Flyway, which is one of the busiest migratory corridors in North America; and
WHEREAS, many residents recognize and welcome migratory songbirds as symbolic harbingers of spring; and
WHEREAS, these migratory species also play an important role in our community by controlling insect populations and attracting birders to our community; and
WHEREAS, migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas and face a growing number of threats along their migration routes and in both their summer and winter habitats; and
WHEREAS, public awareness and concern are crucial components of bird conservation; and
WHEREAS, residents who are enthusiastic about birds, informed about the threats they face, and prepared to take action, can directly contribute to the protections of bird populations; and
WHEREAS, since 1993, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) has provided an opportunity to focus public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America and wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern United States; and
WHEREAS, species such as the Northern Shoveler and American White Pelican highlight the importance of wetlands and open water for migration, wintering, and breeding, while the Osprey serves as a conservation success story demonstrating that population declines can be reversed when we work together to conserve and protect our planet; and
WHEREAS, since artificial light at night attracts and disorients nocturnally migrating birds, increasing their risk of collisions and other dangers, we encourage individuals, communities, and the government to “dim the lights at night”; and
WHEREAS, World Migratory Bird Day is both a celebration of migratory birds and a call to action to support their conservation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that May 9, 2026, is World Migratory Bird Day and residents are urged to support efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in our community and the world at large.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on May 12, 2026.