Logo by Scott Arvin
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Black Swamp Bird Observatory's
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Michael with his wife, Song.
Promoting the cause of bird conservation is at the heart of The Biggest Week In American Birding. Black Swamp Bird Observatory created the Michael Hutchins Memorial Conservation Fund to generate support for habitat conservation.
All 2023 Conservation Fund donations will support the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Boardwalk repairs and the Oak Harbor Responsible Cat Ownership program.
Learn more about Dr. Michael Hutchins >>>> HERE.
2022 CONSERVATION FUND RECIPIENT
OAK HARBOR BIRD-SAFE / BIRDER-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ROAMING CAT PROGRAM
As part of our Bird-Safe / Birder-friendly Communities Initiative, BSBO had been successful in a multi-year effort to work with the Village of Oak Harbor to pass an ordinance essentially banning roaming cats. BSBO presented the initial draft legislation and brought an impressive range of experts and community leaders to the working group, including a local veterinarian, attorneys, village administration and council members, local cat shelter directors, and the director of the Chamber of Commerce. The group researched legislation passed by other cities and municipalities, and presented a reasonable, well-researched, and enforceable legislation to the village council. The legislation passed unanimously.
This was a huge victory for bird conservation. But we didn't stop there!
This was a huge victory for bird conservation. But we didn't stop there!
Because we sincerely care about the welfare of the cats, too, BSBO formed a working group that included local cat advocates, veterinarians, and other volunteers, to develop a program to capture roaming cats, assess their condition and suitability for adoption, provide treatment and sterilization, and place them in INDOOR ONLY homes. Through this program, more than 300 cats have been placed in indoor homes! That's 300 fewer cats killing native birds and wildlife. 300 fewer cats creating a dangerous situation for residents. And 300 fewer cats exposed to disease, parasites, fleas, and the potential of horrific deaths.
Domestic cats make wonderful companions when kept indoors or allowed outside only when confined. When allowed to roam, they are nonnative predators that kill billions of birds each year. (Yes, billions with a B.) And outdoor cats often suffer unspeakable living conditions. The more we can work towards a reasonable solution the more it benefits birds, people, and the cats, too!
Future goals are to build this legislation and the capture, assess, and home program into a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.
Domestic cats make wonderful companions when kept indoors or allowed outside only when confined. When allowed to roam, they are nonnative predators that kill billions of birds each year. (Yes, billions with a B.) And outdoor cats often suffer unspeakable living conditions. The more we can work towards a reasonable solution the more it benefits birds, people, and the cats, too!
Future goals are to build this legislation and the capture, assess, and home program into a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.