Welcome Young Birders! Thank you for bringing a fresh, new perspective to the world of birding. Involving the next generation in birding and conservation is so important; as the Native American proverb goes, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.’ We hope the resources on this page provide you with the inspiration and encouragement to learn more about birds, embrace nature, and help protect the environment.
4HAS Next Gen Directors photo: Raina Angelier
How you can Help:
Litter is such a colossal threat to all wildlife. In fact, it kills over a million birds and one hundred thousand marine animals every year. Out of all litter, plastic poses the greatest threat. Plastic bags are mistaken by sea turtles for food and ingested. Plastic six-pack rings for beverages get caught around birds’ necks. These are just a few ways that plastics gets released into our environment. But there are so many ways we can reduce our plastic consumption.
A young gull found with plastic fishing line wrapped around his foot, mangling it.
Single-use plastics are a big culprit endangering our planet. These are plastics only used once and then thrown away, like disposable water bottles, drinking straws, shopping bags, and utensils. Instead of these wasteful and environmentally damaging products, opt for their reusable alternatives. Steel, glass, or reusable plastic bottles and straws make a great start, as well as bringing your own tote-bags to stores. Also, try to purchase items that are packaged in compostable materials. These easy changes can make a huge difference!
As well as plastic, balloons are a huge threat to wildlife
Another way to aid the Earth in its struggle against litter is to simply pick it up! While you’re out at a local park birding or participating at a scheduled clean-up, by collecting litter and disposing of it properly, every person can make a positive impact.
And lastly, spread the word. Knowledge is power. As Baba Dioum said, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” It is so important for the younger generations, who could one day accomplish so much, to understand and love nature so when they inherit the Earth, they will protect it.