World Migratory Bird Day is nearly here.

Migratory birds (click here) perform important ecological regulating services. They have a vital role in seed dispersion and flower pollination. For example, Grassland birds rely on grasses as their nesting habitat and help to maintain their preferred ecosystems, which are in turn considered highly valuable as a wildlife refuge. By dispersing grassland seeds, these birds act as gardeners of these ecosystems.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (click here) makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations. The migratory bird species protected by the Act are listed in 50 CFR 10.13. 

It is easy to see why protections are necessary for migratory species. This American Bittern in the Everglades is nearly invisible.

One has to value the fact nature provides services. Once that is a reality to life protections have to follow.