Kaptur and Latta Introduce Resolution Proclaiming May 8th To May 17th National American Birding WeekPress ReleaseJobs and the Economy

Toledo, Ohio - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) have introduced a bipartisan resolution proclaiming May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week." Birding is a pastime that generates billions in economic benefits annually, but migratory bird populations face many threats to their survival. Annual birding events such as the "Biggest Week in American Birding", sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Oak Harbor, Ohio, leverage government, nonprofit, and private resources to promote conservation of migratory bird populations and economic development through a multifaceted approach that combines research, education, and outreach. Coordinated efforts by Federal, State, and local governments, conservation organizations, and businesses help to promote conservation of migratory birds and economic development through birding. Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation include Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08).

"Across our nation, nearly 96 million birders contribute more than $90 Billion in job income each year. That is not just recreation - that is an economic engine rooted in conservation. Each spring, an estimated 3.5 billion birds representing over 350 species make their journey north, many pausing along the shores of our Great Lakes to rest and refuel before crossing those vast freshwater horizons. In Northwest Ohio, we are blessed to witness this living miracle," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "I'm grateful to Congressman Latta and our bipartisan colleagues for joining us to support this designation of 'National American Birding Week'. We all celebrate this important event that brings birders from around the world to Northwest Ohio and our Great Lakes region each year and encourage birders from around the globe to attend events including the 'Biggest Week in American Birding' to witness the beauty of these migratory bird populations."

"Ohio is a premier birding destination. The spring songbird migration along Lake Erie is known as the 'Warbler Capital of the World,' and Ohio offers some of the best birding opportunities in the country. This bipartisan resolution that I have introduced with Congresswoman Kaptur supports local conservation, celebrates the art of birdwatching, and encourages more people to get outside during National American Birding Week," said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05).

Approximately 3.5 billion songbirds, raptors, shore birds, and waterfowl representing over 350 species migrate north through the United States to breeding grounds every spring from wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and the tropics. Populations of many migratory bird species are in decline due to habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, utility infrastructure, and vehicles.

A full copy of the resolution declaring May 8 through May 17, 2026 as "National American Birding Week" can be found by clicking here.

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