Protect insects, protect birds: educational tools to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day
Explore the many species of migratory birds that rely entirely on insects as a food source or in specific phases of their life cycles, the decline in their population and the possible causes and solutions.
Facilitated by Miguel Matta and Laura Baboolal, Environment for the Americas.
Emails: mmatta@environmentamericas.org, lbaboolal@environmentamericas.org
Purpose: Explore the many species of migratory birds that rely entirely on insects as a food source or in specific phases of their life cycles, the decline in their population and the possible causes and solutions.
Overview: The loss and disturbance of insect populations along avian migration routes threaten bird survival and well-being. The timing of bird migration often coincides with peak insect abundance at stopover locations, supplying nourishment for birds to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their journeys. Insects and their importance to migratory birds is the focus of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. A variety of factors may impact insect populations, including climate change and chemical use. This session will explore the relationship between declines in bird populations that may be the result of declines in insect populations, the potential causes, and actions that should be taken to protect both insects and birds.
Objectives: The workshop is aimed at educators who will celebrate the conservation theme "Protect the bugs, protect the birds" on World Migratory Bird Day 2024.
Session Structure: The workshop will consist of short presentations:
10 min - World Migratory Bird Day 2024, Miguel Matta
10 min - World Migratory Bird Day in the Caribbean, Laura Baboolal
15 min- Expert Entomologists from the Dominican Republic, Kelvin A. Guerrero
15 min - Steve Latta would be a senior researcher in the topic. He has done work on insectivory by different bird groups.
20 min- Educational materials and tools / Happy Kits, EFTA-Staff
20 min- Outdoor and educational activities, EFTA-Staff and all.
5 min- Closing event / Q&A
Photo Contest: bird-insect interactions