Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial Bird of the Month
Great Egret represents a classic comeback story
In 1916, the United States and Canada signed the Migratory Bird Treaty to protect birds across state and national borders. To celebrate 100 years of bird conservation, each month will feature a native Wisconsin bird species that has benefitted from the protection and cooperative conservation set forth in the Migratory Bird Treaty. For more information on the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial and other Birds of the Month, visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword "bird treaty."
August's Bird of the Month is the Great Egret. Great Egrets nearly vanished in Wisconsin due to demand for their beautiful white breeding plumes coupled with wetland habitat loss. Following the implementation of the Migratory Bird Treaty and other protective measures, egret numbers rapidly rebounded in the United States and they resumed breeding in Wisconsin by 1939. Colonies now occur in east-central and western Wisconsin, and in the Green Bay area.
- Historically, thousands of egrets nested in Wisconsin. While that number plummeted during the height of the plume trade, egret populations have rebounded in parts of their historical range.
- Head to Horicon Marsh and other wetlands in south and southeastern Wisconsin to observe Great Egrets foraging and breeding in their natural habitat.
- Programs and partners such as the state waterfowl stamp program, North American Wetland Conservation Act, Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and US Fish and Wildlife Service have been instrumental in conserving and protecting wetland and riparian habitat for Great Egrets and other wading birds.