This is a bird note.

When a birder meets a duck hunter on a trail through a marsh,

it might seem they have little in common.

This is an unfortunate misperception

because the two often share essential values,

a fascination with waterfowl,

and a commitment to conserving wetlands.

Thanks to the political will and financial contributions of waterfowl hunters and organizations like Ducks Unlimited.

Natural wetlands that might otherwise have been lost, have been preserved.

Waterfowl hunters dedicate millions of dollars every year to the conservation of wetlands.

Some of the wildlife refuges we treasure were purchased with funds from the sale of duck stamps to hunters and other conservationists.

The overall impact of hunting on waterfowl numbers is modest and it's regulated by scientific management.

Ducks and geese persist in great numbers after the hunting season ends.

The key to their continued abundance is the conservation of habitat.

But waterfowl habitat is diminishing across North America.

This is where we need the shared efforts of those natural, if at times unacknowledged,

allies, birders and hunters.

Learn how to get your own duck stamp. Begin at our website, birdnote.org.

I'm Michael Stein.