[CT Birds] $$ bird seed

[Katz1449 at aol.com]

>From Bev Propen  4/5- Orange
I have received a couple of "off line" comments regarding a  bird seed  tax 
or some type of tax on birding equipment to benefit bird  habitats.  
Unbeknownst to me, similar discussions went on during the 80's  & early 90's and were 
not too popular. However times are changing and people  are more concerned about 
& aware of the effects of global climate  change/pesticides etc on our 
environment and wildlife.  Perhaps with new  concerns & awareness, new opportunities 
arise.
In RI, some conservation groups had funds to offer to pay  farmers "not" to 
do the second cut of their hay, until after the bobolinks had  raised their 
families.  Some farmers participated in this while others  chose not to.
The bobolinks which nested in those fields where a second cut  of hay was 
postponed til later in the season, did well.  
Using one's local purchasing power to buy local organic  produce, especially 
in winter, as to not support the pesticide use of crops in  Central & South 
America, may make a dent.
Perhaps local & state conservation/birding/hunting groups  could band 
together and draft legislation to present to legislators to see  if there is a more 
receptive audience this time around.  Just my  thoughts.



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