Michigan –-(Ammoland.com)- The final species to be featured in the Living Resources Patch series is Michigan’s state bird, the American robin.
The Living Resources patch program has raised awareness of Michigan’s nongame wildlife species for more than 40 years, with the first patch issued in 1975 featuring the Kirtland’s warbler.
“The state bird seemed fitting for the final patch, since 2016 is also the centennial for the Migratory Bird Treaty, which has benefitted the robin as well as many other nongame bird species,” said Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician Hannah Schauer.
The Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds (also called the Migratory Bird Treaty) was signed August 16, 1916. Three other treaties were signed shortly thereafter with Japan, Russia and Mexico. The Migratory Bird Treaty, the three other treaties signed later, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act form the cornerstones of efforts to conserve birds that migrate across international borders.
Proceeds from the sale of these patches go into the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund, which provides a source of funding for critical projects vital to the needs of Michigan’s endangered, threatened and nongame animals, plants and their habitats.
Funds have been raised for these important management efforts through voluntary check-off contributions on the state income tax form, sales of the wildlife habitat specialty license plate and direct donations.
Today, those interested in contributing can support the fund through purchase of a wildlife habitat license plate, making a tax-deductible donation or purchasing a patch.
The 2016-2017 American robin patch, along with several previous years’ patches, are available for purchase on the Michigan e-store website.
Those who would like to request a mail-in order form can contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453).
The DNR thanks all who have shown their support for nongame wildlife and their habitats.
To learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial, visit www.fws.gov/birds/MBTreaty100.