New Poll Demonstrates Widespread Daily Enjoyment of Birds and Support for Stronger Bird Protections

In a national poll commissioned by Audubon in late August, a majority of registered voters supported stronger regulations to protect birds from death traps such as power lines.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a rulemaking that would expand the reach of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to reduce threats from power lines, along with other significant threats such as communication towers and oil waste pits. Audubon’s poll shows clear public support for the rulemaking:

• 62% of respondents supported new regulations to reduce bird collisions and electrocutions from power lines.
• 65% of registered voters support regulations requiring wind farms to minimize harm to birds.

The results show clear support for stronger bird protections among all sectors of the population, including across party lines and throughout age groups, with particularly strong support amongst younger registered voters.

The poll also found significant numbers of Americans who regularly enjoy birdwatching. 77% of Americans enjoy watching or listening to birds on a daily basis, according to the poll.

Public Policy Polling ran the nationwide poll of 536 registered voters, from August 26-28.