Back on May 10th, which was Migratory Bird Day , two bipartisan pieces of legislation were introduced in Congress that could significantly impact bird conservation efforts in the U.S.—and, by extension, influence how the bird control industry intersects with environmental regulations.
Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are spearheading these efforts with two key bills: the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act. Together, they aim to modernize and strengthen longstanding bird protections, while offering clearer rules and better outcomes for both wildlife and industry stakeholders.
The Migratory Bird Protection Act (MBPA) is a direct response to years of back-and-forth legal interpretations surrounding the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)—especially regarding what’s called incidental take.
In plain terms, "incidental take" refers to unintentional harm or killing of migratory birds during otherwise lawful activities—like construction, wind energy development, or utility maintenance. Over the last several years, regulatory interpretations have shifted dramatically depending on which administration is in power, creating confusion and inconsistency for land managers, developers, and yes—bird control professionals.
The MBPA seeks to put an end to that uncertainty. It proposes a clear, streamlined permitting system that defines what constitutes incidental take and how it should be managed. This could lead to more predictable regulatory outcomes for companies and agencies while maintaining strong protections for bird populations.
“The Migratory Bird Protection Act will implement a streamlined permitting approach that provides greater certainty for project stakeholders as well as long-term benefits for migratory bird species,” said Ed Arnett, CEO of The Wildlife Society.
For professionals in bird control, this could translate into defined compliance pathways when working near protected species—especially on large-scale infrastructure or agricultural projects.
The second bill, the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act, takes a more international approach. This legislation would allow the U.S. to officially participate in the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)—a multinational treaty designed to protect these vulnerable seabird species, many of which are severely threatened by bycatch in commercial fisheries.
While albatrosses and petrels may not be day-to-day concerns for most bird control companies operating on land, this bill reflects growing U.S. alignment with international bird conservation standards. And it sets a precedent: we’re likely to see more federal initiatives focused on global threats to migratory birds—including habitat loss, ocean plastic, and climate-driven migration disruption.
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The urgency of these bills isn’t theoretical. Since 1970, North America has lost more than 3 billion birds across nearly all species and habitats. This crisis—often called "the silent extinction"—is now well-documented and supported by decades of data.
With bird populations in steep decline and legal protections under constant reinterpretation, many in the conservation and wildlife management space are calling for permanent legislative clarity.
“Now more than ever, Congressional action is needed to conserve our country’s migratory birds,” said Arnett.
For those of us working in bird control, that action could mean more than just federal red tape. It may open doors to collaborative partnerships on habitat-safe deterrents, evidence-based control solutions, and increased government contracts that prioritize humane and ecologically responsible practices.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
The MBPA could change how incidental take is regulated, especially in industries like construction, oil & gas, utilities, and even large-scale agriculture.
A clear permitting system might reduce risk for businesses and help bird control operators work more seamlessly with clients on protected lands.
The Albatross and Petrel Act won’t affect daily field operations for most pros, but it underscores the broader movement toward global coordination in bird protection policy.
These bills reflect a larger policy trend: bird-related legislation is no longer just about conservation—it’s becoming an infrastructure, permitting, and compliance issue.
Both bills are now in the early stages of the legislative process. As of late June 2025, they’re gaining traction among bipartisan supporters, but will likely face committee hearings and negotiations before any formal vote.
If you're in the bird control or wildlife management industry, now’s a great time to stay informed and possibly even engage with your trade association or local lawmakers to voice support—or raise questions about practical implementation.
As the bird conservation landscape evolves, so does the regulatory framework we work within. These proposed laws aim to bring more structure and predictability to that process—something most professionals in this field would welcome.