Our coastal wetlands face a relentless threat from overdevelopment driven by human migration to coastal regions. This growing population pressure results in the destruction of fragile ecosystems, endangering countless species and diminishing the natural beauty and ecological value of these areas.
Similarly, interior wetlands are under increasing pressure from human encroachment, affecting both protected areas like the Everglades and unprotected or man-made wetlands created to offset losses from ongoing development. These reclaimed areas, while valuable, no longer serve as robust habitats for nesting birds as they once did. This decline is part of a troubling trend—each year, we witness fewer bird migrations and a noticeable reduction in the numbers of migratory birds passing overhead. This shift highlights the growing challenges these species face in finding suitable habitats amidst expanding urban landscapes.