One of the easiest ways to protect bird habitat is with the purchase of a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.  These stamps, commonly referred to as "duck stamps," can be purchased for $15 from the U.S. Post Office and proceeds go to the National Wildlife Refuge System to acquire bird habitat.

Since the start of the duck stamp program, over 3.5 million acres of valuable habitat has been secured, with ninety-eight cents out of each dollar from the stamp being used to buy or lease wetlands and grasslands for the refuge system.  These habitat purchases are not only important areas for migratory waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but also shorebirds, long-legged waders, wetland and grassland songbirds, and of course, birds that visit your bird feeders.

As an added benefit, individuals who purchase a duck stamp, gain free entry into National Wildlife Refuges that charge admission by displaying your purchased duck stamp.

Contributions to this page were made by Paul J. Baicich.  Paul is a writer, editor, avitourism consultant, and bird educator.  He has served as a consultant to the National Wildlife Refuge System on birder visitation and has also co-led a number of birding tours and workshops.