Citizens can influence local and national policy to conserve songbirds in several ways, but the first step is to educate yourself. Many excellent resources are available that explain the status, habits, and conservation of neotropical migratory birds.

Here is a list of some helpful publications.

Finch, Deborah. 1991. Population Ecology, Habitat Requirements, and Conservation of Neotropical Migratory Birds. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-205. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo.
Summary: A comprehensive review of current literature concerning population trends of neotropical migrants and the factors affecting their populations across the Western Hemisphere.26 pages. Copies available on loan at university libraries or through the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Library, 240 W. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (303-498- 1100).

Finch, Deborah, and Peter W. Stangel, eds. 1993. Status and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds. Gen. Tech. Rep. 229. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO.
Summary: Proceedings of a National Training Workshop at Estes Park Center, Estes Park, Colo. Includes scientific papers and essays on management, monitoring, and conservation of neotropical migrants on breeding grounds. 422 pages. Available free from Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, attn: Publications, 3825 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins, CO 80524. (303-498-1100).

Greenberg, Russell. 1990. Southern Mexico: Crossroads for Migratory Birds.
Summary: Bilingual (English and Spanish) booklet about the biology and conservation of migratory birds in southern Mexico. 32 pages. Contact the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008. (202-673-4908). ($5.00 ppd.) ISBN 1-881230-01-5.

Greenberg, Russell, and Susan Lumpkin. 1991. Birds Over Troubled Forests.
Summary: Booklet describing the biology and conservation of neotropical migratory birds. 32 pages. Contact the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008. (202-673-4908). ($5.00 ppd.) ISBN 1-881230-00-7.

Hagan, J. M., and D. W. Johnston, eds. 1992. Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical Migrant Landbirds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.
Summary: Contains more than 50 scientific papers presented at the 1989 Neotropical Migratory Bird Symposium hosted by Manomet Observatory. Includes English and Spanish abstracts. 609 pages. To order, call Smithsonian Press, (800) 782-4612. ($19.95 plus shipping and handling.) ISBN 156098- 140-7.

Herkert, J., R. Szafoni, V. Kleen, and l. Schwegman. 1993. Habitat Establishment, Enhancement, and Management for Forest and Grassland Birds in Illinois. Illinois Dept. of Conservation, Natural Heritage Publication #1.
Summary: Provides technical guidance to resource managers, planners, restorationists, and private landowners in Illinois who wish to establish, enhance, and manage land for nongame forest or grassland nesting birds. 20 pages. To order, contact the Illinois Department of Conservation, Lincoln Tower Plaza, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701.

Keast, Allen, and Eugene S. Morton, eds. 1980. Migrant Birds in the Neotropics: Ecology, Behavior, Distribution, and Conservation. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.
Summary: Contains research papers presented at a symposium held at the Conservation and Research Center, Smithsonian Institution. Includes regional studies and implications of overwintering in the tropics. 576 pages. To order, call Smithsonian Press, 800-782-4612. ($19.95 plus shipping and handling.) ISBN 0-87474-661-2.

Schreiber, R. L., A. W. Diamond, R. T. Peterson, and W. Cronkite. 1989. Save the Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Mass.
Summary: Describes the major environments of the earth and the endangered birds that inhabit them. Proceeds from the sale of this book are contributed to BirdLife International. 384 pages. Available at bookstores, or order from Houghton Mifflin Company,617351-5000. ($39.95.) ISBN 0-395-51172-0.

Terborgh, John. 1989. Where Have All the Birds Gone? Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.
Summary: Highly readable book discusses the declines in neotropical migrants by chronicling events across the Americas. Also offers insights into bird ecology on breeding and wintering grounds. 207 pages. Available at bookstores, or order from Princeton University Press, 609-258-4900. ($14.95.) ISBN 0-691-02428-6.