"From research...to action. From birds...to people." So reads the cover of the BirdLife International's annual report. This statement perfectly describes the beliefs of BirdLife International, a group founded under the original name International Council for Bird Preservation in 1922 by well-known American and European bird enthusiasts for the conservation of birds and their habitats.

Under the leadership of Director and Chief Executive Dr. Michael Rands, the group works to protect endangered birds worldwide and to promote public awareness of their ecological importance. BirdLife International has grown from humble beginnings in England to a federation of over 300 member organizations representing approximately 2.2 million people in 103 countries and territories. This includes developing tropical countries where few, if any, conservation movements existed prior to BirdLife International. There is also a worldwide network of enthusiastic volunteers.

BirdLife International is a key group in international efforts to protect bird migration routes...