The seasonal ebb and flow of migratory birds is one of the most complex and compelling dramas in the natural world. Driven by a genetic memory millions of years in the making, these animals embark twice each year on long-distance journeys between their breeding areas and wintering grounds. Their travels traverse states, landscapes, and oceans throughout the hemispheres linking the countries, peoples, and ecosystems they visit. The conservation and management of animals capable of such impressive mobility requires strong federal leadership to foster effective partnerships among the many nations, states, provinces, tribes and organizations that are woven together by the flight paths of these remarkable species.