Birders who prefer the Republican Party on such issues as taxes, national security, and social issues, but who have been displeased with President Bush’s policies on the environment and bird habitats, may be attracted to the presidential candidacy of John McCain, according to Birders United.

McCain was one of the early voices in the GOP to warn about the dangers of global warming. One of his heroes is Teddy Roosevelt, who was a strong supporter of protecting the nation’s environment.

On McCain’s presidential campaign Web site, the environment is featured as one of the key issues of his campaign.

“John McCain believes that we are vested with a sacred duty to be proper stewards of the resources upon which the quality of American life depends," one passage says. "Ensuring clean air, safe and healthy water, sustainable land use, ample greenspace - and the faithful care and management of our natural treasures, including our proud National Park System - is a patriotic responsibility. One that must be met not only for the benefit of our generation, but for our children and those to whom we will pass the American legacy.”

McCain described his ranch in Oak Creek, Arizona, to OnEarth magazine as: “Lots and lots of flowers. Lots and lots of wildlife, especially birds - wild ducks, quail, humming birds, yellow-billed cuckoos, which are very rare. A pair of black hawks. It’s the most beautiful place on earth.”

It appears that McCain would champion the protection of bird habitats. But birders should keep a close eye on campaign statements and issue papers to see if McCain will sound the retreat on his support for the environment.

There are indications that McCain is moving to the right on several issues to appease the right wing of the Republican Party who make up a large percentage of GOP primary voters.