Alisa Opar

Features Editor, Audubon Magazine

Alisa Opar is the features editor at Audubon magazine.

Articles by Alisa Opar

Climate Advocates Want to See a More Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels

December 15, 2022 — While the Inflation Reduction Act promises to inject billions of dollars into frontline communities, environmental justice leaders are concerned about its support for pollution-producing energy sources.
Left photo shows a close-up of a hand holding a bird with a yellow head, striped wings, and white belly. On the right, a hand holds a bird with a black-capped head and a black-and-white body.

This Pioneering Collaboration Will Open a New Window Into Bird Migration

April 14, 2022 — Pooling research from numerous international partners, Audubon's Migratory Bird Initiative promises to paint the fullest picture yet of the awe-inspiring phenomenon.

Food Editor Sam Sifton on the Joy of Birds and the Perfect Birding Sandwich

October 02, 2020 — The New York Times cooking scribe has renewed a childhood passion—and struggled with bird-feeder befuddlement—at home during the pandemic.

Scientists Are Unraveling the American Robin's Surprisingly Mysterious Migration

September 28, 2020 — Researchers hope new studies of these widespread birds will reveal their movements—and tip us off to disease outbreaks and other threats.

Meet the Dipper, North America's Only Aquatic Songbird

July 15, 2020 — A photographer spent years on rushing streams in the Rocky Mountains documenting the remarkable American Dipper.

Finally, a Bird-Themed Spotify Playlist (No, It's Not a Bunch of Bird Calls)

July 13, 2020 — It's no coincidence that the avian-themed songs on biologist Amanda Gallinat's playlist echo the order of a field guide.

Hey, Nature Lovers, Looking for a Good Book to Read?

April 24, 2020 — Margaret Atwood, Omar El Akkad, Delia Owens, and five other authors are here to help.

Cryptic Seabirds Can Hide From This Scientist, But Not From Her Spy Network

March 25, 2019 — Acoustic monitoring combined with powerful machine learning is giving researchers new insights into the elusive Ashy Storm-Petrel. It's just one way that artificial intelligence can tackle pressing conservation challenges.

Minnesota's Newest Sports Stadiums Take Very Different Approaches to Bird Safety

October 23, 2018 — The homes of the Vikings and the Loons stand in stark contrast when it comes to preventing avian collisions. They’re both also about to be tested.

Meet Liron Gertsman, the Talented Teen Who Swept the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards' Youth Category

July 30, 2018 — At 17 years old, the Vancouver native already has more than a decade of experience photographing birds. His winning shots show it.