Chris Sweeney

Chris Sweeney is a Boston-based magazine writer whose interests include the environment, health, and true crime.

Articles by Chris Sweeney

The Internet Has a Rat Poison Problem

December 08, 2021 — How online sales of highly regulated, super-toxic rodenticides exploit gaps in the law and imperil wildlife.

The Remarkable Life of Roxie Laybourne

October 05, 2020 — From deep within the Smithsonian, the world’s first forensic ornithologist cracked cases, busted criminals, and changed the course of aviation—making the skies safer for us all.

Meet the Heart and Soul of America's Oldest and Largest Bird Count

January 25, 2019 — Geoff LeBaron has led Audubon's Christmas Bird Count for the last 32 years, long before crowdsourcing scientific data was in fashion.

Invasive Reptiles Are Taking Over Florida—and Devouring Its Birds Along the Way

September 05, 2018 — Birds like Roseate Spoonbills and Burrowing Owls are ending up in the stomachs of hungry pythons and Nile monitors. Is it too late to stop them?

Behind the Scenes With the World’s Top Feather Detective

December 05, 2016 — As the country’s only criminal forensic ornithologist, Pepper Trail has pieced together the demise of countless birds—and saved many others.