Jess Leber is deputy editor for Audubon magazine. Prior to Audubon, she was a staff editor and reporter at a variety of publications, including Fast Company, MIT Technology Review, ClimateWire, and Oceans Deeply. 

Articles by Jessica Leber

Field Notes

These Are the Seabirds Most Vulnerable to Plastic Pollution

By Jessica Leber
October 02, 2023 — As more marine plastic accumulates, the biology of some ocean-going birds puts them at particular risk. Scientists can now pinpoint which species may face the highest exposure.
A bird feeder with a camera and microphone hangs outside.
Tech

These Smart Devices Can Identify the Birds Outside Your Window

By Jessica Leber
July 10, 2023 — The Bird Buddy and the Haikubox offer new ways to get excited about birding from home.
News

What's At Stake as Nations Gather To Stave off the Global Biodiversity Crisis

By Jessica Leber
December 07, 2022 — The decade's most important negotiations to protect nature and wildlife kick off this week in Canada. Ambitious goals are on the table, but success is not guaranteed.
A bird's eye view of a winter scene of a forest with some green pine trees and bare aspen, paper birch, and red maple trees.
From Audubon Magazine

Portrait of a Forest on the Climate Edge

By Jessica Leber
September 21, 2022 — In Minnesota, a boreal forest ecosystem could shift north over the Canada border this century. Local photographers, scientists, and land managers are grappling with what that means—and how to respond.
Field Notes

From Ground to Orbit, Space Industry’s Lift-Off Sparks Environmental Concerns

By Jessica Leber
September 19, 2022 — As more rockets take flight, how will we protect life at home?
Culture

A Ludicrously Deep Dive Into the Birds of Spelling Bee, Wordle, Scrabble, and More

By Jessica Leber
May 02, 2022 — It’s only a game. It’s only a game.
Snow Geese lift off at sunrise in the vicinity of the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a stop on their spring migration.
From Audubon Magazine

How Migrating Snow Geese Helped Stretch My Perspective

By Jessica Leber
April 14, 2022 — The seasonal movements of birds have captivated humans for millennia. Now we know enough about their flights to make surprising connections.
A conceptual illustration shows the hands of four different people putting coins in a bank shaped as the planet Earth.
Culture

How to Plan Your Financial Future While Investing in a Healthier Planet

By Jessica Leber
December 16, 2021 — Sustainable investing has gone mainstream. Is it time to put your money where your mouth is?
Dispatch

This Iconic Bird of the Everglades Is Moving to the ‘Burbs

By Jessica Leber
October 04, 2021 — White Ibis are natural wanderers, traveling far and wide for a meal. But now some birds are scoring steady grub by settling in around people. What does that mean for the species’ future—and what does it say about ours?
Ethics

How To Become a Better Bird Photographer: Advice From Audubon Photo Award Winners

By Jessica Leber
July 07, 2021 — Go from beginner to award winner by following these strategies from alumni of our annual bird photography contest.