Rene Ebersole is a contributing editor for Audubon and an adjunct faculty member at the NYU journalism school. Her wildlife trade investigations and reporting have been featured in National Geographic, The Nation, and more.

Articles by Rene Ebersole

An Atlantic Puffin stands on a rock with its wings outstretched, puffing out its chest and holding two fish in its large orange beak. Next to it is a worn looking painted wooden decoy puffin affixed to the rock.
News

50 Years of Project Puffin: An Oral History of An Audacious Idea

By Rene Ebersole
June 29, 2023 — In 1973 a young biologist hatched a plan to bring a charismatic seabird back to Maine. It was the start of a five-decade scientific adventure that would ultimately revolutionize seabird restoration.
News

This Brutal Pesticide Creates a 'Circle of Death.' So Why Is It Making a Comeback?

By Rene Ebersole
March 24, 2020 — Carbofuran, a century-old chemical, is increasingly being weaponized against birds and other wildlife, decimating entire food webs.
Illustrated Aviary

Reimagining 200 of Audubon’s Birds

By Rene Ebersole
October 10, 2019 — Artist Jenny Kendler creates a birds’ eye view of climate change. In her artwork, it’s us they’re watching.
News

Funds From the Deepwater Horizon Settlement Are Flowing Into the Gulf States

By Rene Ebersole
March 22, 2019 — A new Audubon report pinpoints 30 projects that, if financed, would be a boon for birds and people alike.
Ecotourism

How Ecotourists Can Avoid Getting Greenwashed

By Rene Ebersole
September 28, 2018 — These resources and tips help ensure that eco-minded travelers' dollars make a difference for wildlife and local people.
News

Meet the Undercover Crime Unit Battling Miami's Black Market of Birds

By Rene Ebersole
September 21, 2018 — Multimillion-dollar sales of songbirds heap pressure on species already in decline. We go inside the covert investigation to capture traffickers.
Photos

Bird vs. Building: Portraits of Flight Gone Wrong

By Rene Ebersole
August 31, 2015 — Minneapolis artist Miranda Brandon gives victims of bird strikes new life.
Ethics

Too Close for Comfort

By Rene Ebersole
April 26, 2015 — In the desire to get the perfect shot, some photographers push the limits, jeopardizing the wildlife they adore. Can’t we all just get along?
Portrait

Building a Modern Ark

By Rene Ebersole
March 01, 2015 — Joel Sartore wants a close-up of every captive species on earth—as many as 12,000 animals—before it's too late.
Native Plants

How to Create a Bird-Friendly Yard

By Rene Ebersole
January 01, 2015 — New research shows that small habitats can add up to a big difference.