Audubon MagazineWinter 2016

Investigation

As Oil Companies Dig Into Yasuní National Park, Ecuadorians Are Fighting Back

Considered the most biodiverse place in the world, the Yasuní is in danger of being ruined through the exploitation of its natural resources. And time is running out to save it.
Flock Together

An Annual Rescue Mission to Free Northern Gannets Tangled in Plastic Trash

Without human intervention, dozens of the magnificent seabirds would starve to death at their nesting site each year.
Letter From the Editor

That Thing with Feathers

By Mark Jannot
December 10, 2016 — When the world starts to look dark, it can help to pay close attention to the beauty around us.
From Audubon Magazine

Amidst California Drought, Coyotes Creep Closer to Mono Lake’s Gull Colonies

By Jane Braxton Little
December 07, 2016 — An electric fence might provide a quick fix, but what the lake really needs is water.
From Audubon Magazine

How Baby Kiwis in Virginia Will Help Preserve an Ancient Maori Tradition

By Jonathan Carey
December 06, 2016 — At the Smithsonian's world-class breeding center, conservationists are working to preserve a beloved New Zealand bird and culture.
Gear

5 Essentials for Birding in the Tropics

By The Editors
December 05, 2016 — When you want to add exotic birds to your life list, pack light.
Illustrated Aviary

Reimagining the American Goldfinch

By Purbita Saha
December 05, 2016 — Cultural icon Tony Fitzpatrick blends folk art with his bird obsession.
From Audubon Magazine

6 Nearby Tropical Birding Hotspots to Escape to This Winter

By The Editors
December 05, 2016 — An incredible array of avian life is a short plane ride away.
Dispatch

The Mystery of Seahorse Key's Missing Bird Colony Veers Into Strange Territory

By Brian Kevin
December 05, 2016 — Russian submarines? Black-ops helicopters? Vigilante sheepdogs? Cannibal snakes? Weird theories abound for the causes of the baffling case.
True Crime

Behind the Scenes With the World’s Top Feather Detective

By Chris Sweeney
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.
Audubon View

A Call for Hope

By David Yarnold
December 05, 2016 — When you protect birds, you protect the planet. And each one of us has the power to make things better for birds.
Tips and How-Tos

Let a Pro Teach You How to Take Great Owl Photos

By Jennifer Bogo
November 28, 2016 — Paul Bannick has spent a decade photographing owls for his latest book. Here’s why he loves them—and what he’s learned.
News

Historic Climate Case Led By Kids Is Headed to Trial

By Molly Bennet
November 11, 2016 — Twenty-one children want to hold the federal government accountable for climate change, potentially changing how we handle environmental law.

Other Issues