News

Cook, in his eagle-adorned office, displays a rubber eagle mask in his hand.
The Bald Eagle Is About to Officially Become Our National Bird—Thanks to This Man
December 14, 2024 — Preston Cook’s love of the iconic raptor has led to a collection of 40,000 objects and, now, a quest to finally bring the bird the recognition that it deserves.
Group of young adults looking up with binoculars, standing in a street in a suburban location.
The Long View
December 13, 2024 — Pull back to look at the big picture, and you may glean valuable insights.
Letter From the Editor
Two ptarmigans in white plumage blend into the snowy ground behind them, with their black eyes and beaks sticking out in contrast.
How Much Longer Can These Cold-Loving Birds Last in the Rapidly Warming Rockies?
December 13, 2024 — In Colorado and New Mexico, scientists put in long days scouring the high country for signs of how well White-tailed Ptarmigan can adapt.
A wooden Godwit decoy stands on the banks of a body of water with golden light cascading across a row of pine trees in the background.
This Bar-tailed Godwit Decoy Delivers Folk Art with a Contemporary Feel
December 13, 2024 — Wooden decoys long played a key role in hunting birds. Artist David Personius hopes his modern take can inspire conservation instead.
The Aviary
Illustration of people birding in different locations, including in an orange raft. A flock of blackbirds fills the upper left quadrant, and a red rocket stands in the middle of the illustration.
The Christmas Bird Count: “Better Than Any Animal Planet Video!”
December 13, 2024 — Volunteers who take part in the annual community science event aren't only collecting invaluable data about bird populations—they're also making memories while they're at it. We asked folks to share some of their favorites with us.
Brooke Bateman in winter gear stands outside in the snow with binoculars.
Brooke Bateman Takes the Reins of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count
December 12, 2024 — Our Senior Director of Climate and Community Science invites you to join the longest-running bird count and describes what it means to science and to her family.
Christmas Bird Count
Two photos of a group of people looking up through binoculars, one vintage-looking and one modern.
As the Christmas Bird Count Turns 125, a Beloved Birding Tradition Looks to the Future
December 12, 2024 — With more people than ever taking part, the annual Audubon event is a growing force for science and nature conservation.
A female Wood Duck floats on the water in the falling snow.
How a Photographer Captured This Dreamy Portrait of a Female Wood Duck in the Snow
December 12, 2024 — Scott Suriano relies on waders and a floating blind to snap wintry pond scenes at surface level.
Behind the Shot
Illustration of various evergreen trees surrounded by birds.
Want to Level Up Your Winter Birding? Know Your Conifers
December 12, 2024 — Use this handy guide to identify native evergreens that feed and shelter birds when foliage is scarce.
A group of Common Murres clustered together on a cliff ledge.
A Single Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals
December 12, 2024 — Nearly a decade later, the seabirds still aren’t rebounding from what researchers say was the largest animal die-off in modern history—and a stark warning about climate change.