News

Storm clouds darken an orange sunset over a mountain range.
The Surprises We Find In Pursuit of Truth
December 16, 2021 — Our latest issue offers a reminder that, even when we think we know where stories are going, they often take us to unexpected places.
Letter From the Editor
The invention of early home answering machines, such as the PhoneMate, helped birding hotlines take off in the 1950s to 1970s.
Where Have All the Rare Bird Alerts Gone?
December 16, 2021 — Long before eBird, birders simply called up an avian hotline to learn where to chase unusual birds. Today these phone services are themselves sliding toward extinction—with one notable exception.
From Audubon Magazine
Two images are shown on split screen: On the left, a man hikes across a rocky island made of sharp limestone, which looms over the frame. On the right, in close-up: a fish is pressed into the gullet of a young petrel from a gloved hand. Scientists hand-feed and raise young birds after moving them from nests and onto a safer island.
It Takes a Helicopter Parent to Rescue a Rare Seabird from Extinction
December 16, 2021 — Raising the world’s entire population of Bermuda Petrels, or Cahows, requires undivided attention—and a relentless drive to see them succeed.
Standing in profile close to the camera, a bright red Northern Cardinal spreads the feathers on its wing so that each individual feather is visible. Snow is on the ground, and is lightly falling against a dark night sky.
These Scrappy Photos Capture the Action-Packed World Beneath a Bird Feeder
December 16, 2021 — A photographer pursues common yard wildlife from a different perspective.
Behind the Shot
A bird is depicted with wings and tail outstretched, its head pointing straight up. The wings feature a splash of vibrant orange extending from its shoulders that fades to a soft blue-purple, and the tips of the wings and tail feathers are an inky black.
Reimagining the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
December 16, 2021 — Artist John Paul Brammer finds inspiration in Oklahoma’s expansive skies and Native American regalia.
Illustrated Aviary
Bird Protections Restored, and Key Process Advances to Strengthen Rules
December 14, 2021 — After bringing back critical protections in the century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act, policymakers are considering changes that will build on the law for the future.
The State of the Colorado River Going into 2022
December 14, 2021 — The rules of the Colorado River need to match modern values and our climate realities.
Western Water News
The Audubon Mural Project Brings Birdsong to Life in Washington Heights
December 13, 2021 — An eye-catching and abstract new mixed media mural by artist Jessica Maffia is the first of the public-art project to focus on sound.
Audubon Mural Project
Amid a Drought Crisis, Inspiration from Our Work in Western Water for Birds and People
December 13, 2021 — In 2021, Audubon led the way in protecting rivers, lakes, and bird habitat in the West.
Western Water News
Audubon Spotlight: Zakiyyah Madyun is Piecing it All Together
December 06, 2021 — How an imaginative film graduate is using her passion for conservation to create entertaining videos for Audubon’s video channels.