The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), provides funding for wildlife conservation projects at the state and tribal levels. However, it will also repeal critical funding and programs managed by NOAA and the Bureau of Reclamation under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more resources are urgently needed than the bill provides to counteract the effects of a growing biodiversity crisis. “Habitat loss and a changing climate are threatening the habitats of bir ..read more

Conservation Groups Demand Action to Stop Harm from Power Lines and Streetlights. American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, represented by Earthjustice, notified Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and Maui County that they face possible litigation challenging harm to imperiled Hawaiian seabirds caused by power lines and streetlights on Maui and Lāna‘i. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the conservation groups to provide this written notice at least 60 days before filing a lawsuit to put an end to HECO’s and the County’s illegal co ..read more

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced final revised regulations for permits under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act that will go into effect April 12, 2024. The final rule establishes both general and specific permits. General permits would be for four activities: wind energy, powerlines, disturbance take, and nest take. In contrast, specific permits are issued for projects which exceed particular thresholds and thus, are deemed higher-risk to eagles. “This is a modest win for eagle conservation in the face of the needed renewable energy devel ..read more

Several Hawaiian honeycreepers are facing imminent extinction due to avian malaria carried by invasive Southern House Mosquitoes. Members of the multi-agency partnership Birds, Not Mosquitoes (BNM) have begun releasing non-biting male Southern House Mosquitoes on Maui and Kaua‘i that reduce invasive mosquito reproduction and cause their populations to decrease. Following years of rigorous study and analysis, the releases began in November 2023 after regulatory approval from state and federal agencies. “This really is a critical milestone as it demonstrat ..read more

The Cundinamarca Antpitta, documented for the first time in 1989, numbers only in the hundreds. Before it had even received a name, what would soon be known in English as the Cundinamarca Antpitta, a relatively nondescript, olive-brown antpitta, let out an unfamiliar call that caught the ear of a seasoned birder. That was in 1989. Now, the Cundinamarca Antpitta is protected by a new reserve to ensure a bright future for its small population. The Reserva Natural Refugio Tororoi is a 446-acre (180.52 hectares) expanse of misty, highland cloud forest situated on the eastern slope of the Ande ..read more

Flaco, an Eurasian Eagle-Owl, first gained fame when he escaped the Central Park Zoo after an act of vandalism of his enclosure over a year ago. His presence in Central Park drew bird lovers from New York City and beyond eager to catch a glimpse of an enigmatic — and very large — owl. Flaco captured the imaginations of people around the world and brought birds close to home for New Yorkers. Now, millions who were captivated by Flaco are mourning his loss after he died over the weekend, the result of a collision with a building. Flaco’s fate is shared by up to one billion birds each year i ..read more

The Nature Restoration Law represents an historic opportunity to bring nature back to Europe. At a time when the continent is ravaged by floods, droughts and fires, this law will help secure a safer and healthier future for Europeans. Despite last-minute efforts of far-right and conservative groups, and disinformation from anti-nature lobbies to torpedo the law, the majority of Members of Parliament stayed true to the democratic and legislative process in place, approving the trilogue agreement which they were part of negotiating last year. The final step in the process is for the ag ..read more

By understanding the culture and traditions of Mongolia, conservationists have developed targeted outreach in the hopes of saving one of the rarest birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. At the end of the Dalmatian Pelican breeding season in 2006, a researcher was searching along the shores of Lake Airag in western Mongolia for signs of the birds, when he happened upon the carcass of a young pelican. According to a report in Birding Asia from the following year, “the head of this bird had been chopped off and was missing.” While we can’t be certain what happened to this ..read more

Madison’s Bird-friendly Building Design Ordinance is Here to Stay. Bird conservation groups are celebrating the survival of Madison, Wisconsin’s bird-friendly building ordinance after years of legal challenges from developers. Following the ruling, the City will continue to require bird-friendly building designs that prevent window collisions. American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon), and Wisconsin Society for Ornithology are encouraging municipalities to move ahead with their own efforts to assure building ..read more

Birds are remarkable in so many ways: their astonishing beauty, the marvel that is migration, the sheer diversity of the more than 10,000 species found around the world. They are also remarkable for their accessibility: right outside our windows is a world that we can observe, experience, and share with others. Feeding birds can bring their world a little closer to our own. Our yards can be vital habitats and following a few simple guidelines can help create a safe haven where birds can flock, feed, nest, and rest — and we can enjoy a closer glimpse into their lives. Whether you are ..read more