National Audubon Society

Monthly Newsletter May, 2021

An adult male American Redstart displaying tail-fanning behavior

Five Common Warbler Species to Spot in the Great Lakes Region This Spring

Warblers, with their many varieties and their ability to quickly dash in and out of foliage, can be tricky to learn for the beginning birder. If you’re just starting to learn these diverse and colorful gems as they are migrating through our region this spring, we recommend starting with some of the most common species you’re likely to encounter like the Yellow Warbler and American Redstart. Practice looking for these five species and their unique traits and behaviors and you’ll be a warbler whiz in no time!Read more

American Redstart. Photo: Tom Warren/Audubon Photography Awards

Congressman Peter Meijer Goes Birding with Audubon Great Lakes

Audubon Great Lakes took Congressman Peter Meijer (R-MI3)on a bird walk through Yankee Springs Recreation Area, in Barry County, Michigan to discuss the importance of Great Lakes restoration and federal investment in conservation for the benefit of birds and people.

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Rep. Meijer (R-MI-3) joined Audubon Great Lakes for a bird walk and discussion on the importance of Great Lakes conservation. Photo credit: Eric Gerson

Marsh Bird Surveying at Waukegan Beach. Photo Credit: Refugio Mariscal

May is Wetland Month! Why should you care?

With more than 20% of our planet's freshwater and over 10,000 miles of coastline, the Great Lakes are perhaps our greatest natural resource in the region. From the provision of clean drinking water and fish nurseries, to the buffering effect applied to flood and drought events, the coastal wetlandsare deeply connected to the people of the Great Lakes. In the face of climate change these wetlands have never been so important for both birds and people. Audubon is working to empower our network in the region to protect and restore Great Lakes coastal wetlands that improves habitat for breeding and migratory birds, builds our coastal communities resiliency to climate change and improves water quality for birds and people. Learn more about our conservation work and vision report.

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Marsh Bird Surveying at Waukegan Beach. Photo Credit: Refugio Mariscal

Northern Saw-whet Owl. Photo Credit: Peter Emmett

Join Us This Week: 'I Saw A Bird' with Congresswoman Dingell

We’re excited to welcome Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-12) to this month’s episode of ‘I Saw A Bird,’ Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT. Congresswoman Dingell and a representative from the National Wildlife Federation will join Audubon to dig into the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, a bold initiative to help recover wildlife, improve our natural spaces, and create jobs. The event will also include an opportunity to meets hummingbird ambassadors, and as we head into beach season, learn the importance of sharing the shore with birds and other wildlife and how to protect nesting shorebirds like Piping Plovers.

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Northern Saw-whet Owl. Photo Credit: Peter Emmett

Prescribed burns play a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Photo credit: Nicole Minadeo

Prescribed Burns Are Helping Restore Crucial Bird Habitat

As part of a Great Lakes region-wide restoration effort to restore critical wetlands for birds and people, Audubon Great Lakes, the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission and partners recently completed the first ever prescribed burn at MLK wetlands in Gary, Indiana. The purpose of the controlled burn is to help maintain and improve wildlife habitat by replacing invasive plants with native plants that create optimal breeding habitat for threatened marsh birds such as American Bittern and Pied-billed Grebe.

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Prescribed burns play a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Photo credit: Nicole Minadeo

Act with Audubon Great Lakes

Bobolink. Photo credit: Adam Brandemihl/Audubon Photography Awards

Growing Climate Solutions: A Win Win

To slow climate change at the pace needed to protect birds and people, we’ll need to harness the power of our hardworking agricultural and forestry sectors. Read the recently published Op-ed from Audubon Great Lakes Executive Director and Vice President Michelle Parker and our partners at the Indiana State Poultry Association on how a new federal bill does just that. Learn how The Growing Climate Solutions Act would provide our farmers and foresters with the tools and resources to massively scale up their sustainable practices to create a cleaner future for people and birds. Read more

Bobolink. Photo credit: Adam Brandemihl/Audubon Photography Awards

Piping Plover. Merri Lee Metzger./Audubon Photography Awards

Endangered Species Day May 21

As we approach Endangered Species Day, we reflect on our efforts to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. We know this is vital in ensuring the growth of birds and other wildlife like endangered Piping Plovers in the Great Lakes. We hope that you will continue on this journey with us and we thank you for helping to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Donate

Piping Plover. Merri Lee Metzger./Audubon Photography Awards

Eastern Meadowlark. Sheri Douse/Audubon Photography Awards

Protect the Places that Birds Need in Wisconsin

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funds the preservation of the natural areas and wildlife habitat that birds need in Wisconsin – places like Goose Pond Sanctuary, an Important Bird Area where more than 51 species of birds nest. Investing in Knowles-Nelson will continue to protect the places that threatened birds like Northern Harrier and Eastern Meadowlark need to thrive and survive. To learn more, Audubon Great Lakes recently spoke to Wisconsin Public Radio on our plan to restore wetlands and bring back declining marsh bird populations. If you live in Wisconsin, tell your state legislators to renew and strengthen the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Take Action Today

Eastern Meadowlark. Sheri Douse/Audubon Photography Awards

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