National Audubon Society

Trivia time! Founding Father Benjamin Franklin didn’t want the Bald Eagle to be included in the Great Seal of the United States. Which bird did he suggest would be a better choice?

Newsletter | November 2023

A young woman stands in a pasture with stalks of grass in her hands.

Coming Home

Taking over the family business can be a lot to manage. But when then-19-year-old Cloe Parker learned that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer, she knew that’s what she had to do. It’s been no easy feat, but her connection to her family, the land, and the desire to bring nutritious food to her community has helped her carry through. “Ranching and business is such an opportunity for personal development, so through all of those trials and hard times, I just leaned into that,” she says. Her story is one of home, trials, and—above all else—connection.Read it here

Cloe Parker. Photo: Eric Phillips

A bright yellow bird sings from a branch of maroon leaves.

Birds Matter. So Do You.

Birds bring us joy and conserving them should bring us joy, too! This summer, we caught up with some of our members to highlight the critical, diverse, and rewarding work they’re doing to help protect birds and the places they need. We invite you to get to know—and celebrate—these fellow bird lovers.

Watch their interviews

Yellow Warbler. Photo: Simon d'Entremont/Audubon Photography Awards

A bird of prey with a brown body and distinct white head perches on a partially-submerged branch with wings outstretched.

Vote

Voting and engaging in elections is one of the most important things you can do for birds and the lands they depend on. The people and policies we vote for today will impact birds and their habitats for decades to come. Elections are happening today in Colorado and Wyoming and on November 21 in Utah. While birds can’t vote, you can. We have the resources you need to vote and be their voice including information about registration, polling places, absentee voting, and more.

Get them here

Bald Eagle. Photo: Arsalan Butt/Audubon Photography Awards

An adult educator is surrounded by young children on a blanket in a grassy field in autumn. A rustic building is in the background.

Educator Resources

Teaching isn’t easy. That’s why the Community Naturalist team at Audubon Rockies created environmental education resources for teachers! Our collection of student activities, lesson plans, books, workshops, and more will help you teach your students about birds and nature in the Rocky Mountain West—without breaking a sweat or your budget.

Find them here

Community Naturalist field trip in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies

An illustration of a Mexican Spotted Owl in front of a starry sky. The words “Audubon Rockies After Dark” are below the illustration. A play button is on the image.

Audubon After Dark Bird Story Hour

Last month, we hosted author Dan Wildcat for Audubon After Dark: Bird Story Hour. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can now listen to the stories from the event on our YouTube channel. Then, to hear more from Dan, check out his new book, On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth. Order using the code ROCKIESAUDUBON30 to get 30% off!

Watch Bird Story Hour on YouTube here

Graphic: Yeji Kim/Audubon Photography Awards

News from Gillmor Sanctuary

Farewell, Ella

Last month, Ella Sorenson, champion of shorebird conservation and Gillmor Sanctuary, left Audubon after more than 29 years of working at Audubon. Ella has significantly impacted the conservation of Great Salt Lake and Gillmor Sanctuary, helping to protect birds and the habitat they depend on. She was key to expanding the Sanctuary to what it is today: more than 3,500 acres (and growing)! Join us in thanking Ella for her decades of service to the protection of birds and Great Salt Lake and keep an eye out next month for an extended farewell celebrating her many accomplishments.

Ella Sorenson.

Introducing Alyson DeNittis

We also have a new staff member to introduce! Alyson DeNittis joined the Audubon Rockies team this fall as Gillmor Sanctuary Senior Land Management Coordinator. Alyson graduated from Utah Valley University with a B.S. in botany and much of her previous work has involved rare and native plant research across Utah. As the Senior Land Management Coordinator at Gillmor Sanctuary, she is involved with all aspects of land management to preserve critical shorebird habitat along Great Salt Lake. When not wading through a flooded playa or counting birds, she loves exploring the West, creating art, and immersing herself in her community. Join us in welcoming her to the flock!

Alyson DeNittis. Photo: Julie Howard

A woman instructs a group of adults sitting at a picnic table with various plants on it. A play button is on the image.

Member Spotlight: Meet Moe, Nature Journaler

Moe Cairns is a fellow Audubon member who shares her love of nature with others. Her mode of choice: nature journaling. By teaching this craft, she hopes to show people the beauty and intricacy in all plants and wildlife. Our recent interview with Moe was a refreshing reminder of how we can all help nature with our unique talents and interests!

Watch it here

Trivia Answer: Benjamin Franklin suggested that it would be better to include a Wild Turkey on the Great Seal of the United States instead of a Bald Eagle. He claimed that Bald Eagles were “a bird of bad moral character” and that “the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird.”

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320 E. Vine Dr., Suite 312, Ft. Collins, CO 80524 USA
(970) 416 6931 | www.audubon.org/rockies

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