In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land

As a wildlife scientist and birder, I think about our relationship with, and effects on, nature. As I searched for meadowlarks and other open country birds among farms and ranches, I learned how these species flee the plow and how many farmers adjust their actions to lessen this exodus. I birded and talked with farmers on their lands from Nebraska to California to Costa Rica. Here I bring news to you from these farms that show how some birds are extirpated while others evolve to live among the crops we need for our own sustenance. Continue Reading →

Rainier Audubon’s May Birdathon

It’s “birding for dollars!”
It’s time for the May Birdathon! It’s fun and easy to participate. Simply count as many bird species in one day as you can! Choose any day in May. Have family, friends, and co-workers sponsor you, then go birding!  Afterwards, send your sponsors a list of the birds you saw, and they will donate X amount for each species (i.e. $1 or another amount).  Or they can donate a flat fee. 100% of the proceeds support Rainier Audubon activities in south King County.  Continue Reading →