[AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT] Birds are counting on you

We must protect their habitat before it's too late

Over 200 bird species—including the Snowy Owl—are found in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and millions of individual birds can be found in the Western Arctic. We've advocated tirelessly for these areas and were able to notch a huge win last month when the Biden administration initiated the much-needed environmental review that better recognizes the conservation needs and cultural distinction of the Refuge and took significant steps to protect more than 13 million acres of land in the Western Arctic. But our work is far from done, KAREN. In 2017, it was reported that Snowy Owls had lost 64% of their North American population since 1970. And due to climate change, their numbers are only continuing to decline.

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We can't turn back the hands of time, but we can all come together to protect birds and curb the impacts of climate change. If you make an annual contribution right now, your gift will be matched up to $5,000 for vulnerable birds—like the Snowy Owl. Can we count on your help?

Snowy Owl.

Give a gift to support birds like the Snowy Owl.

Dear KAREN, Once synonymous with the Arctic tundra, Snowy Owls have seen steep population declines. The 2022 State of the Birds report considered them "On Alert," having lost 50 percent of their population from 1979 to 2019. And the International Union for Conservation listed the Snowy Owl as "vulnerable" after the adult population dropped from 200,000 in 2013 to only 28,000 in 2017—a staggering 86% decrease. Climate change, resulting in a loss of their important habitats and the prey they rely on to survive, is the main driver in these worrying numbers. Drastic action needs to happen now. Birds from the Snowy Owl to the Golden-winged Warbler are counting on all of us to step up to protect the places they call home. Please, will you join us with an annual gift? Thanks to a group of dedicated supporters, your donation will be matched up to $5,000 for birds like the Snowy Owl.

In the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, a wetland in Arctic Alaska, ice melt due to climate change has caused rapid erosion of the landscape leading to habitat loss. Teshekpuk Lake is one of the most ecologically important wetlands in the entire Arctic, providing habitat for tens of thousands of molting geese, threatened species like the Spectacled Eider, and nesting shorebirds and waterfowl. Birds from this region and across the Western Arctic disperse along all four major flyways of the U.S., as well as to Asia and beyond. We know how critical this area is for Snowy Owls—and all Arctic wildlife. That's why our public lands and Alaska teams are working tirelessly to educate elected officials on the threats Arctic birds face and urge for protections in priority habitats like the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area.

The birds we love need protection

Snowy Owls have been listed as a "vulnerable" species since 2017.

The Snowy Owl has lost 50% of its population from 1970-2019.

We are working to permanently protect important Snowy Owl habitat from oil and gas developments.

Time is of the essence, KAREN. We're losing 13 percent of Arctic sea ice every decade, further degrading and eroding the lands Snowy Owls and all Arctic animals call home. There is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. Will you donate now and get your gift matched 2X up to $5,000 to help us continue to advocate for birds? Can we count on you to pitch in right now? Sincerely, National Audubon Society

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Photo: Grant Eldridge/Audubon Photography Awards. Illustrations: Golden-winged Warbler, Snowy Owl.

 

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