SF Bayflower: How We Protect Florida’s Only Endemic Bird

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| Wingspan Newsletter May 2026

A Florida Scrub-Jay perches on a tree branch, surrounded by foliage.

Florida Scrub-Jay at Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Triangle during a Jay Watch survey in June 2025. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon

Jay Watch Helps Protect Florida’s Only Endemic Bird

Florida Scrub-Jays have declined by 90% in the last century due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. A key to saving this threatened species is managing their remaining habitat, but the land managers don’t always have the capacity to monitor scrub-jays. Enter Jay Watch, our community science program that helps protect Florida’s only endemic bird. Learn how our dedicated volunteers are helping guide the Florida Scrub-Jay’s habitat management.

Sandhill Cranes fly over the Platte River at sunset.

Sandhill Cranes at Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary, Nebraska. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon

Recap of Sandhill Crane Season 2026

Every spring migration, over one million cranes pass through our Rowe Sanctuary, which sits at the heart of the Platte River in Nebraska. While Sandhill Crane season only lasts for a few, fleeting weeks, there’s still much to celebrate. Read on for Rowe Sanctuary Center Director Marcos Stoltzfus’ reflections of this year’s crane season.

American White Pelican and Double-crested Cormorants perch on twigs in the middle of a river.

American White Pelican and Double-crested Cormorants at Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge along the Colorado River, Arizona. Photo: Gary Moore/Audubon Photography Awards

What Comes Next After This Colorado River Crisis?

The Colorado River Basin is at a defining moment. Exacerbating the already unfolding water supply crisis, this past winter was especially woeful to the Colorado River and its depleting reservoirs. What can we do next? Our joint comment letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation advocates for the agency to manage risks for people and nature rather than deferring hard decisions until emergency conditions force action. Keep reading for our basinwide perspective on the Colorado River crisis.

An Anna's Hummingbird perches on top of a flowering plant.

Anna's Hummingbird. Photo: Matthew Olson/Audubon Photography Awards

KAREN, Help Us Help Birds

Our work is only possible because of the steadfast support of caring bird lovers like you. Please consider a gift to help give birds a brighter future. Donate now.

A Blackpoll Warbler sits on lush green vegetation.

Blackpoll Warbler. Photo: Michael Riccio/Audubon Photography Awards

Protect the Seal River Watershed

In Canada, the Seal River Watershed encompasses a vast 12-million-acre landscape of pristine forests, wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers that millions of migratory birds rely on—including the birds you see in your own neighborhood. The Seal River Watershed Alliance, an Indigenous collaboration of four First Nations; the Manitoba Government; and the Government of Canada have proposed to conserve the Seal River Watershed through multiple layers of protection and stewardship. The deadline to submit your comment is June 2. Learn how to take action today to help protect the watershed.