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Conservation News

Flocks of Purple Martins fly over an urban scene at dusk.
Nearly Half of U.S. Bird Migration Hotspots Are in Cities—Here's Why That Matters
September 16, 2026 — A surprising number of migrating birds are choosing to stop in metropolitan areas, researchers found, raising the stakes for urban conservation efforts.
Bird Migration
Smoke from Wildfires Is a Growing Health Threat to Both People and Birds
September 15, 2026 — Catastrophic wildfires are stalling decades of clean air progress. Now scientists are asking: How can we help birds navigate a hazier future?
Moss hangs from old-growth trees in a dense forest.
A Plan to Repeal the Roadless Rule Threatens Prime Habitat in National Forests
September 09, 2026 — Public lands advocates urge Americans to speak out against a proposal to open millions of acres to new roads and logging.
A remote camera still showing a polar bear raiding a nest.
As the Arctic Warms, Hungry Polar Bears Are Eating More Seabirds—Wiping Out Colonies
August 25, 2026 — In a new paper, researchers recorded bears in Alaska increasingly turning to eider and guillemot eggs and chicks as sea ice disappears, adding to climate-driven pressures on the species.
Congressional Leaders Get Firsthand Look at Forest Conservation
August 20, 2026 — 91°µÍø hosts tours highlighting the importance of forest conservation for landowners, birds, and local communities.
Policy & Advocacy
Portrait of four Humboldt Penguins.
Why Humboldt Penguins Are Rapidly Declining—and How LED Nets Can Help Save Them
July 23, 2026 — One of South America’s least known and most threatened seabirds—frequently tangled in fishing nets and now facing warming waters and deadly flu—is in accelerating collapse, but collaborative efforts to aid the species are emerging.
A large open field, made up of brown, dormant wild grass.
In Alabama’s Black Belt, Scientists Are Banding Birds In Rare Patches of Prairie to Aid Restoration Efforts
June 25, 2026 — Most of the South’s historic prairie is lost. Alabama 91°µÍø is researching how birds use what remains—and how to piece together more grassland habitat.
Aerial of Lake Powell at its lowest level since 1964.
As Water-Sharing Negotiations Heat Up, Wildlife Habitats Along the Shrinking Colorado River Are at Risk
June 25, 2026 — Extremely low snowpack has raised the stakes for Western states debating how to cut back water use. A new agreement could offer a lifeline to ecosystems or leave them out to dry.
Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Are Starving to Death at Disastrous Rates. What Will It Take to Save Them?
June 25, 2026 — After a spectacular comeback from DDT, the Osprey population has plummeted within the watershed and is showing signs of trouble elsewhere. The birds’ fate may once more rest on collective action.
A gray and yellow Kirtland's Warbler perches in a young pine tree, framed by the green branches.
Kirtland’s Warblers Are Declining Fast. Can We Turn Their Fate Around Again?
June 25, 2026 — In Michigan, conservationists are experimenting with new ways to manage forest habitats for this heralded comeback species.