Our Connected Planet
Birds tell a story about the health of the environment. We’re listening.
It is springtime in North America—a season of transformation. The arrival of migratory birds, blooming flowers, and longer days signal renewal and possibility. Across the Western Hemisphere, the rhythms of nature take different forms, but one truth remains universal: birds connect us to these cycles of life. Their songs, presence, and absence tell powerful stories about the health of our planet.
Living in the Washington, D.C., area I have been especially eager for spring this year after an unusually snowy winter. Walking trails and seeing migratory birds return feel like nature’s renewal. The flash of a cardinal or the song of a robin brings energy to the landscape, each moment part of a larger story. As these birds travel through familiar neighborhoods and parks, their journeys remind me of the interconnectedness of life and the resilience that sustains it.
At Audubon, we know birds are our planet’s storytellers, offering insights into the health of the world we share. In this issue, you will read about an Audubon project in North Carolina, where our team is measuring how PFAS—“forever chemicals” that do not break down—affect the immune systems of Brown Pelicans along the Cape Fear River. These chemicals enter the food chain, where they accumulate in pelicans and other wildlife. The story the pelicans have to tell us is clear: Our ecosystems are in danger, and we must act to protect them.
This connection between birds and environmental health lies at the heart of our Flight Plan strategy. By restoring grasslands, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems—natural systems that store carbon, support biodiversity, and contribute to clean air and water—Audubon is addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. From ranching in the Great Plains to mangrove restoration in Latin America, our efforts are shaping the story of our planet’s future, ensuring that birds and communities thrive.
Birds inspire us with their resilience, especially during spring migration—a journey full of obstacles yet marked by determination and hope. As storytellers, they reveal the health of our environment and urge us to act. This spring, let us listen to their stories and safeguard the places they depend on.
Wherever you are, take a moment to notice the birds around you. Their presence speaks volumes, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect them—and the planet we all call home.
This piece originally ran in the Spring 2025 issue as the Audubon View. To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.