A River of Birds
From the headwaters of the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
More than 325 bird species make the round-trip each year along the Mississippi Flyway, from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and in Central and South America.
Many of those birds and their critical habitats were profoundly affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill—habitat that will be further eroded by sea-level rise. Audubon knows that only a comprehensive restoration program, and a long-term financial commitment to restoring the Gulf, will keep the flyway hospitable to birds.
We’ve established a Gulf-wide stewardship plan for the full range of coastal waterbirds, and this year Audubon received the first installment of funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to get those restoration projects started.
We protect Whooping Cranes, Least Terns, Prothonotary Warblers, and many other species at both the north and south ends of their migrations. From Minnesota, where we successfully lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency to stay the permit of a sulfide ore mine, to shorebird stewardship projects in Mississippi, we are there for the birds.
State Job Boards
Current Projects
Great Lakes - A globally significant ecosystem with more than 10,000 miles of shoreline.
Coastal Stewardship: Gulf - All along the Gulf Coast, Audubon works with volunteers and partner organizations to conserve, restore, protect, and monitor a network of coastal sites for colonial and beach-nesting birds—including Wilson’s Plovers, Black Skimmers, and Reddish Egrets—and to help people and birds coexist and thrive in these sensitive coastal areas.
Mississippi River Delta - After the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill thrust the fragile ecosystem of the Mississippi River Delta into public view, Audubon brought all its resources to bear to help rescue the birds victimized by the disaster and to support recovery efforts.
Opportunities
Careers in Conservation
Source for information of careers in the conservation field
How you can help, right now
Join the Western Rivers Action Network
Join WRAN to receive action alerts about water issues, as well as issues that are affecting birds across the arid West.
Donate
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss, and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
Visit the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, Arizona.