December Audubon Advisory: Year in Review

 

Audubon Advisory December 2010 Vol 2010 Issue 11 ~ ~ ~ 2 0 1 0    I N    R E V I E W ~ ~ ~   Brown Pelicans, seen here preening on oil boom protecting marshland, instantly became a symbol of the tragedy. Credit: Gerry Ellis   Audubon Responds to the BP Oil Spill Audubon was the first national group to respond with volunteers on the ground. Our response to the oil spill disaster focused on volunteer work, gathering bird data, informing the public on our view from the field, and coordinating with federal agencies. Read more about the emergency response and our ongoing work in the region.     Climate change impacts the Snowy Owl's habitat and prey. Credit: USFWS   Climate Change: Disappointing with a Side of Good News The Senate failed to pass comprehensive climate change legislation, but, with help from your many letters, we were able to fend off repeated attempts to weaken the Clean Air Act. Read more.     The Arctic Ocean's shallow and highly productive sea floor allows bottom-dwelling prey to flourish, creating a buffet for walrus. Credit: USFWS   Protecting the Arctic Ocean from Careless Drilling Earlier this year, we celebrated when imminent offshore drilling was delayed in this sensitive ecosystem. With the moratorium in the Arctic Ocean lifted, Shell Oil is now poised to start drilling next summer. Read more.     Restoring the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound, home to the endangered Piping Plover, are among our highest priorities. Credit: USFWS   Audubon Conservation Priorities Come Down to the Wire The Senate is still considering some of Audubon's legislative priorities as the clock ticks down towards the end of the year. Read more.     This caribou calf, along with hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, depends on an unspoiled Arctic Refuge. Credit: Florian Schultz   A Look Ahead at a Hostile Environment for the Environment In 2011, we will have to fight once again to protect the Arctic Refuge and other critically important habitats across our country, and to ensure that climate change pollution can be reduced for the health of our children, our families, and our planet. Read more.   Briefly Noted Nominations sought for Land and Water Conservation Fund sites. Audubon chapters testify to stop cell tower bird kills Arctic Refuge Fall Migration Birding Challenge winners announced.   December Mystery Bird Congratulations to Rochelle D., of Webb City, MO, who was randomly chosen from the entries that correctly identified last month's Common Loon, at right. Good luck with this month's challenge, below. HINT: In last year's Christmas Bird Count, 9,647 individuals of this species were reported. The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be chosen at random from all entries received that correctly identify the species (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is Sunday, January 9. Photo credits: Common Loon-USFWS, Mystery Bird-Nick Saunders    The Audubon Advisory is published monthly by Audubon's Public Policy Program. 1150 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org