SCIENCE & CONSERVATION

Our efforts in Science & Conservation relate to a variety of bird- and habitat-related research projects at locations throughout the state. Much of our current focus is on banding and migratory studies, especially on the Gulf Coast and in the Alabama Black Belt region.

COASTAL STEWARDSHIP

The ALABAMA COASTAL BIRD STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (ALCBSP) has provided critical protection and monitoring for our state’s sensitive beach-nesting bird populations since 2017. Administered by Alabama Audubon staff at both our Birmingham headquarters and in our coastal field office, the program utilizes local volunteers to monitor and enhance the breeding success of several species of concern on the beaches of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. This work complements similar National Audubon Society initiatives across the Gulf of Mexico, including programs in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

PROJECT SAFE FLIGHT

An estimated 1.28 billion birds die from colliding with windows annually in the United States, the second leading cause of bird deaths in North America. Nearly half of these collisions occur at residential windows, with the rest occurring in cities with larger buildings covered in glass and bright lights. Simply put, birds do not see glass. 

Led by Dr. Lianne Koczur, our Science & Conservation Director, Project Safe Flight is an opportunity for you to join our team in collecting important data related to bird-window strikes, which will be used to help us direct future conservation actions through this initiative.

banding studies

Banding is a commonly used tool to study bird populations. Birds are captured, several body measurements are taken, and a small aluminum band is placed on the bird’s leg. The band has a unique number on it, so if it is recaptured we know where and when it was originally banded. We have several ongoing banding projects across the state. These include a Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship station at Ruffner Mountain, Spring Banding at Fort Morgan, Fall Banding at Dauphin Island, Snowy Plover and American Oystercatcher banding on the coast, and Brown Pelican banding in collaboration with the Orange Beach Wildlife Center.

Check out our publications page to learn more about our work.

BLACK SKIMMERS

MAGNOLIA WARBLER / David McMath

PAINTED BUNTING