Birds
Coast Guard
For nearly a century, Audubon wardens have been patrolling 80 islands off the Texas coast, using grit and determination and (sometimes) firearms to protect the birds that find sanctuary there. If the Gulf oil spill makes its way to Texas, the wardens will be ready, guarding the pelicans, egrets, and spoonbills with their formidable resolve.
By Bruce Barcott/Photography by Randal Ford
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Green Travel
Over the Rainbow
In the Peruvian Amazon, a research vessel (with ample amenities) floats through a flooded forest alive with amazing wildlife, from pink dolphins and giant otters to 13 species of primates and 500 kinds of birds.
By Susan Cosier
National Parks
The Mother Lode
To many, “biodiverse” means rainforests or coral reefs. In fact, though, one of the most diverse places anywhere is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where in 12 years biologists have identified 900-plus new species. Like slime molds? There are more than 200 here. How about bees (23 species), beetles (42), or algae (78)? They’re all in the park.
By Kurt Repanshek/Photography by Coke Whitworth
Editor’s Note
By David Seideman
Audubon View
By Frank Gill
Letters
From our readers.
Field Notes
The oil spill and our energy future; the Gulf Coast’s Important Bird Areas: what’s at stake; Special: A tribute to former Audubon editor Les Line, a legend in environmental journalism.
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Audubon Family
Buying your child’s first pair of binoculars; tagging monarchs; an 11-year-old makes art on behalf of the Gulf’s threatened birds.
Audubon in Action
Q&A with Melanie Driscoll, from the oil spill’s front lines; gardening for nature; more.
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Incite
Salt on New Wounds
It may seem like a desert to some, but a healthy Great Salt Lake is crucial to millions of birds.
By Ted Williams
Earth Almanac
This is one good-looking frog; whistle pigs; sooty shearwaters, nature’s marathon migrants.
By Ted Williams
Reviews
For the Love of Fish
An ode to an unappreciated group of animals—and a warning about their future.
By Hillary Rosner
One Picture
Bubblemaker
Belugas, it seems, are full of hot air.
Photos by Hiroya Minakuchi/Text by Julie Leibach
On the cover: When brown pelicans made it off the endangered species list last year, it was a huge conservation victory. But will the Gulf oil spill jeopardize this success? Photo by Randal Ford
Banner images: Scarlet macaw, by Ingo Arndt/Minden Pictures; reddish egret; Chester Smith (left) and Leroy Overstreet, by Randal Ford; pickerel frog, by Joel Sartore. |
