It’s that time of year! Voting is now open until July 5 for our 2023 Bird of the Year and we’re highlighting three special candidates—the Bluethroat, the Northern Wheatear, and Rufous Hummingbird. Cast your vote and graphic artist Eric Cline will illustrate the winner!

Bluethroat

Greetings, fellow bird enthusiasts! I am a Bluethroat, and I am honored to be a candidate for Audubon Alaska’s Bird of the Year. As a small but mighty bird, I am proud to represent the birds of the Arctic Slope of Alaska. My striking blue, orange, and black bib and beautiful singing voice (really, you should hear me in the shower) make me particularly well-suited to be in the spotlight—all the more reason for you to elect me!   

The past few years have been difficult for birds and their habitats. Climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment threaten the populations of bird species across the Arctic—and we must act now to protect our feathered friends. As Bird of the Year, I pledge to be a strong voice for conservation efforts and work tirelessly to protect and conserve our natural habitats.  

Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to have a vast swath of tundra in northern Alaska to spend countless hours searching for me and my friends while we tweet-tweet in a bush just over the next clump of tundra. Thank you for your support!

Northern Wheatear  

Listen up, fellow birds and bird enthusiasts! It's time for a change, and I, as a female Northern Wheatear, am here to shake things up in the race for Audubon Alaska’s Bird of the Year. While my plumage may not boast the same vibrant colors as my male counterparts, let's not forget that true beauty lies in the strength, resilience, and adaptability that we females bring to the table. It's about time we give credit where it's due!  

Now, let's talk conservation in Alaska. We all know this magnificent state is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. As your future Bird of the Year, I will prioritize conservation efforts that not only protect our natural habitats but also address the unique challenges faced by migratory birds, like myself, who rely on Alaska as a crucial stopover. It's time to move beyond superficial appearances and focus on the substance of our actions.  

So, my dear voters, remember, when it comes to conservation and leadership, it's not just about flashy feathers or loud calls—it's about making a real difference for the future of our beloved Alaska.

Rufous Hummingbird  

Hello there, feathered friends and fellow voters! I, the one and only Rufous Hummingbird, am running for election for Audubon Alaska’s Bird of the Year. Now, I know what you're thinking: How can someone as small and speedy as me make a difference in conservation in Alaska? Well, let me tell you, my tiny stature is my secret weapon. If you want someone with an eye for detail and a knack for precision, vote for me, the "Hummingbird Extraordinaire!"  

Alaska, my dear friends, is like the grand buffet of bird habitats. From snow-capped mountains to lush forests, it's got it all! And guess what? I've got the perfect conservation plan. Picture this: tiny hummingbird construction crews building hummingbird-sized resorts and spas for all the migratory birds passing through.  

Now I know what you’re thinking: Hummingbird-sized resorts? In Alaska, the biggest state? And yes, you’re right; Alaska needs something bigger to support the millions of birds that call it home, or at least home for a time on their way to their next migration stop. That’s why, as the 2023 Bird of the Year, I would enlist the help of Audubon Alaska to help make my small actions have a massive impact. I may be tiny, but it’s the small efforts, the little steps, that help carry conservation forward. It's time to revolutionize the way we preserve nature, one hummingbird-sized wing flap at a time.  

So, fellow voters, if you want a candidate who thinks big (despite being small), look no further than yours truly, the Rufous Hummingbird, the future face of avian conservation in Alaska!