On The Wire

Solutions-based, Alaska-focused bird and conservation news.

On The Wire Photo: Suzanne Kantak/Audubon Photography Awards

Current Articles

Izembek: An Incredibly Critical Migratory Bird Habitat Is at Risk
On The Wire

Izembek: An Incredibly Critical Migratory Bird Habitat Is at Risk

The Department of the Interior released a draft Environmental Impact Statement recommending a multi-part land swap, spelling trouble for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and public lands across Alaska.

The Importance of Community Science and eBird for Alaska’s Birds
On The Wire

The Importance of Community Science and eBird for Alaska’s Birds

Community science and Christmastime go hand in hand thanks to Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, but conservationists use eBird data year-round to improve the life of birds—Alaska’s included.

Seabirds Rejoice! Rat-Free Aleutian Islands Are Possible
On The Wire

Seabirds Rejoice! Rat-Free Aleutian Islands Are Possible

A centuries-old issue has seen some hopeful momentum with recent and near-future rat eradication efforts in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Mining Could Pollute Alaska’s Chilkat Valley. A Tribe and Local Groups Defend their Way of Life
On The Wire

Mining Could Pollute Alaska’s Chilkat Valley. A Tribe and Local Groups Defend their Way of Life

Inside the fight for the watershed with the Chilkat Indian Village of Klukwan, residents in Haines, and Audubon Alaska.

It’s Been a Busy Summer for Alaska’s Federal Lands
On The Wire

It’s Been a Busy Summer for Alaska’s Federal Lands

Catch up on all the movement and wins in the world of Alaska conservation from the summer of 2024.

The Tongass and the Era of Old-Growth Protections
On The Wire

The Tongass and the Era of Old-Growth Protections

A beginner’s guide to old-growth forests and how the Biden administration has made historical moves in Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest.

Western Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Is Big … for Arctic-Breeding Shorebirds
On The Wire

Western Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Is Big … for Arctic-Breeding Shorebirds

A new study reveals Alaska’s climate-sensitive YKD to support 7 million Arctic-breeding shorebirds—including the majority of six North American populations.

The Importance of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve IBA to Migratory Birds
On The Wire

The Importance of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve IBA to Migratory Birds

One small study area in Southeast Alaska shocked the Audubon Science Division: The Chilkat Valley is a major migration passage for many Alaska birds.

Time to Fly: Alaska’s Bird Festival Season Is Here!
On The Wire

Time to Fly: Alaska’s Bird Festival Season Is Here!

Here’s how Alaska’s annual birding events honor culture and art, benefit tourism and local economies, highlight conservation issues, and truly celebrate birds.

The Second Crossing and Southeast Alaska’s Mendenhall Wetlands Important Bird Area
On The Wire

The Second Crossing and Southeast Alaska’s Mendenhall Wetlands Important Bird Area

And the case for Salmon Creek, the last option for the Juneau Douglas Second Crossing to be constructed off the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge.

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