Culture

Long Before Pantone, This Bird-Based System for Describing Color Was a Hit
December 17, 2024 — In the early 20th century, ornithologist Robert Ridgway published a massive dictionary to categorize birds’ hues, from Peacock Blue to Duck Green. His work still resonates for artists and designers today.
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A wooden Godwit decoy stands on the banks of a body of water with golden light cascading across a row of pine trees in the background.
This Bar-tailed Godwit Decoy Delivers Folk Art with a Contemporary Feel
December 13, 2024 — Wooden decoys long played a key role in hunting birds. Artist David Personius hopes his modern take can inspire conservation instead.
The Aviary
A White-throated Sparrow perches on a branch with its head back, singing.
Do You Speak Warblish?
September 27, 2024 — A relatively new field of research focuses on the rich history of pairing birdsong with human language.
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An embroidered scene in a round frame depicts birds perched on bamboo.
Capturing the Elusive White-bearded Antshrike—in Thread
September 20, 2024 — Artist and birdsong researcher Ana Luiza Catalano’s embroidered portrait brings a shy species—and its song—into feathery focus.
The Aviary
Portrait of Rosemary Mosco in profile looking up and smiling, overlaid with bird illustrations and a cartoon snake on her head.
Something Funny Happens When Rosemary Mosco Mixes Art and Science
September 19, 2024 — The beloved cartoonist and writer teases humor (and wonder! and poignancy!) out of the avian world (and beyond!).
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Educating to Protect: Audubon Americas and the Exhibition on Panama’s Mangroves
August 23, 2024 — "The Mangroves: Allies Against Climate Change" traveling exhibition gives a detailed view on how mangroves store carbon and also protect biodiversity and the communities that depend on these ecosystems.
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A hummingbird hovers with its long beak in a bright pink flower.
Birds Saved Melissa Hafting in a Time of Grief. She Wants to Save Them in Return.
July 30, 2024 — In her debut book, ‘Dare to Bird,’ the photographer and ecologist shares how the beauty of the avian world helped her cope with the loss of her parents.
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A large painting of a Northern Goshawk on the side of a brick building.
Bring the Audubon Mural Project to Your Town
July 15, 2024 — For the past decade, the initiative has used public art to showcase birds threatened by climate change. Now, communities are putting their own local spin on the effort—and yours could be next.
Audubon Mural Project
Portrait of Sarah T. Dubb looking out over wetlands at sunset.
Twice-Shy Lovebirds Open Their Hearts in This Steamy (and Birdy!) Romance Novel
June 04, 2024 — Sarah T. Dubb’s debut rom-com, “Birding With Benefits,” celebrates love, new beginnings, and a really great checklist—all under the Tucson sun.
Books
Illustration of a shorebird standing on a rock in water in front of a low sun.
One Team's Mission to Recover the Indigenous Names of Ontario’s Birds
May 21, 2024 — In the Anishinaabemowin language, bird names are embedded with traditional knowledge. An ongoing project is trying to document as many as possible before they are lost.
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