Climate change is one of the greatest threats birds face. The unprecedented pace and magnitude of climate change make it an existential threat to birds, people, and the natural systems we all depend on.

On October 10, 2019, Audubon released a groundbreaking study on birds and climate change. Called Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink, the report reveals that two-thirds of North American bird species are at risk of extinction from climate change.

Birds in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah face immediate threats. Roughly half of the bird species in each state are threatened with extinction if we do nothing about climate change. Extreme spring heat and increased fire weather are projected negatively impact nearly all bird species in our states. Iconic species such as Lark Buntings, American Dippers, and Mountain Chickadees are among the most threatened species.

The good news is that we already know what we need to do to fight climate change and we already have a lot of the tools and solutions we need. What we need are more people who are committed to making sure those solutions are put into practice. If we take action now we can help improve the chances for the overwhelming majority of species at risk. Here’s how you can help in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah:

Habitat Hero

The creation of bird-friendly communities is essential to helping birds adapt to urbanization and false springs. Plant native plants that provide food and shelter to birds and other wildlife; become a Habitat Hero

Western Rivers Initiative

Audubon works to ensure that landscapes critical to birds have clean and reliable sources of water, now and in the future. Help our Western Rivers Initiative advocate for river-friendly policy and help us restore river and wetland habitats. Get involved

Gillmor Sanctuary

Seventy-eight percent of waterbirds across North America are vulnerable to climate change. Help us protect critical habitat for millions of shorebirds and waterfowl at Gillmor Sanctuary. Learn more

Conservation Ranching Initiative

The restoration of grasslands can sequester carbon while simultaneously improving critical bird habitat. Audubon's Conservation Ranching Initiative certifies ranches that are conserving and restoring bird habitat. Support Audubon-certified ranches

Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Our states are rich in public lands that sustain hundreds of species of wildlife, including all of the species identified as most threatened by Audubon’s report. These lands also hold the potential for significant renewable energy, but it’s critical that we site it to minimize impacts to wildlife. Become a sagebrush advocate

Community Naturalist

We already know what we need to do to reduce global warming and we already have a lot of the tools and solutions we need to do that—what we need are more people who are committed to making sure those solutions are put into practice. Audubon Rockies’s Community Naturalist program inspires stewardship and conservation by connecting people of all backgrounds to nature, science, and the resources to educate others. Learn more

Donate

Donating to Audubon supports science, policy, and education for bird conservation. Please donate to help all of the above programs protect birds and the places they need. Donate