Two years ago, Audubon entered a legal battle to protect Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in Southwest Florida. Out-of-state investors wanted to build a private boardwalk over a state-owned lagoon and conservation lands, barely skirting the edge of the critical wildlife area. Audubon scientists immediately sounded the alarm.

This summer, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey released its 600th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the Florida skies with the help of long-time Audubon supporters Dick and Mimi Ford. Audubon rescued the eagle in March after injuries likely sustained from a territory fight with another eagle.

Florida is witnessing one of the worst red tides and blue-green algae in recent memory. The catastrophic combination of red tide and blue-green algae blooms are hurting Florida’s waterways and the wildlife that depend on clean water.

What makes an award-winning Audubon chapter? Outstanding leadership and making a difference for conservation

Newly-signed federal legislation includes key Everglades restoration project championed by Audubon members

It’s hard to see dead fish littering Southwest Florida’s beaches as far as the eye can see. Even if you close your eyes, the smell won’t let you forget. Images of dying manatees and sea turtles and fuzzy black skimmer chicks starving on our beaches make even the most cheerful among us angry.

Harmful algae blooms have captured national attention and elicit quick “solutions” to prevent the blue-green algae slime fouling our coasts. Some continue to place the blame of algae blooms on the shoulders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by falsely claiming that holding more water in Lake Okeechobee could prevent or end our algae crisis.

Starving chicks, dead fish, and coughing fits are all signs that something is wrong.

A different kind of 'coastal cleanup'

Thanks to hundreds of Audubon bird stewards and biologists along with our partners, there were no reported mishaps at beach-nesting sites during the 2018 Independence Day fireworks celebrations. Audubon teams up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local governments during the nesting season to monitor and protect protected nesting areas and the species that depend on them.