Birds are tremendous indicators of ecological health. Declines in air quality were signaled by acid rain effects on Wood Thrushes in the Northeast, and pesticide contamination impacts were shown in declines of Bald Eagles. Our coastal resilience work uses marsh birds—the Saltmarsh Sparrow in particular—as an environmental mirror for the health of our coastal ecosystems and local communities.
The Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean coastlines and their associated marshes, islands and beaches are being squeezed by rising sea levels and human development. The ecosystem is too critical to the health of birds and people not to take action to protect it. It supports almost 25 percent of the Atlantic Coast breeding population of the Piping Plover, nearly 50 percent of the Roseate Tern global population, 12 percent of the Saltmarsh Sparrow global population, and the largest Common Tern nesting colony in the world. And, over seven percent of the entire population of the United States live within a 50 mile radius of the Sound.
Given its global importance and our deep experience working to protect birds along the coasts, Audubon is dedicated to building a resilient, healthy coast for the future.
Working locally, we are:
- Mobilizing our network to advocate for funding and policies that protect the Sound and critical coastal habitats
- Engaging in beach stewardship activities to save birds that rely on the coastal habitats
- Leading on coastal resilience solutions, like salt marsh restoration and restoring natural hydrology, to protect birds and coastal communities from storm events and sea level rise.
WATCH: OUR COASTS, OUR FUTURE
Salt Marsh Projects Across Long Island Aim to Create More Resilient Coastline
These work sites are essential to protecting birds and people from increased flooding and more frequent storms.
New York's "Canary on the Coastline" Sings a Warning for Long Island
Fragile Saltmarsh Sparrow populations are the driving force behind a new focus on coastal resilience.
Long Island Sound Area Conservation Strategy
A blueprint for protecting and managing 10,000 acres of priority salt marsh, beach, and island habitats.
10 Marsh Birds Teaching Us About Wetlands
From climate-related flooding to invasive species, marsh birds in New York face many threats.
WATCH: Coastal Resilience
Hear about the work Audubon is doing to make our coasts more resilient for birds and people.
Birds That Depend on Salt Marsh Habitat
Donate to Audubon
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
