The California Spotted Owl is known to readily recolonize burned forest—but they cannot recolonize barren ones. In the past 50 years, as the area scorched by summer wildfires in California has increased exponentially, fires burn so intensely that there’s essentially nothing left. Their habitat doesn’t have time to regenerate before burning again, virtually erasing the mosaic of open space, shrubs, and century-old trees that birds depend on.

You may have also seen the recent news that it is currently Canada’s worst wildfire season on record. Many important bird habitats there and in the United States are being impacted by fire seasons that are growing hotter, bigger, and more destructive due to climate change.

But if we act, and act fast, we can help vulnerable birds like the California Spotted Owl survive this code-red emergency. Through research, advocacy, and hands-on conservation action, we’re pushing for the large-scale change it will take to ease habitat loss and help reverse the climate crisis. Start your annual donation today and get your first gift matched. An annual gift is a convenient way to provide for birds' future, as it renews automatically each year.