Smoke and silence. That’s all that is left after megafires rip through hundreds of square miles of what was once pristine bird habitat in places like Northern California. Even fire-loving forest birds like the Northern Spotted Owl, which are known to thrive in the aftermath of wildfires, struggle to rebuild in the scorched terrain.

Extreme heat and droughts brought on by climate change are creating optimal conditions for unbelievably intense and powerful wildfires. And scientists predict those fires will increase exponentially in the coming decades. The time for action is now. Will you make a reliable monthly gift today to power our efforts to protect birds during these historic conditions? Thanks to a generous group of donors, you can help unlock an additional $5,000 in funding when you join as one of the 50 new monthly donors we urgently need.

While wildfires are certainly a natural occurrence, they generally burn unevenly, leaving behind a mosaic of habitat patches for wildlife to benefit from. Recent wildfires fueled by a rapidly changing climate, however, have been something else entirely: extraordinary in size and power, these devastating fires torch everything in their paths. After these terrible blazes tear through habitat, there’s virtually nothing left.

Many species of birds suffer because of these megafires. From destroying breeding habitat for other forest resident birds like Kinglets, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers to impacting food for migratory songbirds like Western Tanagers and Yellow Warblers, these fires harm a variety of our beloved species. 389 North American bird species are threatened with extinction as the climate changes—a whopping two-thirds of our birds. And every moment, their survival becomes more precarious.

Your dependable gift will be put to work right away, powering Audubon’s science-based legacy of safeguarding birds and the places they need. From advocating for government policies, like the Inflation Reduction Act, to restoring and protecting resilient, carbon-sequestering landscapes and key habitats, your contribution ensures that iconic birds like Northern Spotted Owls are protected now, and for generations to come.

In impacted places like California, Audubon works to advance and support policies for science-based vegetation management and forestry practices that improve forest health, protect biodiversity, and reduce risks of wildfires.

Birds are counting on all of us today. Will you start a sustainable gift to protect the birds we all love? There’s no time to waste.

Sincerely,

National Audubon Society