Mobile, Ala.—A new program focused on coastal bird monitoring and stewardship in Mobile and Baldwin Counties launched today with the opening of Birmingham Audubon’s Coastal Programs Office at 118 North Royal Street.
Science and program-management staff begin with surveys of coastal birds along twenty miles of routes this fall, and with stewardship of beach-nesting species next year. Birmingham Audubon represents Alabama in a gulf-wide network of National Audubon conservation programs from Florida to Texas.
The Birmingham Audubon Coastal Programs staff will implement the Alabama Coastal Bird Stewardship Program, a program of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources funded through the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund.
“Birmingham Audubon is pleased to welcome our Mobile-based staff, contribute to the recovery of species impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill and provide data critical to coastal conservation planning,” says Suzanne Langley, Birmingham Audubon Executive Director. The staff includes Mozart Dedeaux, Coastal Program Coordinator; Katie Barnes, Coastal Senior Biologist; and Emma Rhodes, Coastal Biological Technician.
Also supporting the Birmingham Audubon Coastal Program is Andrew Haffenden, who serves as local specialist and seasonal steward. Mobile Bay Audubon volunteers will also serve as local experts for surveys and stewardship outreach.
Founded in 1946, Birmingham Audubon is Alabama’s leading nonprofit organization engaging people in the enjoyment and conservation of birds, their habitats, and the natural world. A leader in Alabama conservation, we work to preserve urban and rural habitats, ensure access to publicly accessible natural lands, and promote bird-friendly policy statewide.