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An initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity

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Rebecca Heisman

is a freelance science writer and bird enthusiast who lives in Walla Walla, Washington. Her first book, Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration, was published in spring 2023.
https://rebeccaheisman.com/
Wildlife

Trump vs. Birds: Proposed Budget Eliminates Critical Research Programs

Experts say there’s “no substitute” for the Bird Banding Laboratory or the Breeding Bird Survey, which help reveal the health and status of avian populations across the country.
June 16, 2025
by
Rebecca Heisman
Experts say there’s “no substitute” for the Bird Banding Laboratory or the Breeding Bird Survey, which help reveal the health and status of avian populations across the country.
DNA strands against a black background
Wildlife

Environmental Change, Written in the DNA of Birds

Two studies of California bird populations show how shifting environments can rewrite animals’ genomes — for better or worse.
April 29, 2024
by
Rebecca Heisman
Two studies of California bird populations show how shifting environments can rewrite animals’ genomes — for better or worse.
Wildlife

Is Our Food Waste Creating a Murder of Crows?

Ongoing research finds that trashcans can feed and boost crow populations, which comes with a potentially deadly cost for some other bird species.
February 7, 2024
by
Rebecca Heisman
Ongoing research finds that trashcans can feed and boost crow populations, which comes with a potentially deadly cost for some other bird species.
A peregrine falcon soars over a bridge and cityscape
Wildlife

What City Birds Around the World Have in Common

How a study of so-called “trash birds” revealed conservation clues for urban species.
June 7, 2023
by
Rebecca Heisman
How a study of so-called “trash birds” revealed conservation clues for urban species.
mountain goat
Climate Change

Climate Change Really Gets This Researcher’s Goat

Will mountain goats be able to shed their thick winter coats in time for earlier warm seasons? The Mountain Goat Molt Project wants your help to find out.
October 29, 2018
by
Rebecca Heisman
Will mountain goats be able to shed their thick winter coats in time for earlier warm seasons? The Mountain Goat Molt Project wants your help to find out.

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Environmental News & Commentary

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