CALL TO ACTION!

As bird lovers, we understand that a healthy environment is essential to the well-being of not just birds, but of all species, including humans. Unfortunately, recent federal actions will have direct negative impacts on birds and the lands we share with them. These include regulatory rollbacks that will be destructive to public lands by allowing more pollution and harmful extractive activities, mass firings of federal employees who have critical roles in maintaining the health of our public lands, withholding of grant funds to clean up or protect the environment, and discontinuation of programs to limit the effects of climate change.

The health of nature transcends politics, affecting every single one of us. And the U.S. has long had a strong bipartisan consensus in support of conservation.

We encourage everyone reading this message to step up now to defend the birds you love and the environment that sustains us.

Multiple bird species in water under “Call to action!” heading.

How?

As a start, call your member of Congress (in the Lehigh Valley, that’s Ryan Mackenzie, (202) 225-6411) and your two Senators (in PA, that’s John Fetterman, (202) 224-4254 and Dave McCormick, 202-224-6324). Ask them (or their voicemail ) to preserve – not cut! – funding for programs that protect the environment, support clean energy, and maintain our National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges and other key bird habitats.

THE HOUSE IS EXPECTED TO VOTE ON A BUDGET RESOLUTION THIS WEEK (Feb. 24-28), SO CALLS TO RYAN MACKENZIE SHOULD BE MADE ASAP!

You might also consider:
• Signing up for Audubon’s Action Network, at https://www.audubon.org/takeaction
• Visiting the advocacy page of the League of Conservation Voters, at https://www.lcv.org/get-involved/#take-action-online
• Calling your lawmakers on a regular basis. Other topics might include: asking that personnel fired from agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service be reinstated; opposing the undermining of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act; and opposing expanded drilling and mining on public lands, including species-rich habitats such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Lastly, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society is considering creating a Rapid-Response team – bird/nature lovers interested in being contacted about time-sensitive environmental and bird-conservation-related issues, with suggested scripts for contacting lawmakers.

If you would be interested in participating – or have any questions or suggestions -- please send an email to conservation@lvaudubon.org.

If you’re not a member of our Community Chapter of Audubon, please join and/or volunteer to help with our ongoing Lehigh Valley preservation, advocacy, and education efforts.

Join this all day LVAS Field Trip to Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ

Saturday, MARCH 1, 2025 (RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY DUE TO WEATHER)

MEET AT 7:45 AM at the Park-n-Ride, RT. 33 and William Penn Highway.

Join this all day Lehigh Valley Audubon Society Field Trip to Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ.

Dress warm, bring drink, snacks, and lunch. We will stop at a Wawa before entering the park, if you would rather purchase drink and food there.
Possible sightings include cool birds, and harbor seals.
Contact trip leader Mark Boyd with questions 610-657-9401 or use our Meetup or Mobilize to let us know you plan to attend.

Never miss an event!

Become a member of Lehigh Valley Audubon Society to be notified of future guided walks, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and all of our latest activities.

Photo of Semipalmated Plover - Sandy Hook NRA - Summer 2014 by ScottBurnet

Photo of Semipalmated Plover - Sandy Hook NRA - Summer 2014 by Scott Burnet

Bluebird Nest Box Tips from LVAS Habitat Committee!

Spring thaw is right around the corner!!

Eastern Bluebird perched outside entrance of nest box

Eastern Bluebird at entrance to nest box - photo provided by Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Provide Clean Nest Boxes for Bluebirds

Now is a great opportunity to finish up some winter projects and get ready for nicer weather and some great birding.

If you are thinking about adding a bluebird box to your property, now is a great time to get it installed. Birds are slowly moving around and starting to inspect locations for nests this season.

If you have nest boxes up already, now is the time to get them cleaned out and ready for the next generation of bluebirds! No need to add material, simply remove any old nesting material or caches that rodents may have left for winter.

Keep an eye out for bi-weekly bird/habitat tips!

If you’re not a member of our Community Chapter of Audubon, please join and/or volunteer to help with our ongoing Lehigh Valley habitat preservation efforts.

You can read summaries of some of our efforts to Preserve habitat in the Lehigh Valley, like our multi-species Nest Box Trail System, or read related, more detailed stories by clicking a tag or category to filter this page.

Additional Bluebird Nest Box Construction and Maintenance Information:

https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/eastern-bluebird/

https://www.audubon.org/news/how-build-bluebird-nest-box

Follow Lehigh Valley Audubon Society on Instagram!

We're excited to announce that Lehigh Valley Audubon Society is now on Instagram!

This new platform will help us connect with more individuals who share our passion for bird conservation, community engagement, and exploring the wonders of nature.

Follow us for announcements about upcoming events, as well as fun, informative, and engaging content about birds and nature! Plus, check out our Stories, where we'll highlight posts from fellow Audubon societies and organizations working in avian science.

Join us in making a difference — one post, one bird, and one conservation effort at a time! 

COSTA RICA FROM SEA TO SUMMIT Presented by Dr. Terry Master

Learn with Lehigh Valley Audubon Society when we host an

online presentation by Dr. Terry Master:

COSTA RICA FROM SEA TO SUMMIT

Friday, February 21, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Costa Rican bird photo by Dr. Terry Master


"Costa Rica has over 900 species of birds in an area the size of West Virginia, almost the same total as the U.S. and Canada combined!

Such high diversity is largely the result of an extremely varied topography resulting in Costa Rica having 12 of 36 major biomes found throughout the world. It is possible to go from sea level to over 12,000 ft. in a distance of only 30 miles.

This program highlights bird species, including their ecology and behavior, characteristic of different elevations throughout this amazingly diverse country."

Please register for a fascinating evening, by clicking the link below.  Note:  You may register at any time up to the start of the meeting.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://muhlenberg.zoom.us/meeting/register/3o5Lt3_dRIOIF8rl653pHg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Interested in learning more about birds and supporting future programs with Lehigh Valley Audubon Society?

Learn with LVAS at the Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday, February 15th!

Join Lehigh Valley Audubon Society for the Great Backyard Bird Count Party at Wildlands Conservancy in Emmaus

February 15th, 10 am - 2 pm

Stay as little or as long as you like!


We’ll be counting birds from 10 - 2 in heated comfort in the Trexler Education Building. Outdoor walks at 10:30 and 12:30. Live education birds up close and personal at 11:30 and 1:30!

Never miss an event, volunteer opportunity or the latest news, become an LVAS member &/or volunteer!

2025 Great Backyard Bird Count Event Flyer