DOAS News

2016 Environmental Education Grants Announced

Each year, Environmental Education Grants are awarded to classroom teachers in the DOAS area (Delaware, Otsego, eastern Chenango, and western Schoharie Counties) through the DOAS EE Grant

January 24, 2016

DOAS Sanctuary Fall Photos

The photos below were submitted to DOAS by Liz Mackey after a visit to the sanctuary in early October, 2015. Take a walk on the

October 6, 2015

2015 Open House Photo Gallery

Thank you to all who came out for the day along with the DOAS Board and Volunteers who helped to make the program a success!

September 28, 2015

The group is shown during a field trip to a wind farm. Peg standing far left. Tom kneeling center second row. Dr. Todd Katzner stands above all others in the red shirt. Photo by Craig Koppie.

DOAS Golden Eagle Researchers Attend Regional Meeting

DOAS Golden Eagle Research Team, Peg DiBenedetto and Tom Salo attended a meeting of the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group in Rangeley, ME from 7/8-7/12. As

July 22, 2015

Audubon Adds Pledge to Eagle Reward Fund

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. (DOAS) has pledged $250 toward the reward fund set up to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for shooting an immature Bald

May 4, 2015

Raffle Items at Birds, Brunch and Beer (June 7)

Local carver, Rod Spangle has donated the bird carvings pictured below for part of our BBB Raffle on June 7. Get your tickets to the

April 10, 2015

DOAS Spring Waterfowl Walk

Spring passed for winter on April 4, when the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society sponsored the annual waterfowl count. A hearty group gathered at the Cooperstown Village docks

April 9, 2015

Coffee RE-Orders

We have had requests from a few of our members to place additional coffee orders through the year. If you would like to order coffee,

January 7, 2015

Birders – Help Report Invasive Species this Winter

Click the image below to view the full pdf message.

December 22, 2014

DOAS Position on Lead Ammunition

There is abundant scientific evidence documenting the negative impacts of ingesting spent lead ammunition on doves, pigeons, loons and other waterfowl, eagles, vultures and other

October 22, 2014

DOAS Board Member Bird Heroics

This is an email from the son of long time DOAS Board Director, Tom Salo about a particular adventure while on vacation in France this summer. Never

September 17, 2014

Please Help Us Continue Our Golden Eagle Research

Please Help Us Continue Our Golden Eagle Research as noted above, the need is great. If you would like to support our lead-free ammunition education

September 6, 2014

Audubon Adventures Goes Digital

FREE for one educator per school in the DOAS Operating Region (Delaware, Otsego, Western Schoharie, Eastern Chenango Counties) while funding allows. Educators interested in receiving

September 6, 2014

Share this Page

Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.

Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.

In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.

Protecting our Environment...Connecting People with Nature...For Birds & Wildlife

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970