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

Member Survey on Audubon Name

To Our Members:

As noted in last month’s Belted Kingfisher, controversy has arisen over use of the Audubon name for the various entities including the National Audubon Society and local Chapters such as ours. This has come about from discussion of the character and actions of John James Audubon, including his role as a slave owner and anti-abolitionist.

The National Audubon Soc. has decided to retain the Audubon name. However, the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is an independent entity and can make its own decision in this matter. The National Audubon Soc. has advised Chapters that they are free to make their own decisions on this matter. Some Audubon Chapters have changed their name to remove Audubon, while others have not.

DOAS is currently considering this issue and our board of directors wishes to solicit the views of our members. We have prepared a questionnaire and comment form for this purpose which can be found at:

If you prefer to provide your thoughts by email or by mail, please send them to info@doas.us or DOAS, PO Box 544, Oneonta, NY 13820. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the questionnaire, contact us at this address or at (607) 397-3815. Please provide feedback by June 30.

If you are interested in exploring the issue, several articles, opinions, and information from

other Chapters on the topic can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ki7dlXC5TcOZh7J8JPP5vtkZKysQBR1j

We hope you will take the time to share your opinion on the Audubon name.

This survey is now closed. Thank you for your input!

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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.