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

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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

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

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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Mohawk Valley Gives Day – Support the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch

The Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch has tracked raptor migration for almost 40 years — data that’s essential to understanding long-term population trends and shaping the conservation action each species needs. For nearly four decades, it’s run entirely on volunteer effort. To secure its future, we need to bring on a paid contractor to lead the count each season.  Please help us reach our goals with a donation on September 18th!  

DOAS has also announced an anonymous donor who is willing to provide a 3x donation match in honor of the legacy of DOAS Founders and Influencers to be used for the DOAS Hawkwatch Annual Operations Fund for all donations over $25 that take place between September 14-18.

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DONATE (9/18/26)
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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.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
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.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
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.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President

RECENT NEWS

Introducing Aquila

Hi.  My name is Aquila, a Golden Eagle.  It is part of my Latin scientific name (Aquila chrysaetos) used to identify me in the world

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September 3, 2026
THE BELTED KINGFISHER - ARCHIVED ISSUES
 
We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

© 1968-2026 Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society

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