Policies and Positions

Summary of DOAS Statement on the Constitution Pipeline, January 2015

Read the complete document here. Summary Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society with 500 members in the region affected by the Constitution Pipeline. This is an

January 25, 2015

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 scavengers, as well as other

October 22, 2014

Audubon Calls Pipeline A Threat To Birds

Fragmented forests will reduce nesting, says local group The local Chapter of the National Audubon Society is terming the proposed Constitution Pipeline “a clear and present threat to bird habitat” in

March 27, 2014

Policy on Birding Ethics

At its April 16, 2013 meeting, the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Board of Directors officially adopted the American Birding Association‘s Principles of Birding Ethics as DOAS policy. There are four main areas addressed in

April 30, 2013

Natural Gas Drilling

DOAS Comments on the DEC’s revised draft SGEIS (January 11, 2013) DOAS Position on Gas Drilling and Hydrofracking (October 20, 2009) Our Chapter has submitted formal comments to the Delaware River Basin

April 29, 2013

Natural Gas Drilling Update (8/30/10)

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Natural Gas Drilling Update It has been a busy year as people become better informed and more vocal on the gas issue. Citizens concerned over hydrofracking have

April 29, 2013

Constitution Pipeline

DOAS has been actively following this issue and participating in hearings. Please see the following documents for details on our organization’s position. DOAS Position letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory

April 28, 2013

Wind Power Development

DOAS Position on Wind Power Development (revised April 17, 2012) DOAS comments on specific wind power projects or regulations

April 27, 2013

DOAS comments on specific wind power projects or regulations

DOAS Position on Wind Power Development (Updated April 17, 2012) Jordanville Wind Power Project: DOAS comments (11/25/08) on the Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement DEC Draft Guidelines for Conducting Bird and

April 27, 2013

Lead Poisoning in Birds

NYS DEC Summary of Lead-poisoned Birds (May 2010) (1/25/2011) See page 4 of the February 2011 issue of The Belted Kingfisher for more information about this issue. Resources on the implications of lead consumption by

April 26, 2013

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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.

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