News & Events
2025 U.S. State of the Birds Report
2025
Report Produced by a Coalition of Science & Conservation Organizations
The 2025 State of the Birds Report was released on March 13, 2025. This report reveals a continued widespread decline in North American bird populations across many different habitats (see Figure below). This report comes on the heels of the landmark 2019 report that documented a loss of almost 3 billion birds over the last 50 years. The current report highlights bird population declines in almost every habitat and group, even waterfowl, a group that was one of the bright spots in the 2019 report. To learn more about the 2025 report, which is produced by a coalition of leading science and conservation organizations, click here. (Figure Courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
​​
​
​
​
​
Party For The Planet
April 12, 2025
Mesker Park Zoo Will Host the Annual Party for the Planet Event
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Mesker Park Zoo, in conjunction with Center Point Energy, will host Party for the Planet from 10 AM to 2 PM. A wide variety of fun and engaging activities will highlight this year's theme "Spring Into Action". There will be lots to do, including activity stations, animal encounters, keeper chats, entertainment, animal feedings, community vendors and more. The event is free with general admission to the zoo. Click here for more details.
Earth Day Event
April 19, 2025
Wesselman Woods Nature Center will host an Earth Day Event
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Wesselman Woods Nature Center will host an Earth Day Event from 10 AM to 2 PM. Several free guided activities from over 25 different organizations will be available to participants to enhance your appreciation of Earth Day. Trails and the Playscape will be open for free for this event from 9 AM to 5 PM. Also, local food trucks will be available outside of the gates of Wesselman Woods from 11 AM- 2 PM. Click here for more details.
Bird Name Changes are in the Works
2024
The American Ornithological Society is Proposing Changing Bird Names that Honor People
The American Ornithological Union (AOU) plans to change the English names of bird species named after people, as well as bird names deemed offensive or exclusionary. Some changes have already occurred, such as, McCown's longspur renamed to the Thick-billed Longspur and the Old Squaw Duck now known officially as the Long-tailed Duck. As many as 70-80 additional bird species in the United States and Canada are being considered by the AOU for formal name changes. Reasons for the changes are outlined in an NPR article and you can click here to read more. So, look forward to bird name changes to occur in the near future.
Making Your Windows Safer For Birds
2024
A Guide is Available to Reduce the Number of Bird Collisions with Windows
The Bird Window Collision Working Group--a collaboration between Acopian Center for Ornithology, Muhlenberg College, local Audubon chapters and the Audubon Pennsylvania--have produced a brochure that covers what you can do to help reduce the number of window bird collisions. It provides information on what works well and what doesn't work in reducing collisions and making your windows safer for birds. You can download the brochure here.