Arctic Wings: Birds of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences is taking the lead in developing a new book and outreach project that showcase the bird habitat values of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the conservation work underway to protect this last undisturbed arctic wilderness. The Arctic Refuge supports 194 species of birds, many of which migrate throughout the lower 48 states, where they generate enormous interest and economic activity from as many as 20-50 million birders. But very few of these people currently understand the pressing threats to these birds from development of their remote nesting areas. Plans to create an industrial oil field in the Refuge are imminent, and new voices are needed to speak for its protection.

Manomet has been working for five years to document the value of the coastal plain for birds. Our efforts have focused on surveys to document the use of coastal plain habitats by high priority shorebird species, many of which are in serious decline. We are now developing the outreach portion of this program, creating a companion book to the immensely popular Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land. This book by Subhankar Banerjee, published by The Mountaineers Books, effectively brought the remote Arctic Refuge landscape within reach through stunning photographs and provocative essays. Over 40,000 copies have been sold and donated through the publisher’s outreach program, and the book tour reached thousands of people in 38 cities, with media events that reached millions. Our goal is to achieve the same level of outreach to birders through a book and outreach program focusing on the birds of the refuge, their amazing migratory feats, and their epic struggle for survival.

Goals of the Project
Our goal is to bring stunning images of the birds of the Refuge, along with their stories of migration and survival, to the general birding public. Arctic Wings covers all the major groups of birds, showcases the value of Arctic Refuge habitats for breeding birds, and helps strengthen the case for protection of the Refuge coastal plain. The book brings together the talents and commitments of recognized names in nature photography and bird conservation. Through their involvement in this project, these individuals are hoping to inspire a greater appreciation and stewardship of the Arctic Refuge and the birds and wildlife that depend on this great wilderness treasure.

The final phase of the project is an ambitious public education and outreach campaign, designed to complement the work completed for Seasons of Life and Land. There will be two major parts of the outreach campaign, a book donation and placement program, and a series of public presentations on the conservation issues facing the birds of the Arctic Refuge. The book placement program will include public libraries as well as targeted donations to key decision makers. The public presentations will be organized by The Mountaineers Books, and will include many of the authors and photographers.