1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Two critical Audubon programs that monitor bird populations - the Breeding Bird Survey and the Bird Banding Laboratory - are at risk of being defunded. These science-based initiatives provide invaluable data that inform conservation efforts for threatened species like the piping plover. Sustaining long-term research is crucial for understanding population trends and developing strategies to protect birds and their habitats. I urge you to prioritize funding for these essential bird monitoring programs in the upcoming budget. Their continuation is vital for safeguarding our nation's avian biodiversity.