Saving Important Bird Areas

Photo: David Yeany

An Overview
The Important Bird Areas Program in Maryland and DC is part of an international initiative, which was started in Europe in the 1980s by Birdlife International and has now spread worldwide with programs in over 150 countries. In the US, the National Audubon Society is Birdlife’s partner and has established IBA programs in 46 states.

The goals of the program are to identify the areas most essential for sustaining native bird populations, and then to focus conservation efforts on these places. Program goals are achieved through three areas of action:

  • Identify the most essential areas for birds
  • Monitor those sites for changes to birds and habitat
  • Conserve these areas for long-term protection of bird populations

Already across the US more than 1700 IBAs have been identified and many thousands of acres have been protected.

Saving Maryland's Iconic Beach Birds
Coasts

Saving Maryland's Iconic Beach Birds

Iconic species of terns and skimmers depend on critical nesting habitat like the islands within the Maryland Coastal Bays near Ocean City and Assateague Island. But many of these island-nesting birds are experiencing a serious decline due to erosion, disturbance, and predation.

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Thanks to everyone who joined Audubon's Backyard Birdathon Team!
Important Bird Areas

Thanks to everyone who joined Audubon's Backyard Birdathon Team Needs You

Your support helps us advocate for bird habitat protection and bird-friendly legislation, implement restoration projects in the Chesapeake Bay’s marshes, and support bird-safe development of climate-friendly renewable energy.

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Maryland Coastal Bays Nesting Islands are for the Birds
Important Bird Areas

Tern Island - Maryland Coastal Bays Important Bird Area

Located in the bays behind Ocean City, Tern Island is one of four critical island nesting refuges for some of Maryland's most endangered seabirds

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Southern Maryland Important Bird Areas Inform Land Use Planning
Important Bird Areas

Southern Maryland IBAs Inform Land Use Planning

Learn more about the seven IBAs in Southern Maryland and what you can do to protect them.

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IBA Champions
Important Bird Areas

IBA Champions

Citizens working to protect Important Bird Areas

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How to Nominate an Important Bird Area
Important Bird Areas

How to Nominate an Important Bird Area

Audubon Maryland-DC's IBA Program invites nominations for IBAs in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

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Important Bird Areas
Important Bird Areas

Maryland's Important Bird Area Program

Identifying the areas in Maryland & DC most essential for sustaining native bird populations, and focusing conservation efforts on these places.

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IBAs in Maryland
Important Bird Areas

IBAs in Maryland

See if there is an Important Bird Area near where you live

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How you can help, right now

Audubon Maryland-DC and Audubon Pennsylvania have joined forces to become Audubon Mid-Atlantic.