Audubon has a fun competition going on right now, called "Birding the Net." Participants collect birds which are found on various participating sites around the web. On a special Facebook app, contestants can tally their totals and trade for needed birds with their friends. You can even find some right here on Birdorable!

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Here are some hints to get you started. Birdorable birds like to make friends. Roseate Spoonbill is particularly friendly (see above) - but Black-crested Titmouse and Northern Saw-whet Owl also like to meet new birdie pals. We like to meet new friends too, and to hear from our fans! You can learn more about the campaign in the official Audubon press release. The contest ends November 7th. Have fun Birding the Web - we are!

This week we are proud to highlight four new t-shirt designs created to help Gulf Coast wildlife. All of Birdorable's profits on all sales of these four designs from creation until the end of 2011 were donated to organizations working to help Gulf Coast birds suffering from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. All of the designs feature our revamped Birdorable Brown Pelican.

Team Gulf Coast with a flying Birdorable Brown Pelican

Brown Pelicans are a symbol of survival, having just been removed from the federal endangered species list in November 2009. The species faces a new threat with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster now soiling the Gulf Coast shores of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

A squadron of flying Gulf Coast Brown Pelicans

100% of Birdorable's profit for all purchases of these designs was donated to wildlife rescue and research organizations working on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. Click any t-shirt pictured here to see other products with the same design.

Team Gulf Coast with silhouettes of Birdorable Gulf Coast birds

If you would like to help organizations working with Gulf Coast bird and wildlife rescue, you can send donations directly to the ABA Gulf Coast Fund, the National Audubon Society, or the International Bird Rescue Research Center.

Four Color Gulf Coast birds: Brown Pelican; Dunlin; Great Blue Heron; and Black-necked Stilt

The Hyacinth Macaw, with its striking cobalt-blue feathers and contrasting bright yellow rings around its eyes and beak, is not just a sight to behold but also an ambassador for the conservation efforts in its native habitats of central and eastern South America. Known as the largest flying parrot species in the world (the larger Kakapo of New Zealand is flightless), this magnificent bird faces numerous challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and diminished food sources. Yet, its story is not just one of struggle, but also of hope and resilience, demonstrating the difference that informed, dedicated conservation efforts can make.

One of the most pressing issues for the Hyacinth Macaw is habitat destruction, primarily due to deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching. These activities reduce the available nesting sites and food resources for the macaws, significantly impacting their population. Moreover, the illegal pet trade poses a severe threat, as these birds are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity, leading to many being taken from the wild before they can contribute to the natural regeneration of their species.

Conservation efforts for the Hyacinth Macaw have been underway for several years, focusing on protecting habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and educating the public about the importance of these birds to their ecosystems. One of the success stories in conservation is the establishment of protected areas and reserves in Brazil, where these birds are found. These areas provide safe havens where Hyacinth Macaws can live, breed, and thrive without the immediate threats of habitat loss and human interference.

Reintroduction and breeding programs have also been essential in bolstering the populations of Hyacinth Macaws. These programs care for and rehabilitate injured or confiscated birds, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Additionally, they aim to increase the genetic diversity of the population, ensuring a healthier and more resilient species.

Public education and community involvement are critical components of conservation success. By informing people about the plight of the Hyacinth Macaw and the ways in which they can help, conservation organizations have been able to garner support for their efforts. This includes promoting responsible pet ownership, supporting sustainable land-use practices, and encouraging ecotourism that benefits both the local communities and the conservation initiatives.

The Hyacinth Macaw serves as a symbol of the beauty and complexity of our natural world. As admirers of these magnificent creatures, we can play a role in their preservation by staying informed, supporting conservation organizations, and advocating for policies that protect their habitats. By working together, we can ensure that the skies of South America continue to be graced by the brilliant blue wings of the Hyacinth Macaw.

For more information on how to help the Hyacinth Macaw, check out the website of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute.