Bermuda is home to some of the most unique ecosystems in the Atlantic, and has provided food and shelter to more than 400 bird species. From the haunting call of the cahow to the flash of a bluebird across a garden, these natural treasures shape our sense of place and connect us to the wider world.

But this beauty is under threat. Wetlands are vanishing, woodlands are shrinking and development pressures are accelerating. As a small island, we cannot afford to lose the open spaces that protect our biodiversity, store carbon and give us room to breathe.

Across North America, bird populations have dropped by 29 per cent since 1970 and one third of US bird species are now at risk. Bermuda lies directly on critical migratory pathways, hosting 44 per cent of these vulnerable species at some point in their journey. The habitats we protect on our island have global significance.

Since 1954, the Bermuda Audubon Society has worked to conserve the island’s birdlife and natural habitats for the benefit of all. We are a volunteer-driven organisation, and our focus has grown beyond bird conservation to embrace habitat restoration, environmental education and community science. Why? Because the health of our environment is inseparable from the wellbeing of our people.

Spending just two hours a week in nature has been shown to improve physical and mental health — benefits comparable to regular exercise. In other words, protecting the environment is not only good for wildlife; it's good for all of us.

Here’s how we are making our vision a reality:

Protecting wild spaces

We care for more than 75 acres of nature reserves, including 24 acres safeguarded with the Bermuda National Trust through the Buy Back Bermuda initiative. These wetlands and woodlands are biodiversity hotspots — home to rare species, and natural defences against flooding and erosion.

Restoring bird populations

We protect the birds that define Bermuda’s natural heritage. We sell and install longtail igloos and bluebird nest boxes, and the Bermuda Bluebird Society — under our umbrella — monitors nearly 200 nest boxes across 26 sites. Every sighting matters: our citizen scientists record their observations in eBird, a global database that tracks bird populations worldwide. Bermuda has logged 401 species, with about 200 recorded annually.

Inspiring the next generation

We bring Bermudians closer to nature through birdwatching walks, offshore boat tours, lectures and school visits. Our annual Paget Island Bird Camp celebrates migration season, while trips to Nonsuch Island give participants unforgettable encounters with young cahows and longtail chicks. Online, our social channels reach thousands more — because when people connect with nature, they are more likely to protect it.

Advocacy

We speak up when nature is at risk: scrutinising development proposals, defending protected areas, and pushing for better care of our national parks. With Bermuda’s open spaces under constant pressure, advocacy is not optional; it is essential.

What’s next

We are entering a new era. To reflect the breadth of our mission, we are working towards changing our name to Birds & Nature Bermuda. This new name captures the full scope of our work and our commitment to inclusivity, education and environmental stewardship. It also allows us to move beyond the troubling legacy of John James Audubon, whose name is linked to racism and slavery. We remain the same passionate organisation — just with a name that better reflects who we are, what we do and who we serve. We welcome you to join us.

The transition to Birds & Nature Bermuda will take time. We are working through the legal, financial and operational requirements before finalising the change. Watch for updates to our website, social media and signage in the coming months.

We invite you to follow along, get involved, become a member and help ensure that Bermuda remains a beautiful island where birds, nature and people will all thrive — today and for generations to come.

• Heather Bottelli is the president of the Bermuda Audubon Society, and executive committee member Janice Hetzel is a former president. For more information, e-mail us at info@audubon.bm or visit our website at www.audubon.bm. This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector