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American Bird Conservancy last week filed suit against the U.S. Department of the Interior over the extention of federal regulations permitting wind-energy companies a 30-year waiver to kill or injure eagles and other raptors without fear of prosecution. The suit contends the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in facilitating the Administration's concerted rush to expand wind energy, failed to evaluate the consequences and ensure it would not damage eagle populations.

After five years, a controversial wind turbine project proposed for a portion of California's Mojave Desert inhabited by golden eagles and other species of concern has apparently been removed from any immediate consideration.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday, July 23, its plans to proceed with a controversial proposal to "remove" barred owls from four test areas in the Pacific Northwest and monitor the subsequent impact on the threatened northern spotted owl in those areas.

Last week's world premiere of the film "Ordinary Extraordinary Junco: Remarkable Biology From a Backyard Bird" -- a fascinating science documentary developed by biologists at Indiana University about one of North America's most beloved songbirds - received rave reviews from scientists, educators and birders.

Here at The Birding Wire, we're keeping our fingers (and other appendages) crossed, hoping this is the final story on 2013's ill-fated (and extremely poorly handled) Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest.

Beginning today, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will work together to evaluate whether small unmanned aircraft operated by the USGS can save state wildlife managers time, money and offer a safer and enhanced alternative to gather Greater sage-grouse data.

In a Feb. 19 letter to the U.S. Department of Interior, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) called on the agency to suspend further consideration of a revised rule that weakens protections provided to eagles pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, by allowing private wind energy companies to apply for an unprecedented 30-year permit to kill limited numbers of the raptors. ABC called for the rule to be shelved until Sally Jewell, President Obama's nominee to replace Ken Salazar as Secretary of Interior, has had time to fully review the proposal and evaluate its potential long-term impacts on eagle populations.