The 2014 State of the Birds assesses the health of our nation's bird populations through a set of habitat indicators, a Watch List of species most vulnerable to extinction, and a list of the Common Birds in Steep Decline. Habitat indicators are based on the population changes of obligate bird species—those birds restricted to a single habitat—where long-term monitoring data is available. Read the report, news release, and list of common birds in steep decline at http://www.stateofthebirds.org/. 

Since Audubon Washington released the first State of the Birds report in May 2004, National Audubon and its partners have followed up with similar reports at the national level. 

Like the proverbial canaries in coal mines, the state of our birds holds implications for our own health and quality of life as well. 

People can take steps individually, locally, nationally and internationally to protect birds. Examples include: planting bird-friendly native vegetation, taking part in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, monitoring a nearby Important Bird Area, taking political action, using the Great Washington State Birding Trail, and buying shade-grown, organic coffee, which helps protect bird habitat.