A few bird species rely on wildfires and prescribed burns to meet their specific habitat and dietary needs. These fires regenerate understory, create cavities, and draw insects. When wildfires are suppressed and natural fire cycles are disrupted, these fire-dependent species experience severe population decline; they lose their homes, food, and nesting areas. On the other hand, insanely destructive megafires can arise and destroy entire ecosystems.

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Ava Kornfeld, a 3rd year Fisheries, Conservation, & Wildlife Biology student at NC State University, has been studying the effects of fires on birds and ecosystems. She will join us at our December meaning to tell you what she has learned and how we can help these birds. FYI: Ava started her birding journey with MAS during COVID and has been going gangbusters ever since.