Jess Leber
@jessleber.bsky.social
Deputy Editor, Audubon magazine. Pitch me features, profiles, and news about conservation, climate change, and all things birds. jleber@audubon.org (She/her). New Yorker.
Reposted by Jess Leber
It sure was fun speaking with Owen and Quentin Reiser about “Listers,” the most entertaining birding media I’ve encountered. www.audubon.org/magazine/get...
Get to Know the Brothers Behind the Buzziest Birding Film in Years
Owen and Quentin Reiser take us behind the scenes of “Listers” and preview their next project.
www.audubon.org
September 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM
It sure was fun speaking with Owen and Quentin Reiser about “Listers,” the most entertaining birding media I’ve encountered. www.audubon.org/magazine/get...
Reposted by Jess Leber
We just published pretty much the greatest collection of bird photos you could ask for. 🪶https://www.audubon.org/magazine/2025-audubon-photography-awards-top-100
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: The Top 100
Marvel at the beauty of birds and learn the stories behind our favorite images from this year’s contests—featuring, for the first time, photographers from Chile and Colombia.
www.audubon.org
September 24, 2025 at 1:11 PM
We just published pretty much the greatest collection of bird photos you could ask for. 🪶https://www.audubon.org/magazine/2025-audubon-photography-awards-top-100
One of my favorite projects every year. I'm a sucker for urban wildlife so I'm partial to the parrot shot. www.audubon.org/magazine/202...
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners
Enjoy our annual celebration of outstanding bird visuals—now featuring new prizes and winners from across the Western Hemisphere.
www.audubon.org
September 18, 2025 at 12:48 PM
One of my favorite projects every year. I'm a sucker for urban wildlife so I'm partial to the parrot shot. www.audubon.org/magazine/202...
Reposted by Jess Leber
📣 Attention early career journalists: Audubon magazine is now accepting applications for our summer editorial internship. Join a wonderful team, build your clip portfolio, and make a real contribution to our award-winning print and digital coverage. audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Audubo...
Editorial Intern, Audubon Magazine
Position Summary Audubon magazine, the editorially independent publication of the National Audubon Society, uses explanatory and advocacy journalism, as well as stunning original photography, to infor...
audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
March 20, 2025 at 2:11 PM
📣 Attention early career journalists: Audubon magazine is now accepting applications for our summer editorial internship. Join a wonderful team, build your clip portfolio, and make a real contribution to our award-winning print and digital coverage. audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Audubo...
Reposted by Jess Leber
Reposted by Jess Leber
Tired: "editor" (connotes adding commas and ensuring that words are spelled right)
Wired: "story developer" (I conceived this baby from a single comment made by a scientist and/or turned a pile of disconnected notes into a cohesive narrative with gripping stakes and a lasting takeaway)
Wired: "story developer" (I conceived this baby from a single comment made by a scientist and/or turned a pile of disconnected notes into a cohesive narrative with gripping stakes and a lasting takeaway)
February 6, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Tired: "editor" (connotes adding commas and ensuring that words are spelled right)
Wired: "story developer" (I conceived this baby from a single comment made by a scientist and/or turned a pile of disconnected notes into a cohesive narrative with gripping stakes and a lasting takeaway)
Wired: "story developer" (I conceived this baby from a single comment made by a scientist and/or turned a pile of disconnected notes into a cohesive narrative with gripping stakes and a lasting takeaway)
Reposted by Jess Leber
I spent years covering industrial air pollution and the incremental EPA reforms to clean up the air in places like Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi. Some of those changes were anticipated to make a real difference soon.
Here's what's at stake under Trump's EPA:
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
Here's what's at stake under Trump's EPA:
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
How Trump’s EPA Threatens Efforts to Clean Up Areas Affected Most by Dangerous Air Pollution
In just two weeks, Donald Trump has made drastic changes to the Environmental Protection Agency. Here’s how they could impact efforts to reform toxic hot spots across the U.S. and who will be left to ...
www.propublica.org
February 5, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I spent years covering industrial air pollution and the incremental EPA reforms to clean up the air in places like Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi. Some of those changes were anticipated to make a real difference soon.
Here's what's at stake under Trump's EPA:
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
Here's what's at stake under Trump's EPA:
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
Great wildlife tech story by Claudia Geib, plus check out the infrared aerial camera footage of cute nesting grouse. www.audubon.org/magazine/fol...
Follow that Bird! How Drones Are Helping Scientists Track Wildlife
A research project to keep tabs on Sharp-tailed Grouse shows the potential benefits of a promising but elusive technology.
www.audubon.org
January 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Great wildlife tech story by Claudia Geib, plus check out the infrared aerial camera footage of cute nesting grouse. www.audubon.org/magazine/fol...
the vibes we need (excellent review by @pocketsquar.es) www.audubon.org/magazine/new...
A New Documentary About a Hummingbird Rehabber Peeks At Life on a Different Scale
Terry Masear’s dedication to nursing hummingbirds back to health offers tidbits of wisdom about practicing empathy and living each moment to the fullest.
www.audubon.org
January 23, 2025 at 10:42 PM
the vibes we need (excellent review by @pocketsquar.es) www.audubon.org/magazine/new...
Reposted by Jess Leber
reminder: my newsroom runs on funding from readers
if you're a reader with disposable income, chip in!
if you're a reader with disposable income, chip in!
Donate to THE CITY | thecity.nyc (Powered by Donorbox)
Local problems don’t get solved without local journalism. We cover New York's uncovered neighborhoods, hold the powerful to account, and make sense of the greatest city in the world. Your support toda...
donorbox.org
January 13, 2025 at 2:40 PM
reminder: my newsroom runs on funding from readers
if you're a reader with disposable income, chip in!
if you're a reader with disposable income, chip in!
Reposted by Jess Leber
Pantone's color of the year is "Mocha Mousse." Ornithologist Robert Ridgway might have called it "Walnut Brown."
Learn more about Ridgway, and the massive dictionary he created to describe birds' hues, in this delightful read from @alicesunreports.bsky.social!
www.audubon.org/magazine/lon...
Learn more about Ridgway, and the massive dictionary he created to describe birds' hues, in this delightful read from @alicesunreports.bsky.social!
www.audubon.org/magazine/lon...
Long Before Pantone, This Bird-Based System for Describing Color Was a Hit
In the early 20th century, ornithologist Robert Ridgway published a massive dictionary to categorize birds’ hues, from Peacock Blue to Duck Green. His work still resonates for artists and designers...
www.audubon.org
December 19, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Pantone's color of the year is "Mocha Mousse." Ornithologist Robert Ridgway might have called it "Walnut Brown."
Learn more about Ridgway, and the massive dictionary he created to describe birds' hues, in this delightful read from @alicesunreports.bsky.social!
www.audubon.org/magazine/lon...
Learn more about Ridgway, and the massive dictionary he created to describe birds' hues, in this delightful read from @alicesunreports.bsky.social!
www.audubon.org/magazine/lon...
Reposted by Jess Leber
Scientists previously thought a 2015 marine heatwave killed 1 million Common Murres. In a new @science.org paper they find that it was actually much worse: 4 million murres died—the worst recorded wildlife mortality event in the modern era, Anna Gibbs reports. www.audubon.org/magazine/sin...
A Single Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals
Nearly a decade later, the seabirds still aren’t rebounding from what researchers say was the largest animal die-off in modern history—and a stark warning about climate change.
www.audubon.org
December 12, 2024 at 7:12 PM
Scientists previously thought a 2015 marine heatwave killed 1 million Common Murres. In a new @science.org paper they find that it was actually much worse: 4 million murres died—the worst recorded wildlife mortality event in the modern era, Anna Gibbs reports. www.audubon.org/magazine/sin...
It was a pleasure working with Sarah on her fantastic feature— and after seeing the photography and learning they encountered a dozen polar bears in just a few days, i definitely regret not tagging along :)
This summer I had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Omushkego territory on the Hudson Bay to report on their efforts to create a marine protected area the size of Maine. A rare sliver of hope, please give it a read and a share! www.audubon.org/magazine/fir... @audubon.org
First Nations Are On the Cusp of a Big Marine Conservation Win in Canada—and They Have Even Bigger Plans
Indigenous communities in Ontario are leading a campaign to protect critical portions of a vast inland sea that people, migratory birds, and other wildlife all rely upon. Can they conserve the...
www.audubon.org
December 5, 2024 at 5:35 PM
It was a pleasure working with Sarah on her fantastic feature— and after seeing the photography and learning they encountered a dozen polar bears in just a few days, i definitely regret not tagging along :)
Reposted by Jess Leber
I was deeply disappointed by the lack of nature/science/climate/enviro on many major end-of-year book lists—so I decided to make my own!
Introducing: ✨🎁📚 The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to Nature & Science Books ✨🎁📚
Please share: Let's make this go viral in time for Black Friday / holiday shopping!
Introducing: ✨🎁📚 The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to Nature & Science Books ✨🎁📚
Please share: Let's make this go viral in time for Black Friday / holiday shopping!
November 27, 2024 at 7:08 PM
I was deeply disappointed by the lack of nature/science/climate/enviro on many major end-of-year book lists—so I decided to make my own!
Introducing: ✨🎁📚 The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to Nature & Science Books ✨🎁📚
Please share: Let's make this go viral in time for Black Friday / holiday shopping!
Introducing: ✨🎁📚 The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to Nature & Science Books ✨🎁📚
Please share: Let's make this go viral in time for Black Friday / holiday shopping!
Reposted by Jess Leber
Don’t become a statistic this Thanksgiving. Follow @jessleber.bsky.social’s advice. www.audubon.org/magazine/whe...
When Wild Turkeys Attack: How to Survive and Thrive In a Great Gobbler World
Just remember: Don't turn around.
www.audubon.org
November 27, 2024 at 7:39 PM
Don’t become a statistic this Thanksgiving. Follow @jessleber.bsky.social’s advice. www.audubon.org/magazine/whe...
Reposted by Jess Leber
NEW: Porsha Ngumezi is the fifth case we've reported on in which a woman died after not receiving a D&C or its second-trimester equivalent in time, or at all.
Her case raises questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to avoid standard care even in straightforward miscarriages.
Her case raises questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to avoid standard care even in straightforward miscarriages.
A Third Woman Died Under Texas’ Abortion Ban. Doctors Are Avoiding D&Cs and Reaching for Riskier Miscarriage Treatments.
Thirty-five-year-old Porsha Ngumezi’s case raises questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to avoid standard care even in straightforward miscarriages.
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM
NEW: Porsha Ngumezi is the fifth case we've reported on in which a woman died after not receiving a D&C or its second-trimester equivalent in time, or at all.
Her case raises questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to avoid standard care even in straightforward miscarriages.
Her case raises questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to avoid standard care even in straightforward miscarriages.
Don't ever turn your back on a Wild Turkey...and other tips i've gathered on how to survive out there when turkeys come to town.
When Wild Turkeys Attack: How to Survive and Thrive In a Great Gobbler World
Just remember: Don't turn around.
www.audubon.org
November 25, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Don't ever turn your back on a Wild Turkey...and other tips i've gathered on how to survive out there when turkeys come to town.
Great story by @maddieburakoff.bsky.social from our upcoming Audubon mag issue.
“The injustices that have shaped what we are today—as a nation, as a society—are shaping the entirety of the planet."
“The injustices that have shaped what we are today—as a nation, as a society—are shaping the entirety of the planet."
Science Is Revealing the Social Disparities at the Root of Urban Ecosystems
When it comes to biodiversity, research shows not all neighborhoods are created equal. They’re defined by injustices past and present.
www.audubon.org
November 22, 2024 at 7:49 PM
Great story by @maddieburakoff.bsky.social from our upcoming Audubon mag issue.
“The injustices that have shaped what we are today—as a nation, as a society—are shaping the entirety of the planet."
“The injustices that have shaped what we are today—as a nation, as a society—are shaping the entirety of the planet."
Interesting reflections on Hannah's and our team's climate coverage during Trump's first term that definitely still feel relevant.
On Monday I wrote a little on my substack about what it was like to cover climate change just before Trump's election — and then during his first term when he dismantled climate programs. I think it holds up post-election. Read + subscribe? warmfeelings.substack.com/p/reflection...
Reflections on Climate Journalism Under Trump
Trump was elected mere months after I started covering climate change full time. The resulting shift in my journalistic approach may be helpful to consider this week.
warmfeelings.substack.com
November 22, 2024 at 5:20 PM
Interesting reflections on Hannah's and our team's climate coverage during Trump's first term that definitely still feel relevant.
Reposted by Jess Leber
“Brat Summer is over. It’s time for Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Fall.” greatlakesecho.org/2024/11/07/h...
How an infamous Great Lakes shipwreck became trendy on TikTok | Great Lakes Echo
By Clara Lincolnhol As the gales of November approach, social media users are channeling an infamous Great Lakes shipwreck as tongue-in-cheek inspiration for a new fall aesthetic. It began with a video comedian Django Gold posted to TikTok in September. “Brat Summer is over. It’s time for Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Fall,” Gold says
greatlakesecho.org
November 8, 2024 at 1:44 AM
“Brat Summer is over. It’s time for Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Fall.” greatlakesecho.org/2024/11/07/h...
We did a really fun graphic on all birds + other animals of Audubon magazine's covers over our 125 year history. Guess which bird was featured most often + then check it out! www.audubon.org/magazine/div...
Dive Into 125 Years of Audubon Magazine Covers, Bird by Bird
We catalogued more than 700 covers dating back to 1899 to discover what their subjects reveal about our publication’s enduring interests.
www.audubon.org
September 19, 2024 at 4:18 PM
We did a really fun graphic on all birds + other animals of Audubon magazine's covers over our 125 year history. Guess which bird was featured most often + then check it out! www.audubon.org/magazine/div...
Reposted by Jess Leber
a note to Washington Post readers: On Dec. 7, we ask you to respect our walkout by not crossing the picket line: For 24 hours, please do not engage with any Post content. That includes our print + online news stories, podcasts, videos, games and recipes.
A letter to our readers
docs.google.com
December 5, 2023 at 4:55 PM
a note to Washington Post readers: On Dec. 7, we ask you to respect our walkout by not crossing the picket line: For 24 hours, please do not engage with any Post content. That includes our print + online news stories, podcasts, videos, games and recipes.
My sister is an amazing journalist, so snatch her up!
Found out today (by way of generic email) I'm getting laid off from Vox.
I would love to talk opportunities for an experienced climate journalist, editor, and investigative reporter.
I would love to talk opportunities for an experienced climate journalist, editor, and investigative reporter.
November 30, 2023 at 6:20 PM
My sister is an amazing journalist, so snatch her up!
Reposted by Jess Leber
An early victim of fake news, bearded vultures in Europe were persecuted for decades by people who believed they attack sheep & even children. Now, the unusual raptors — the only bird that eats mostly bones — are once again soaring over the Alps’ snowy peaks. #birds
www.audubon.org/news/bone-ea...
www.audubon.org/news/bone-ea...
The Bone-eating Bearded Vulture Is Reclaiming Europe’s Skies
Once widely persecuted, the majestic scavenger is making a remarkable rebound in Europe, but new threats could undermine a full recovery.
www.audubon.org
November 21, 2023 at 5:05 PM
An early victim of fake news, bearded vultures in Europe were persecuted for decades by people who believed they attack sheep & even children. Now, the unusual raptors — the only bird that eats mostly bones — are once again soaring over the Alps’ snowy peaks. #birds
www.audubon.org/news/bone-ea...
www.audubon.org/news/bone-ea...