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August 5, 2026

Bird of Passage: August 2026

I have some news to share: I've accepted a full-time environmental education job with a conservation nonprofit in my community, and I start next week. And because I want to give this new role the focus it deserves, I’m taking an indefinite break from freelance science writing.

A lot of you may not know that I worked in environmental education before pivoting to science writing and science communication around a decade ago; in a way, the past decade has all been one long, amazing professional detour! And although I hate to admit it, sometimes my heart isn’t really in the writing any more. The rise of AI and the ongoing deterioration of the science media landscape (the sale of Scientific American made me so sad) have made it all feel more and more precarious.

That said, I have deeply, deeply appreciated all the opportunities and experiences that science writing has brought me. If you’ve read my book, or read anything else I’ve ever written, or let me interview you, etc., I’m sincerely grateful.

Since I won’t have any more new writing to promote, this is going to be my last regular monthly email. However, my professional website is going to be staying in place, with a contact form that goes straight to my email inbox. If you ever want to reach me for some reason, that's the best way. And I suppose it’s possible I’ll resurrect this email list if I do more writing at some point in the future, so if you’d be interested in hearing about it if that happens, you can definitely stay subscribed.

Thank you and best wishes!

Rebecca

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  1. T
    Tim O'Connell
    August 5, 2026, evening

    Thank YOU, Rebecca, for your talent and your insights. Because of you I understand birds better today.

    Happy for you to be investing your energies in your own community. They are so lucky to have you!

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    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    I am very skeptical that I've done anything to give someone with a literal PhD in ornithology a better understanding of birds, but thank you so much, Tim! :)

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  3. J
    Jim
    August 5, 2026, evening

    Best of luck in your new stuff, pal

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  4. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    Thank you!

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  5. P
    Pinky
    August 5, 2026, evening

    Congratulations on the new job! I’ve learn so much from your articles and book. Thank you. You’re a force for good in the world.

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  6. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    Aww, thank you!

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  7. C
    Cathy Carnes
    August 5, 2026, evening

    Thank you, Rebecca for all your care and concern about birds, your books, your articles, and your thoughtful insights. Good luck with your job, sounds like a great fit. I also really enjoyed your book, Flight Paths. You made the mystery of solving bird migration so interesting, and you did a ton of research! Thank you. Best, Cathy.

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  8. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    Thank you so much!

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  9. B
    Barbara Charles
    August 6, 2026, morning

    Lots of luck Rebecca in your new job.

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  10. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    Thank you, Barbara!

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  11. E
    Ellen in upstate New York
    August 6, 2026, morning

    Congratulations on your new job, Rebecca! I have really enjoyed your writing, as well as the excellent book and article recommendations in your newsletter.

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  12. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 6, 2026, afternoon

    Thank you, Ellen!

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  13. L
    Laura Whittemore
    August 6, 2026, evening

    That's so great! It's been fun reading your newsletter after I saw you present online. Best of luck in all things!

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  14. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 7, 2026, afternoon

    Thanks, Laura! :)

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  15. D
    Dan Varland
    August 9, 2026, afternoon

    Congrats on your new position in environmental education, Rebecca. All the best to you.

    Perhaps some day you'll return to science writing. What a gift you have for that!...I'd love to see it!

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  16. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 10, 2026, evening

    Thank you, Dan! :)

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  17. B
    Bill Swedler
    August 14, 2026, midnight

    I have enjoyed you newsletters. I was a biology major in college before detouring into medicine for 40 years. Your newsletter reminded me of why I love biology.

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  18. B
    Rebecca Heisman Author
    August 14, 2026, afternoon

    Aw, thank you! :)

    Reply Report Delete

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