The Junín Grebe  is a critically endangered flightless grebe found at only one location in the world, Lake Junín in the high Andes of Peru. Still hardly studied, its population has undergone significant declines probably due to water-level regulation for a hydroelectric plant, pollution from nearby mining activities, and unstable climate conditions. A section of the lake is already deemed "lifeless" due to iron-oxide sedimentation. There may now be fewer than 50 breeding pairs. The American Bird Conservancy (ABC), in cooperation with the Peruvian conservation group ECOAN, is working to study and save this unique and vanishing species. Here in Maryland, I have joined local naturalist and photographer George Jett in an effort to generate necessary funds for the ABC to act now. Funds will go directly to conducting population surveys, studying the grebes to learn how to best ensure their survival, and working on behalf of the birds within the community. Please join our efforts and consider a donation to ABC, and share this information with as many people as you can. Fighting for conservation can be intimidating, but together our ability to bring positive change expands exponentially. ABC has many success stories, and you can be a part of the next one. Thank you. Please mail your donation to American Bird Conservancy, PO Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198 Or donate by telephone at 540-253-5780

This image courtesy of "The Fifty Rarest Birds of the World" project.