Susan Cosier

Reporter, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ magazine
About

 is a Chicago-based journalist focused on science and the environment.

Articles by Susan Cosier

A mural by artist Justin Suarez stretches along the side of of a one-story building. It features five songbirds—a House Finch, Pine Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Henslow's Sparrow, and Veery—chasing a much bigger Peregrine Falcon. The falcon is the official city bird of Rockford, Illinois, where the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project – Rockford is located.
The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project Takes Flight in Rockford, Illinois
November 24, 2021 — Paintings of imperiled birds beautify buildings throughout the city, providing a catalyst for conversations about climate change.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project Partners
Eleven New Birdy and Nature-Themed Books for Kids
October 01, 2021 — These picture books are sure to delight and inspire young readers.
Books
A Federal Clean Energy Standard Would Build On Decades of State Experience
September 23, 2021 — Already 30 states have set clean-energy goals. Their successes in meeting them, and proving critics wrong, are the seeds for a national standard.
Greening the Grid
Electric Utilities, Long Anchored by Coal, Are Starting to Break for Renewables
July 21, 2021 — Renewable electricity will save money in the long run. But that’s tough logic for utilities desperate to earn every penny from their fossil-fuel investments.
Climate
Why Electric Utilities Are Resorting to Dark Money and Bribes to Resist Renewables
March 16, 2021 — Many utility companies cling to old business models and dirty fuels rather than go through the tough energy transition climate change demands.
Greening the Grid
Everything You Need to Know About Buying Ethically Sourced Down Products
December 18, 2020 — A growing number of brands are prioritizing the welfare of the birds that supply the feathers stuffed into items like jackets, comforters, and pillows.
News
Self-Isolation Is Turning Children Into Budding Birders
April 15, 2020 — During the coronavirus crisis, families are discovering their avian neighbors and nurturing the next generation of nature lovers.
COVID-19
For Chicago Birders, a Christmas Day CBC Is the Perfect Holiday Tradition
January 24, 2019 — Participants in this year's count, including the author and her family, enjoyed a day outside birding while also snagging a pair of rarities.
Christmas Bird Count
Snakes That Eat Other Snakes Could Help Birds in the South
March 26, 2018 — By restoring the country's indigo snake population, scientists hope to bring balance to ecosystems—potentially benefiting songbirds.
News
In Chicago, Controlled Fires Are Helping to Restore Crucial Bird Habitat
July 07, 2017 — The burns, conducted by ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Great Lakes and others, stave off invasive plants while spurring new growth at sites across the region.
From ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Magazine