Black Birders Week

The kickoff to summer in the Northern Hemisphere also brings the fifth annual #BlackBirdersWeek from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, organized by The Black AF In STEM Collective – a collective that “seeks to support, uplift, and amplify Black Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics professionals in natural resources and the environment through professional development, career connection, and community engagement.” According to the organizers, this year’s theme is Wings of Justice: Soaring for Change. “Our 2024 theme underscores our commitment to bird conservation, environmental justice, and community care. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Black birders and advocating for more inclusive outdoor spaces.”

This year's Black Birders Week Bird Theme is the Corvid Family! The Corvid family, or Corvidae, includes more than 120 species including crows, ravens, jays, magpies, jackdaws, nutcrackers, treepies, rooks, and choughs. This year, the official Black Birders Week merch includes the Blue Jay, the American Crow, and the Black-billed Magpie. These three species were chosen to be featured due to their intelligence and widespread range across the US. Blue Jays, American Crows, and Black-billed Magpies can be found in natural open fields, oak forests, and meadows, but they can also be found in more developed habitats (urban and suburban areas).  This year’s theme birds are communal, meaning they are social and can be found in flocks, have tight family bonds, or mate for life. These birds are also known to be brave enough to face hawks and large predators by participating in “mob” behavior or dive-bombing hawks and other large predators. Blue Jays, American Crows, and Black-billed Magpies are intelligent species that are known for their ability to use survival strategies like storing food or using tools for foraging and food access. All of this year’s species are of low conservation concern.

The National Audubon Society is proud to support #BlackBirdersWeek2024. Audubon encourages its network and birders everywhere to support the trailblazing work of the @BlackAFInSTEM Collective, uplift Black professionals and voices shared via the hashtags #BlackBirdersWeek and #BlackBirdersWeek2024, and learn more about the Black experience in STEM, the outdoors, and the birding community.

2024 Panel Discussion: Wings of Justice: Birding While Black

This year, Audubon will also be hosting a panel discussion entitled Wings of Justice: Birding While Black. This live virtual panel discussion will delve into the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black birders in today's outdoor and birding communities. From encountering racial bias to forging paths of inclusion and belonging, panelists will share their stories, insights, and strategies for navigating the world of birding while Black.

Through thoughtful dialogue and personal narratives, panelists will explore the intersection of race, identity, and nature, highlighting the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in birding and environmental conservation. Whether you're an avid birder, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the experiences of Black individuals in outdoor spaces, this panel promises to be an enlightening and inspiring conversation. Tune in live on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5pm ET on Audubon's YouTube channel.

And don't forget to follow along, share, and engage with content through the daily themes outlined in the official flyer. To support the organizers and the movement, follow the handles and websites below:

Twitter: @BlackAFInSTEM
Instagram: @BlackAFInSTEM
Facebook: @BlackAFInSTEM
Website: BlackAFInSTEM.com

We recognize that we have a responsibility to address systemic racism within our own organization – including the racist history of our namesake – and the broader environmental movement. Black individuals and the Black community must be respected, honored and valued within our own house and in the birding community. This requires a culture shift within the Audubon community well beyond this week. We are committed to building a workplace environment that is respectful and kind and where Black, Indigenous, people of color, women and everyone across the gender spectrum are respected.