Culture

John Luther Adams in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 1999. Dennis Keeley
How an Acclaimed Composer Found His Musical Voice Through Birdsong
September 16, 2020 — Decades after a songbird's whirling melody set him on a new artistic path, John Luther Adams is more determined than ever to help us hear the planet's power and wild beauty—and fight to protect it.
‘It’s a Bird’ Is a New Comic Written by Central Park Birder Christian Cooper
September 14, 2020 — The story, which is loosely inspired by Cooper's racist encounter in the park, is the first in the digital "Represent!" series from DC Comics.
Finding a Constant in Nature During the Uncertainty of a Pandemic
August 25, 2020 — Birds, the Trinity River Audubon Center, and nature provide stability for me when everything else feels so changeable.
Remembering Toni Morrison, the Bird Whisperer
August 05, 2020 — A year after Morrison’s passing, a journalist and birder reflects on how her time with the cherished author changed her relationship with birds—and with herself.
Searching for Elusive Blakiston's Fish Owls in the Ancient Forests of Primorye
August 04, 2020 — Jonathan Slaght ventures into far-east Russia to locate the enormous raptors in this excerpt from his new book 'Owls of the Eastern Ice.'
These Bird-Inspired Dance Albums Deliver Catchy Beats and Conservation Funding
August 03, 2020 — By merging his love of nature with his talents DJing, British music producer Robin Perkins is at the forefront of a new wave of electronica.
One of These Birds Should Be Washington, D.C.'s New Football Mascot
July 21, 2020 — The NFL team's racist name is finally gone. The Birdist has some suggestions for what should replace it.
Three Ways You Can Do Bird Science From Your Couch
July 21, 2020 — Researchers could use birders' sharp eyes to help with these digital community-science projects.
How to Make a Comic About Birds
July 14, 2020 — Rosemary Mosco, creator of ‘Bird and Moon,’ shares tips and techniques for turning a funny idea into a cartoon.
Finally, a Bird-Themed Spotify Playlist (No, It's Not a Bunch of Bird Calls)
July 13, 2020 — It's no coincidence that the avian-themed songs on biologist Amanda Gallinat's playlist echo the order of a field guide.