Black Birders Week

Black Birders Week started in 2020 sparked by an event in New York City’s Central Park. Christian Cooper, a biomedical-journal editor and board member of New York City Audubon, was birding in the park when he encountered a loose dog. Mr. Cooper asked the dog’s owner to leash her dog. The woman called the police and made a false report that Cooper had threatened her. He said, she said? Nope. The incident was recorded and brought to light for all to see how perilous it can be to simply go birding while black.

A few months later, Audubon Magazine printed an article, The Myth of John James Audubon that presented an historically accurate portrait of John James Audubon as not only a great painter but a slaveholder and ardent anti-abolitionist.

Each day of Black Birders Week has a unique hashtag allowing Black Birders across the country to connect and share their experiences and love of birds. Check it out!