Today marks the first anniversary of Black Birders Week. Black Birders Week began in May of 2020 in response to a rash of killings of Black Americans at the hands of police and an incident in Central Park where a white woman called police and threatened a Black birder named Christian Cooper when he asked her to put her dog on a leash. Black Birders Week was organized by BlackAFInStem Collective, a group of students and scientists 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.” (“Black Birders Week” , Audubon)
Black Birders Week is not just an opportunity for Black birders to get out and meet other Black birders; it is a necessary event to give them visibility in a pastime that has traditionally been a mostly white activity. For decades, the media has portrayed the archetypal “outdoor type” as a white, middle aged man with a beard, signaling to marginalized groups that they need not apply. In addition to this, the historically white-dominated culture of conservation has been resistant to change. Black Birders Week seeks not only to challenge both the reality and perception of this, but to show that Black people are not only interested in enjoying nature but have the absolute right to do so.
This event is also an opportunity to share a safe space given that many Black birders have faced hostility and outright racism when they try to engage in outdoor activities. Too often, Black birders and even Black scientists doing work in the field are met with suspicion and animosity from police and private property owners. Nature organizations are aware of this. Orion magazine lists nine rules for Black birders. Three of the top rules are “Carry your binoculars — and three forms of identification — at all times. Nocturnal birding is a no-no” and “Don’t bird in a hoodie. Ever.” ("9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher" , Orion magazine) This advice speaks volumes about the fear that people of color have when venturing into an outdoor space that should be calming and inspiring, not anxiety-inducing.
It is important for the birding community to show Black birders that they are welcome and that birds belong to them as well. The Audubon Society has admitted that they are working to make sure Black birders are treated with decency and respect in the birding community. Another goals is trying to change the culture in their workplace.
“We are dedicating this time to reflect, to humble ourselves, and to elevate the voices, perspectives and experiences of the Black community. This requires a culture shift within the organization well beyond this week – the work is ongoing. 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 for their expertise and valued as human beings with multi-layered experiences who enrich our work.”
"'‘Black Birders Week’ Promotes Diversity and Takes on Racism in the Outdoors" Audubon, Jilian Mock
While this is a major challenge, it is an aspirational goal, both within the organization and out in the field where people of all races should be able to enjoy nature and teach their children about the amazing world of birds. After all, the birds don’t care about the race of the person behind the binoculars. We could learn a lot from them.
Sources:
“Black Birders Week” Audubon , https://www.audubon.org/black-birders-week
Lanham, J. Drew. “9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher,” Orion Magazine, Oct 25, 2013, https://orionmagazine.org/article/9-rules-for-the-black-birdwatcher/
Mock, Jillian. “‘Black Birders Week’ Promotes Diversity and Takes on Racism in the Outdoors” Audubon, June 1, 2021, https://www.audubon.org/news/black-birders-week-promotes-diversity-and-takes-racism-outdoors