Black Birders Week 2023 kicks off at the end of May, and in collaboration with the organization Black AF In STEM, State Parks’ environmental educators from New York City invite you to join in celebrating and uplifting Black birders. From budding novices to seasoned experts, all birders, including those who aspire to learn more about birding generally, are welcome.
What is Black Birders Week?
On May 25, 2020, Christian Cooper – a Black man – was riding his bike through Central Park when he encountered a white woman with her dog in the Ramble and politely asked her to put her dog on a leash. As an avid birder, Mr. Cooper knew that the period between March 1 and July 31 is the main breeding period for ground nesting birds, and the Ramble is a prime nesting area. In response to Mr. Cooper’s request, the woman called 911 and asserted that an African American man was threatening her and her dog.
When the recorded cell phone video of Christian Cooper’s encounter went viral, it made national news and demonstrated the unique challenges Black people may face when engaging in outdoor activities. The incident, and others like it, led to the creation of “Black Birders Week” by Black AF In STEM, fortifying efforts to highlight Black nature enthusiasts and increase the visibility of Black people in environmental issues.
“Black Birders Week has made me even more aware of the dangers Black people face when we spend time in outdoor spaces, but it also helped me discover a vast community of Black birders and nature lovers around the country,” said Roslyn Rivas, Public Programs Manager at NYC Audubon and a guest facilitator for New York State Parks.
How and when can you participate?
From May 28, 2023 to June 3, 2023, NY State Parks is hosting a week-long series of events at two state parks named after historically prominent Black women who lived in New York City: Marsha P. Johnson State Park and Shirley Chisholm State Park.
All programs are free and materials are provided, including binoculars and bird guides. At each event, participants may enter a raffle to win special prizes including binoculars, plush Audubon birds, or a New York State Park Empire Pass!
“I never imagined there would be so many of us, and I have absolutely loved getting to make so many connections and new friends in this network,” said Rivas. “Black Birders Week is a time when we can come together and enjoy being outdoors without fear, especially when access to green space has been purposely limited for Black people throughout history.”
If you are interested in attending any of the eight Black Birders Week events in the NYC region, an overview of each event (and links to register) are below. We hope to see you there!
Beginner Birding with NYC Audubon
Shirley Chisholm State Park– Pennsylvania Side
Sunday, May 28, 2023
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
All ages– 1.5-3 mile hike on gravel trails with gradual incline
Binoculars provided
Registration is required
Join Roslyn Rivas from NYC Audubon and discover the incredible birds of Shirley Chisholm State Park. Whether you’re an expert birder or just curious about our feathered friends there is always something fun to discover on the trails. All attendees can enter to win a pair of Binoculars or NYS Empire Pass.
Beginner Birding
Marsha P Johnson State Park
Sunday, May 28, 2023
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
All ages
Binoculars provided
Registration is required
If you are interested in learning about birds, but don’t know where to start, join us for a walk to learn the basics of bird identification. Birders of every level and every age are welcome. At the end of the program, we will be raffling off a new pair of binoculars to get a beginner birder started!
Sunset Birding with NYC Audubon
Shirley Chisholm State Park– Fountain side
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Ages 8 years and older
2-3 miles on gravel trails with gradual incline
Binoculars provided
Registration is required
Sunsets are beautiful, but they are also a great time to go birding as many birds are active at dawn and dusk! Join NYC Audubon’s Roslyn Rivas and discover the joys of urban birding as the sun sets over Manhattan. All attendees can enter to win a pair of Binoculars or NYS Empire Pass.
Puppets at the Park House: Karen Cardinal’s New Neighbors
Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Thursday, June 1, 2023
3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged
Diversity is important, even in nature! Puppets at the Park House presents an original show in honor of Black Birders Week: “Karen Cardinal’s New Neighbors!” When some migratory birds settle into Karen Cardinal’s neighborhood, she learns that our differences are what make us special and that there is space for birds of all colors and sizes.
Ruby’s Birds: Story Time and Craft Workshop
Marsha P. Johnson
Friday, June 2, 2023
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
All ages
Materials provided
Registration is encouraged
Read a story about a young girl named Ruby and the birds she finds in New York City! Then make a bird decal that helps prevent window strikes, a pinecone bird feeder to support migratory birds, or both!
Birds and Brews: Sunset Birding and a Tour of Brooklyn Brewery
Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Friday, June 2, 2023
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Ages 18 and older
Binoculars provided
Registration is required
Come to our sunset birding with our special guest facilitator, Roslyn Rivas from NYC Audubon. Spot songbirds as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline. After the program you can choose to attend a free tour of the nearby Brooklyn Brewery offered specifically for participants and receive a drink voucher for a beer, wine, or soda. Learn about the connections between birds and beer, while making new connections with other birders. Birders of all experience levels are welcome!
New York City Raptors: Live Bird Demonstration
Shirley Chisholm State Park – Pennsylvania side at Hendrix Creek Patio
Date and time to be announced
1 PM to 2 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged
Ever wanted to meet some of New York’s fiercest predators? Join Wildlife Rehabilitator Bobby Horvath and get up-close and personal with his wildlife ambassadors and learn about these incredible feathered friends– including hawks, owls, and falcons– at Hendrix Creek Patio.
New York City Raptors: Live Bird Demonstration
Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Saturday, June 3, 2023
1 PM to 2 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged
Volunteers for Wildlife will give us an up-close introduction to their wildlife ambassadors, including owls and kestrels! Meet some feathered friends while we discuss the many different species of birds of prey native to New York and all of their interesting adaptations!
– Written by Jenna Marie Otero, Environmental Education Assistant in the New York City Regional Office
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 