5-25-21 marks the anniversary of Christian Cooper’s morning encounter with Amy Cooper and her off-leash dog in Central Park. Later that same day one year ago, George Floyd was murdered—and the public’s awareness of the racism that Chris experienced contributed to a nationwide groundswell of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Fortunately, Chris did not come to physical harm. He continues birding and sharing his love of birds with others. And his story spawned a surge in BIPOC bird watching, particularly Black bird watching. This progress gives us hope. And, we mourn the death of George Floyd, and the deaths of all those that have come before and after him. This layered and tragic collision of events underscores the continuing injustice and unequal policing faced by Black and Brown people, and the need for change.

As we recognize the passage of a year’s time since 5-25-20, we ask you to join with us in reflecting on its importance. We must work towards a day when Black and Brown people feel safe and welcome in the outdoors and public spaces more generally.

This past year, our nation as a whole has been called to a reckoning with continuing racial injustice. NYC Audubon's equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility committee, in collaboration with our staff, has compiled a list of recommended resources—including videos, podcasts, books, and online publications—focused on the experience of Black people in nature, and about the realities of racism in the birding and wider conservation communities. We’ve also included links to virtual environmentally themed communities created by and for people of color.

New Yorkers have been finding a new or renewed love of birding: solace and joy during troubled times. We are lucky to live in one of the world’s premiere birding locales: during the year, over 350 species—almost a third of all the bird species in North America—can be found along the City’s 578 miles of waterfront and in its 30,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands. If you’re new to birding, or just in need of a refresher, we share some tips from experienced local birders to help you get the most out of spring migration.

In our work to protect birds and the natural spaces they need, few efforts are more important than introducing young people to the joy and wonder of birding. NYC Audubon’s KIDS Member program provides guided children’s walks, while our Feathered Friends program provides after-school fun (and has “gone virtual” this spring). Learn about three past and present KIDS Members — Thu Lan Perales-Nguyen, Tamrat Gavenas, and John Dean — who share some of what they’ve learned along their birding journeys . . . so far. 

NYC Audubon prides itself on connecting people to nature and conservation through engaging programming that brings together individuals united by a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are approaching our mission to connect and unite with one another through an adjusted lens. We are following state and federal government guidance, are in touch with city agencies, and continue to monitor the situation closely. Please continue to check our website, sign up for eNews, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for new programming and updates.

We offer a variety of virtual programming to connect you with the City’s birds and their conservation! Get to know the shorebirds of Jamaica Bay at the Virtual 15th Annual Shorebird Festival. Or watch episodes of our short-form educational series: "The World of Birds" introduces kids to bird anatomy, behavior, and scientific facts that bridge together the worlds of humans and birds through the lens of ecology. "Virtual Birding by Ear" with Tom Stephenson analyzes birdsong recorded during his field trips this spring and summer. And, find a list of digital resources from partners and friends we've compiled for you: videos, bird cams, podcasts, and more.