Black Birders Week returns from May 29 to June 4 for learning and connection. With a theme of “Soaring to Greater Heights,” the aim is to celebrate and highlight birding as a lifelong learning journey enjoyed by Black cultures across the diaspora.

Each day of Black Birders Week features a different theme and hashtag for people to engage in on social media and beyond.

May 29 |  #BlackInNature
Kick-off the week with the annual #BlackInNature Networking Event. Introduce yourself and meet other Black birders, outdoor lovers, and naturalists.

May 30 | #InTheNest
Monday’s events are about getting started in birding.  How did you first get interested in birds?  What is your earliest birding memory or spark bird?  Who took you under their wing?  If you’ve been at it for a while, how are you a mentor to someone else?

May 31 | #LearningToTakeFlight
Tuesday’s events feature activities surrounding your birding identity and when you felt comfortable enough to call yourself a birder? What is your birding story? What were your first steps into birding on your own?

June 1 | #DayOfRoost
Did you know that birds choose where, when, and how to roost carefully? The day’s theme is about mental health, prioritizing, and choosing when to rest.

June 2 | #FlyingTheCoop
Thursday’s theme is about change. When is it time to pivot and “Fly The Coop”? What motivated you to take the leap and go after your passion? What’s something you’ve always wanted to try or challenge yourself with? Learning bird songs, bird banding, traveling to see more birds, bird-focused career change, research?

June 3 | #AsTheCrowFlies
This idiom refers to a path or direction. On June 3, discussions of the paths paved and relationships different cultures across the diaspora have with birds and how that has shaped your birding journey are welcomed.

June 4 | #LifeLongJourney
Saturday highlights how birding is a lifelong journey and the various activities you can participate in according to your age group. There will also be a focus on intergenerational learning and how birding can connect your family.

Black Birders Week is organized by Black AF In STEM. You can learn more about this organization and the event at blackafinstem.com.

If you are hosting an in-person Black Birders Week event in Michigan and would like to share it with Michigan Audubon supporters, please submit your event via our Community Calendar Online Form.