Black Birders Week is a weeklong series of events to highlight Black nature enthusiasts and to increase the visibility of Black birders, who face unique challenges and dangers when engaging in outdoor activities. The event was created as a response to the Central Park birdwatching incident and police brutality against Black Americans. The inaugural event ran from May 31 to June 5, 2020. The week of events was organized by a group of STEM professionals and students known as the BlackAFinSTEM Collective. 

This year's Black Birders Week takes place from May 28 through June 3.

The Academy is excited to host three Black Birders Week events this year.

Black Excellence in Birding
Saturday, May 27, 5–9 p.m. 

$45 per person; $40 Academy members, In Color Birding members, African American Museum in Philadelphia members, Drexel employees and students  
Guests must be 21+ to drink and will receive wristbands.

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences for Black Excellence in Birding, our second annual black-tie Black Birders Week event. Meet some of the country’s most well-known Black birders, go behind the scenes of the Academy to interact with our world-class Ornithology Collection, join the panel discussion on Black women in birding and meet local poets and artists as they share their expressions throughout the night. Tweet an invite to a fellow bird lover, fluff up your plumage for a feathery date night or simply sip cocktails and savor delicious appetizers as you enjoy good conversation with fellow Black birders.

Learn more about Black Excellence in Birding.

A World of Urban Birds: A Conversation with David Lindo
Moderated by Jason Hall,
Founder and President of In Color Birding Club

Presented in partnership with the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC)
Thursday, May 25, 2023
7-8:30 p.m.
Pay as you wish

Celebrated Urban Birder David Lindo takes us around the urban world of birds. Over 20% of the globe’s bird species have been recorded within our towns and cities, sometimes without us noticing. You will be surprised by some of the species Lindo will be featuring. To see some of these great birds, all you have to do is open your hearts, minds and, importantly, look up!

This program is presented in conjunction with Academy special exhibitions Conversations With Birds and Illuminating Birds: Drawing as a Way of Knowing.

Learn more about Academy Speaker Series.

Flying Full Circle Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Activities are free with museum admission.

Bring the whole flock to the Academy for a fun-filled day of activities, outdoor family bird walks, museum scavenger hunts and a fantastic film by world-renowned Black birder, Rodney Stotts, detailing his story of empowerment through nature.

Flying Full Circle Family Fun Day Activities:

• Family Crafts
• Neighborhood Birding with Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
• Bird Walks on the Ben Franklin Parkway
• Showing of the film "The Falconer"
• Avian Adaptations: Wing and Egg Demonstrations
• Museum Bird Scavenger Hunts

Learn more about Flying Full Circle Family Fun Day.

Special Thanks to In Color Birding