The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is set to participate in Black Birders Week (May 30th–June 5th) with a free webinar about neighborhood birding, a preview and Q&A on the PBS film The Falconer, and a family-friendly trivia night.
The weeklong celebration is organized by a group of Black science and education professionals who seek to inspire new audiences to enjoy nature and birds, and to share that joy with all birdwatchers.
The first event, “#BirdsOnMyBlock: Exploring Bird Apps with Black Birders Week” is set for May 31st from 3 to 4 pm. In this webinar Black AF in STEM and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will look at the tools available to help in finding and identifying the birds on your block. Presenters Deja Perkins, Sheridan Alford, and Danielle Belleny will share their experiences and the tools they use on their birding adventures. They will look at digital tools like Merlin Bird ID, BirdNET, and eBird, and how they can be used to practice birding skills. Registration is available online.
The program “#BirdsEyeView: Falconry with Rodney Stotts” is set for June 1st, from 7 to 8 pm. This live Q&A moderated by Black Birders Week co-organizer Deja Perkins will look at Rodney’s journey to becoming a master falconer and preview the new documentary The Falconer premiering on public television’s WORLD Channel and streaming on the PBS app right after the Q&A. Registration is available online.
The final program “#LiferMemories: Trivia Night” is set for June 2nd, from 7 to 8 pm. This interactive Zoom Trivia Night will feature a few rounds of family-friendly trivia questions. Participants are encouraged to stick around to the end for a chance to win Wingspan the bird-themed board game and more prizes. Registration is available online.
All events are free and open to the public. A full schedule of events can be found on the Black Birders Week website. For more information contact Marc Devokaitis at mjd356@cornell.edu or (617) 861-7917.
Photo of Falconer Rodney Stotts holds a Red-tailed Hawk by Annie Kaempfer.
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