RW| The BIG Bird Off Register

Date and Time:
Sat, May 31, 2025; 10:00 AM (Eastern)

Organized By: Aspetuck Land Trust

Location: 5R66+JQ Bridgeport, CT, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Jhoni Ada
   jhoni.ada@sierraclub.org
   (203) 718-6425

Join us for Connecticut’s last Black Birders Week 2025 event: 

Ready to flex your birding skills or just vibe with your flock? Join us for a freestyle birding challenge -- spot what you can, get creative, and maybe even win a weird award. Teams, solo flyers, and rookies all welcome. We'll wrap it up cookout style with food, laughs, and a toast to the birds (and the birders)!

When birdwatching, please be sure to consider bringing:

• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat can help protect you from the sun's rays
• Insect Repellent: Insects may be present, so bring repellent to ward them off.
• Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for various terrains
• Backpack: To carry all your essentials
• The Merlin App: This smartphone app will help you identify bird calls and species information and serve as a field guide!
• Water Bottle: Always remember to stay hydrated!
• Binoculars will be provided

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Black Birders Week is an annual event that celebrates Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the birding community. 

Black Birders Week was started in 2020 by a group of young Black scientists and bird watchers in response to the series of highly publicized negative encounters between Black people and members of both law enforcement and the general public, particularly the Central Park incident involving Black birder, science writer, and now National Geographic show host Christian Cooper. 

This year's theme, "Grounded in Community," centers Black joy, liberation, and collective power in the outdoors. 

We have a fantastic lineup of events planned for in-person birding excursions. From learning about local bird conservation efforts to exploring the intersection of birding, Black communities, Black culture, and environmental justice, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

We want to emphasize that Black Birders Week is intended to be a safe space for Black birders and outdoor enthusiasts. While all are welcome to participate, it's important to center the experiences of Black individuals in nature. For many, this may be their first birding experience, and we want to ensure that they feel welcomed and supported.

In light of events that have brought issues of race and representation in the outdoor community to the forefront, Black Birders Week holds particular significance. It is a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of representation.

We would love for you to join us during Black Birders Week and help us soar for change! Check out the schedule of events nationwide and see how you can participate. And if you know any Black birders or outdoor enthusiasts, please feel free to share these events with them – everyone is welcome to join in the celebration!

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