Black Birders: Embracing the Beauty Within
June 8, 2023
As part of its celebration of the third Black Birders Week, please enjoy the ABA’s two-part session of the prerecorded panel “Black Birders: Embracing the Beauty Within.” The panel explores such topics as childhood experiences with birds, how to pass on generational knowledge of birds, and whether things have changed since the first Black Birders Week.
The panel session co-hosts are Sheridan Alford and Chelsea Connor. They are joined in the first session by Alex Troutman, Sharon Scott, and Scott Edwards, and in the second session by Alex Troutman and Danielle Belleny.
The ABA thanks Samson Technologies for providing additional support.
Scroll down to view the session videos.
Sheridan Alford is a co-organizer of Black Birders Week, which strives to increase visibility and representation of Black birders in the field. Sheridan recently completed her masters in parks, recreation, and leisure studies, and she has an interest in African American involvement in birdwatching and in promoting diversity in environmental outreach.
Chelsea Connor is a herpetologist, birder, artist, and PhD student from the Commonwealth of Dominica in the Caribbean. She loves the flora and fauna she grew up with. As a science communicator, she spends time putting together and sharing information on different anoles with her hashtag #DidYouAnole? on Twitter, as well as the native animals on her home island.
Danielle Belleny is a wildlife biologist, science communicator, and avid birder from San Antonio, Texas. She was a cofounder of #BlackBirdersWeek and the BlackAFinSTEM collective, an organization focused on sharing the experiences of Black conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. Danielle is the author of the recently published This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds.
Scott V. Edwards is Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, and Curator of Ornithology and Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Scott teaches ornithology and evolutionary biology, and enjoy introducing students to the wonders of birds in the field, in museum collections, and in the classroom.
Sharon Denise Scott was born in Thomas County Georgia and lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband. She enjoys writing, birding, and traveling. Sharon was the program chair of the former Tri-State Avian Society and worked with the public on the care of exotic species. She gained extensive knowledge of parrots and birds of prey during her tenure.
Alex Troutman is a wildlife biologist, birder, nature enthusiast, and science communicator. Alex has a masters in wetland and bird conservation from Georgia Southern University. He has a passion for sharing and immersing the younger generation in nature. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outside and trying out new recipes.
Such a joy to witness and share experiences with other black birders! Please consider extending Black Birders week with a bird themed expansion to incorporate additional opportunities to engage. ✌🏾🌲
Can you let me know when Black Birders Week is planned for this year, 2023? Thank you.