Who are Birders?
Birding with the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club by Justin Bresnahan
The face of birding in the United States is changing. Stereotypically, many people imagine birding as a popular past time for mainly older white folks.
But this just isn't true anymore. People from all ages from all backgrounds have started to get pumped about birds, nature, and conserving our natural world.
MYBC believes that anyone should be able to form a deep connection to birds and nature. However, there's work to do to make birding and exploring the outdoors inclusive for all. We are inspired by some of the movements below to continue this work with our club members.
Making Birding and the Outdoors Inclusive
#BlackBirdersWeek
Herring Gull by Evan Dalton
#BlackBirdersWeek
In response to a prominent Black birder experiencing a racist incident in New York City's Central Park, Black birders and nature enthusiasts organized #BlackBirdersWeek. The energy and momentum from this event is still going and there are no signs of it slowing down.
Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship
Launched in 2020 as a regional scholarship for Black Birders and Latinx Birders, the Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship is available nationwide. They amplify the successes of Black Birders and Latinx Birders by raising funds for annual scholarships and creating networks of support.
Eastern Wood Pewee by Evan Dalton
Inclusive information about eBird hotspots
eBird hotspots don't tell you everything about the area. For example, some eBird hotspots are near private property, or don't tell you where the trailhead is. For those who are disabled, it's hard to know whether a birding hotspot is accessible.
The Murmuration is a local Massachusetts effort to fill in accessibility and safety information for as many eBird hotspots as possible.
Birdability is a national effort to catalogue accessible birdwatching locations and advocate for more!
American Robin by Evan Dalton
Other bird clubs with
inclusive mission statements
The Feminist Bird Club, a birdwatching club dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding while providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and women to connect with the natural world, has a chapter in Boston.
The Anti-Racist Collective of Avid Birders is a new group in Western Massachusetts.