Highlighting Black Excellence in Birding

News // May 24, 2023

This Sunday is the start of Black Birders Week, a weeklong series of events from May 28 to June 3, which, according to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, originated “to highlight Black nature enthusiasts and to increase the visibility of Black birders, who face unique challenges and dangers when engaging in outdoor activities.”

This weeklong event was created by Black AF in STEM, a collective that seeks to “uplift, support, and amplify Black STEM professionals in natural resources and the environment through professional development, career connection, and community engagement.

The Academy of Natural Sciences has a number of events that celebrate Black excellence in birding, you can find their calendar here!

Last year, for Black Birders Week, we sat down with our weekly Instagram contributor and avid birder, Troy Bynum, to speak about his love for photographing nature in the Wissahickon, especially birds. While he is admittedly a “pandemic-birder” who has picked up this hobby relatively recently compared to other veteran birders, Troy is a highly knowledgeable naturalist and talent photographer, even showcasing his photos at last year’s event at The Academy of Natural Sciences!

You can read his full interview here.

We’re so lucky to have Troy as a weekly contributor, sharing his passion for birding with us through striking photos every week. This year, we’re looking at Troy’s greatest hits, his most popular #wildlifewednesdays, on FOW’s Instagram!

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