June 7, 2020

Christian Cooper Incident Spawns Black Birder's Week

In light of the issues our nation is facing right now and due to the fact that it touches the birding community specifically, I thought it only appropriate to bring the issue of race to the forefront of this issue of the Birding Update email.

What happened to Christian Cooper in Central Park

On May 25th, Memorial Day, Christian Cooper, a black man, was birding in New York's Central Park when he was falsely accused of threatening the life of a white woman.  Christian Cooper had merely asked her to put her dog on a leash (a rule in that area of the park).  He recorded her reaction as it got out of hand.  You can view it here: Video: White woman calls police on black man who asked her to leash dog in Central Park (The Guardian) His subsequent response to what happened, documented in the NY Times article linked below, is well worth the read as we all struggle with the issue of systemic racism and racial reconciliation. The Bird Watcher, That Incident and His Feelings on the Woman’s Fate

Black Birder's Week; a positive response to Cooper's experience

Quoting the Bird Watching Daily article linked below: "Just four days after the encounter between a white dog walker and African American birdwatcher Christian Cooper, a group of approximately 30 Black scientists, birders, and outdoor explorers have created a new awareness campaign to encourage birding among more people of color. The project is called #BlackBirdersWeek, and it [took] place from Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5." *While I regret that this event is already over, its relevancy, is no less important!  Please read the entire article below for more information about this movement, which is sure to be highlighted again next year.

Bird Watching Daily Article:

#BlackBirdersWeek aims to raise awareness, grow community

Photo: Katherine Arntzen, Georgia Southern University

Below are some additional resources related to Black Birder's Week if you would like to know more. Livestream Discussions by Organizers & Guests (recorded) Birding While Black: A Candid Conversation - Session 1 Birding While Black: A Candid Conversation - Session 2

Audubon Article:

‘Black Birders Week’ Promotes Diversity and Takes on Racism in the Outdoors

CNN Article:

These Black nature lovers are busting stereotypes, one cool bird at a time

Jason Ward, one of the organizers of Black Birders Week, has an enjoyable video series on YouTube that I couldn't help but share! Birds of North America Video Series

Habitat Soundscapes -Wetlands & Waterways PART 1

This video shows different wetland scenes and includes songs from 10 different wetland birds.  These 10 bird songs pair with the corresponding "What's that Bird I Hear" video that was sent out on May 23rd (linked below). See if you can identify the bird song before its name pops up on the screen! 

Use "What's that Bird I Hear" video to learn or review the songs, then use the Habitat Soundscapes video to practice!  For more of a challenge, see if you can hear and identify the bird songs in the background of each soundscape.

Habitat Soundscapes - Wetlands & Waterways PART 1

Learn Here! What's that Bird I Hear - Wetlands & Waterways video is a virtual guide to help you learn 10 common bird songs of wetlands, lakes & rivers.  Each bird includes a picture, song and a description of what you’re hearing.  What's that Bird I Hear?  Wetlands & Waterways PART 1

There will be more "What's that Bird I Hear?" & "Habitat Soundscapes" videos to come, including Forest and Meadow habitats.  Stay tuned!

Additional Birdsong Videos:

Learn here:

What's that Bird I Hear?  Backyard Birds Part 1

Practice here:

Habitat Soundscapes:  Backyard Birds Part 1

Learn here:

What's that Bird I Hear? Backyard Birds Part 2

Practice here:

Habitat Soundscapes:  Backyard Birds Part 2

Bird Share! Thanks for sending in your sightings, photos and videos and I'll keep them updated as I can.  See below for information on how to submit your sightings!  Here's what's been reported since last time...

Ruddy Turnstone Walking on pier and noticed on waters edge of pier. Grand Haven North Pier *Click this link for and Animated Image of the Ruddy Turnstone **This bird is a very uncommon find in spring and fall migration and is almost always found at the piers in Grand Haven or Holland.

Willet ID by Merlin Bird ID app.  On the water's edge of grand river. Leonard Road, Spring Lake Scott Schmidt *note the vivid black and white markings on the wings that are so characteristic of this shorebird. **This bird is also a very uncommon migrant in our area.  Nice work on the shorebirds this week Scott!

Bird ID question First time I've seen this bird in my backyard. Looks to have an orange/red head.  Landed on our bird feeder for a quick snack, then perched on a chair for a brief moment.  Jessica VanBeek Jenison *The bird in question is a male House Finch!  Click this link to learn more.  Thanks for sharing your bird ID question! House Finch (allaboutbirds.org)

Indigo Bunting (male) - left Cedar Waxwing - below A rather orange Scarlet Tanager (male) - far below

Some recent sightings from the back yard. Michael Monfore Park Township *Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of the variety of birds visiting your backyard and bird bath over the last few weeks, Michael!

Male Scarlet Tanager. This species is typically deep red in color. This individual's food must have been lacking in the pigments it needed in order to turn red when molting into its current plumage. Red feather color in birds is determined by diet.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR BIRD SHARE SIGHTINGS

Click on the "Google Forms" link below to fill out where, when and what birds you saw.  As an additional option at the end of the form, you'll have opportunity to upload any bird photos or videos you'd like to share! Please limit photos/videos to 3 per person and they must be <10MB each.  Thank you!

*NOTE:  You must be signed into a Google account to upload files.  We will try to develop a way for others to share photos/videos too.

Bird Share on GOOGLE FORMS

*Any information or photos shared will be used in future Birding Update emails and/or the production of a video.

Please Share Birding Update Emails!

If you're already getting this email sent to you, you're already signed up.  But maybe you know someone who would be interested but who isn't signed up.  Maybe you've already been forwarding these emails on to friends or family members.  Now all you need to do is copy the link below and send it to them so they can sign up directly themselves! Sign Up for Birding Update Emails Thanks for sharing!

Bringing Nature To You Due to the cancellation of our programs, the Nature Center has had to get creative in how to engage those who love our parks and programs.  The Birding Update email and videos is only one of the ways we've done this.  Click the link below to see what other online programs are available! Bringing Nature to You

Ottawa County Parks on Facebook! You can connect with us on Facebook and find more information, updates and videos! facebook.com/OttawaCountyParks

Happy May Migration Birding!

Ovenbird by Lisa Casler. May means the arrival of neotropical migrants such as warblers like this Ovenbird. During migration, warblers show up about anywhere there's food and water available to refuel. Be on the lookout in your yard, local woodlots, parks and natural spaces for these spring gems!