Black Birders Week 2026
Black Birders Week returns May 24–30, marking its sixth year of celebrating Black voices in birding, conservation, and the outdoors. Founded by Black AF in STEM in response to a 2020 incident involving notable birder Christian Cooper in Central Park, this year’s theme ‘Flyways & Freedom: Advocacy, Action, and the Future’ is a “bold and unapologetic reclamation of the Black community’s role in environmental spaces.”
In keeping with this year’s theme, Black AF in STEM has sent a clear message that events marketed under the Black Birders Week banner must center Black leadership and participation, which is a sentiment that we support wholeheartedly.
This year’s theme focuses on birds belonging to the Laridae family that includes seabirds and waterbirds such as Gulls, Skimmers, Terns, and Noddies. Birds in the Laridae family are found all around the world and as many of us have learned while trying to enjoy a snack on the beach, they are not at all shy! To learn more about this year’s theme, visit the Black AF in STEM website at: www.blackafinstem.com/2026-theme.
One of our favorite birds belonging to the Laridae family is the Common Tern whose name is a definite misnomer, as there is nothing common about this bird! Each spring, it makes a remarkable journey from South America, traveling north primarily along the Atlantic coastline to breed in the United States and Canada. The National Audubon Society offers a wonderful visualization tool that charts the Common Tern’s migratory journey (the tool tracks other birds as well).
To View the Migration Path of the Common Tern Click on the Image Below
We are looking forward to spotting birds belonging to the Laridae family, (as well as other birds) while attending the following Black Birders Week events:
– NYC Bird Alliance’s Sunset Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park
– NYC Bird Alliance’s Birding at Morningside Park
– DC Bird Alliance’s Birds & Brunch at Juneberry Garage
There are many other virtual and in-person events scheduled throughout the week. For the most up-to-date information, check out @blackafinstem on Instagram and Facebook or search Instagram using #BlackBirdersWeek.
Happy Black Birders Week!