Checking in with the ornithologists in third and fourth grades, we found out that this week is Black Birders Week. Third and fourth graders created portraits of four Black birders — Corina Newsome, J. Drew Lanham, Tykee James and Christian Cooper — to learn more about the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black birders in today’s outdoor and birding communities. From encountering racial bias to forging paths of inclusion, students are uncovering the intersection of race, identity and nature through their research.

Thank you to @hood__naturalist @christiancooperbirder@wildandincolor @tykeejames for your work on behalf of both the bird and human populations of our community. You’re an inspiration to our young PCS birders! (@christiancooperbirder— your portrait is forthcoming: this group was adamant that they wait for an absent group member before finishing the collaborative project!)