Black Birders Week is back—a celebration of Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor lovers, and a powerful call for diversity and inclusion in nature spaces.

Founded in 2020 in response to racial injustice and the Central Park incident involving birder and science writer Christian Cooper, this annual event uplifts Black voices and experiences in the outdoors.

The seventh celebration of Black Birders Week will be held from May 24 – May 30, 2026. This year’s theme, “Flyways & Freedom: Advocacy, Action, and the Future,” honors the pathways birds have always followed, and explores this question: what could freedom look like if we moved like they do, without all the barriers?”

This annual week of in-person bird walks, educational talks, and community events highlights the intersection of birding, Black communities, Black culture, and environmental justice. This year, environmental groups across Connecticut will host a series of local events for Birders of all experience levels to attend. All events are free to attend

Event Schedule

Wings Over Little Liberia

When: 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 16
Where: 1135 Main Street, Bridgeport
What: History and Birdwatching in the city—what’s not to love? We’re heading to the Mary and Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community to learn more about Little Liberia and spot feathered locals doing their thing. Come for the history, stay for the birds, and maybe catch a rare surprise. Register here. 

Bike the Flyway

When: 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 23
Where: Meet at Long Wharf Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 351 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven
What: We will bike from Long Wharf to Sandy Point in West Haven for a birdwalk on the beach. Bring your own bike or borrow a bike from us for free. Register here.

Birds of a Feather

When: 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 24
Where: 539 Firetown Road, Simsbury
What: Lace up your boots and join us on a birdwatching hike, where we’ll scout this local greenspace. Chill vibes, good trails, and binocular banter guaranteed. Register here. 

Meet the Flock

When: 4:00 PM on Monday, May 25
Where: Zoom
What: Connect with national leaders of Black Birders Week and learn more about this year’s theme, Flyways and Freedom. Register here.

Wings Over Meadowood

When: 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26
Where: 133 Hoskins Road, Simsbury
What: Join us for a guided walking history tour & bird walk tour exploring the legacy of Rev. Dr. King Jr. & his time in Connecticut. Register here.

The Parakeet Conspiracy

When: 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27
Where: 5R66+JQ, Bridgeport
What: Join us as we uncover the fascinating community stories, parakeet legends, and discover the rich diversity of bird species that call Bridgeport home. Register here. 

Canal Chirp

When: 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29
Where: 1245 Dixwell Ave., Hamden
What: This walk along the Farmington Canal is all about finding feathered city dwellers living their best wetland lives. Urban birding never sounded so sweet. Register here.

Flock the Block

When: 9:00 AM on Saturday May 30
Where: Fulton Park, near 419 Pine Street, Waterbury
What: Think birds are boring? Think again. Join GirlTrek of Waterbury for a guided bird walk that’s part science, part vibes, and part chill. We’re talking bird facts and sharp-eyed squad goals. Bring your curiosity — let’s have a #hotbirdsummer and flock the block. This event centers Black people who are new to birding, especially Black women and girls. You bring water, we’ll bring binoculars and snacks! Register here.

Rights and Wingspan

When: 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 31
Where: 333 Sherman Ave, New Haven
What: What could freedom look like if we moved like birds do, without all the barriers? We’re ending our week with a practical, community learning workshop and of course our favorite game-Wingspan. Register here.

Birdwatching Advice

When birdwatching, please be sure to consider bringing:

• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat can help protect you from the sun’s rays
• Insect Repellent: Insects may be present, so bring repellent to ward them off.
• Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for various terrains
• Backpack: To carry all your essentials
• The Merlin App: This smartphone app will help you identify bird calls and species information and serve as a field guide!
• Water Bottle: Always remember to stay hydrated!
• Binoculars will be provided

Conservation Partners

Connecticut’s Black Birders Week 2026 is organized by the Black Wing Coalition:

• Jhoni Ada, Sierra Club CT
• Reginald Saint Fortcolin, Sovereign Land Trust
• Zion Jones, Gather New Haven
• Vanessa Daye and Yaw Darko, Connecticut Land Conservation Council
• Ade Ben Salahudin and Diana Jones, bird enthusiasts