Celebrate Urban Birds!
Free event raises awareness, helps scientists learn about birds in the city
 You're Invited! What: "Celebrate Urban Birds!" nationwide events connecting nature and city neighborhoods through gardening and watching birds Who: Bird enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities Where: Cities and suburbs anywhere in North America When: Anytime Why: • Learn about urban birds and help create green spaces in your neighborhood.
• Involve children, friends, and neighbors in learning about birds and green spaces. • Help scientists understand how balconies, parks, and gardens may benefit birds in cities.  An American Robin raises its young on a statue of Romeo and Juliet near the Great Lawn in Central Park, New York. Cal Vornberger |
Communities nationwide will "Celebrate Urban Birds!" through gardening, bird watching, cultural activities, and citizen science. Supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Urban Birds Studies, events will raise awareness of urban birds and provide information that scientists can use to understand the relationship between green spaces and birds in cities. Urban areas are poor habitats for most native bird species, but green spaces can provide refuge for exhausted migrants and other birds. Some species may benefit from small gardens or parks, whereas others may require a large network of interconnected green spaces to survive. Some areas may attract native birds, whereas others might favor invasive species such as European Starlings and House Sparrows. What is the value of urban green areas, both large and small? We need the help of city residents to answer these questions by watching birds in a wide variety of green spaces, including balconies, small gardens, isolated trees, and public parks. Help us find out how important your potted plants, gardens, and parks are for birds living in your city! There are many ways to participate, from planting sunflowers in pots on a balcony to reporting which of 15 bird species you see in green spaces in your neighborhood. You can join on your own or through community celebrations at participating libraries, schools, or community gardens.
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How You Can Help Your Community
• Organize a community garden party to showcase the garden and collect data on birds. |
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A Great Egret is attracted to water in Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain. Photo by Cal Vornberger |
As shown by the famous city-dwelling Red-tailed Hawk, Pale Male, New York’s Central Park is full of suprising birdlife. Photographer Cal Vornberger’s The Birds of Central Park captures the beauty of wild birds in the heart of the city.
