Birding Poetry and Power: June

About Facilitator

Indigo Goodson-Fields is a poet, writer and birder based in Brooklyn. She served as a New York Birding Consultant on the For the Birds exhibition committee at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Indigo is featured on an episode of Always Be Birdin’, The Bird Joy Podcast and The Brian Lehrer Show.

Objective

Nature is for the birds! In this community bird outing, participants will become familiar with our local “backyard birds” and migratory birds and be able to identify them with sight and sound. This walking workshop will allow us to discuss community and bird behavior across themes of migration, symbolism, and more.

Each workshop will end with a moment of reflection and journaling in response to a writing prompt provided by the artist.

June Prompt

Various bird species are symbols of good and bad omens, freedom and captivity, intellect and unintelligence, death and rebirth, loved ones and spiteful ones. For example, in Lakota culture the Waŋblí, eagle,  can be seen as a symbol of strength and bravery and their feathers can adorn sacred items. The Bald Eagle has existed long before the construction of the U.S. but now, to some, is seen as a symbol of the U.S. American freedom and empire. These meanings and perceptions are prescribed to birds. Think about creating a meaning or symbol for a particular species. We have the ability to find a meaning from a bird that resonates with us.

Birding Resources for June:

• “Stanford researchers finds that our most culturally significant birds live in habitats mostt at risk to environmental change.” Stanford Report
• “Birds, Energy, and Symbolism: A Flight Through the Spiritual Meaning of Our Feathered Friends.” Times of India
• “Bird Symbolism Across Different Cultures.” Hummingbirds Plus
• “Eagle – waŋblí.” Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center

What's Included:

• 3 pairs of share binoculars

What to Bring:

• Binoculars (optional) 
• Download Merlin Bird ID app to help identify birds by sound and sight (optional)
• Download eBird to keep track of the birds you see (optional)

Disclaimer:

 Rain or shine. If weather is inclement, we will email participants 2 hours before the start of the event. Wheelchair accessible. Bathroom accessible.

Requirements:

This is a 1.5-hour, outdoor, moving, workshop on primarily roads with an option to go off the path.