Christian Cooper: Birding, diversity and the power to change the world

On Wednesday, March 12, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Lettershosted Christian Cooper in Overture Center’s Playhouse Theater. Cooper is a celebrated naturalist, Emmy-winning host of “Extraordinary Birder” and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir “Better Living Through Birding.”

Wisconsin Academy Executive Director Erika Monroe-Kane welcomed the audience, explaining that Cooper was invited as a speaker for the Academy’s “Birds and Beyond” series to share his personal journey and his passion for birding and reflect on the transformative power of nature in fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Kane shared, “It was an absolute honor for the Academy to host Christian Cooper in Wisconsin. Christian Cooper reminds us that the simple act of watching birds can open our eyes—not just to the natural world but to each other. The energy at this event at Overture was electric, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the wonder of birds, the power of storytelling, and the importance of community. This event embodied the Academy’s mission of bringing people from different backgrounds and perspectives together to create common ground in Wisconsin.” 

In Cooper’s book, “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World,” he shares a story about the sighting of a Kirtland’s warbler in New York City: “a creature even more unlikely to be spotted in Central Park than the gay, Black nerd with binoculars looking up to it.”

Cooper uses his experiences birding as a gay, Black man to share messages of how fostering conservation and being a steward of nature can lead to bridging across differences.

Christopher Kilgour, founder of Color In The Outdoors, shared, “I find it incredibly important and impactful that Cristian represents multiple identities simultaneously and is therefore able to kind of be in this [birding] space unapologetically, and be an example and champion in that space for young and old people alike and for a variety of typically marginalized communities.”

Cooper explained, “If we want to protect the world’s diversity of birds, we need a diversity of people who care about birds.”

The power of fostering diversity was on full display during Cooper’s talk and subsequent panel discussion led by Angela Russell of the Black Oxygen podcast and Chief Diversity Officer at TruStage. During the discussion, Russell commented on Cooper’s storytelling skills and asked what story we are missing and what birding has taught him about moving in his time.

Cooper responded, “I still don’t have a good answer for that. Because we don’t hear enough from the global south. The stories aren’t being told. We are Americans, but we aren’t the only ones. There are people scattered across the Americas.”

He also stated, “It’s not about us. There are so many more consequences for the planet. Birds are dinosaurs, we need to do better. We’re a blip in history compared to them.”

To aid future generations in building bridges, conserving the environment and fostering inclusivity, Cooper has written a forthcoming book for young naturalists: “The Urban Owls: How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home,” which explores the fascinating lives of urban-dwelling owls.

As a final message to the audience, Cooper shared about our ability to change the world: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t. Little choices add up. Make small changes. The power is ours. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”

RETURN TO BLOG INDEX