Photo: White-throated Sparrow, Martin Nkosi

When: Thursday, May 22, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Fee: FREE, but registration is required

Whether you are a casual hiker or a seasoned birder, you will encounter sparrows almost everywhere you go. Learn to tell them apart and some strategies to identify them in this free webinar.

Sparrows are sometimes dismissed because they are difficult to tell one species from the other, but these special birds are worth an extra look! Whether it's the familiar call of "Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody-Peabody” from the White-throated sparrow, the rusty-red cap of the Chipping sparrow, or the pretty pink beak of the Field Sparrow, each species has something distinctive about it. Come learn more about sparrows and enjoy beautiful photography by Martin Nkosi and other talented black birders and photographers.

This program is inspired by and celebrates Black Birders Week (May 25-31), a campaign by BlackAFinStem focused on equitable access to nature, empowerment and representation, environmental justice and advocacy.

As they share on their website:

"Like sparrows, we find power in community, lifting our voices together to transform the outdoors into spaces of belonging and liberation. Often dismissed as "little brown birds," sparrows symbolize adaptability and community—qualities that deeply resonate with the Black community. Just as sparrows are frequently overlooked in favor of more "charismatic" species, Black birders have historically been underrepresented in environmental and naturalist spaces.

Sparrows represent our theme “Grounded in Community” emphasizing the shared need for visibility, respect, and action for both sparrows and the Black community. Through storytelling, education, and community building, our theme seeks to foster a deeper connection to nature and a more inclusive birding community, celebrating the vital contributions of both sparrows and Black birders to the future of conservation."

Black Birders Week launched in 2020, founded by a passionate group of Black-identifying birders determined to highlight the deep, historical, and ongoing relationship between Black communities and the natural world. Read more here.

About the Speakers:

Musa Murawih

Musa Murawih is a board member of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. Musa moved to the United States in 1999 from Sudan to pursue a Master’s degree in international relations at the University of Denver. Ever since, he has travelled to 41 US states in pursuit of birds and other natural wonders. His birding trips have taken him to Alaska, Nova Scotia, Florida, the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, SE Arizona, and many places in between. Internationally, he has birded in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He’s a member of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and the Friends of Huntley Meadows. Since he moved to Virginia in 2010, Musa has taken part in the Christmas Bird Count and the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas.

Ajani Simmons

Ajani Simmons is a member of the Community Engagement Committee of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance and an Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN). Ajani was awarded New Volunteer of the Year by Virginia Master Naturalist. Ajani brings a photographer’s eye to the field, using the camera to observe and connect more deeply with nature. Ajani is also leading the Birdathon team 'Avian Avengers' and is running to join the Board of NVBA.

Tamika Graham

We’re also excited to welcome a special guest speaker, Tamika from Black Women Hiking DMV, who will share about her group's mission, community, and upcoming outings, and her Birdathon team 'Birding with Purpose.'

Black Women Hiking the DMV is a non-profit organization manifesting a vision of Black women thriving in inclusive outdoor spaces. Their mission is rooted in creating safe, joyful, and empowering nature experiences for Black women across the DMV area.

Bonus Opportunity:
A free guided birding field trip, led by Ajani and Herlitz Davis, will be offered on the Saturday, May 24. Spots are limited, so register early to reserve your spot! Only one ticket needed per carpooling family (parking is limited), children are welcome. Loaner binoculars are available.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, this is a perfect way to celebrate Black joy in nature and learn how to engage with your local environment.