The Williamsburg Bird Club was organized with the purpose of promoting interest in the study of wild birds; protecting birds and their habitat; and sharing the joy of birding with others. To do so, the Club supports the goals of many birding partners, including these listed on our website under links: Virginia Society of Ornithology, Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, The Center for Conservation Biology, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Recently the Virginia Society of Ornithology posted the following statement which the Williamsburg Bird Club also endorses:
The Virginia Society of Ornithology recognizes the unique challenges people of color can face in all aspects of society, and that includes birding and other outdoor pursuits. Enjoyment of birds and all facets of the natural world is everyone’s right, equally and without bias. As our ongoing commitment, we will continue to promote participation from people of all backgrounds and ethnicities in our field trips, youth programs, and all other VSO activities. Through diversity we are stronger, wiser and better able to face the challenges of declining bird populations and environmental degradation.
Check out this article which highlights Black Birders Week, with insightful comments from Dr. Drew Lanham, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Clemson University:
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/06/05/black-birders-week