Christian Cooper, the Emmy Award-winning host of National Geographic’s “Extraordinary Birder” and author of the best-selling memoir “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World,” recently visited Madison and other parts of Wisconsin, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s birding and conservation communities. His presence was more than just a speaking engagement — it catalyzed deeper conversations about diversity, accessibility, and the power of birds to bring people together.
Cooper’s influence on birding extends beyond the field — his story helped spark a movement. When the social justice movement following the Central Park incident gave rise to Black Birders Week in 2020, it was a moment of reckoning and opportunity for Black birders across the country. Black AF in STEM, a collective of Black scientists and outdoor enthusiasts, led this movement, inspiring birders and nature enthusiasts to speak up about equity in outdoor spaces. Their advocacy and Cooper’s experience inspired the creation of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, where BIPOC birders and allies could connect, learn, find joy, and belong.
In 2022, I had a life-changing experience when Cooper, LaTresse Snead, and Wendy Paulson organized a private birding retreat on Little Saint Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia. Paulson generously provided access to the island, and the retreat became a defining moment for those who attended. Cooper and Snead played a crucial role in bringing together Black and Brown birders from across the country, fostering a space for connection and inspiration.
In Georgia, I met Jason Hall, founder of In Color Birding Club in Philadelphia — an encounter that would later spark our partnership as co-hosts of The Bird Joy Podcast. What began as a weekend retreat quickly evolved into a shared mission: using storytelling and Bird Joy to inspire and uplift the birding community. Cooper’s call to action on the island — to connect, collaborate, and drive the birding community forward — continues to shape our work.
Cooper’s impact extends far beyond birdwatching. In the 1990s, he introduced groundbreaking LGBTQ+ characters as one of Marvel Comics’ first openly gay writers and editors. His memoir explores his intersecting identities, shedding light on how birds have provided solace, inspiration, and purpose throughout his life.
His visit to Wisconsin March 12-13 reinforced why representation in outdoor spaces matters. His ability to connect with people across backgrounds speaks to the universal joy of birding and the importance of ensuring that nature is accessible to all.
Cooper’s tour featured impactful engagements with youth organizations focused on conservation and workforce development. In Madison, he connected with young participants at Operation Fresh Start, a nonprofit that provides education and hands-on training in conservation and construction, empowering youth with essential skills for their future.
Jasmine Banks, deputy director for empowerment and strategic initiatives at Operation Fresh Start, saw the visit as transformative. “Christian was blown away by the depth of knowledge our young people had,” she said. “He asked, ‘Wait, you’re in high school?’ because they spoke confidently about invasive species and restoration work. That moment validated their expertise and belonging in the conservation field.”
Later that evening, three Operation Fresh Start participants attended the VIP reception before Cooper’s talk at the Overture Center. Banks emphasized the significance of their presence. “They learned how to network and introduce themselves with confidence. I told them, ‘You belong in these spaces.’ And by the end of the night, they knew it.”
Peace of mind at Piece of Mined Acres
One of the most profound moments of Cooper’s visit took place at Piece of Mined Acres, a 90-acre former iron mine transformed into an outdoor education center by Christopher Kilgour, founder of Color in the Outdoors.
“Hosting Christian, BIPOC Birding Club, and the UEC (Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee) folks was a truly special experience,” Kilgour said. “Being outdoors is transformative. Nature has no attitude, opinion, or hate. It remains one of the few truly free and liberating spaces.”
As they explored the property, participants reflected on how nature creates common ground. Cooper’s presence reinforced the idea that birding and outdoor spaces can bridge communities, fostering deeper connections among attendees.
Cooper’s talks in Madison and Milwaukee were part of the Birds and Beyond series organized by The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters in collaboration with partners such as the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Color in the Outdoors, The Joy Trip Project, and the Milwaukee Public Library.
“The Academy is about bringing people together,” said Lizzie Condon, director of science and climate programs. “Birds don’t care about your background or where you come from.”
Cooper’s engaging storytelling resonated with audiences, from expert birders to newcomers. His Milwaukee event ended with a standing ovation, and book signings in both cities saw lines of enthusiastic attendees eager to share their own birding stories with him.
As Wisconsin’s birding community continues to evolve, Cooper’s visit reinforces a powerful message: the joy of birds is for everyone. That joy thrives through connection, advocacy, and shared experiences. You belong. Birding is for you.
Madison365’s Dexter Patterson sat down with Cooper to ask him a few questions while he was in town.
DP: How was your first visit as an adult to Wisconsin?
CC: I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. It was a whirlwind visit, but rubbing shoulders with folks like Erika Monroe-Kane and Lizzie Condon of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters; writer/photographer James Edward Mills; Terry Evans of the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park; Christopher Kilgour of Color in the Outdoors—and you, Dexter! — kept my energy up. Finally, getting a chance to bird with the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, plus the local Feminist Bird Club, was a treat. As for the birds…it’s March, the lull before the storm of spring migration. But the Sandhill Cranes and the raucous cry of Red-winged Blackbirds never failed to make me smile.”
DP: You spent time with various youth organizations focused on environmental justice and conservation. What did meeting these young people and hearing about their work mean to you?
CC: It’s a cliché, but the young people are the future. To see so many of them engaged with the natural world and to help foster that was a privilege.
(Photo by Dexter Patterson)
DP: What was the highlight of the trip for you?
CC: Horicon Marsh. Even though it’s not the peak time of year there, its immensity impressed me greatly. Plus, we got to chase a report about a whooping crane, a rare and endangered giant of a bird. We didn’t find it, but the chase (which was followed by Wisconsin cherry pie) is half the fun!
DP: What are your tips on how people can do their part to make birding more diverse and inclusive during these challenging times?
CC: 1) Don’t shy away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (or DEI, which some would have you believe is more terrifying than Godzilla to Tokyo). It means removing obvious and subtle barriers that might keep everybody from participating.
2) Strategies will vary in different circumstances; for example, many Wisconsin communities have large Hmong populations, so translate birding announcements into Hmong and recruit a native Hmong speaker for some of your outings. Maybe schedule a special outing targeting Hmong participation around Noj Peb Caug (Hmong New Year).
3) Collaborate with other organizations established in communities where you aren’t but should be.
4) Be welcoming, kind, and respectful. We all learned this in grade school, but it can be hard to live it with people of unfamiliar faith, culture, orientation, or appearance. Live it anyway — especially with beginning birders! We’re not here to impress with our stunningly comprehensive bird knowledge and skills but to help.
5) Food! Nothing breaks barriers like breaking bread together. Bring extra snacks to share, end the outing with a potluck picnic…or cap off a great day birding with a stop at an eatery for Wisconsin cherry pie!
