The Urgent Need To Embrace Diversity and Inclusion in Ornithology

The American Ornithological Society has announced that they're changing the names of birds named directly after people. This announcement is causing some controversy among reactionary folks. However, there is an urgent need to increase diversity and inclusion in ornithology.

The "controversy" is over these changes being done partly in the name of harm reduction and inclusion. There is a need to embrace diversity and inclusion in ornithology. In addition, birding, nature programs/areas of study, all fall short in these areas.

Too, the American Ornithological Society has also said this will result in more descriptive names. Descriptive names will also help encourage new birders. As a bird photographer and photography teacher I agree.

Any efforts to make names more descriptive will help. Therefore, I applaud and strongly support this initiative. Here is what I had to say about it on Instagram.

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Diversity and Inclusion in Ornithology

Given recent setbacks this change is monumental. Attempts to address issues of diversity and inclusion in the past few years have fallen short. A March of 2023 attempt to rename the National Audubon Society failed. However, some smaller groups have distanced themselves from the name.

Sadly, many birds share names with some terrible people. Therefore, this push to remove these names is justifiable just on these merits.

Audubon 

John James Audubon, whom The Audubon Society is named after, owned slaves. He also raided the graves of indigenous people. Plus he stole skulls from Mexican soldiers. He did this all in the interest of "race science." Sure he drew nice illustrations. However, he was not a good person. We shouldn't still honor him as we do.

The fact that his name was retained is highly problematic. It sends a clear message to people of color that their enjoyment of nature and birding doesn't matter. Too, he stole people's skulls. How is retaining his name okay knowing that?

JJ Audubon isn't an outlier either. Many bird are named after terrible people. They include confederate generals, colonialists, "explorers" and more. This is why the change just makes sense.

The Nature of Exclusion

In the US, people of color have long been excluded from enjoying nature. In fact, the threat of arrest or death for simply existing in natural settings is very real.

Too, they are far more likely to live in areas deprived of nature and public lands. No wonder there terms like "Birding While Black" and articles helping Black birders to avoid serious trouble exist.

Diverse voices are also largely missing or ignored in conservation and nature-focused agencies and nonprofits. There is a clear pattern of systemic racism. This is why diversity and inclusion in ornithology and other nature areas is so vital.

Diminished Contributions

In addition, contributions of people of color to the mapping and exploration of the US are rarely recognized. For every Sacagawea there are countless unnamed others. Indigenous guides are nearly always responsible for European explorers living to share their supposed discoveries.

Too, it's not only indigenous people whose accomplishments are ignored. Look no farther than Negro Mountain in Maryland. Negro Mountain is said to have been named after an enslaved man. This man was killed defending his enslavers during a battle with indigenous people.

His sacrifice was critical to his enslaver's survival. He was "honored" with having a mountain named after him. Except of course, the mountain wasn't named after him was it. They didn't even bother writing down his name.

Ornithological Discoveries

The idea these birds and other animals were "discovered" is problematic. Most if not all of these species were known to those who lived around them for centuries. To call their cataloging "discovery" is based in an exclusionary Euro-centric viewpoint.

To be upset that these names are being changed is mind-blowing. After all, these are not scientific names. Nor are these the names they were called for centuries.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The American Ornithological Society is not making these name changes arbitrarily. They are establishing a multidisciplinary committee. This committee will feature ornithologists, linguists, and cultural anthropologists. They will ensure the renaming process is thorough, respectful, and scientifically sound. This approach demonstrates the society's commitment to making informed decisions that prioritize accuracy, diversity, and inclusivity.

Seeking Public Input

Additionally, the American Ornithological Society is not making these changes in isolation. They have actively sought and will continue to seek public input. Their goal is to ensure that the renaming process reflects diverse perspectives. Too, that the experiences of birders and bird photographers are given strong consideration.

By involving the public, the American Ornithological Society is fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity within the birding community. You can learn more by following updates from the American Ornithological Society.

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

I fully support increasing diversity and inclusion in ornithological and birding settings. I support increased diversity and inclusion everywhere, in all areas of life.

Birders should recognize that they practice a hobby that is all about viewing as many diverse members of the bird family as possible. Therefore, it's hypocritical to complain about efforts to increase diversity and inclusion.

I'm happy to see all the groups supporting this move. The Cornell Bird Lab supports the name change. We should all celebrate this move.

Descriptive names are good.

Names associated with terrible people are bad. It's really that simple. If you disagree, oh well.

I'm full time professional event and portrait photographer Don Orkoskey. Since 2007 I've owned WDO Photography. Additionally, I teach photography in partnership with a number of amazing organizations in and around Pittsburgh as well as offering my own group photography classes and individual photography lessons. I teach classes for both adults and children and lead free nature photography meetups each month. I also write a monthly newsletter full of great information and maintain a list of free photography resources to help you learn photography.