NYC Audubon’s 2023-2024 Winter Lecture Series theme is “Narratives in Nature.” The series features speakers sharing their stories and experiences to highlight their personal and professional identities. The lectures take place via Zoom from late fall through the winter. All lectures are free of charge and open to the public. NYC Audubon’s Lecture Series is made possible in part by the generous support of Claude and Lucienne Bloch.

On Tuesday, December 5, from 7 to 8 p.m., the series will feature BIRDING AS THERAPY FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL WITH BOB BELL. Bell’s book Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight describes the author’s ordeal after developing a bizarre set of increasingly debilitating symptoms. In time, he would be diagnosed with Lyme disease. Bell tells of dealing with a chronic illness and chronic pain by using birding as therapy. He provides numerous tips on how to begin birding and enjoy it, regardless of physical ability.

Next in the series is THE LIFE OF A GAME HAWKER WITH SHAWN HAYES. From 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, the series will screen Game Hawker, a Patagonia film. The film is about more than training these majestic animals. It touches on what we can learn from the birds about living in partnership with wild creatures and places. Following the short film, its star, falconer Shawn Hayes, will join the audience for a conversation. Shawn is deeply connected to his falcons and the beautiful landscape they soar over. The discussion will touch on topics including wildlife conservation, identity, and belonging in the outdoors.

February’s series installment will occur on Tuesday the 6th from 7 to 8 p.m. In the event, EMPOWERING YOUTH IN CLIMATE ACTION WITH AJANI STELLA, the speaker will discuss his experiences as the founder and leader of Kids Fight Climate Change. This unique organization is an education group dedicated to teaching young people about the climate crisis. Ajani Stella is a 17-year-old climate activist living in New York City. He will tell of his journey in creating this organization. Moreover, he will discuss becoming an advocate for climate justice and action starting when he spoke to the New York City Teachers Retirement Fund Board of Directors about divesting from fossil fuels at ten years old.

Finally, esteemed author Amy Tan will host THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES: A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH AMY TAN on Tuesday, March 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. Amy Tan is well known as an award-winning and New York Times best-selling author. Her works include  The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God’s Wife, and The Chinese Siamese Cat (later adapted to the beloved animated series Sagwa). What may not be as well known is that Tan is an avid birder! Her fireside chat will cover all things birds, ranging from their conservation, learning how to illustrate them, and Amy’s newest book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, set to release in April 2024.

The NYC Audubon is active on social media. So, if there is a previous talk or lecture you want to view or you miss one of these events, the most recent lectures are available to view on YouTube. Also, with something of interest always happening, Broadway Stages keeps an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages. We recommend you do, too!