Happy May 1st! #DYK ? May is also Mental Health Awareness Month!

To our Black birding and naturalist community, this month is a reminder to prioritize your mental well-being. Birding is not just a hobby; it's a form of therapy that connects us to nature's beauty and ...

Together, we can soar higher and support each other in our birding journeys. 💚 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BlackBirders #BirdingForMentalHealth

Check out our list of 5 Ways Nature and Birds Improve Your Mental Health
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4: Physical Activity
Engaging in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, or nature walks promotes physical activity, which is known to have a positive effect on mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

2: Mood Enhancement
Interacting with nature and observing birds can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness. Being outdoors and connecting with the natural world can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

The BlackAFinSTEM Collective is hosting #BlackBirdersWeek , now in its fifth year. This year’s activities run from May 26 through June
amsterdamnews.com/news/2024/04/2…

1: Stress Reduction
Spending time in nature and birdwatching can help reduce stress levels. The calming sights and sounds of nature have been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

5: Connection to the Environment
Spending time in nature and observing birds can foster a sense of connection to the environment. This connection has been linked to increased feelings of purpose and meaning in life, which can improve overall mental health.

The BlackAFinSTEM is hosting Black Birders Week, now in its fifth year, from May 26 through June 1.
amsterdamnews.com/news/2024/04/2…

New #BlackBirdersWeek Announcement!
Our Bird Theme this year is...🥁🥁🥁

The Corvid Family!!!

3: Mindfulness & Relaxation
Birdwatching encourages mindfulness, as it requires focus and attention to the present moment. This practice can promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Have you been out birding yet today? Well, if you haven't, there's a reason you should definitely go...it's #NationalGoBirdingDay 🐦🦆🥳🙌🏾

Share what birds you're seeing or hearing with us in the comments.

#DYK today is #InternationalCrowandRavenAppreciationDay !

Share your what you love about Crows and Ravens!

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices.

So how are Crows and Ravens different?

We have a fiscal sponsor for #BlackBirdersWeek and it’s...Amplify the Future! 🥳

-use tools to scavenge or gain access to food and have been known to use passing cars to crack open the shells of seeds or roadkill.
-will also follow adult birds to their nests or steal food from other animals.

Out of the more than 120 species of Corvids, we are highlighting the Blue Jay, the American Crow, and the Black-billed Magpie. These three species were chosen due to their intelligence and widespread range across the US.

They are communal, meaning they are social and can be found in flocks, have tight family bonds, or mate for life. These birds are also known to be brave enough to face hawks and large predators by participating in “mob” behavior or dive-bombing hawks and other large predators.