Birds in Your Backyard

As an official campus chapter of the National Audubon Society (the American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation of birds and their habitats), Birding at RIT aims to educate and excite the broader RIT community about birdwatching and conservation. At our display, visitors will learn about local bird populations and the issues they face through four season-themed stations, each exploring relevant topics in birdwatching. In our Fall section, visitors will learn about bird migration and the dangers that these birds face on their journeys, especially focusing on window collisions. We will demonstrate different solutions to this issue (including bird friendly glass options and window decals), and inform attendees about actions they can take to help. We will also discuss our current on-campus window-strike initiative. Our Winter section will teach visitors about the diets of different bird species and advise on how to bring birds into your own backyard using bird feeders. We will display different types of bird feeders and food types suited for various families of our feathery friends. In the spring section, attendees will learn about native plants, which are essential to the conservation of native bird species. We will also discuss the effects of various landscaping decisions on native birds. In our Summer section, we will discuss backyard birding opportunities, as well as groups and resources for beginning birders, including eBird and Merlin. We will also have bird identification challenges for people of all ages and experience levels. Overall, Birding at RIT’s fun and engaging exhibit will teach Imagine RIT attendees about the wonders of birding!