Scientific Advisers Named for New Boston Birding Festival

The council includes:

Scott Edwards
Professor and Chair of the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Curator of Ornithology and Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology in the Museum of Comparative Zoology-Harvard University

Francesca Grifo
State Director, Maryland Ornithological Society Founding Director of the Scientific Integrity Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. 

Nigella Hillgarth
Evolutionary Biologist, Conservation Photographer and Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington

Susannah B. Lerman
Research Ecologist
USDA Forest Service

Wayne Petersen
Director, Massachusetts Important Bird Area (IBA) Program Mass Audubon (retired)
Editor/co-author of MA Breeding Bird Atlas 1 & 2, Birds of Massachusetts, Field Guide to Birds of Massachusetts

Andrew Vitz
State Ornithologist
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

The Festival’s growing scientific advisory council will assist the organization in identifying work that addresses biodiversity, environmental and climate challenges and provide ongoing guidance and feedback. 

“Birding brings people many delights—but that simply isn’t enough, given the rapid decline of the North American bird population,“ said Elizabeth Bartle, BBF Board Chair. “We think about today’s bird festival as having to do more—it has to inspire and empower people to act on behalf of wildlife, habitat, climate, and environmental justice. We know a thoughtful festival can showcase the dedication of researchers and environmental and conservation organizations—many of them right here in New England—that are working to protect the planet and its biodiversity—and reduce threats to birds.”

“We’re excited to have access to these experts and are grateful for their counsel,” said Mari Badger, BBF Festival Director. “We live in a culture where science is too often dismissed as something political. But birds have a way of bringing people together despite their politics. Birds inspire curiosity and the kinds of questions that can be answered best by science, By keeping the scientific integrity of our programming central to our events, we hope we can help people understand that a scientific framework is critical to addressing the environmental challenges of our time.”

The newly formed nonprofit Boston Birding Festival offers ongoing regular programming building toward a major event in 2025. Visit the website for more information.