From 1897 to Today: The Enduring Legacy of Citizen Bird

Join Connecticut Audubon Society for a special Members-Only Zoom discussion of Citizen Bird, the groundbreaking 1897 children's birding guide that helped inspire a generation of Americans to appreciate and protect wild birds.

Created by naturalist Mabel Osgood Wright, ornithologist Elliott Coues, and renowned bird artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Citizen Bird emerged during a pivotal moment in American conservation history, when many bird species faced alarming declines. The book introduced young readers to birds through observation rather than collection, helping to foster a new conservation ethic that would shape the future of bird protection.

We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth Cherry and Meghan Freeman, editors of the newly released edition, which preserves the original illustrations while providing historical context, explanatory notes, and a new introduction. They will discuss the book's lasting impact on birding, conservation, education, and American culture, as well as its relevance to bird lovers today.

Whether you're a birder, historian, educator, or simply curious about the roots of bird conservation, this promises to be a fascinating conversation.