Posted on August 16, 2024 by Valerie Bustamante Johnson
Through research and education with the San Antonio community, UTSA’s Urban Bird Project is tapping into the science and the treasured stories about the birds that live among us
Kids in Urban Bird Project
We see birds all around us — at the park, along the streets and highways, and in our backyards. And yet, they aren’t like other wild creatures we see in our neighborhoods. For many communities in South Texas and in Mexico, birds have a much deeper connection to their culture.
For instance, when you see a Northern Cardinal sitting on a tree branch or on your backyard fence, you may hear from your abuela or abuelo that the bird is a loved one who has passed. You may think it’s a parent or grandparent paying a visit, letting you know everything is going to be alright. While it’s unknown what the origin of this belief is, it’s very popular in several communities especially for those who grew up in San Antonio.
Building a bridge between these kinds of cultural connections and the science of avian conservation was the goal of the Urban Bird Project when it launched more than three years ago. This interdisciplinary project integrates avian ecology, Mexican-American studies, and indigenous studies through a community science program about local, migratory, and culturally significant birds and their environments.
— Valerie Bustamante Johnson
