Spark birds are a great way for communities to come together and learn more about each other and outreaching to new birders!

Schedule yours today! Programs can be done virtually or in person. They typically last about an hour with about 10-15 minutes to introduce the project then time for attendees and/or selected individuals to share their stories. Depending on the extent of sharing, there can be example stories from spark bird participants and/or discussion of key themes and findings based on what was shared during the program. The program closes with time for discussion of the benefits of birding and opportunities for the birding community as well as questions folks might have about the project. Fees include travel and lodging for in person programs whenever possible but we can also work to coordinate travel with other groups and obligations. A $100 donation is appreciated for virtual and in person programs. Alternative arrangements can always be made for small non-profits and donation is waived for young birder groups and partner organizations! Flexible on scope of travel and timing. Interested in learning how to lead a spark bird program? Contact us today!

Virtual Programs & In Person Programs Available

Tuesday, April 16, 2024: The Spark Bird Project will be part of the Great Salt Lake Audubon's Birds & Bites series. Stay tuned for details on this virtual event!

TBD: The Spark Bird Project will be part of the Buffalo Ornithological Society monthly meeting. Join us at 7pm at the Buffalo Museum of Science! - February presentation postponed due to illness, stay tuned for new date!

Past Programs

August 9, 2022: Hog Island Audubon Family Camp

Friday, May 4, 2023: Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosted a virtual program about The Spark Bird Project with a special feature of learning more about the spark bird experiences of artists featured in their “Hope is a Thing with Feathers” exhibit. You can learn more about the event at https://rtpi.org/events/spark-bird-program-with-jennifer-lodi-smith/ and visit https://vimeo.com/827355808 to see the recording.

Saturday, June 3, 2023: The Spark Bird Project was part of the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage! To learn more visit https://www.alleganynaturepilgrimage.com/

Saturday, July 15, 2023: The Spark Bird Project was the feature talk of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute Summer Soiree event.

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023: The Spark Bird Project was part of the lunchtime paper sessions at the 2023 New York Birders Conference. For more information about the conference visit https://www.nybirders.org/ 

December 2, 2023: The Spark Bird Project was with Earth Spirit at the Park School of Buffalo for a member's owl prowl event! Earth Spirit & Park School are a central part of the origin story of The Spark Bird Project!

Wednesday, January 31, 2024: The Spark Bird Project was virtual with Central Westchester Audubon and Saw Mill River Audubon. It was great to hear the stories from this intergenerational group!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024: The Spark Bird Project was virtual with Michigan Audubon. Michigan Audubon members can access the recording of the program through their member portal. 

Monday, March 18, 2024: The Spark Bird Project was virtual with Feminist Bird Club Chicago. 

Interested in having a program about The Spark Bird Project for your organization or event?  Reach out to project director, Jenn Lodi-Smith, at lodismij@canisius.edu to set up in person or virtual programming.