Better Living Through Birding

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Christian Cooper, a self-identified Blerd (Black nerd), passionate comic book enthusiast, and expert birder, dedicates each spring to observing migratory birds in Central Park, just a subway ride from his New York City home. In May 2020, while engaged in his lifelong birdwatching ritual, a routine encounter with a dog-walker escalated into a confrontation that highlighted deep-seated racial tensions. Cooper's viral video of this incident reverberated across the nation. In his narrative, he recounts his extraordinary life leading up to this moment and illustrates how his love for birdwatching uniquely equipped him to navigate the complexities of being a gay Black man in America. He reflects on how heightened awareness, honed through birding, serves him in both protests and parks, and shares insights on self-acceptance inspired by birds like the Common Grackle. This work blends memoir, travelogue, and a guide to birding, chronicling Cooper's journey from Marvel Comics, where he introduced the first gay storyline, to transformative birding adventures across the globe. Ultimately, it invites readers to explore the natural world and discover the life lessons that birds can impart, encouraging a deeper connection with nature.