We extend our deep thanks to all who attended BirDiversity 2023 and to the artists who shed light on the beautiful world of birds through their art.
And to everyone who was unable to see the magic of BirDiversity in person, we hope you enjoy this digital version of the exhibition.
For one week in early November, bird-themed art adorned the walls of the CoLab gallery space in Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts as part of the first-ever BirDiversity art exhibit. Almost 90 pieces—including photographs, paintings, sketches, embroidery, and videos—greeted an estimated 250 visitors on the exhibit’s opening night on November 11. From a video entitled “Manakin Dance Party” to a photograph called “Magellanic Penguins Sharing Secrets,” the art media were as diverse as the birds they showcased. BirDiversity was a celebration of art, science and ornithology in the Princeton University Community, resulting from a collaboration between the lab of Mary Caswell Stoddard, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the Council on Science and Technology.
“We were delighted to receive museum-level art submissions from more than 50 faculty, staff, students, and their families,”
said Lazarena Lazarova, a member of the Stoddard Lab.
“This speaks to the broad impact birds have on members of the University community. It was incredible to showcase and celebrate our shared appreciation for birds,”
said Audrey Miller, a PhD student in the Stoddard Lab who studies hummingbird courtship displays.
Princeton University is home to a vibrant undergraduate- and graduate-student birding society and several research labs exploring aspects of avian behavior, conservation, and biomechanics. Last year, a team of Princeton students won the New Jersey’s World Series of Birding, an annual competition attracting teams from up and down the East Coast.
“Interest in birds seems to be at an all-time high here at Princeton,” said Dr. Stoddard, whose research group investigates the evolution of birds, with a focus on their coloration and color vision.
“With BirDiversity, our goal was to bring together birders, artists, scientists and nature lovers: birds have a way of connecting people. We also wanted to highlight ways in which we all can make Princeton’s campus a more sustainable and hospitable place for birds.”
For an overview of the exhibition and an introduction to the Princeton Better for Birds Project, check out our BirDiversity 2023 pamphlet.