News

Explore birds on a hyperlocal level at the Academy’s new exhibit

Conversations With Birds connects people with the natural world, kicking off on Saturday.

Even in a highly urbanized city like Philadelphia, nature is all around us. A new exhibit brings a hyperlocal lens to our relationship with birds.

Conversations With Birds showcases wildlife photography and video, resources to watch and protect birds, interactive exhibits, and taxidermy at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The exhibit opens Saturday, February 18th.

The exhibit showcases the range of Philadelphia connections to birds. One piece showcases Academy Educator and wildlife photographer Anwar Abdul Qawi, who is soon embarking on an 18-day trip to Bioko Island with the Academy of Natural Sciences. Qawi began his journey by documenting local birds that died from struck windows, and he currently manages the live animal collection at the Academy.

Anwar Abdul-Qawi with his exhibit feature at Conversations with Birds

The Academy began documenting bird collisions with glass when the lights of City Hall lit up in the 1890s. The Academy’s collection currently contains over 205,000 skin studies to study climate change species decline and avian parasites. The Specimen Prep Lab shows how the Academy can preserve deceased birds – without chemicals – for its studies.

Live demonstrations of preparing bird specimens for Bird Safe Philly

Another section shares tips and examples of guides to begin birding, along with hardware and tech tools like BirdCast to hone the craft.

One of the many bird guides showcased in Conversations with Birds

“The love of birds by casual observers, passionate enthusiasts and scientist experts alike is truly inspiring and can lead us all to deeper insights about nature and our environment,” said Academy President and CEO Scott Cooper.

Conversations With Birds opens to the public Saturday, February 18th. Admission is free with general museum admission and on view through Sunday, May 21. 


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

2 hours ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

1 day ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

4 days ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

1 week ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

1 week ago

For this community, Building a ‘Green” city is an act of resistance.

The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…

2 weeks ago