The group formerly known as NYC Audubon is now NYC Bird Alliance.
After ditching the “Audubon” name last year due to concerns about John James Audubon’s views and actions toward Black and Indigenous people, the New York City birding group announced its new name Thursday.
The New York group, an independent local chapter of the National Audubon Society, is one of dozens of affiliates that have decided to drop the Audubon name, said Jessica Wilson, executive director of NYC Bird Alliance.
The National Audubon Society last year said it would keep its name following calls to drop the bird artist and enslaver from its title. That group’s leadership said maintaining the name “best positions us to protect birds and the places they need.” The decision to keep the name prompted an outcry from staff and the resignation of board members.
