Several Audubon chapters across the country have chosen the name “Bird Alliance.” Input from more than 1,000 people helped us understand that Bird Alliance is also the best name for NYC and our organization.

For nearly two years, our organization discussed the "Audubon" name. Our Naming Report summarizes this process and the road from NYC Audubon to NYC Bird Alliance.

Changing our name was not a decision we took lightly, given our successful legacy of 45 years with the name. Learn more about the robust assessment process and the decision by the organization’s Board of Directors in March 2023 to drop  “Audubon.”

Throughout 2023, we collected nearly 250 name suggestions via communications with members, partners, stakeholders, and our larger following and community. Our Name Change Task Force then heard input from more than 1,000 people on our top name choices. Learn more about our process below. 

NYC Bird Alliance is part of a national network of 400 local, independent chapters affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Many chapters around the country have undergone similar processes as NYC Bird Alliance to assess the Audubon name. We remain a chapter of National Audubon and a partner to organizations across the Flyways.

John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an accomplished artist and naturalist who achieved fame for his paintings of North American bird species; however, his views and actions are antithetical to our mission to protect birds and to engage all New Yorkers as stewards of urban biodiversity.

What's in a name? Our members, volunteers, and partners offered their feedback, thoughts, and perspectives on the "Audubon" name n this article from 2023.

NYC Bird Alliance believes all people have the right to a close connection to the natural world and the right to a healthy environment. Our name change is just one way we center EDIA in our work to protect birds and engage New Yorkers. 

Here are some answers to questions about our name change that might be on your mind.