We were honored to host Dr. Rafáel Rueda-Hernández, editor of the Journal of Field Ornithology. He gave a talk on “Bird Migration Through a Neotropical Lense: Current Challenges and Opportunities,” wherein students and community members gained more insight into ethical practices by working and publishing alongside ornithologists and community members outside of the United States and Canada. 
That Friday morning, Dr. Rueda-Hernández led us on a bird walk at Brackenridge Park in San Antonio where we saw hummingbirds, northern cardinals, white-eyed vireos, and much more. Gathering in community alongside one another was a powerful reminder that our walks are sacred and the spaces we enter as humans with our more-than-human relatives flourish beyond what we can imagine.
On Saturday, we joined Dr. Rueda-Hernández in CalAllen, Corpus Christi, Texas for Hawk Watch where we interacted with other birders and community members. We learned about owls, raptors, and so much more. It was a festive time to spend with others outdoors gazing at the sky. It was a memorable time that can only be prefaced with “You should have been there!” The best thing about the entire visit is that we made new friends along the way.
