The new collection of clothing and accessories from Bird Collective celebrates the work of BirdsCaribbean, our fabulous birds, beautiful habitats, and unique cultures. Buying from this collection means not only do you get wonderful Caribbean-inspired items, you also help to support BirdsCarbbean’s mission of conserving the region’s birds!
The new collection from Bird Collective draws inspiration from the Caribbean’s spectacular birds and challenges the stereotype that eco-friendly fashion lacks color, beauty, detailing, and desirability. Both the simplest and more complicated features have colored the designers’ canvas, from tropical mangroves to the delicate bejeweled plumes of endemic hummingbirds. The results are great pieces that exude the essence of Caribbean nature and culture, and stand to become a favorite among birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to look good while being socially and environmentally responsible.
The ‘Hummingbirds of the Caribbean’ T-shirt was designed by Jeffrey Burke. It showcases the following birds:
-
Antillean Crested Hummingbird in Cuba by Aslam I. Castellón Maure Bee Hummingbird, an iconic Cuban endemic and smallest bird in the world
- Antillean Crested Hummingbird, the ‘rockstar’ of hummingbirds
- Blue-headed Hummingbird – endemic to Dominica and Martinique
- Bahama Woodstar – tiny but mighty
- Hispaniolan Mango and Puerto Rican Mango – ‘new endemics on the block’
- Purple-throated Carib, with a regal purplish-red throat and long down-curved bill
- Red-billed Streamertail of Jamaica, aka “Doctor Bird,” revered for its long streamers.
Each batch of tie dye is done by hand, producing a range of variations, which makes each T-shirt a one of a kind piece!
The ‘Mangrove’ T- shirt was designed by Trinidadian artist Sayada Ramdial, who managed to capture the flamboyant flair of the abundant bird life in our wetlands. The t-shirts are 100% cotton and printed using PVC-free inks.
The collection also offers a Hummingbirds of the Caribbean water bottle to keep you hydrated while on your birding adventures or running everyday errands. A fabulous and funky all-over print Mangrove Bucket Hat invites you to join this growing fashion trend while protecting your face from harmful UV rays. Also available: a durable and lightweight binocular strap to give your best birding tool some Caribbean flair, and a lovely flamingo patch.
Shop the entire collection here.
BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Sorenson, expressed gratitude and excitement to create a collection with Bird Collective. “We are so delighted to be invited by Bird Collective to offer this high-quality, unique, and fun birding merchandise in support of our mission. The artwork is truly beautiful. I hope to see many people wearing or using these items in the coming year. Thanks in advance for purchasing one or more items, for yourself and/or as gifts for your birding friends!”
Bird Collective is a for profit business that regularly supports nonprofit organizations and charitable causes as part of its mission. They are deeply passionate about birds and committed to preserving their populations for future generations. Their one stop bird shop offers stylish and sustainable apparel and accessories designed for appreciates the beauty and understands the importance of birds and the natural world.
They work closely with conservation nonprofits to create collections that raise awareness and celebrate birds, their habitats, and the people who work tirelessly to protect them. Since being established in 2019, they have donated over $98,000 US to leading bird advocacy groups such as the American Bird Conservancy, HawkWatch International, the Grassland Bird Trust, the Yurok Tribe, Alabama Audubon, Delta Wind Birds, and the Center for Biological Diversity. You can learn more about their contributions here.
For a region that boasts picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, and wondrous wetlands, it is unfortunate that so many of these invaluable habitats and their bird life are facing persistent threats. BirdsCaribbean and our network of partners throughout the region are committed to raising awareness and doing all we can to fight the destruction and degradation of irreplaceable natural areas from ill-advised developments, climate change, deforestation, pollution, and invasive species. We are hopeful that this collection will help spread the word about the urgent need to protect our rich bird diversity. Over 560 bird species—including 176 that are found nowhere else in the world, call the Caribbean home. It is also where over 150 migratory bird species seek refuge from the bitterly cold winter months.
So, we invite you to do some shopping for yourself, your friends, and family! With every purchase, you’re not only going to receive a high-quality product and look stylish, you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting the conservation of our incredible birds. Thank you for support!!
Read more about our work in the Bird Collective interview with Lisa Sorenson here.
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