For the Birds: Live Music, Images and Poetry Invite Reflection on our Changing Climate

For the Birds features a jazz duo performing the original music of Seattle pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. But this is not just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression — live music, spoken words, images and poetry — to connect audiences emotionally to the scientific realities of our changing climate through the lens of birds. Ultimately a story of hope, audiences leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action.

Birds are on the frontlines of climate change as increasing numbers of extreme weather events disrupt the rhythms of the natural world. The number of birds in ​North America ​has declined by 29 percent since 1970​, and the rate of decline is accelerating. What can one individual do to make a positive difference for birds — for all living things? For the Birds provides some answers.

Nelda debuted her first climate-themed concert, The Alaska Suite, in 2017. Building on the success of the Alaska Suite, she debuted For the Birds in 2024. Collectively, these concerts have been performed 47 times to date, touching over 3500 people with a message of hope and call to action.