In the TEDxYerevanSalon talk titled “The Stories Birds Tell,” Berta Martirosyan explores the intricate relationship between birds and the environment, unveiling the profound narratives these creatures embody. Through captivating anecdotes, Martirosyan illustrates how birds serve as both indicators of ecological health and vital storytellers of the natural world. She emphasizes their roles in maintaining biodiversity and bridging connections between humans and nature. The talk encourages viewers to listen closely to the songs and behaviors of birds, recognizing them as messengers that convey the state of our ecosystems. By sharing personal experiences and insights from her ornithological journey, Martirosyan inspires a deeper appreciation for avian life and advocates for conservation efforts. Ultimately, she invites us to gaze at the skies not just to admire the beauty of birds, but to understand the essential stories they tell about the world we inhabit.
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Author Video Description
Berta Martirosyan never planned to become a biologist. But one unexpected photo contest win, featuring a bird she captured by chance, led her back to a place tied to her family’s past and changed her future. What started as a love for photography became a mission to explore and document Armenia’s rich, often overlooked biodiversity. In this talk, she shares how paying attention to the smallest details in nature can uncover hidden stories, challenge scientific assumptions, and inspire a deeper connection to the world around us. Because sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is learning how to see what others don’t.
Berta holds a degree in Interior Design from the Architectural and Construction University of Armenia and a Master’s degree in Biology. Her work has been featured in over twenty group exhibitions worldwide, with showings in Norway, Italy, Greece, the USA, and Romania. She is the author of the first comprehensive book on the birds of Armenia. Berta actively contributes to avian research and conservation programs in Armenia, with her findings published in peer-reviewed journals. She also leads birdwatching tours, using her photography to advocate for wildlife conservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “The Stories Birds Tell | Berta Martirosyan | TEDxYerevanSalon” was uploaded on 08/08/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks