Big News! The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival!

Written By Virginia Rose

So excited! I ran into Laurie Foss on Saturday at Travis Audubon's Victor Emanuel Conservation Luncheon. Laurie has been one of the amazing field trip leaders in my life. I filled her in on the latest Birdability walk. She filled me in on the mobility-challenged bird walks available at the upcoming Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. WHAT??? Since when did birding festivals provide accessible walks? And, what's more, Laurie is leading them!

I asked to get involved, and she graciously took the lead in arranging for me to accompany her on the accessible walks! Yahoo! Not only do I get to go to one of the  greatest birding festivals, I get to help lead people who, like me, have mobility challenges! What an amazing opportunity!

I will take careful notes and post each evening of the festival so interested parties can stay informed. For now, I have field guides open all over my bed and listening to vocalizations, trying to get all those fabulous Rio Grande Valley birds in my head! Stay tuned!

Virginia Rose

Virginia fell off a horse at the age of 14 which resulted in a spinal cord injury. A wheelchair user ever since, she began birding 17 years ago and discovered her best self in nature. She has led bird outings for Travis Audubon for seven years, and leads the accessible outings for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival each year.

As a retired high school English teacher, she is passionate about bringing the same joy of birding and nature to others who have mobility or other accessibility challenges. Her infectious positive attitude is the force behind Birdability.

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