Announcing the First-Ever Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon!
Accessible Birding Intern, Shane, in between two other legally blind participants from the Carroll Center for the Blind at a bird outing at Saugus Iron Works NPS in May 2024.
Save the date for the first ever Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, a groundbreaking national event that Birdability is supporting, designed by a group of blind birders to celebrate all legally blind birders. Set to take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, this 24-hour birding marathon is all about connecting with nature and community, enjoying birds, and fostering inclusivity in the birding community.
What: The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon is a 24-hour birding event designed for participation by birders who are legally blind. This inaugural event encourages participants to identify as many bird species as possible by sound (or sight as able), celebrating accessibility and the joy of birding.
Who: Any legally blind individual in the United States - of any age and any level of experience - is welcome to participate.
When: Sunday, May 18, 2025
From 12:01 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. (local time)
Where: Anywhere you bird! Participants can bird solo, with a team, or alongside a sighted assistant. Backyard birding, traveling teams, an outing on a trail and more are all welcome!
Why: To foster community, increase participation in birding for people who are legally blind, and embrace birding by ear—a skill that often makes legally blind birders exceptionally adept.
No experience necessary! Whether you're an experienced birder or new to birding, this event is for you.
Highlights:
Virtual information session ahead of the event to help you prepare + meet others!
Prizes for participants, with a chance to win donated items for anyone who participates.
Results compilation to showcase the diversity of birds found across the country.
How to Join:
Registration is free! Visit our website at https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon to sign up and receive updates. More details, including the registration link, will be available soon.
For questions, contact Martha Steele at marthajs@verizon.net
Save the date and get ready to tune into nature this spring!
