Birding Without Borders: A Global Movement for Accessible Birding

Written By Cat Fribley

Alexis Padovani on a bridge in Argentina - part of the documentary "The Green Bridge: Restoring the Spinal Cord of the Misiones Rainforest"

Birding can be a universal joy, offering moments of awe, connection, and healing through nature. Creating inclusive and accessible birding experiences is not just happening in North America—it’s a global movement driven by passionate individuals and organizations working to ensure that everyone can experience the wonder of birds.

Across the world, accessible birding leaders are innovating to break down barriers and make birding more inclusive. From Chile to Costa Rica to Argentina, people are finding ways to create welcoming spaces and provide access to the birding experiences that bring so many of us joy. Birdability is honored to be in solidarity with these efforts, sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and helping to amplify the voices of those leading the charge in accessibility. These are just a few of those efforts. Please share additional efforts that you are aware of so that we can continue building a global movement!

Chile: Training Blind Birding Guides in Concepción

Juan Machuca with friends and students in the inclusive bird recognition courses he developed in the city of Concepción, Chile. Also pictured are Paulo Osses, Fernando Poveda, and Paulina Saravia, and others.

Juan Machuca, an administrator in ecotourism and director of Rutaves Chile, has been a birder and guide for over a decade. Through his work with the Municipality of Concepción’s bird conservation and protection program, he has led excursions, bird festivals, and courses that bring birding to a broader audience—including those with disabilities. Since 2020, Juan has been offering inclusive bird recognition courses specifically for blind birders, training three blind guides:

  • Paulina Saravia, an occupational therapist who integrates Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) into her work,

  • Fernando Poveda, a musician and sound engineer specializing in bioacoustic studies,

  • Paulo Osses, who guides heritage and historical tours.

Juan and his team are eager to grow this initiative, forge international partnerships, and further develop their programs. Their work demonstrates how birding can be adapted to center different sensory experiences, making it an accessible and meaningful activity for blind and visually impaired birders.

Costa Rica: Paving the Way for Accessible Hawkwatching

David Araya-H., a Co-Director Kèköldi Hawkwatch, Costa Rica with participants of a birding tour, including Birdability Captain Diane Allison.

Costa Rica is home to one of the most spectacular birding events in the world—the Kèköldi Hawkwatch, where thousands of raptors migrate overhead in a breathtaking display. However, accessing this birding site has long been challenging due to the rugged terrain. Recognizing the need for more inclusive birding spaces, local birders and conservationists are working to create an accessible hawkwatch platform and garden at a new site that will allow more people, including those with mobility limitations, to experience the wonder of raptor migration.

Birdability Captain Diane Allison was among those who helped with identifying the need during a visit to Kèköldi. With the support of local guides and organizers, the dream of an accessible hawkwatch is taking shape. The team is currently raising funds to make this vision a reality, ensuring that birders of all abilities can witness one of the world’s greatest avian spectacles.

Argentina: A Documentary on Accessibility in Conservation

Alexis Padovani and Andres Bosso in a still from the documentary "The Green Bridge: Restoring the Spinal Cord of the Misiones Rainforest"

In Argentina, Andrés Bosso, former CEO of Aves Argentinas and Honorary Member of BirdLife International, is spearheading a powerful project that bridges accessibility and conservation. After experiencing a spinal cord injury due to transverse myelitis, Andrés has become a champion for accessibility in Argentina’s national parks.

His latest project, "The Green Bridge: Restoring the Spinal Cord of the Misiones Rainforest" is a documentary that weaves together environmental conservation with the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Alongside fellow wheelchair user Alexis Padovani, Andrés will embark on an adapted cycling journey through Iguazú National Park, highlighting accessibility challenges and showcasing the beauty of the Atlantic Forest. Their goal is to raise awareness and inspire action to make Argentina’s protected areas more inclusive.

Venezuela: Feathered Echoes is Making Birding Accessible for the Visually Impaired

Participants of Feathered Echoes at Veo Aves Falcón in Venezuela.

Feathered Echoes, a program by Veo Aves Falcón, is dedicated to making bird observation accessible to individuals with visual disabilities in Falcón, Venezuela. By relying on their senses—especially hearing—participants learn to identify bird species through their songs, behaviors, and physical characteristics. This initiative fosters inclusion and accessibility in nature, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can fully experience and appreciate the birdlife around them. Beyond bird identification, the program also provides education on the importance of bird conservation and the role of birds in ecosystems. Feathered Echoes not only empowers participants by enhancing their autonomy but also raises awareness of the many ways people can connect with nature, regardless of their abilities.

A Shared Vision for an Accessible Future

These initiatives in Chile, Costa Rica, and Argentina reflect a growing recognition that birding belongs to everyone. The work happening across Central and South America aligns with the efforts of Birdability and others in North America to ensure that birding spaces, programming, and communities are welcoming and inclusive. Through cross-border collaboration, shared learning, and collective advocacy, we can create a world where everyone has access to the joy of birding.

Birdability is proud to highlight these global efforts. If you’d like to get involved, consider sharing these stories, supporting the initiatives, and advocating for accessibility in birding spaces. When birding is ruly for every body, the entire birding community benefits.

Together, we are building a more inclusive, bird-filled world—one accessible trail, hawkwatch tower, and birding guide at a time.

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Cat Fribley
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Finding Connection Through Birds: Alex’s Journey to Accessible Birding