Finding Connection Through Birds: Alex’s Journey to Accessible Birding
Alexandra Wang (aka Avian Alex), NYC Bird Alliance tour leader. Photo: Kim Dramer
When Alex Wang began birding during the pandemic, she couldn’t have imagined how it would transform her life and the lives of others. Stuck at home, Alex started by photographing bees, then birds, in her local neighborhood. “I still love bees very much,” she shared with a laugh. But what began as a solitary pastime soon became a way to build connections and create inclusive spaces for others to enjoy nature. Birdability re-published Alex’s article from the New York City Bird Alliance’s blog last year. We were delighted when she agreed to share more about her path to leading accessible birding tours with us!
From PossABILITIES Club to Birding Tours
Alex’s journey toward leading accessible birding outings began with her involvement in the PossABILITIES Club at Hunter College, a group dedicated to raising awareness about accessibility and inclusion. “I was the president for a year and a half,” Alex explained, “and my friends in the club really inspired me.” When club alumni requested an in-person event post-pandemic, Alex suggested birding—a new passion she had cultivated. Despite her initial hesitations due to her limited length of time birding, Alex’s first outing was a success. “They loved it,” she said. “We saw Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and warblers, and they asked if I would do it again next week.”
The encouragement and guidance of others also shaped Alex’s birding journey. “Many people helped during my early stages of birding,” she reflected. One key influence was Leslie Day, a local naturalist and author of Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City. “I attended her Zoom talks on birding in Fort Tryon Park during the pandemic,” Alex shared. “She was really supportive when I started birding.”
A group photo of participants of Avian Alex Urban Wildlife Tours and NYC Bird Alliance Tour at Fort Tryon Park, October 2024. Photo by George S.C. Wang.
Meeting Diverse Needs
From the beginning, Alex was mindful of creating a welcoming environment for participants with diverse needs. One memorable moment came when a blind participant joined her tour. “She couldn’t see the photos I showed her on my phone, but she could hear the bird calls,” Alex recounted. To enhance the experience, Alex brought bird plushies with built-in recordings to her next tour. “It offered a sensory experience,” she explained, demonstrating her knack for innovative solutions.
Her school counselor and paraprofessional background further equipped her to adapt her tours. “I worked one-on-one with students with disabilities, so I’m used to finding ways to meet different needs,” Alex said. This experience helped her design birding outings that are not only physically accessible—with flat, low-traffic trails—but also emotionally welcoming. As Alex wrote in her original blog, “As a NYC Bird Alliance guide, I use my training and experience as a school counselor to make my tours accessible to all. Being familiar with notoriously tight school budgets, I’ve learned that small enhancements can make a big difference to learning and success for students.”
The Joy of Community
Alex leading a group of birding participants at an accessible outing by Avian Alex Urban Wildlife Tours and NYC Bird Alliance in 2024.
Alex’s tours have introduced birding to a wide range of participants, from toddlers in strollers to a neighbor nearing 100 years old who tried binoculars for the first time. “That was so cool,” she said. “I’ve also had participants who are in their eighties, including one who just had a cornea transplant.”
Her favorite local bird, Willie the Blue Jay, has also become a source of connection. “Willie was born with a condition affecting his wings and tail,” Alex shared. “People love him because they feel a personal connection to a bird who is just like them.” Willie is an unofficial mascot for Fort Tryon Park birders now, with generations of his offspring continuing to live with the same genetic condition in the park.
Willie the Blue Jay has become an unofficial mascot for Alex and the other Fort Tryon birding community.
Lessons for Inclusion
For Alex, creating an inclusive birding environment means listening and learning. “I always ask participants what helps them enjoy the activity and try different methods,” she said. Her advice to other birding groups? “Be open to all viewpoints and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. It’s the only way we learn.”
Alex’s tours also raise awareness about disability justice. “Some participants without disabilities learn about birds and accessibility tools like AAC cards and Braille guides, which increases their understanding,” she noted. “Creating a safe and welcoming environment benefits everyone.”
An AAC card developed by Alex Wang has words and images representing terms like Hello, Binoculars, Bird, Insects, Tree, and Flowers so folks who communicate without spoken language can indicate their needs.
Looking Ahead
As Alex prepares for future tours, including one in early February at Fort Tryon Park, her hopes for 2025 are clear. “I want to see more birders from different groups and raise awareness about other conditions,” she said. She also dreams of spotting Willie’s “great-grand chicks”—a testament to the enduring connection she’s built with the birds she loves.
Alex’s story is a reminder that birding is about more than just birds; it’s about community, inclusion, and joy. As she put it, “It’s about making sure everyone feels welcome, so we can all share in the wonder of birds together.”
