Meet Birdability Captain Kalina Eskew: Championing Disability Justice in Birding
Kalina is standing in front of a prickly pear cactus, wearing warm clothes.
We are thrilled to introduce Kalina Eskew (they/them), one of Birdability's dedicated Captains, who is making significant strides in promoting disability justice within the birding community. Kalin is currently pursuing their Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology and their research focuses on bird behavior and how birds respond to anthropogenic sensory pollution, such as light and noise from vehicles.
Kalina's journey into birding and disability advocacy is deeply intertwined. Growing up with parrots, Kalina's love for birds was nurtured from a young age. They fondly recall their early experiences with a cockatiel and an African Grey, which sparked their initial interest in bird behavior. However, it was a field ornithology class at their college's field station in Minnesota that truly ignited their passion for birding. "I was pretty much hooked after that," Kalina shared. They returned over multiple summers to work on research efforts related to Ovenbirds. During these summers, Kalina also observed the lack of racial diversity in the Boundary Waters, an issue highlighted by other students' research on finding People of Color in these areas. These experiences opened up Kalina's desire to create more equity and diversity in their work, adding to their commitment to making birding and natural spaces accessible to all.
Kalina’s pet cockatiel, Louie, is standing on their shoulder.
Kalina's commitment to disability justice also stems from their broader perspective on human diversity. They explain, "Disability is just part of human diversity. It’s not something to be fixed but rather something to be respected and accommodated." This viewpoint drives their efforts to create inclusive birding experiences that respect and celebrate the diverse needs of birders with disabilities.
For Kalina, birding is more than just a hobby; it's a platform for advocacy and change. They believe that "everyone deserves the chance to enjoy birds," and they work tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully experiencing the joy of birding. Kalina's work involves not only advocating for physical accessibility in birding locations but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding within the birding community.
Kalina's journey has not been without challenges. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia during their college years, they have had to navigate significant physical limitations while pursuing their passion for ornithology. Despite these challenges, Kalina has developed effective strategies to manage their condition, allowing them to continue their research and advocacy work. They emphasize the importance of taking breaks, staying hydrated, and being mindful of their body's needs while doing fieldwork.
Kalina is standing in a forest. They are holding a shotgun microphone and smiling.
Through their role as a Birdability Captain, Kalina has inspired many to view birding through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. They are particularly proud of organizing events that cater to individuals who might not typically be able to participate in birding activities. One such event was a sit-down birding session at a local park, which allowed older individuals and those with mobility issues to enjoy birding in a comfortable and accessible setting.
Kalina is also passionate about mindful birding, a practice that emphasizes slowing down and being present in the moment. They find that this approach not only accommodates their physical limitations but also provides mental health benefits. "When birding is made accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for inclusion, allowing everyone to participate in the joy and peace that birdwatching can bring," Kalina shares. Additionally, mindful or slow birding can disrupt expected norms around birding, such as competition and who is seen as a birder. By focusing on the simple act of enjoying birds, this approach invites those who have been historically excluded or marginalized into the birding community. Kalina emphasizes, "Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy birds. The more we disrupt these norms, the more inclusive and welcoming the birding community becomes." This inclusive approach encourages a broader range of people to engage with birding and other outdoor activities, making these experiences more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Kalina's work in disability justice is deeply personal. Having grown up around disabled family members, they have always viewed disability as a natural part of human diversity. This perspective, combined with their own experiences with chronic illness, fuels their dedication to making the world more inclusive for all.
We are grateful for Kalina Eskew's contributions to Birdability and the broader birding community. Their advocacy and vision are helping to build a more inclusive world where everyone can experience the beauty and wonder of birds.
Stay tuned for more Captain Spotlights and join us in celebrating the incredible work of our Birdability Captains!
Bio:
Kalina Eskew (they/them) is a Birdability Captain based in College Station, Texas, where they are also a Ph.D student in Ecology and Conservation Biology. Kalina is multiply disabled, facing both physical disabilities such as fibromyalgia and hypermobility spectrum disorder, as well as mental health conditions including PTSD.
