Birdability Week is this week, October 20-26!
On Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 a.m. Arizona time, I’ll be live-streaming birds from my yard on Birdability’s social media pages. On Friday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m., I’m co-hosting an Accessible Nature Journaling Workshop online via Zoom. If you are interested in accessible bird watching, please join the fun!
Birding — or bird watching — isn’t just for experts with notebooks and binoculars. It’s an enjoyable activity for anyone. Birding doesn’t require fancy gear, years of experience, or specialized training. Birding is especially wonderful for people with disabilities, as it can be enjoyed anywhere outside at any time.
If you ever thought birding was too hard, expensive, or exclusive, it’s time to think differently. With just a few basic tools and an open mind, you can begin a fun and affordable journey. Whether you’re looking for a great family outing, a solo adventure, or a new way to connect with nature, the birds are waiting for you.
For families and groups, birding is an easy way to get outside and inspire curiosity in kids. It’s a great way to spend time together, whether you’re exploring trails or relaxing in the park.
You may have heard the phrase: “A little birdie told me …” but don’t just take my word for it. Take it from me and my friends in the field.
What is birding?
Birding is observing birds in their natural habitats as a hobby or scientific quest. Even though I’ve been birding for a few years, I still think of myself as a beginner. With more than 11,000 bird species around the world, it’s a journey of discovery that lasts a lifetime.
Birding promotes well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mindfulness, and staying in the present moment.
Many birders share their “spark bird” – the bird or moment that ignited their passion. For me, it was the discovery of a family of Great Horned Owls nesting on the side of a palm tree in my neighborhood.
What began as a daily walk turned into a passion. At sunrise and sunset each day from May to August 2023, I observed a pair of Great Horned Owls as they raised three young owls. I loved watching the family eat, sleep, learn to hunt, and I eventually watched the three owlets fly away to begin their own journeys. During those times, I found a sense of myself again.
I often say birds make the best therapists. As I observed the owls and other birds, I learned to be present, connect with nature, relax my body and brain, and appreciate life in new ways.
What happens when you go birding?
One of the joys of birding is the element of surprise. Whether it’s a Red-tailed Hawk in the sky, a bright red Northern Cardinal in the bushes, or a Great Blue Heron by the water, each bird sighting is a unique discovery.
For many birders, finally seeing a bird we’ve been wanting to find is thrilling. The excitement keeps us engaged.
Beyond solo adventures, birding is also a fantastic way to connect with a community. I’ve had the joy of birding with friends “out in the field” as part of Ability360’s 360Outdoors Exploring Arizona adaptive hiking series.
These community hikes are designed to “refresh the spirit” and are a collaboration between Ability360, Barrow Neurological Institute, and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association.
Accessible birding trails allow for easier focus on birds without worrying about the difficulty and safety of the path. Kaitlyn Verfuerth, then program manager for 360Outdoors, added birding to a 2024 adaptive hike in Payson, Ariz. to engage the community and enhance our experience.
How does birding feel?
During the Exploring Arizona hike in Payson, participants like wheelchair user Matthew Lockwood found that birding helped him stay present. He explains, “[Birding] keeps you in the moment. You’re not thinking about anything else. Of course, random negative thoughts come, but focusing on a Raven or another bird helps bring you back to the present.”
Rebekah Bukowski, who uses a cane to walk, appreciated how community outings and an easy activity like birding helped her safely return to hiking. She shared, “The nice thing is that because of all the help I have received through therapy and Ability360 & Barrows creating the trip, I could safely try hiking again. I used to practically live outside 24/7 so it was a beautiful morning getting to spend my time ‘exercising’ while being outdoors.”
One woman reflected on her journey, saying her goal used to be to take just seven steps, and now she walks 7,000 steps. On outings like these hikes, she found she could pay less attention to her headaches and enjoy nature more.
These examples – and others like them – illustrate the power of mindfulness, community, and birding in enhancing overall well-being.
How and where can you start birding?
These positive reflections are a few of many reasons I love to share birding – and I’m not alone. Since 2020, the birding community has become more welcoming and is growing.
When you’re ready to start birding, there are plenty of resources. Apps like Merlin Bird ID and eBird from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology help identify birds and track sightings while contributing to conservation efforts as “citizen scientists.”
Organizations like Birdability are leading efforts to make birding more accessible. They offer inclusive bird walks, an online Birdability Map of birding trails that are easy to navigate, adaptive equipment, and more resources to invite more people into the birding community. With a great variety of digital tools, you can enjoy birding from your backyard, your car, or even from the comfort of your home.
I am a local captain for Birdability and I’m eager to share the joys of birding in every way I can. I hope to see some of you out in the field or online sharing your experiences!
A Little Birdie Told Me…
Birding is waiting for you. Take a moment, open your awareness, look around, listen, and enjoy nature’s wild, winged beauty.
