Cat Fribley

Birds offer lessons in interdependence, presence, and evolution if only we listen. They show us that we, too, are part of these ecosystems connected, resilient, and worthy of care. The work of Birdability and disability justice is grounded in this understanding: that liberation requires that we care for one another, that we shape a future where everyone, regardless of physical or mental ability, has a place to rest, to heal, and to thrive. Birding offers that space for me and many others.

Birdability Week 2024 brought together birders of all abilities to capture the joy, quirks, and unexpected moments that make birding such an incredible experience. This year, we launched our first Offbeat Photography Contest, and we were blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm displayed in each entry! From playful pelicans to resilient shorebirds, every photo told a story, and we’re excited to celebrate our Best in Show winner, finalists, and honorable mentions!!

As we mark Invisible Disability Awareness Week during Birdability Week 2024, it’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the many birders with disabilities that may not be immediately visible. Invisible disabilities like chronic pain, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, sensory sensitivities, and autoimmune disorders can vary dramatically from person to person. They may also change for each individual from year to year, day to day, or even minute to minute. At Birdability, we know how essential it is to create inclusive spaces that honor these dynamic needs. 

Birdability Week is all about celebrating accessible birding and the diversity of birders in our community. It’s also a time to highlight the work we’re doing year-round to ensure that birding is for everybody and every body. We’re thrilled to spotlight a new initiative that brings birding to people who might not have easy access to nature: the Birdability Outreach Program (BOP). This project aims to bring the joy of birds and the well-being benefits of nature to individuals with disabilities living sort or long-term in rehabilitation hospitals, mental health facilities, and other congregate living spaces.

World Migratory Bird Day, October 12, 2024, is a fitting time to delve into the next chapter of Gary Herritz’s Migration series. Gary’s birding journey isn’t just about the incredible species he encounters; it’s a story of adaptation and resilience and birding while disabled. When his apartment complex adopted a “3x rent” income policy, making housing unaffordable on SSDI, Gary made a bold choice he hit the road, stepping well outside his comfort zone and turning his vehicle into a mobile home for birding adventures. His latest stop? Tubac, Arizona, where the skies come alive with raptors at the HawkWatch International site.

Birding for the Mind “With constant reminders about all the turmoil going on in the world and the fact that my body often betrays me, I find that birding refocuses my mind and takes me to another place a better place,” writes Ann Marie Geiger. In those moments, anxiety and physical pain dissipate, like storm clouds breaking up after a downpour. It’s a subtle but profound shift tense muscles begin to loosen, and suddenly, she’s breathing again, even though she hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath.

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. Kalina 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.

Diane Allison, a dedicated Birdability Captain in Pennsylvania, has transformed birding into an inclusive activity for all. Inspired by her friend’s experience with multiple sclerosis, Diane adapted birding methods to include car birding and accessible vans, among other methods, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Partnering with the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports, Diane leads adaptive birding outings and innovative events, making a profound impact on her community and promoting the joy of birding for people with disabilities.

We are so excited about the Birdability Internship Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of national parks for birding enthusiasts of all abilities. Birdability, in collaboration with Environment for the Americas, has created this internship with the National Park Service to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment in our natural spaces.

In celebration of the final day of National Fair Housing Month, celebrated every April, we’re sharing the story of a Birdability Captain and community member, who was forced to navigate the challenges of restrictive housing policies while living with disabilities. Facing the daunting “Income must be greater than 3x rent” rule, Gary Herritz embarked on a remarkable adventure, choosing to embrace nature and birding as home instead. The scarcity of affordable housing across the nation has cast a wide net of hardship, yet its impacts are far from uniform. Those with disabilities face a uniquely daunting challenge in securing housing. Shelterforce shares that “renters with disabilities are often unable to meet the kinds of admission criteria that landlords establish for their properties”, forcing them to make difficult decisions and sometimes leaving them with few housing options. For Birdability Captain, Gary Herritz, it meant choosing a different form of migration.