Freya McGregor

Interpretive signs can be wonderful ways to learn about and engage with a birding location you’re visiting… if you can access them. Here are some examples of interpretive signs we love (because they’re accessible!) and ones that could use some improvement.

Last week, Birdability founder Virginia Rose and Birdability Coordinator Freya McGregor were birding in Southern California. Here’s a wrap up of why the San Diego Bird Festival, held by San Diego Audubon Society, was a success from Birdability’s perspective. It boils down to the fact that San Diego Audubon, and the festival coordinator Jen Hajj in particular, are wonderful allies.

There has been speculation on social media, via email, and in presentations. So, to celebrate one year of Birdability becoming a non-profit, it’s time to get to the bottom of this burning question. Why is a White-breasted Nuthatch Birdability’s logo?

Braille is super cool. A tactile code (not a language of it’s own), it is used to write languages from English to Arabic so people who are blind or have low vision can read. We love seeing braille used labelling diagrams on interpretive signs; labelling trail maps; an in booklets visitors to natures centers and parks can borrow, so braille readers can access the same information on interpretive signs that sighted visitors can.

Wow! What a blast. Birdability Week 2021 was even more exciting and empowering than our first Birdability Week last year. From amplifying the experiences of birders with access challenges, to helping more folks feel like part of the birding community; from sharing about the features of a truly accessible trail, to learning important lessons on respectful collaboration. We even continued to redefine birding! There were a lot of wonderful learning opportunities, too, some recorded here in case they’re of value to you, too.

There are so many ways to enjoy wild birds, and we want to encourage every body to get involved! Birding by looking out your window or enjoying birds from you backyard is a wonderful way to get involved. Some folks like making things; some folks are kids! During Birdability Week 2021, two of our Birdability Captains created a bird-related craft activity. Even better, both of the activities were designed to help welcome birds to your backyard and keep them safe. Enjoy!

Thank you for planning to hold an accessible, inclusive bird outing! Advertising a bird outing simply as “accessible” does not provide nearly the amount of detail that most people with disabilities and other health concerns need to decide if that’s an event they could attend. Here are two examples of event descriptions which include this kind of detailed information. You’re welcome to copy their formats when you write yours!

Everybody has the right to feel safe in nature. But, like the physical accessibility of a birding location, there are many factors that can affect any one person’s feeling of safety and security when they’re outside. Physical safety concerns (like roots, rocks or dogs off leash), and social and cultural safety concerns can impact someone’s ability to go birding. Remember: everybody has different experiences, and just because you feel safe doesn’t mean everybody else will too.

Captions are an easy, important way to ensure that the information you’re putting into the world is accessible to as many people as possible. They also signal, strongly, that you and your organization prioritize including people who are Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing in what you’re doing. They’re one way of allowing folks to opt in, instead of forcing them to opt out.

When birds are named useful names that tell us something about their field marks, their behavior or their preferred habitat, they are so much easier to learn and remember for beginner birders. And when we do this, we make birding that much more accessible for everybody.