[MN-at-Large] Blind Birders Birdathon

Tue Mar 24 01:40:37 UTC 2026

2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon
May 3 and 4, 2026

Help us spread the word about the  2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, a 24-hour birding celebration designed with and for birders who are blind and have low vision.

This global event centers birding by ear, community connections, and the understanding that birding is for every body and every mind.

What is the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon?

Participants who are blind or have low vision can bird anywhere in the world during a 24-hour window on May 3 or 4, 2026. Birding can take place in a backyard, park, balcony, accessible trail, or wherever listening to birds is possible.

Participants count the species they detect by sound or sight and report them to the Bird-a-Thon Compiler. There is no cost to participate. The focus is community, awareness, and access.

Full details and registration are available at  <https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon> https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon 

How Individuals Can Participate

*	Birders who are blind or have low vision, and of any age and experience level, are invited to join. You can participate as an individual or as part of a team. You may bird alone, with friends, or with sighted volunteers.
*	Choose May 3 or May 4 and bird for as much of that 24-hour period as works for you. You can spread your birding time throughout the day or focus it all at once.
*	Bird anywhere that feels accessible and joyful. This might be your backyard, a favorite local park, an accessible trail, a balcony, a pond nearby, or a neighborhood sidewalk.
*	Count every species you detect by sound or sight during your 24-hour window. Use the tools that support you best, such as Merlin Bird ID <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHShd5isX4pZP4y3RPDN3Qf3H3JkC2b2/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true&tab=t.0> , recording devices, binoculars, guidebooks, or simply listening.
*	Register in advance <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4pTRrYsIh5BsU9HXVT2IOf8erYzmGE5M6SYNlmakqwrtK-A/viewform?usp=send_form>  so we know you are participating. After the event, submit your species list to the Bird-a-Thon Compiler so your birds can be included in the global total.
*	Participants in the United States will be entered into a prize drawing with items donated by generous supporters. Other countries may also host local celebrations and ways to share results.

You are welcome, whether you are brand new to birding or have years of experience!

How Organizations Can Participate

There are many ways your organization can be involved:

1.    Spread the Word

*	Share registration information <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4pTRrYsIh5BsU9HXVT2IOf8erYzmGE5M6SYNlmakqwrtK-A/viewform>  with your members, staff, and community.
*	Include the event in your newsletter.
*	Post about it on social media.
*	Forward our promotional graphics and language to your networks.

2.              Host an Event

*	Organize a local bird outing designed with accessibility in mind.
*	Partner with a bird club or blind serving organization to co-host an event.
*	Host a listening-focused gathering at a park, nature center, school, or community space.
*	Offer transportation support or volunteer sighted guides if appropriate.

We have created a Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Toolkit with guidance for:
• Blind serving organizations
• Bird clubs and nature centers
• Land managers and community groups

The toolkit outlines practical steps for partnership, planning, and accessible event design.

3.              Engage Digitally

*	Share bird sound resources along with Bird-a-Thon info.
*	Encourage members to bird from home and report their species.
*	Amplify Blind Birder Community Conversations recordings <https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5M3H2WrHiTyOXhZlaUB9LTjzhs5379aA>  leading up to the event or share info on using Merlin <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHShd5isX4pZP4y3RPDN3Qf3H3JkC2b2/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true&tab=t.0>  or eBird <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuEZLiY_m2M> . 

Why Participate?

The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon increases awareness of accessibility in nature and uplifts birders who are blind and low vision. It expands understanding of birding beyond visual observation and builds connection across disability and birding communities. 

Register and Learn More

Registration, toolkit access, Community Conversation dates, and event details can be found at:

 <https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon?utm_source=chatgpt.com> https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon

-- 

Cat Fribley
Executive Director

Birdability
She/her/hers

‪(512) 763-7913
Instagram: @birdability
Facebook: Birdability

Birdability is a nonprofit working to make birding and the outdoors accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially those with disabilities and health concerns. Join us in creating a more welcoming birding community! Learn more or support our mission by donating at Birdability.org. 

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