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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:17.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon</span><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><br></span><span style='font-size:17.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>May 3 and 4, 2026</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Help us spread the word about the <b>2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon</b>, a 24-hour birding celebration designed with and for birders who are blind and have low vision.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>This global event centers birding by ear, community connections, and the understanding that birding is for every body and every mind.</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>What is the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon?</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>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.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>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.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Full details and registration are available at </span><a href="https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon</span></a><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>How Individuals Can Participate</span><o:p></o:p></h2><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Count every species you detect by sound or sight during your 24-hour window. Use the tools that support you best, such as <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHShd5isX4pZP4y3RPDN3Qf3H3JkC2b2/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true&tab=t.0" target="_blank">Merlin Bird ID</a>, recording devices, binoculars, guidebooks, or simply listening.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4pTRrYsIh5BsU9HXVT2IOf8erYzmGE5M6SYNlmakqwrtK-A/viewform?usp=send_form" target="_blank">Register in advance</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>You are welcome, whether you are brand new to birding or have years of experience!</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>How Organizations Can Participate</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>There are many ways your organization can be involved:</span><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:14.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Spread the Word</span><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h3><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo3;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Share <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4pTRrYsIh5BsU9HXVT2IOf8erYzmGE5M6SYNlmakqwrtK-A/viewform" target="_blank">registration information</a> with your members, staff, and community.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo3;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Include the event in your newsletter.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo3;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Post about it on social media.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo3;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Forward our promotional graphics and language to your networks.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:14.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Host an Event</span><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h3><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Organize a local bird outing designed with accessibility in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Partner with a bird club or blind serving organization to co-host an event.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Host a listening-focused gathering at a park, nature center, school, or community space.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Offer transportation support or volunteer sighted guides if appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>We have created a <b>Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Toolkit</b> with guidance for:<br>\u2022 Blind serving organizations<br>\u2022 Bird clubs and nature centers<br>\u2022 Land managers and community groups</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>The toolkit outlines practical steps for partnership, planning, and accessible event design.</span><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:14.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Engage Digitally</span><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h3><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Share bird sound resources along with Bird-a-Thon info.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Encourage members to bird from home and report their species.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7;vertical-align:baseline;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;white-space:pre-wrap'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Amplify <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5M3H2WrHiTyOXhZlaUB9LTjzhs5379aA" target="_blank">Blind Birder Community Conversations recordings</a> leading up to the event or share info on using <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHShd5isX4pZP4y3RPDN3Qf3H3JkC2b2/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true&tab=t.0" target="_blank">Merlin</a> or<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuEZLiY_m2M" target="_blank"> eBird</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Why Participate?</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>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. </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:.25in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Register and Learn More</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:black'>Registration, toolkit access, Community Conversation dates, and event details can be found at:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><a href="https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><br clear=all><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=gmailsignatureprefix>-- </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#242424'>Cat Fribley<br>Executive Director</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#242424'>Birdability<br>She/her/hers</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.2pt'>\u202a(512) 763-7913</span><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#242424'><br>Instagram: @birdability<br>Facebook: Birdability</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=453 height=113 style='width:4.7166in;height:1.175in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01DCBAEB.E8DE0EA0"></span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;background:white'>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. </span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>