[NFBMI-Talk] Blind Birders Birdathon

[Patricia Pyle]

I did see this Donna.  I didn’t realize  you wanted cookies.  Of course
I’ll donate a dozen and mail them to the winner.
Pat

On Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 5:40 PM Donna Posont via NFBMI-Talk <
nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

>
> 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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