On an ordinary morning, Susan Glass, a blind poet and English professor at West Valley Community College, can effortlessly identify up to 15 different bird species just by listening from her patio in Saratoga, Calif. Birding is more than just a hobby for her – it’s her way of perceiving the world. She recalls her mother teaching her about the birds outside their Michigan home when she was a child, and from then on, she began to map her surroundings based on the sounds of the birds.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a surge in interest in birding. With people having more time on their hands and reduced noise pollution due to lockdowns, many have turned to appreciating the sounds of nature. Sarah Courchesne, an ornithologist at the Massachusetts Audubon, believes that birding has become a means for people of all abilities to connect with nature, whether through sight or sound.
As the birding community grows and becomes more diverse, accessibility is becoming a key focus for birding clubs and conservation organizations. The terminology is evolving, with the term “birder” now encompassing both serious enthusiasts as well as hobbyists who primarily identify birds by listening. Efforts are being made to make nature trails more inclusive, with wheelchair-accessible terrain and guide rails for those with low vision. Birding organizations are also introducing new types of birding events, such as the “big sit,” where participants stay in a designated area and identify as many birds as possible.
Jerry Berrier, a blind birder, highlights the unique connection birding provides for him with a world he cannot see. He uses specialized equipment to listen to bird sounds in real-time and record them. Berrier often shares mnemonics to help newcomers identify birds by ear, such as the eastern towhee’s “Drink yer teeeeea” or the American robin’s “Cheer up, cheerily.”
Berrier’s passion for birding began in college when a professor introduced him to bird sounds through Cornell University’s record albums. At first, distinguishing bird species by sound seemed daunting, but he quickly became hooked.
For birders looking to create a comprehensive list of the birds they’ve encountered, knowing bird calls is crucial. The American Birding Association does not differentiate between “a bird heard” and “a bird seen” when identifying species. Trevor Attenberg, a blind scientist and writer, emphasizes that a significant number of bird species can only be experienced through sound.
As more people discover the joy of birding, the accessibility and inclusivity of the hobby continue to improve. Birding is no longer restricted to those who can see the birds; it has become a multisensory experience that allows anyone, regardless of their abilities, to connect with nature on a deeper level.
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