Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon: Discover Birdsong

Mass Audubon is proud to partner with Birdability to offer this welcoming and inclusive program as part of the second annual Blind Birder BirdaThon. This event invites people who are blind or have low vision to identify birds by sound or by sight during a 24-hour period and contribute their observations to community science. All registered participants who are blind or have low vision will also be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes through Birdability.

Nature enthusiasts and birders of all experience levels are warmly welcomed. No prior birding experience is needed.

Participants are invited to take part at their own pace and have the opportunity to join in two guided experiences, each offering a different way to enjoy nature.

Experience 1: Guided All Persons Trail Exploration

• Participants may attend Session 1 from 10:15 to 11:00 am or Session 2 from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm. During this slow-paced journey, an experienced birder and naturalist will guide participants along a 0.36-mile accessible loop trail. The trail travels through five habitats, including field, tidal flats, salt marsh, forest, and freshwater pond.
• The surface is well packed crushed stone and is suitable for most wheelchairs and mobility devices. Six multi-use seating areas offer places to pause and listen for birds and other wildlife. A post and rope guide system with braille signage supports independent navigation, and nine tactile enrichment stops provide hands on learning about the sanctuary's natural history.
• The exploration begins and ends at the Discovery Center.

Experience 2: Sit Spot Practice at the Discovery Center Bird Feeders

• From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, participants may settle into a peaceful sit spot on the shaded, north facing patio of the Discovery Center with an experienced birder and naturalist. The well packed crushed stone surface and multi-use seating create a comfortable and quiet place to enjoy the sounds and movements of birds visiting the nearby feeders. Surrounding habitats include field, freshwater pond, and forest.

Accessibility Features

• Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all participants. Accessibility features include van accessible parking and a designated drop off area, as well as universally accessible restrooms inside the Discovery Center. A climate-controlled room inside the Discovery Center will be available for participants to use throughout the program.
• Visitors who bring service animals are reminded that this is a wildlife sanctuary. Service animals should remain restrained during the program. A water bowl and designated relief area will be provided.
• Adaptive equipment is available, including a GRIT Freedom Chair, a Rollator All Terrain Walker, Bose Hearphones, a seat cane, and binoculars.

For questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact the sanctuary at 508 362 7475 or [email protected].

To learn more about the Blind Birder BirdaThon, visit Birdability's website www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon