Blind Birders Birdathon Breaks Barriers Nationwide

In Episode 135 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Martha Steele and Natanya Sortland to spotlight the inaugural Blind Birders Birdathon happening May 18, 2025. This nationwide event invites blind and visually impaired individuals to identify birds by sound during a flexible two-hour window within a 24-hour period. No birding experience required—just a love of listening.

Martha, a lifelong birder from Massachusetts, was inspired by an article about a blind bird guide and helped launch the event to build community and highlight that birding is, above all, an auditory experience. Natanya, an ambassador for VisionCorps and a self-described "bird-loving beginner," is leading a group walk in Malvern, PA at Brightside Farm, with expert Rick Kaiser guiding participants through the art of bird song recognition.

Supported by Birdability and fueled by grassroots passion, the Birdathon already has 160+ registered participants. Everyone who registers is eligible for a prize drawing that includes birding gear, books, and even a guided birding tour. The event is open to anyone blind or low vision—and yes, even sighted allies are welcome to join the fun.

Register at https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon and be part of this first-of-its-kind movement.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/135        
Links Mentioned

• Want to join Natanya’s group in Malvern on May 18? Reach out to her at [e-mail].
• Have questions about the Birdathon? Contact Martha at [e-mail].
• Attend Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/ 
• Exhibit at Spring Fling (sorry, blind & low vision vendors only): https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/ 
• Sponsor the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/ 
• Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/ 

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