WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is inviting people of all ages and abilities to join birding activities during Birdability Week, October 21-27, 2024. The fifth annual event is a national recognition of the accessibility of birding to people of all abilities and experiences.
What: Birdability Week
When: October 21-27, 2024
Where: See schedule below
Register: Register on ActiveMontgomery
Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Birding offers numerous benefits, including a calming way to connect with nature, sensory enrichment, physical activity, and mental well-being. With a few simple modifications, people with disabilities can access this activity.
“Montgomery Parks is happy to be a part of Birdability Week again,” said Ashlyn Thompson, Montgomery Parks Inclusion and Community Outreach specialist. “The Program Access Office in partnership with Montgomery Parks naturalists use this time to share accessible birding opportunities and resources, like our free adaptive equipment. We want everyone to experience the joys of birding in our parks.”
Birdability Week Events
Monday, October 21 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Agricultural History Farm Park
Socials for 55+: Gourd Homes for Bird-Friendly Crafting
Socials for 55+ is a program tailored for individuals aged 55 and above. In this session, you’ll create charming birdhouses using natural materials like acorns and squash. All materials are provided. No crafting experience is necessary. Fee: $8. Registration required.
Tuesday, October 22 | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Brookside Gardens
Join filmmaker Cintia Cabib for a screening of her new documentary, Bird Walk. Discover how a former golf course in Rockville, Maryland, has become an avian oasis and learn about the grassroots campaign that helped preserve the 131-acre site as a public park. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Free. Registration required.
Wednesday, October 23 | 4:00-5:30 p.m. | Locust Grove Nature Center
Locust Grove Nature Center is hosting an eBird app tutorial for attendees to learn how to log birds spotted in the wild. Participants can practice using eBird at bird feeders or on an optional walk in the park, on a natural surface trail. The trail is a moderate level of difficulty with varying steepness. Some trails will only be accessible with stairs. Free. Registration required.
Thursday, October 24 | 10:00-11:30 a.m. | Veirs Mill Local Park
Socials for 55+: The Art of Bird Carving
Demonstration and discussion by local artist Jordan Gochenaur. Gochenaur Designs specializes in realistic hand carved wooden birds. We’ll learn about the design process, exploring the different techniques Gochenaur uses to make his birds come to life. Snacks and light refreshments provided. Free. Registration required
Thursday, October 24 |5-6:30 p.m. | Black Hill Regional Park
Birds & Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise
Join us for a sunset cruise aboard a pontoon boat to search for beaver lodges and feeding sites. We’ll also keep an eye and ear out for birds. And as the sun sets, we’ll use our bat detector to help find feeding bats. The dock, pontoon boat and parking are accessible. EnChroma color vision sunglasses are available to borrow upon request. Fee: $8. FOBH $7. Registration required.
Friday, October 24 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Locust Grove Nature Center
Discover the beauty of birds through the art of nature journaling. Learn how nature journaling allows us to observe birds in their habitats and deepen our connection to birds and the natural world. We encourage participants to bring their own sketch pad and art supplies. All levels of birders welcome. Free. Registration required.
Saturday, October 26 | 9-10:00 a.m.| Brookside Nature Center
Beginning Birding for Every Body
Join a Brookside naturalist and learn the basics of birding on our frustration-free “flat” bird practice trail. Our wildlife pond boardwalk is accessible for all budding birders. Stroll or roll to each bird station and learn proper use of binoculars, how to navigate a field guide and what to look for and at as you step into the wide world of birding. Free. Registration required.
Saturday, October 27 | 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m.| Ray’s Meadow Local Park
The finale of Birdability Week will be a fun-filled afternoon of activities including beginning birder activities, crafts, and a trail walk with seating along the trail. Adaptive equipment available to borrow on-site includes a binocular harness strap, binocular tripod mount, monoscopes, telescope phone adapter, and EnChroma sunglasses.
More information about national Birdability Week is available at Birdability.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
Register on Active Montgomery
ActiveMontgomery is a program and facility reservation system that allows users to register online for classes, camps, programs and lessons offered by Montgomery Parks. Users must go to ActiveMontgomery and create an account before registering.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
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